Founder x Founder: Tanna Soukup, Strategie, LLC
Welcome to Founder x Founder, a series where we get to know some of the incredible entrepreneurs in our community through quick Q&A interviews.
In this series, we have one founder — local writer and Startup Sioux Falls storyteller, Andrea Van Essen — asking the questions, and another sharing about her entrepreneurial journey. Today, we’re chatting with Tanna Soukup, founder of Strategie, a graduate of the CO.STARTERS program and our very own social media manager here at Startup Sioux Falls.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Tell us about your business! When, how and why did you embark on this venture?
My journey with Strategie started about two years ago when I signed up for the CO.STARTERS program. My business was just an idea at the time, but I had the desire to go out on my own after years of working as an in-house marketer for various businesses. I had experience in marketing for healthcare, wholesale, retail, aesthetics and restaurants.
I had already started my own business years prior — a women's clothing boutique — so I had a taste of what it was like to be an entrepreneur, and I wanted that back.
After I graduated from CO.STARTERS, I started getting some of my first clients. Strategie started as a part-time gig, but quickly turned into my full-time job as my client list grew.
Now two years in, I'm having so much fun running my own business. Looking back over the last two years, I can't believe how much has changed. It makes me excited for the future knowing that my business will continue to evolve as it grows.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting your business and how have you overcome it?
I think that I'm actually at the most challenging point of starting my business right now. Up until now, everything has fallen into place, and I've taken it one step at a time. Now, I'm more carefully considering how the next steps will look as the business continues to grow and become more work than I am able to do on my own.
What resources were most helpful to you when starting your business and what resources do you wish existed?
Startup Sioux Falls was the most helpful resource by far. They believed in me from day one, even before I believed in myself. I love the community Startup Sioux Falls has built; it makes entrepreneurship far less lonely. I've reached out to them for resources to answer some of my questions, they've provided a place for me to work and they've been a sounding board when I feel stuck on a problem in my business.
What has surprised you about entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship can be scary, but to me, it's less scary than being in a job where I can't grow in the ways that I need and want to. I'm so surprised by how much I enjoy the scary parts because they make me feel like I'm growing and I'm doing what I'm meant to do. I didn't anticipate how freeing it would feel.
What’s the #1 piece of advice you have to offer other founders?
Reach out to people for help when you're not sure about something. You'd be surprised by how much people genuinely love to help. Get connected and stay connected with like-minded people and people who will cheer you on. Don't worry about those who don't understand what you're doing — they simply value different things than you do, and that is okay!
What is your most useful hack or tool?
I recently purchased a portable second screen, and I will never go back. Now I can work anywhere and keep the same efficiency I'd have working in my home office.
Connect with Tanna and learn more about Strategie via her website, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Interested in CO.STARTERS?
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