Editor's note: Jessica Ann is a restaurant owner who's blogging about trying to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic at My Rebound by FOX 17. She founded The Candied Yam, a Grand Rapids restaurant serving Southern cuisine, in 2016. She is married with a daughter who just graduated high school and an adult son. She lives in Kentwood.
So, I am an entrepreneur to my very core. When my life is over, and it’s time to turn out the lights, no one can and will never ever accuse me of living one boring moment in this world.
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I do exactly what I want to do. If I want to do it. How I want to do it. On my terms. Well, most of the time. A wee bit stubborn and strong willed, I am resolute about what I want and like to do. I am tenacious. I have such a passion and desire to win that it drives me. It drives me so much so that if I I am not busy doing something - anything - there is a problem. It has often times been said, and I believe it to be true, if you want something done, find the busiest person in the room. They will make it happen! That is me. Sometimes it gets me in trouble - especially when I forget an obligation or double book myself.
I am an early riser. I wake up about 3 o’clock in the morning and do a little work. This is a time for me to foster ideas on how to do something. Research for clients or read a bit. Mediate and pray. Quite myself before the noise. 4:30 I go back to sleep and then wake up about 5:30 or 6:00. Get caught up on the news and emails and 6:30 call my Sissy. I usually wake up with a song in my heart. My poor family. I will wake up singing a song or two and I haven’t even had my coffee yet! You can best believe that by 7 o’clock when I get into my car, my engine is reved up and it’s all systems go. It was as if I was blessed with divine energy. I’m an entrepreneur. It’s time to check on my businesses to see what I need to accomplish for the day.
Indeed.com says there are nine different types of entrepreneurs:
1. Small business entrepreneurship: Think plumbers, hairstylist, local grocers
2. Large company entrepreneurship: think Microsoft, Google, Disney
3. Scalable startup entrepreneurship: Facebook, Instagram, Uber
4. Social entrepreneurship: Solves social problem with products and services
5. Innovative entrepreneurship: Think Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos
6. Hustler entrepreneurship: Often start small and work toward growing a bigger business with hard work rather than capital
7. Imitator entrepreneurship: Willing to think of new ideas and work hard, yet they start by copying others
8. Researcher entrepreneurship: Willing to think of new ideas and work hard, yet they start by copying others
9. Buyer entrepreneurship: Uses their wealth to fuel their business ventures
In reading the article, I found out that I am a Hustler entrepreneurship. I never knew there was/is a difference. This is what Indeed.com says about entrepreneurs like me. Hustler Entrepreneur - People who are willing to work hard and put in constant effort are considered hustler entrepreneurs. They often start small and work toward growing a bigger business with hard work rather than capital. Their aspirations are what motivates them, and they are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals. They do not give up easily and are willing to experience challenges to get what they want. For example, someone who is a hustler is willing to cold call many people in order to make one sale.
I can agree.
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Well, I started another business. Yes - during COVID. Call it insane. I actually started my business before Covid, but I was bound and determined not to let it take the dream for me. It actually started with my 18-year-old daughter who told me about dry salt therapy. I had not a clue what it was. Once I started doing the research I couldn’t let it go. It was all I could research about. I assumed a space on Broadmoor and started on the journey. I was let down a time or two by contractors and consultants and COVID but I wasn’t going to those minor details get in the way. There is lots I could say and tell you about what happened. It’s nighttime television drama stuff for sure. But this week I finally opened Pink Lounge, Dry Salt Therapy! It’s beautiful, one of a kind and only in the area and I am so proud of this new business venture that will help people with their health. Different than owning a PR Firm or restaurant- I am up for the challenge. Mainly because it is ‘new’ to our area but not new in form.
I recently had a very dear friend asked me if I was doing to do too much. I said ‘of course I am! I can sleep when I die’, which I’m praying ain’t no time soon. Then she asked if I was sacrificing the restaurant by opening another business. I quickly said absolutely not! She just did not understand why and how I would have one business and then open another one and then yet another one, serve on community boards, be mom, wifey and still have time for me. I shared a book with her.
My dear friend, Tommy Brann,CEO of Brann's Steakhouse and Sports Grille, at the age of 19 the youngest restaurant owner in Michigan, wrote a book call Mind Your Own Business: Lessons from a Hardworking Restauranteur. It’s really a great read. I suggest every business owner (not just restaurants) actually take the time to read it. You will get a quick practical lesson or two ... or three ... or more. Tommy calls his business ‘a baby’. You and I both know how much time care concern and love you need to give a baby so that he or she can develop properly. If I put love, time and attention into the businesses, and into the people who work with me, I can’t fail. Even if the doors closed, I will learn many lessons along the way as my businesses grows from ‘infancy and up’. I will respect the process and use the businesses to do as much good as it can as long as it can for the people who work there and for my community.
Like a new mother, I am ready to embrace the challenge as each (business) child is different, but they are my offspring and they have a mother that loves them dearly and ready to put in the work and hustle!