Lioness K Bey grew up in Chicago and currently resides in Atlanta. Known by others as a social butterfly with a passion for net working, Lioness has a medical background in nursing, physical training, and computer training. Despite her qualifications, Lioness chose not to continue her practice as she did not want to be forced or stuck into doing the same thing all her life. Lioness admits to making some mistakes in her life but in doing so she has gotten a taste of business development, networking, entertainment and she immediately fell in love with it. Lioness eventually went back to school for small business management and decided that starting her own business was what she wanted do. She speaks to The Asian Entrepreneur today about her experiences.
In your own words what do you do?
What I actually do is create small businesses, design them so they are different but still work hand in hand with each other. Then I built a bigger company for them to fall up under. Then I market my business to other small businesses or individuals so that they can benefit from and use all my services. I aim to build a relationship with them so there is no need for them to shop any where else.
What led you to your current business?
What led me to this is the rush you get from putting on an event for yourself or for a client. It brings me joy to provide the services to clients which may not have the experience to do it theirselves. It makes me happy to make the client happy.
Could you walk us through your process of developing your business?
It took a long process to develop the kind of business I wanted. First I had to make a descion on what I wanted to do and I had to stick with that. Next I did research on the demand on the services that I wanted to offer, I also talked to people from the industry and I’ve gotten jobs in each field service that I offered so that I will have hands on experience. I received what ever certification I needed and saved, invested and slowly build my company.
Did you encounter any particular difficulties in the beginning?
Yes it was difficult, the first thing was having the finances. Second thing is not having support from your peers, the third thing is not having enough faith in yourself to step out from a nine to five job and trusting in yourself to make a successful business. And how I overcame those difficulties was I continued to save and promote myself when no one else did.
What is your long term plan?
My goal is to franchise my company ,have a chain of wellness centers and put on concerts locally and internationally.
Could you share with us some industry insights?
My insights in the industry to be honest its a dog eat dog world the veterans that have been in the business for a while I don’t want to let their spot go in the lime light which makes it hard for the new jacks on the scene to ris. I believe their afraid of getting pushed aside and forgotten about although that may be true we still have to be open to fresh ideas and new trends. So this creates constant conflict in the industry between old and young and known and unknown.
What are some important lessons you’ve learnt about entrepreneurship?
Some of the lessons that learnt is that one of your biggest supporter can be a stranger and your bigger hater can be your closest person to you.I’ve also learned that people who are conditioned to nine to five will sometimes envy you and your will to become an entrepreneur.
Any tips for achieving success?
Always think outside the box. Be passionate about everything you do and invest in yourself. Don’t take NO for an answer.
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