Podcast Summary: Tall Blonde – Episode: How To Become A Real Entrepreneur 101
Podcast Information:
- Title: Tall Blonde
- Host/Author: Sarah Lauren
- Description: Sharing the hard truths on dating, city life, and leveling up to 'it girl' status. Unfiltered stories, straight talk, and lessons learned—so you don’t have to.
- Presented by: MBHTV
- Episode: How To Become A Real Entrepreneur 101
- Release Date: December 6, 2024
Introduction and Guest Introductions
In this engaging episode of Tall Blonde, host Sarah Lauren delves deep into the world of entrepreneurship with the help of two special guests: her brother, Peter Sinkowski, and her roommate and best friend, Amy Brown. Sarah sets the stage by emphasizing the broad spectrum of entrepreneurship and the diverse sectors her guests operate in—fashion, social media, and technology.
Notable Quote:
“Entrepreneurship is a very broad term, but I know that a lot of people have a lot of questions about it and especially in all of our industries.” – Sarah Lauren [00:49]
Background of Guests' Businesses
Peter Sinkowski's Auxiliary (AUX Inc.): Peter introduces his company, Auxiliary (AUX Inc.), which specializes in technology hardware installations with two main divisions: residential and commercial. The residential side handles TV and home theater installations, CCTV security systems, and smart device setups. Meanwhile, the commercial division focuses on digital signage, including menu boards for restaurants, LED installations in retail stores, and access control systems for buildings.
Notable Quote:
“Our company’s name is Auxiliary, so AUX Inc. And you can find us on AUX.ca.” – Peter Sinkowski [01:52]
Amy Brown's Asta Intimates and Sleepwear: Amy runs Asta Intimates and Sleepwear, an e-commerce and retail business selling women's undergarments and sleepwear. With five years in the industry, Amy shares the roller coaster experience of entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of adapting to market demands.
Notable Quote:
“It’s been quite a while and it’s been quite the roller coaster, but wouldn’t have it any other way.” – Amy Brown [03:03]
The Role of Education in Entrepreneurship
The conversation shifts to the impact of education on their entrepreneurial journeys. Peter emphasizes the crucial role university played in founding Auxiliary, citing an entrepreneurship program that required significant time investment, ultimately leading to the creation and pivot of his business model. He advocates for the foundational skills and dedication that education fosters.
Amy echoes Peter’s sentiments, sharing her non-traditional path. After realizing university wasn’t for her, she pursued a fashion business program that aligned more closely with her career goals, underscoring the importance of building a relevant network and gaining industry-specific knowledge.
Sarah Lauren adds her perspective, discussing her own educational background in fashion and its unexpected applications in her current endeavors as a life coach and social media influencer. She highlights the flexibility and transferable skills gained through diverse educational experiences.
Notable Quotes:
“University was crucial for our business because we actually started it in university.” – Peter Sinkowski [06:41]
“School is important. I don’t think that it’s going to make your company the biggest company, but it is a crucial first step.” – Peter Sinkowski [08:23]
“I think it’s really important for building your network in this space that you eventually want to work in.” – Amy Brown [08:56]
“Now it's like you can go on YouTube and learn how to do A, B, and C, which is great.” – Peter Sinkowski [09:23]
Finding and Maintaining Passion
A pivotal theme in the discussion is the significance of passion in entrepreneurship. Peter shares his journey from medical sciences to business, motivated by a desire to pursue something he genuinely enjoyed. He recounts advice from a mentor, emphasizing that loving what you do is essential to withstand the challenges of running a business.
Amy discusses her longstanding passion for the fashion industry, inspired by empowering fashion shows like Victoria’s Secret. Her decision to focus on intimates over swimwear, driven by her passion for women's empowerment, highlights how passion directs business decisions and fosters resilience.
Sarah Lauren reflects on her own struggle with self-belief and the importance of consistency and confidence. She underscores how her brand, built on authenticity and personal growth, has been a source of empowerment for both herself and her audience.
