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Photo credit: Charlie Rubin
Welcome to Launch Lessons: our new series featuring Squarespace entrepreneurs who have built their own businesses through sheer persistence, problem-solving, and passion. These founders are sharing their stories with the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs with big ideas. If you believe in something, launch it.
Based in Brooklyn, Sara Elise is an entrepreneur and wellness advocate dedicated to transforming her local community from a “food desert” into a place where her neighbors could access affordable, locally sourced food. After hosting a series of tasting events, Sara ultimately launched her first business, Harvest & Revel, a “private event catering company that redefines celebratory feasting as more nutritious, flavorful, and sustainable.” She then went on to found Apogeo Collective, a full-service pop-up bed & breakfast experience. We spoke to Sara about her entrepreneurial journey and her fearless approach to change.
SQUARESPACE: What did you find most challenging about the launch of your website or business?
Sara Elise: When I created Harvest & Revel, I was still working full time in financial services. So there were evenings that I would leave work and then have to go straight to a catering event to set up. Sometimes I wouldn't get home until 2AM and then have to be at work the following morning. It was tough and I was exhausted! Building the website was definitely the easy part!
In creating Apogeo Collective, my most recent hospitality venture, the most challenging aspect was the risk. We didn't know if folks would actually show up to engage in the experience we were planning to host. But the big risk definitely paid off, with over 45 guests joining us for our initial bed & breakfast pop-up launch!
SQSP: When did you know you were ready to launch your business?
SE: I feel like there's always more tinkering you can do to the website, to your offerings, etc. So I like to set firm launch dates for each of my ventures so that I have a goal that I'm working towards and don't get lost in the thought process that there's always something more to improve upon before launching, because there's always "just one more thing" and once I launch, I can still (and should!) continue to make improvements and evolve my business.
SQSP: What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
SE: Don't be afraid to completely pivot. If you know something isn't working (in your business, in your relationships, etc.) don't waste time thinking about the time and work you already put in— always be eager to adjust and move forward when something doesn't feel right.
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