5 essentials for starting your own business

Sixth grade teacher Krys Mrozowski always imagined owning her own business, but what she didn't know was how much research and preparing actually went into the process.

This is a problem many entrepreneurs like Mrozowski face; the idea part is easy, bringing it to life is what's difficult.

Krys knew it would have to be something she was passionate about. When her daughter was born, everything she found in the stores was something everyone had or it was way out of her budget.

Soon she started sewing her own burpies and washcloths, and discovered her friends and family loved them.  That's when Krys realized she could turn this into a business. Two-and-a-half years ago, Splendid Karma was born.

Krys spent a year planning and researching, but during that time, she developed her "Essential Keys" for starting a business:

1. Know yourself!  

This isn't easy and success is not guaranteed.  You have to feel self-assured that you will not quit in the face of challenges-these are almost guaranteed when starting a business.  You have to be flexible and patient and wear a lot of different hats in the beginning!

2. Supportive family/network.

You really need to have a supportive family or network of friends when you are starting your own business.  These people are your biggest cheerleaders, advisors; you need people around you that understand and support what you are doing.

3. Goal setting.

Throughout your entire process of starting a business to actually running it-you need to be constantly setting goals for yourself and your business.  This includes short- term goals and long-term goals.  Goal setting helps you map everything out.

4. Create opportunities and networking.

It is really important that you create opportunities for your business-these won't fall in your lap and no one else is going to do it for you--get out there and tell people about your business, network with people.  At first it can be hard to talk about yourself and what great products or services you have but after the first time it just gets easier and easier.

5. Vision and Passion!

I think this is probably the most important "essential key."  In the beginnings of your company you live your work so whatever it is you choose to do you better have a passion for.  If you aren't passionate about your business-it is really easy to give up when things get difficult. You also need to have a vision for what your company/product/services will be-you have to be able to imagine it.

Remember:  Top-notch service or product! Get the word out!  Sell it!

You can find Krys' creations at the following locations:

JAM
6938 E. 1st Street
Old Town Scottsdale, 85251
480-522-5410

Luci's Healthy Marketplace
1590 E. Bethany Home Road
Phoenix  85014
602-773-1339

Starting the beginning of September at a great new salon called Maribella's on the northwest corner of Scottsdale and Shea, or at her website:  www.splendidkarma.com