Small Business Spotlight: Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza

GH: What’s the #1 piece of advice you’d give anyone starting a small business?

EV: The #1 piece of advice is to just go for it. Don’t wait until everything is perfect because it never will be!  Of course, this doesn’t mean to jump blindly. Do your research,  plan your budget, talk with your “stakeholders.”  But then just go for it.  Be flexible enough to change things along the way, but don’t change gears the minute things don’t seem to be working.  I know that sounds contradictory. You just need to find the right balance.

GH: What’s your take on failure, and how do you handle it as a leader?

EV: First, go in knowing that if you’re trying new things and pushing boundaries, there WILL be failures. And that’s totally OK. The thing is, when things don’t go as planned, take a step back, be willing to pivot, and figure out what you could do differently next time. As a leader, I think it’s important to be open about those moments, too.  Acknowledge your mistakes, ask for advice, and apologize if needed.

GH: How do you avoid burnout and maintain resilience within your business?

EV: Now this is a tough one, because it seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes the best thing to do for your business is to step away. That could mean an actual vacation, or even just a self-care afternoon. This is especially tough if you’re a one-woman business, but it will make a difference.

GH: What have you learned about yourself through the process of starting a business?

EV: I’ve learned how important it is to set boundaries and protect my time. I’ve learned that it’s OK to say no. Maybe that’s the biggest one.