Kathya Bustamante is on a mission to show the world that you can build a purpose-driven business that cares about making a positive impact on people and the planet and be wildly profitable. Read our interview with the lovely Kathya below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
After working on Wall Street managing investments for high net worth individuals, I quit seeking to do something more meaningful and in alignment with my values. Following my passion for organic food, I later became co-owner of a 100% certified organic restaurant dedicated to sustainable practices which included wind power, organic food, energy efficient equipment, biodegradable packaging, soy ink, and a lot more. It was there that I discovered my love for eco-friendly and socially responsible businesses. While working I continuously found myself advising and offering marketing tips to like-minded and aspiring entrepreneurs. It was only a matter time before I started my own consulting business helping other entrepreneurs create businesses making a positive impact on the world.
Tell us about your business.
I’m a business and marketing strategist for Eco-friendly, Organic & Sustainable Biz Owners who want to make money and a difference. I truly believe getting in touch with our humanity and making business decisions from that place is the formula for success. The world is ready for the kinds of businesses that care about people and the planet and I’m committed to supporting the entrepreneurs who are courageous enough to build businesses with heart. My personal motto: “When you put people, purpose and the planet first, follows will follow”.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I will be hosting a free webinar training in November titled
“Step-by-Step Integrity Marketing Plan”.
Where is your business based?
I currently live on Salt Spring Island, in BC Canada.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I watched several training webinars and bought courses, but it wasn’t until I invested in hiring a few business coaches that things started to come together.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I used a combination of free and paid traffic using Facebook Groups and Facebook Ads.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Getting clear on my niche and getting visible.
How did you overcome these challenges?
My niche became clear once I started working with clients and discovered that I loved working with entrepreneurs who were committed to building business that consider the planet in the equation. I would instantly become really excited and the ideas just flowed with very little effort. It’s my passion. Getting visible is still a work in progress but I do think that getting clear on my niche and being excited about what I’m doing makes it a lot easier to put myself out there.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My big “why” drives me. I’m on a mission to show the world that you can build a purpose-driven business that cares about making a positive impact on people and the planet and be wildly profitable.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I focus on a people, planet, purpose and profit-driven business model and it is those entrepreneurs who value building an ethical brand that are attracted to my particular approach.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Don’t be afraid to polarize and push away those people who are not your customers. In other words, communicate with your target audience in a way that makes them feel you are speaking only to them. You don’t want everybody. You just want those who want (and are excited about) what you have to offer.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Get clear on your bigger business purpose and your personal purpose before you do anything else. If you don’t know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, you won’t be able to push through on those challenging days. Some questions to ask include: Why does my business exist? How will the world be better off because of it? How will my personal life be improved by starting this business?
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I am really enjoying Trello as a wonderful way to get organized and keep everything in one place. Canva is also a fantastic tool for creating images, webinar slides and free opt-in offers and so much more.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Twitter @EcoBizStartup
Website www.Kathyabustamante.com
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/KathyaBustamanteEcoBiz
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/EthicalEntrepreneurs
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
Just finished reading “Parenting with Presence” by Susan Stiffleman. Even though it’s a parenting book, I found it really helpful in all aspects in life including business. Learning to be present and seeing what’s really there is the first step to moving forward and getting out of our way.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am now excited about free trainings and webinars. I believe that being of service and giving free value to entrepreneurs starting out is the best way to master your craft and become known as an expert in your field.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I will continue working privately with clients 1 on 1 and offering free trainings. I will also develop a 4 week course to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs market with integrity and ease.