Notable Quotes:
“If you don’t love what you’re doing, you are going to hate it at one point.” – Peter Sinkowski [13:04]
“Love what you do and do what you love.” – Amy Brown [14:17]
“The consistency at whatever you do and whatever you start, if you keep doing it… it's only going to grow.” – Sarah Lauren [22:26]
Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship
The guests candidly discuss the hurdles they've encountered in their entrepreneurial paths. Peter details the tough decision to pivot Auxiliary's business model from phone repairs to TV installations, a necessary change to sustain the company. He also shares the tumultuous period during the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened their operations but ultimately reinforced their resilience.
Amy highlights the volatility of the retail sector, particularly seasonal fluctuations, and how it necessitated a pivot towards sleepwear. She credits the pandemic's shift to e-commerce as an unexpected opportunity that bolstered her online sales during challenging times.
Sarah opens up about her struggles with monetizing her social media presence. She talks about the complexities of managing content, brand deals, and the need for management support to effectively monetize her platform. This transparency offers listeners a realistic view of the challenges inherent in building a personal brand.
Notable Quotes:
“Covid was crazy and it was kind of a killer for a lot of small businesses.” – Peter Sinkowski [30:13]
“Sometimes the pivots that you are kind of forced to make end up being the best decisions for your business.” – Amy Brown [31:04]
“Monetization and it’s tough to do everything… The only way I started monetizing was getting a management involved.” – Sarah Lauren [33:40]
The Importance of Support Systems
A recurring theme is the necessity of having a strong support system. Peter shares how his father’s initial skepticism about his business ventures did not deter him, thanks to unwavering support from close family and friends. Amy echoes the importance of trusted team members who can manage operations effectively, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths.
Sarah emphasizes the emotional support from her brother and roommate, highlighting how encouragement from loved ones can bolster confidence and persistence. She acknowledges the role of her guests in helping her recognize her ventures as legitimate businesses, reinforcing the value of mutual support among entrepreneurs.
Notable Quotes:
“If you have nobody there for you, you have us.” – Sarah Lauren [00:00]
“You have to hire people you trust and that you can really depend on.” – Amy Brown [38:54]
“We are here to lift each other up.” – Sarah Lauren [27:20]
Takeaways and Final Advice
As the episode draws to a close, the guests offer invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Peter encourages taking the leap, emphasizing that the experience gained—regardless of success—is invaluable. He highlights the transferable skills acquired through entrepreneurship, such as accounting, research, and sales, which are beneficial in any career path.
Amy advises embracing fear and moving forward despite anxiety, reinforcing that the entrepreneurial journey cultivates a versatile mindset applicable to various life endeavors. She underscores the fulfillment and rewards that come with seeing one’s business thrive.
Sarah concludes with the dual pillars of consistency and confidence. She urges listeners to stay true to themselves, be authentic, and maintain unwavering dedication to their ventures. Her emphasis on personal growth and resilience serves as a motivational cornerstone for the episode.
Notable Quotes:
“Do it honestly. And whether that works or whether it doesn’t work, you’ll gain so much learning experience.” – Peter Sinkowski [41:33]
“Be scared and do it anyways because you're going to feel that anxiety… but you really do just learn so much.” – Amy Brown [43:08]
“Consistency and confidence.” – Sarah Lauren [44:02]
Conclusion
In How To Become A Real Entrepreneur 101, Sarah Lauren masterfully navigates the multifaceted journey of entrepreneurship through insightful conversations with Peter Sinkowski and Amy Brown. The episode offers a balanced blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and motivational insights, making it an enriching listen for anyone contemplating or actively pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. From the importance of education and passion to overcoming challenges and building robust support systems, the discussion encapsulates the essence of what it takes to thrive as a real entrepreneur.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or seeking inspiration to level up your current ventures, this episode provides a treasure trove of lessons learned and strategies to propel your business forward. Tune in to Tall Blonde for more unfiltered stories and straight talk that empower you to navigate the complexities of city life and the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and authenticity.