Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Hardesty, Owner and Founder of Reaper Apparel Co, located in Buckeye, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Reaper Apparel Co we are an apparel company out of Arizona, and we ship all over the United States. Reaper is not only a brand; it is a complete life adjustment. A commitment to live your most authentic way every single day!
Tell us about yourself
I felt severe anxiety and depression and knew I had to get out of my shell before it was too late. I started Reaper as a way for me to learn how to find myself and what was wrong in my life. It forced me to put on my shirt and hat for the day and remind myself what the goal was. My goal became learning how to enjoy life before I ran out of time and getting out of my own head, and learning how to deal with the struggles and overcome them! My motivation is my family and my life, and I want to live an extraordinary life! Learning how to overcome my fear and anxiety and live a truly purposeful life was step 1, and I knew I had to learn this process to overcome.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growth! Growing out of our first space, hiring my first employees, and learning how to defeat my own fear-based battles. I learned when I got better as a human, everything around me got better.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Getting comfortable being uncomfortable. If you want to grow and truly build an insane business and lifestyle, you have to stretch! I don't mean small ones either; it takes a huge amount of faith to believe in yourself and go all in! I refuse to live my life any other way than ALL IN anymore. What is the point? If I am going to be here on this earth, then I need to make my time count. I want to have a truly exceptional life and help others do the same. Otherwise, why even waste our time? I have learned I have the ability to create a life I want to live and LOVE to live. It is up to me and only me!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't start unless you are willing to burn the bridges and go all in. Maybe not on day one, but there will come to a point in time you have to jump and take a massive leap of faith in yourself.
- There is no growth in comfort. You will be uncomfortable and out of your element basically all the time. If you put your nose down and tell yourself you will never quit, you have no choice but to be successful eventually.
- If you are doing it solely for the money, don't. It takes a ridiculous amount of GRIT and WILLPOWER to grow a business. It is not easy, and it takes discipline and a will to never give up. Money comes in time, and sacrifice is required in the early days to get to the money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.reaperapparelco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reaperapparelco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reaperapparelco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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