Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexandra DiRuscio, Founder of Wild Woman Box, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
For the casual wanderer to the weekend backpacker, and every woman in between, the Wild Woman Box is curated to make the outdoors feel more accessible and inclusive with items that can be put to use right away or thrown in your pack for your next big adventure day!
Tell us about yourself
I started the Wild Woman Box about five years ago, and it stemmed from my own experiences. As someone who had spent the year discovering my love for the outdoors and hiking, I still did not feel like I was "good enough" or "experienced enough" for the gear and items provided in other outdoor subscription boxes, so I decided to start my own. Something that would inspire women to get outside and get moving - in any way that was right for them, even if it just meant a walk in the neighborhood or a road trip to a national park. I wanted the box to be a balance between gear and usable items but also inspirational items to keep women connected to their wild spirit.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having a vision and a mission and remaining committed to it. Curating a box for nearly 60 months now that I am proud of, and along with curating the boxes, providing a "Wild Woman Principle Card" each and every month with a new theme to keep my subscribers inspired until their next box arrives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Making a profit, ha! No, really, the hardest thing for me as a business owner is not letting negativity affect me so much. When you put all of yourself into something, it's difficult to see a negative review because that one negative review has more of an impact than the one hundred positive reviews. Learning the lesson that you can't make everyone happy is one that I'm still working on!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in your vision. Especially in the early phases of the business, if doubt creeps in, it will be even harder to push through and make it happen.
- Learn the ins and outs of marketing/ads or partner with someone who has that knowledge and experience.
- Be flexible and adaptable. New obstacles will always pop up, and instead of letting them impede your growth, learn to use them as catalysts for change. It can be discouraging, but being more open to having them and being flexible is a good start.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wildwomanbox.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwomanbox
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwomanbox/
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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