We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cat Parks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cat , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I moved to Los Angeles in 2018 from Nashville, Tennessee. At that time, I didn’t know anyone in the city except for my twin sister, which meant leaving my comfort zone once again. I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and I had moved to Nashville in 2014. After a couple of years there, I found myself feeling too comfortable and desired to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Looking back, I realize it was a risk, as many people I know who moved to Los Angeles didn’t have it work out and ended up leaving. Despite the many twists and turns, including a temporary relocation during the pandemic, it has been a true blessing to continue operating my business despite the unpredictability.

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.

Absolutely! I am a creative at heart—a singer-songwriter most passionate about empowering women by creating safe spaces and communities where they can feel secure. I do this through intimate workshops, events, and meetups powered by my nonprofit, Grl Pwr LA. We became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2020, and since then, we’ve been providing accessible mentorship for aspiring female entrepreneurs and hosting community events for women to make new friends in LA and support mental health and connection.

I’m also a wellness entrepreneur with a strong passion for holistic wellness and mindful eating. I’m currently working on a cooking blog focused on inspiring people to eat mindfully and intentionally based on their health goals. Overall, I stay very busy, but I just love helping people live their best lives.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I love this question! I know many people want to understand this when they’re first starting out. Honestly, what I’ve learned on my journey is that it’s all about collaboration. My advice would be to first define what makes you different and how you can communicate that consistently to the world. I once heard someone say that good music always rises to the top, and I believe the same applies to value. If you can find a way to present the value you bring so it is seen, it will eventually be recognized by the right people who need it most. Determine who your target audience or target clients are, where they are, and how to reach them.

In the beginning, it might seem like nothing you’re doing is working or worth it because you may not see immediate results. However, consistency is key. Remind yourself to be consistent every day, and eventually, that value will rise to the top and be seen by those who need it most. Also, never be afraid to find a mentor. There are plenty of free mentors available through SCORE, which is powered by the Small Business Administration. You can look them up online. I wish someone had given me this advice before I started my business, as mentorship has been fundamental to my growth and success.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes, I feel like my middle name should be “Pivot,” haha. As an entrepreneur, you need to be prepared for times when you have to adapt. Instead of panicking, remember that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. Be ready for things not to go as planned and view these moments not as failures but as feedback.

As a CEO and founder of a nonprofit, guidelines, regulations, and trends are always evolving. When your strategies don’t work out, you should trust and understand it’s an opportunity to gain insight into how best to serve people’s needs. It’s never personal, I promise you! Also, remember that your audience is always right. Directly asking them what they want and how they want it—i.e., conducting consumer research—is always a good idea.

Don’t panic when things don’t go your way. When things aren’t going well, it means you’re doing something right, but how you respond during challenging times is what truly defines you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Grlpwrla.com
• Instagram: @catparksworld @grlpwrla
• Twitter: @catparksworld @grlpwrla
• Other: Stay updated on future community events: Join Grl Pwr LA’s FREE social club on Heylo/ https://heylo.group/grl-pwr-la-social-club

Image Credits

The Content Girl