This Side Hustle Q&A features Dixie Bagley, “once single mom of two who started a business empire with a negative $1,500 in her bank account.” Today Bagley is wedding planner, owner of a dessert shop and founding father of the company Southern Wedding Collectiveonline directory of southern wedding vendors.
What was your day job like when you began working on the side?
I used to be a personal trainer then.
When did you begin your side business and where did you discover the inspiration for it?
In 2008, my husband and I purchased a unique European-style barn with the intention of turning it into our home. During the renovation, I organized a wedding as a favor for a friend. The response was amazing and this “favor” began the transformation of the barn into a wedding and event venue.
What were the first steps you took to break away from the game?
I signed up for a wedding show – it was a complete failure. I had no interest from potential clients, so I moved to Facebook. Every day I published photos from the event site and prepared a package that I also posted on Facebook. I immediately booked two weddings and then leads began pouring in from referrals and sharing about successful events.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in building your side team and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was learning to take public opinion with a pinch of salt about what and how I should do something about a place. There were a lot of strong opinions on what I should do with the barn due to its local history. Many people felt they’d a useful opinion on what needs to be done and the way it needs to be done. One of the other big challenges was learning to set and respect my boundaries and balance personal time with work. For the first five years of opening the facility, I struggled with work-life balance. I used to be absorbed in this place and didn’t pay much attention to my personal time.
How long did it take for you to achieve stable monthly income? How much did the side hustle earn?
Consistent revenues were achieved in the first six months. In the starting, I offered limited packages with a minimal investment, but I still managed to book about $100,000 in the first year.
You now own several successful businesses. How did you go from side hustle to multi-business owner?
Once the first business became consistent and respected inside the industry and community, other opportunities began to emerge. If they were a good fit for our existing business and a good business opportunity, we thought deeply about it and moved forward with those firms—not just for our profit, but for the good thing about the communities and customers they were intended to serve.
What gives you the best pleasure in running your enterprise now?
The independence and freedom of being my very own boss allows me to incorporate personal vacations into my life without having to ask for permission. I can work as much as I need and also enjoy my private time. I resolve what my work-life balance should appear to be.
What is your advice for others looking to start a successful side hustle or their very own full-time business?
Be patient with yourself and your potential clients. It’s a non-stop roller coaster of educational experiences. You might be introduced to so many personalities. You will face challenges, each for yourself and your clients, that can force you to test yourself, your worldview and the way you deal with things. Be patient and be honest with yourself and your clients [about] their capabilities and abilities as latest opportunities arise.
This WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS® this article is a part of our ongoing series highlighting the stories, challenges and triumphs of running a business as a woman.