This story is about…
Name: Raevyn Jones
Location: United States
Company: Raevyn Jones, Inc.
Industry: Consulting, Motivational Speaking
What motivated you to start your business?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I just didn’t know how to properly define what I wanted to do when I was a child. After graduating college and following the normal routine of getting a 9-5, I became miserable. So miserable that I would in fact cry through many of my work days. This was when I knew that I could no longer put my dreams on hold. I had to unleash my dreams and showcase my talents to the world.
Tell us about your business…
I have several businesses:
Ideal Publicity-Marketing, Management, and Creative Firm – specializing in campaigns for sports, lifestyle, and nonprofit brands.
Polished For Prom, Inc. – a nonprofit organization providing a dream prom experience for youth who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial hardship.
Raevyn Jones, Inc. – inspiring the masses to follow their dreams through workshops, public speaking, books, and business coaching.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
– Market Research
– Business Consulting
– Mentoring
– Taking advantage of free resources
– Educating myself about the industry I was going into
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Branding! Your brand is everything.
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
Age. Sometimes it can be a disadvantage.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I continue to build my businesses and let my work speak for itself.
What do you love about running your own business?
Being able to maintain creative control and see my very own vision brought to light.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
Stay focused and always be innovative! Find out what void your business can fill and capitalize on that; always know what makes your business or idea unique. And most of all, if it has not taken off yet – keep pushing.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Thinking about how many people would be disappointed if I gave up. Also, the next generation. I feel that it is my duty to set an example for them, the example that I did not have when I was growing up.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Be The Change You Want To See In The World.”
{Ghandi}
Who inspires you?
I find inspiration in everything, but I would have to say that reading and educating myself is what inspires me the most. Attending conferences and hearing the adversities that others have come through is always a great inspiration, it lets me know that I can overcome anything.
