Don’t let your dreams be dreams.
This is the mindset for entrepreneurs pursuing their goals to own their own business. To be a successful business owner requires grit, determination and perseverance.
Entrepreneurs break barriers of fear and uncertainty, paving a path for future small business owners. These visionaries step out on the ledge and take a leap of faith to own their own business, doing what they love while being in control of their career success.
Former Salt Lake Community College student Matt Steadman owns Iron League Fitness. He got his start from humble beginnings, but capitalized and turned his experiences into a successful business.
“I got laid off and was training a lot in MMA when I found the Fitness Technician Program at SLCC,” he says. “The program opened me up to personal training and I got my first taste in the field at Custom Fitness in Sugarhouse. I needed some intern hours for my fitness technician degree so I started working at CrossFit NRG. There I learned my main expertise which is kettlebell training and FMS (Functional Movement Systems) certified and networked with fellow students.”
Money is a key factor to starting a business, but there’s still hope for potential entrepreneurs who lack the finances.
Mike Tuiasoa owns the Watchtower Cafe, just across the street from South City Campus. He shared his experience with how his dream came to fruition despite the financial obstacles in his path.
“I went to banks and non-profit loan funds for businesses. I went any place I could,” he says. “I had terrible credit, I had no money. Not a dollar to my name and no assets. I was renting and I have five kids so the odds were against me. The situation presented itself where I could start Watchtower and I surrounded myself with successful people and everything slowly fell into place.”
Entrepreneurs may have questions about their uncertain future, wondering if their business will be prosperous, or if their product is good enough to build a successful enterprise.
Former SLCC student Coty Densley owns Dark Mountain Printing, which operates out of New York City. He has some advice to give young entrepreneurs who are currently on the fence about pursuing their dreams.
“I would suggest asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of research before jumping into it. Talk with tax professionals, accountants and other professionals you may know who run a small business in order to learn the steps you should take to keep the back end running smoothly. Create a five-year business plan and envision where you want to be and how you plan to get there.
“Running a business is a lot of work, and it’s difficult to stay on top of your books and taxes while you’re trying to put your heart and soul into the part of the business that you’re really passionate about. I assure you that you’ll spare yourself a lot of headache and stress if you educate yourself beforehand.”
For anyone who wants to start their own business, entrepreneurs from all walks of life are proving that it can be done.
