I’d been teaching in elementary schools for over 10 years when my best friend pitched the idea of opening a game club and bar together. Neither of us had ever started a small business, and we didn’t know anyone who had relevant experience. The number of systems and laws in small business world that most folks aren’t educated or empowered to navigate was discouraging, but we went for it anyway.
As the partner responsible for finance and administration, I learned how to apply for the appropriate business license, take care of accounting, efficiently obtain a liquor license, navigate the world of commercial leases, and more. One year later, we’ve created a positive force in the world called Waystone that meets our modest needs as human beings and covers our living expenses.
Now I’m interested in helping other folks get over some of those hurdles, too.
Your Vision
The first thing we’ll do is sit down to talk about your dream for this whole thing and what I can help with. Then I’ll gather information to make a basic financial model which you can use as a guide during the beginning stages of your business.
Business License
What are the important differences between sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs? Which fits your idea and personal needs the best, and how do you apply for the correct one? Deciphering all the legal and financial (and tax) lingo around different structures can be daunting, but I’m here to help.
Financial Basics
When I was 19, one of my coworkers bullied me into taking an online business course for him. Secretly, I ended up loving it. I’m eager to share this love, and as a veteran elementary school teacher I’m confident we can boil down business finances to a system that is manageable and empowering enough for you to take care of on your own.
Website, Branding, & Social Media
How can you represent yourself in a way that is truthful, practical, and cool? I’ve been building basic websites since I was 10, and I love nerding out about functionality and aesthetics. We’ll create something that works for you, and that you can maintain with minimal effort. I’m also a Squarespace Circle member, which means I can get you a 6 month free trial and 20% off the cost of your website’s first year. Examples of my work: 1, 2
Community & Social Good
In my teaching career and my work with Waystone I’ve leverage our mission and values to promote activism, raise money for important causes such access to reproductive healthcare, counseling for LGBTQ+ youth, and more, as well as created a model for radical financial access to the services our business offers. I’d love to help you figure out how you and your business can leverage success for social good.
What does it cost?
I’m offering this because I want to help others do good by themselves and the world. I won’t have a contract for you to sign or any formal arrangement for compensation (unless you want there to be one). I’m simply committing to partner with you until you have your feet under you.
What I need from you…
A Vision. You’re the leader in this work. I can’t help you brainstorm the essential idea behind your business or decide on the “best” one. This needs to be yours.
Communication. We’ll meet remotely or in-person 1-2 times a week, for 3-6 months (or until you feel like you’re ready to take everything on yourself).
Gumption. This is going to demand initiative, resourcefulness, and a willingness to create systems that work for you.
If that sounds good, then get in touch!