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Akua Konadu: Thriving Together — The Power of Community for Entrepreneurs

APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY What’s the journey that led you to entrepreneurship? Whether your path stemmed from childhood dreams, unexpected opportunities, or maybe even lemons squeezed into lemonade – Learning how to authentically share your story makes all the difference in reaching your target audience. Akua Konadu is a storytelling strategist, educator, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. As the […]

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Hey, I’m Shanna Skidmore. Former Fortune 100 Financial Advisor turned Business Consultant. For the past 15 years I’ve worked in finance helping entrepreneurs around the world make more money and then manage it well. During that time I’ve unlocked the blueprint to building a profitable and sustainable business designed to align with the life you want to live.

Here’s the thing—the "business side of running a business" can be hard, and it’s not everyone’s best skill—but it *is* mine. I would be honored to come alongside you on your business journey.

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APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

What’s the journey that led you to entrepreneurship? Whether your path stemmed from childhood dreams, unexpected opportunities, or maybe even lemons squeezed into lemonade – Learning how to authentically share your story makes all the difference in reaching your target audience.

Akua Konadu is a storytelling strategist, educator, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. As the host of the Independent Business Podcast by HoneyBook, Akua is on a mission to inspire and educate business owners to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and build successful independent businesses.

In this episode, Akua opens up about her winding journey from pageants to entrepreneurship, the power of community in launching her business, and how money mindset has shaped her offers.

Press play for the full interview or keep reading below!

From Pageants to Entrepreneurship: A Twist of Fate

Akua’s entrepreneurial journey took a surprising turn through pageantry. Back in 2015, she won Miss Minnesota International. It was a pivotal moment, leading her from a planned career in healthcare to discovering her passion for storytelling and marketing. Akua always thought she’d be a dentist—her family’s high expectations set her on a traditional path. But pageantry opened her eyes to new possibilities, and it was through that experience that she learned the power of branding and strategic storytelling, skills that now form the foundation of her business.

Finding Your Own Path

As the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, Akua felt the familiar pressure to pursue a “prestigious” career—doctor, lawyer, engineer. But after realizing that dentistry wasn’t for her, she found herself at a crossroads. It wasn’t easy to make the leap, especially with her family not fully understanding her new path. But Akua stayed true to herself, pursued what brought her joy, and slowly carved out a space for her unique gifts. If you’ve ever felt torn between following a “safe” path or pursuing your true passion, Akua’s journey is a testament that it’s okay to pave your own way.

The Power of Community in Building a Business

Akua’s entry into the entrepreneurial world wasn’t a solo endeavor. She found her people through the Rising Tide Society—a community of creatives who meet monthly to support one another. At her first meeting, she didn’t have a clear business plan, but she showed up, listened, and soaked up all the wisdom from those around her. It was this supportive community that rallied around her, helping with everything from headshots to contracts, and cheering her on as she figured out her niche. The lesson here? Community is everything in building a small business. We’re not meant to do this alone. Finding people who understand you, support you, and want to see you succeed can make all the difference.

Navigating Money Mindset

Talking money can be tough, especially when you’re building a business and still figuring things out. Akua shared how her relationship with money was shaped by a scarcity mindset growing up—something many of us can relate to. She admits to undercharging in the beginning, a familiar story for so many entrepreneurs who doubt the value they bring. “I wasn’t aware of how much you can make as a business owner. I feel like so many of us undercharge ourselves.”

By asking herself tough questions, getting real about her expenses, and leaning on her community for advice, Akua started to shift her mindset. “What are my bills? What are my actual expenses? And how much do I need to make to enjoy life? When I started asking those questions I felt more sure in my pricing.”

She learned the importance of pricing her services not just to survive, but to thrive and live the life she dreams. It’s an ongoing journey, but one that’s crucial for long-term success.

If you need help navigating money mindset and pricing, check out The Blueprint Model, my finance course for business owners!

You Have Everything You Need Right Now

One of my favorite takeaways from our chat was Akua’s reminder that we already have everything we need to take the next step. Whether you’re just starting out or a few years in, it’s easy to get caught up in what we think we lack—experience, skills, confidence. Akua’s story is a powerful reminder that even when we don’t have it all figured out, we have enough to start. What’s that next thing you’ve been hesitating on? Maybe it’s time to take the leap!

Embracing Change and Finding Your Rhythm

After a recent move to Chicago, Akua found herself in a new city, with a new role as host of the Independent Business Podcast, and without her usual support system nearby. It’s been a season of adjustment and learning to be okay with the messy, unpredictable nature of change. She’s discovering what harmony looks like in this new chapter—whether it’s making sure she gets three meals a day, taking her pup for a daily walk, or finding moments of peace in the chaos. It’s a beautiful reminder that even when life feels chaotic, we can still find our rhythm in the little things.

Learning as We Go

While Akua’s story is still unfolding, she’s candid about not having it all figured out. That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? We’re all just doing our best, learning as we go, and finding joy in the journey. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, figuring out your pricing, or just trying to keep your head above water, remember you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, figuring it out one step at a time.

Akua Konadu

Akua Konadu is a storytelling strategist, educator, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. She’s the founder of not one but two businesses and knows first-hand what it takes to build something from the ground up.

As the host of the Independent Business podcast by HoneyBook, Akua is on a mission to inspire and educate business owners to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and build successful independent businesses.