Sacha Brant, like roughly one in four women, was a victim of domestic violence and financial abuse. She believes entrepreneurship is the perfect solution for financial abuse survivors, too often finances become the tool abusers use to try and keep their victims captive and under their control. Along the way, she transformed into a survivor which has led her to create her own thriving company, Sassy Lasses. Read our interview with the lovely Sacha below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I’m sure there are many women out there who will be able to relate to this; I was inspired to start my journey after being horribly mistreated by an employer. I’m sure you’ve heard it before – works harder than everyone else, does more, reaches higher, truly INVESTS in the company, only to be ignored, insulted, promised things that are never delivered and manipulated. You know what though, that wasn’t even the breaking point. Those were just things DONE to me. It’s when I realized that companies like the one I was working for don’t CARE about their clients or their staff. They care about the bottom line, the income. They cared more about their reputation than the customer’s well being. That is just plain not cool. So, Sassy Lasses was born. It’s integrity above all else. It’s support for the clients above all else. Working with entrepreneurs and business owners to improve and expand is by far the most fulfilling chapter of my life.
Tell us about your business.
We are professional time-savers. We help small business owners and entrepreneurs liberate their time without the investment of a full time employee. This allows them to focus on what is most important – the growth of their business. We offer a range of services in the realms of virtual support, branding, and creative design but all with one clear purpose – Giving you back your time!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
We are working towards launching our first free 30-minute webinar designed for the entrepreneur. It’s 30 minutes of nitty gritty details from successful business owners, plus some basics on starting your business off right. April 5th – watch out! Downloading this guide will ensure you get an invite! We also have a free guide to finding success through focus which can be found here.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Supporter of Domestic Violence Survivor Initiatives
- Board of Director for Freebirds Project – DV Survivor Organization
- Published Poet
- Ghost-Writer – social media, blogging and copy!
Where is your business based?
Techincally, I live online. I prefer to consider myself and my staff to be location agnostic! What a world we live in that this is even possible. That being said, we all live somewhere, so my headquarters is in Kitimat BC Canada.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I’m a very logic driven person. I looked up the steps, and literally completed them one by one: Register business, open business account, get tax number, etc… You know what though? I think the MOST PRODUCTIVE FIRST STEP was obtaining a paying client. That first one really solidified everything, including my resolve. I had my first client before I had a business, and I’m glad for it.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
2 things – word of mouth and Shankminds.
- Word of mouth is the obvious one. I mean, my company and personal values center around integrity. My clients love to tell others about how wonderful their experience was with me. It helps that I am a very patient person!
- Shankminds has been a huge piece of the puzzle. Whether this group is right for you or not, the principal behind it is that of a tribe. These are folks that are just like me, at various stages, and they are supportive and caring and motivated. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s run by Peter Shankman who is an inspirational powerhouse on his own. #fangirlmoment
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Honestly? The odd client that just doesn’t understand that efficacy requires open, efficient, and consistent communication. I would consider this my biggest challenge because it’s hard to support someone that is looking to employ mind readers. I am thankful for these clients, and all that they teach me.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Did I mention I am patient? That’s a really big one. Soft, consistent pressure and patience. It usually works out one of two ways: 1) they get things together and get me what I need, and communication improves, or 2) we part ways. Part of that integrity piece is that I won’t take your money if you won’t enable me to do the work. The client must be in the right frame of mind, and I can’t necessarily impact that. You know what they say, you can lead a horse to water…
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Being part of a community of others struggling with the same things; Imposter Syndrome, staying motivated, loosing clients, the works. Having this outlet prevents me from feeling as though I’m alone. Otherwise, I just remind myself that business ownership is a roller coaster much like life. I’m going to love some parts and hate others, but it’s always worth the ride.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Care Factor. Plain and simple. It’s about getting you to the end goal. I work at your pace, with you, and I support you every step of the way. Everything that my team and I do are with your best interests in mind – always. We make your life easier, period.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
“Find a routine. Put shoes on everyday. Remember to stand up and move once an hour. Turn off your phone at night.” That’s straight from Greg Hoffman, President of Apogee, when I asked him what he found most effective in supporting his entrepreneurial dreams.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Your brand, your image and your values should always be in sync. This enables you to be AUTHENTIC and that’s what people really connect with. Make your values and your self-care number one while you work out your kinks and you’ll be a biz pro in no time.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
It’s a tie… I’m sorry. I mean, I really had to fight to cut it down to just 2.
- Canva – I can make beautiful, custom, true-to-brand content in a snap. I wouldn’t like life without it, just sayin’.
- Elementor: Does this count? It’s my favorite toy for building websites these days, just so flexible and easy to use.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @deathbysassy
Twitter @Sassy_Lasses
Facebook www.facebook.com/TheSassyLasses
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/b2bss
Website www.sassylasses.com
Email info@sassylasses.com
Hashtags #sassified #entrepreneur #bossbabe
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
www.iamkristenbecker.com/blog/its-time-to-set-your-vision-for-2017
This is from a friend and fellow Shankminder, Kristen Becker, and I thought it was solid! I created my vision board not too long after.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’ve been working on developing my SEO a little more, but sometimes that’s hard when you’re doing it for everyone else! All in all, I just need to keep making connections because if I can’t offer a certain service, I sure do like to make referrals!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
The big goals? Launching the first in the webinar series, finishing our Sassy Lasses Guide for publishing, and I’ll be on site with the LEAD Spa and Wellness conference assisting with the event!