One Entrepreneur On the Start: Sunny Gray

This is part of a series called "The Entrepreneurs On The Start."  This interview is with Sunny Gray.

What was your first business venture?

When I was 8, I made ornaments and bouquets of wildflowers to sell to people in my neighborhood. By the time I was 12, I had a pet sitting business, complete with flyers!  I have always loved working and business.

What made you want to go into business for yourself?

I had an idea that I wanted to see materialize. My first business was a publishing company, and it was gratifying to see the final product. I also value the flexibility, even if that means working more than full time!

Would you go into business, if you had it to do over again?  Why or why not?

Yes.  As a matter of fact, I sold my publishing company last fall and started a new online venture right on the heels of finalizing my sales contract.

What were some of your biggest lessons learned about starting a business?

Lesson #1: Much like renovating a home, it takes twice as long and costs twice as much to launch a business.

Lesson #2: Entrepreneurs have to wear many hats (marketing genius, accounting whiz, human resources manager...), and you need to realize the areas of business where it pays to hire help.

Lesson #3: Hire people smarter than you are!

What advice would you have for others considering going into business for themselves?

Write a business plan but don’t be afraid to stray (re-write!) when you see things shifting. You can lay the best plans in the world, but you have to be flexible to be successful.

Any final thoughts on starting a business?

It’s one of the most rewarding, yet difficult, undertakings.

Sunny Gray is the founder of SunnySaves.com, where she shares great deals, sales and special offers on everything from fashion to finance, events to the environment.  She also writes about ways to save money, time & the planet.  She loves to shop, but hates to overpay!