Interviewing a Business Owner - Part I

In this newsletter segment, I will share a few interviews I had the privilege of having with business owners. Every business owner is in a different stage of their journey, allowing us to see what it takes to become an entrepreneur!

First, we have Clarissa Burton - Founder of Clarissa’s Creative Consulting (you can take a peek at her site and services here). Clarissa was born in Arkansas and moved to Dallas, Texas for college. Her educational background is in social work, and before launching her business, had a career in the mental health realm. However, God shifted her interest as she assisted a friend with design. This friend then encouraged her to continue pursuing this path; has now been in business for three years!

Clarissa’s Creative Consulting assists aspiring business owners with creating a business plan, legal entities, designs and logos, marketing, and even one-on-one coaching. What started as a one-woman show has become a powerhouse team to best help clients with their business needs.

As with all endeavors, there are ups and downs. I asked Clarissa to share some of both. One win she shared is that the business has grown through word of mouth/ referrals! This is an amazing feat, and I hope it encourages anyone considering entrepreneurship that ad spending isn’t vital, especially at the beginning. Another proud moment is making it through COVID. 2020 was a scary time for most small businesses, but Clarissa’s Creative Consulting pushed through and had one of the busiest seasons yet. One struggle she shared was financing - deciding to use personal finances for funding versus bank loans. This is one struggle I’m sure most considering entrepreneurship tussle with.

Another question I had for Clarissa was, “How do you think starting a business has helped you develop personally and professionally?” Key answers she shared: Professionally - improved communication and resolution skills. Personally - gained more patience and grace as a consumer. She is more mindful of how she treats the business because she knows how it is to be on the other side. Entrepreneurship has also shifted her mindset - each day she sets the tone as if TODAY is the day. Every single time. Reminders such as, “Everything is seasonal but, this bad moment will pass, and that other entrepreneurs didn’t obtain their success overnight, it’s a journey” also keep her going.

To end the interview, I asked Clarissa what advice she would provide to anyone considering entrepreneurship. Her answer was, “JUST TRY IT.” She said that it’s always easy to think that it isn’t for you or there isn’t any way you’ll be successful, but nothing will happen if you keep doing nothing. Just try it.

Interviewing Clarissa was a pleasure as I could sense the passion that goes into her work, her clients, her business, and herself. The key thing I took away from this interview is the perseverance it takes to create and run your own business. The ups, downs, trials, and tribulations cannot keep you from your dreams. The “Just do it” mentality is key in entrepreneurship and Clarissa displays this amazingly.

Again, anyone in search of business consulting (or you have an idea but don’t know where to start) or need assistance building your online footprint, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Clarissa’s Creative Consulting! She and her team will be sure to assist you the whole way through.

Special thanks to Clarissa for taking the time to meet with me!

Ariana Theus - The Wealthy Tea