As a self-employed freelancing makeup artist and business owner, I consistently get asked about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Now if you are new here and don’t know who I am, Welcome! My name is Jessica and in March of 2017, I started Aranda Artistry which is a group of incredibly talented makeup artists and hair stylists who provide on location services for productions and special events. In less than a year and a half, I was able to quit my full time position and become a full time entrepreneur. I always receive the question “what would you tell other people who want a life as an entrepreneur?” Now to keep things simple, I put together a list of 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR. Regardless of the industry that you are trying to break into, these 5 things will provide you with the mindset to living out your entrepreneur dreams.

Do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do.

If I were to choose one quote that sums up what I live by everyday, it would hands down be this one. During the first year of my business, I was completing my degree, working a full time job, working a second part time job and taking clients for my business with whatever time I had left. Did I want to be doing all those things at the same time? Absolutely not. However I knew that in order to achieve where I wanted to be, I would need to commit to doing certain things that I wouldn’t be happy to do in the moment. I was determined because I knew that the outcome would lead to my ultimate goal of becoming an entrepreneur.

Keep asking questions.

When you are looking to be in the same position of someone else, ask questions and listen to what they say and do what they do. Prior to starting my business, I had the pleasure of working with many talented artists and business professionals. It was amazing getting to listen to their stories, how they got where they are, what makes them passionate about what they do, etc. So I just started asking questions. I will never get tired of asking HOW & WHY. If you meet an individual who is truly passionate about what they do, I PROMISE YOU they will never get tired of telling people how they did it. Then just copy them! Will the same path work for you? Not always but it will help you to determine your own path to success and that is all that matters.

There is always a lesson to be learned.

Prior to my business, I had a history of 10 years in customer service and management. After holding a few different positions, there are many things you learn and take with you. As anyone with the same experience would know, there are also many things you learn that you would NEVER take with you. I am fairly certain that everyone in their life time has been part of at least one toxic work environment. At one point during my employed life I was asked why I had left my previous career. I immediately responded, “I left because I learned exactly what no to do from my previous management.” So always remember, even in incredibly negative situations, there is always some sort of lesson to be learned.

Absorb anything and everything.

I know, I know. The title of this one is a little vague so let me explain. As an entrepreneur, I guarantee that it will be important for you to have a hand at everything in your business or businesses. So your level of knowledge absorption needs to be set hire than that of most people. Whether its work experience, reading books, listening to podcasts or watching videos, you NEED to constantly put yourself in a position to learn more. Set yourself up to research and learn something new everyday. You definitely don’t need to be an expert in every category but a basic understanding of how everything in your desired business works will take you very far.

Be selfless & kind.

This may be last on the list but it is definitely the most important. When thinking about your new venture to becoming an entrepreneur, it is essential that you invariably think about others above yourself. Ever hear the saying, “what goes around comes around?” I am a big believer in karma so always remember to do for others what you would do for yourself. If you truly care about being an entrepreneur, then you know that in every industry or venture, it is much more than just providing for yourself. Be genuine, be giving and be kind. Let your passion and dedication to being an entrepreneur be just as strong when helping others. In return, the success will roll right back around to you.

So there you have it! Those are the 5 things you need to know to be an entrepreneur. Do what you have to do to do what you want to do, keep asking questions, there is always a lesson to be learned, absorb anything and everything, and be selfless and kind. I hope by knowing these 5 things, you will be able to navigate a little easier throughout your journey to becoming a badass entrepreneur. Now that you have the tools you need, I would love to hear from you! Make sure to leave a comment down below. Ask a question, tell me about your journey or just come say hi! I can’t wait to meet you.