We recently connected with Claudine Pungu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Claudine, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I could start over I would do more research on managing a business. When I first stared I was super exited about starting a business but did not know how to manage my money, social media, or manage inventory. I bough things I though I could us and ended up never using it because I conveninced myself I could use it one day. Once example I would buy the cheap balloon and think it can do the same as more expensive brand. when i figure it out that the luxury band is better its almost like i had a light bulb moment i changed the way I operated my business.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Claudine I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Utah in 2001 just couple months before 9/11/2001. I always loved to do DIY projects ever since I could remember. I always looked for ways to make an even space more beautiful or transformed it. It was something that was always withing me but I did not know its was a gift. At my church we celebrate our anniversary every year and one year I decided I wanted to decorate the entire church. It was a super big project but I am so glad I did it because I discover my love for balloon styling. Fast forward couple years I had a dream about starting an event styling business and it was so clear that I had to doubts that this was my gift and I needed to start a business.
I am an event stylist so I mainly focus on the visual aspects of an event. For example choosing the flowers, tablecloths or event lighting we are in charge of putting all these things together. We often work closely with an event planner to make the client vision come to life.
What set me apart from other is that I love to be part of the process of all my events from the beginning to the end. I am always trying to find way to elevate all my client event big or small. I want them to remember the experience they had, sometimes that mean adding updated or two for free.
I want my client and future client to know that I am dependable. I do what I say I will do on time and make sure I deliver on the work they trusted me with.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I must say building an audience on social media is very tricky especially with all the updated. I often had to look on YouTube how to do things on social media to keep up. I found what brough my audience are when I show my work and being more active. I was really nervous to show myself on social media but what i learned is that my audient want to see the person behind the work, they want to be able to relate and interact with the person behind the camera.
The first time I deceived to do an Instagram live I was so nervous. You know how you already convince yourself of something because of fear? Well that was me. I was so scared because I was thinking no one will join, and I will be talking to myself but to my surprised more people joined. They where all so kind and I realized I was limiting myself and hiding behind the camera because of the negative thoughts.
The lesson I learned is if you fell like doing something and last minute you start trying to find way to backout you need to push through. I learned that most of the thing that scared me are the same thing that made me more fearless. Never let your fears limit you because what is on the other side might be exactly what you prayed for.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. This book i fell like is a must for everyone especially if your are a business owner. It makes you think critically and has so much gems that can help you throughout your life.
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Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/ifemade_films/