Small Business Stories

Running a small business can be daunting. Running several businesses can be downright terrifying. However, watching a business thrive can be worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. It just takes a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, the inspiration to create new ventures, and a dedication to taking a leap of faith. Jaqueszian Dukes, CEO of Body Within You Contouring Studio and Founder of Dukes Consulting Services & Tax, talks to Kaitlyn about how serial entrepreneurship and a willingness to build a strong customer base has led her to success.

Contractors in the creative industries have always had to deal with a healthy dose of freelancer anxiety. In 2020, that unpredictability has shot up tenfold. David Sanchez of Yada Digital Creative Studio, started his business this year and has an important mantra: go with the flow. Tune in to our latest episode as David talks to us about getting through unpredictable moments and why learning should be a lifelong habit.

Budget is tight for most small businesses so many owners take on bookkeeping themselves. This may save you some cash up front but could potentially cost you thousands when you consider that you’re not making deductions or getting credits a qualified accountant would know about. This week on Small Business Stories, we’re chatting with Matt Remuzzi of CapForge Inc. He takes us through what small businesses should look for in an accountant and clues you in on the right time to hire. Listen to the episode and take advantage of a CapForge Inc discount linked in the show notes.

Everyone wants to find a job that they enjoy. To handle the impact of the long hours it takes to get a small business off the ground, it is imperative that owners love what they do. Without that passion, it’s easy to burn out. Raul Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of Monsie 3D Lab. He is our guest this week on Small Business Stories and talks to Kaitlyn about investing in your community and finding happiness in your work.

Finding the right people to bring onto your team is one of the most challenging aspects of running a small business. Chad Dunham’s business, Third Coast Coding, has been in operation for 15 years. Over the course of that time Chad has had to learn to foster relationships with customers and colleagues alike. Listen to the episode to find out more about how Chad approaches hiring contractors and freelancers.

When it comes to marketing, most small businesses know they need it but don’t know where to start. That’s where The LemonAd Stand comes in. Calvin and Vanessa Jackson are the founders of this innovative Chicago creative marketing agency. They join us on the inaugural episode of Small Business Stories to discuss the importance of branding as well as what it’s been like to grow a small business. Tune in!

The small business hustle can be isolating. You’re busy building a company from the ground up, so let us bring the community to you. Small Business Stories Presented by OFFIX is a series dedicated to connecting you to other entrepreneurs.