We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lana W.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lana below.

Lana, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Truthfully I think there is a massive lack in transparency regarding entrepreneurship. It is not all glitz and glam and it certainly isn’t a ‘get rich quick’ scheme’. I am fortunate enough to have started by business at 16 and have only ever worked for myself. However, there are many times in a single day that I have thoughts of what it would be like to have a “regular job”… would I ever do that? No, but the thought still frequently visit.

The downside to being a solo-preneur is not being able to access the invisible value in having a “regular job”. Now I know that may not make total sense, but there are so many lessons and things to be learned with having your typical 9-5. There are various roles that you are exposed to as well as the most important to me – systems. There is a set hierarchy as well as checks and balances in place that keep the business running like a well oiled machine… all of which are incredibly valuable to understand as a business owner.

With that being said, it’s not impossible to implement the right roles and systems as a business owner, however it has proven to be much more difficult to “learn as you go” as an entrepreneur, compared to an employee who would naturally be exposed to all of that on a day to day basis. As an employee you are exposed to the fundamentals a business needs to have. As an entrepreneur you learn tough and sometimes quite expensive lessons regarding the necessary roles and systems.

Ultimately it’s all a matter of perspective. I am incredibly blessed to be a business owner, however it is no small feat and sometimes when things get tough it is easy to romanticize life in the 9-5 world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a passionate and innovative creative with a knack for building digital empires. With a trailblazing journey spanning nine years, I’ve dedicated my career to carving out a niche in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Authenticity, creativity, and transparency all being key values that have led to where I am today.

My story is one of relentless curiosity and a commitment to pushing boundaries. From the early days of my career, I immersed myself in the dynamic world of digital entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for emerging trends and an unwavering belief in the power of creativity, I’ve successfully built a substantial following that resonates with my unique perspective.

My expertise extends across various facets of the digital realm, from content creation and branding to strategic business development. I thrive on translating ideas into compelling narratives that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Through my ventures, I’ve not only cultivated a devoted community but also demonstrated a skill for turning concepts into thriving businesses.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing digital landscape, adaptability is key. My journey has been a testament to my ability to stay ahead of the curve, embracing new technologies and trends to stay relevant and innovative. I pride myself on being a forward-thinker, constantly seeking fresh challenges and opportunities to evolve both personally and professionally.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, I’ve weathered the storms and celebrated the victories that come with the digital terrain. My passion for building meaningful connections and my commitment to excellence have fueled my success and garnered the trust of a diverse and engaged audience worldwide.

Whether it’s creating compelling content, devising strategic business plans, or fostering authentic online communities, I bring a wealth of experience and a touch of creativity to everything I do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The hardest lesson I have learned during my time as an entrepreneur is that busy is not a badge of honor and that suffering is not a pre-requisite to success.

For those that don’t know my back story, my mother had me as a teen. She was jobless, homeless, single, and a high school drop out. A tough start for a new life – and I was exposed to a lot of struggle. Thankfully, my mother saw straight through her circumstances and worked her way to success. What I had witnessed though was lots of pain and sacrifices. Since I was so young and maleable to me I interpreted her path to success as the only path to success.

I subconsciously was programmed to believe that by solely focusing on success and putting myself last – I would inevitably be successful. Now, that belief did have some truth to it, however it was not sustainable.

I learned after putting myself through pain and sacrifices that yes, you can be successful, but the success is not fulfilling or sustainable. You see, many people fail to realize that entrepreneurship is about the long game, not the short quick success that many crave.

Short quick success typically follows with burn out, health problems, and unfufillment. For me, I thought that professional and monetary success would solve everything, however I was faced with the harsh truth and reality. The vanity around hustle culture is merely a facade.

When I came to this realization, it was devastating and it forced me to rebuild. I was fortunate enough to build my business to multiple six figures by the age of 21 years old, however the way in which I built it wasn’t sustainable or fulfilling, I have since spent multiple years rebuilding my foundation to reflect a healthier perspective in regard to success.

It is absolutely possible to be successful and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also possible to work less and make more. It is a matter of efficiency and intention – those two values have completely changed my life and allowed me to enjoy entrepreneurship and business ownership so much more.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My social media journey was a happy accident. I took to social media as most do – as an outlet for self-expression. Given the fact I was so young as an entrepreneur I felt lonely and misunderstood. I used social media as my way to clear the air and let people get to know me – all of me. I shed light on my struggles, my lessons, my personal life, and never once held back.

Little did I know that all would be to my advantage. Through all of my posts and story telling I had built a community built on vulnerability, authenticity, and transparency. Key traits we all know today are crucial to building a brand and strong community.

My advice to those just starting on social media… put your blinders on and just be you. There is no greater strength than being yourself. In a world where everyone wants to be like someone else, authenticity reigns supreme.

Contact Info:

• Website: lux-uncut.com
• Instagram: @luxuncut
• Linkedin: @luxuncut
• Other: Pinterest: @luxuncut

Image Credits
All designs and images were created by myself!