February 27, 2024

How many years have you been in business as a solopreneur? 5 1/2 years

How many years have you been a Chamber Member? 2 years

Please provide a brief description of what your business is all about. VRtical Media creates custom 360° Virtual Tours and Virtual Experiences. I provide a new marketing strategy to create accurate lead pipelines for businesses like wedding/event venues, act as an archiving mechanism for institutions like museums or historic properties, and create accessibility for more people who otherwise may not be able to visit a location. All virtual tours are viewable on internet-connected devices, like phones, tablets, PCs, and VR headsets. I make the experience easy for the client by simply providing a link to put on the website and Vrtical Media takes care of the rest.

What enticed you to start a solopreneur business? I had a passion for photography, a background in leadership, and experience in technology. In 2016 I donned a VR headset for the first time and that’s when I knew I wanted to do something with it. Within 2 years, I quit my tech job, sold my house and most of my belongings, and started my business.

What is “the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” of working on your own?

The greatest benefits of working on my own have to be flexibility and unlimited growth opportunities. Flexibility with my work hours (I tend to work a lot!) and when I can take time off are things never want to give up.

Unlimited growth means my salary can be as much as I want it to be. With that though is the balance of early-stage issues and some sleepless nights. I’m building a business that has no playbook, nor demand. Meaning that much of my capital must come from networking a lot. Relying on every paycheck is still happening and access to capital from traditional institutions (like banks or grants) is nonexistent. I’ve been funding almost everything on my own (with the help of one credit card.)

Going through this though is teaching me to be resilient and not give up, even though the odds are stacked.

Why are you a Chamber member? To build my business through networking opportunities. 98% of all my projects and income have been through Chamber memberships. I do my best to attend every networking event. I don’t always walk away with a lead, but my attendance ensures a few things are happening: I’m staying active in the community, allowing me to make friends and take care of my emotional well-being; Looking for ways to help, whether through volunteer opportunities or help other members; Starting to build professional relationships, which could lead to a project down the line.

What advice would you give others looking to take the leap into “solopreneurship?” Have a great idea that will solve a problem, have a vision of what your life will be like because you’ve succeeded, never stop learning about your business, and be prepared to fail fast and learn even faster. The last point matters the most because it’s going to happen, whether you like it or not. It’s part of owning a business. If you’re prepared for that, the emotional load while you’re going through the failure won’t be that bad.

Where do you see your business going in the future?

The goal over the next few years is to help expand the adoption of the technology to as many businesses and institutions that are out there.

The long-term goal is to develop a VR Concert Livestreaming platform. Imagine being able to see your favorite artist from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home in an immersive VR headset.

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For consideration to have your solopreneur business profiled, please fill out the form at https://form.jotform.com/240133772746053 . After your form is received and we confirm that you are a Chamber member in good standing and your business meets the criteria of a solopreneur, we will send a detailed interview questionnaire for timely completion.