Sandra’s entrepreneurial journey began in February 2023, with the launch of WORD EMPIRE (wordempire.co), a business born out of her passion for words and storytelling. Inspired by her studies in new business and entrepreneurship at the Sarina Russo Institute in Melbourne, Sandra envisioned a platform to support businesses through human-focused copywriting and content marketing. However, her path was anything but easy.
1. Sandra, how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
My journey started in February 2023 when I enrolled in a Certificate IV in New Business & Entrepreneurship. The program taught me the essentials of starting a small business, from crafting a business plan to marketing strategies. By March 10, 2023, my WORD EMPIRE website (wordempire.co) was live.
However, life took an unexpected turn when my mother, battling stage four bowel cancer, became very unwell. I had to step back from the business to focus on caring for her. Her passing in July 2023 was devastating, but it deepened my resolve to make her proud and carry her legacy forward.
2. What challenges did you face in building your business, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was balancing my business aspirations with my personal loss. After my mother passed, I struggled with sadness and low motivation. The love and support from my friends, brother, and especially my mentor, Mary Philippou, were crucial. Mary’s daily check-ins and unwavering encouragement reminded me to persevere through tough times.
Through this journey, I learned the value of resilience, the importance of a strong support network, and the power of staying aligned with a purpose greater than myself.
3. When times got tough, what helped you stay motivated?
In late 2023, I faced a slump—low client numbers and cash flow issues made it hard to stay inspired. My mentor, Mary, was instrumental in helping me push through. She told me, “You just have to persevere. There will be bad days, but don’t give up.” Her belief in me helped reignite my passion for WORD EMPIRE and reminded me why I started this journey: to honor my mother and inspire others through my work.
One pivotal moment was the launch of my WORD EMPIRE Book Club in October 2024, which brought together business owners for book discussions and networking. It was a reminder of what’s possible when you stay the course.
4. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs just starting out?
- Find a mentor: Success is rarely achieved alone. Having someone to guide and support you can make all the difference.
- It’s okay to have a job: Consistent income from a job can ease the financial pressures of starting a business. There’s no shame in building your dreams while working.
- Be patient and resilient: Success takes time and perseverance. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate small wins along the way.
5. Can you share a proud moment in your journey so far?
Launching the WORD EMPIRE Book Club for entrepreneurs in October 2024 was a proud moment for me. It brought together business owners to discuss books on self-help, business, and personal growth, while also fostering networking opportunities. Seeing the positive energy and connections it created reinforced my belief in the power of words to inspire and unite people.
6. What is your vision for the future?
I want to expand WORD EMPIRE (wordempire.co) into a global enterprise, adding services related to my love of books, launching a product line, and supporting charities like children’s literacy programs.
I’m also writing a screenplay inspired by my mother’s life to honor her legacy. Though it’s not part of my business, it ties into my mission to inspire and create meaningful change through words.
Final Thoughts
Sandra’s journey with WORD EMPIRE is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of words. Through her work, she aims to help businesses grow, inspire positive change, and honor her mother’s legacy. Visit wordempire.co to learn more about Sandra’s mission and services.