6 Ways to Become an Awesome Creative Entrepreneur, with Sonja Rasula

Photography enthusiast and successful businessperson Sonja Rasula, recently named one of Los Angeles’ 10 Most Inspiring Women, by LA Magazine, was invited to talk about her excitement, inspirations, and challenges for the New Year.

Sonja Rasula, a former television personality, is the founder and driving force behind three businesses designed to help entrepreneurs and creatives grow and become more successful while creating a “a rad, supportive community.”

Her properties are Unique Markets, a pop-up, large-scale shopping event held around the country featuring hundreds of independent designers and artisans; CAMP, a business conference that gathers 200 thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives and takes them to a “summer camp” environment in the mountains of Big Bear, CA, for four days of workshops, outdoor activity, and networking (all without access to phones or email); and The Unique Space, housed in an old warehouse that she re-designed into a co-working space and private office space for small companies.

 How does she do it?

1. Foster the idea of community over competition. She collects a “passionate group of doers—people who are creative and support creativity.” She likens her friends, followers, and supporters as “pop culture vultures—they feed off of art, culture, film, dance, etc.”

2. Obstacles need not be obstacles. “I don't think I have many obstacles; I see something I want to do and I do it, I don't let anything get in the way,” says Rasula. “Some of the accomplishments I'm proud of most include being featured in Los Angeles magazine, being on the cover of Spirit magazine, and being able to watch hundreds and hundreds of people learn and grow because of our work.”

3. Write it down. “You have to actually write your goals down. Putting them on paper helps make them real, and can remind you of your goals,” she says. “Don't set anything that is too hard to accomplish. Create deadlines so you have something to keep you accountable. If you need, bring others on board to create a second check-in system,” Rasula adds.

4. Focus when it is time to focus. Rasula shares, “I really focus when I'm at work... We work a four-day workweek (Monday–Thursday) so I have to be even more efficient with my time! Going online creates too much noise and it's hard for people to focus, so I don't browse the Web, read news, or shop online while at work. When I'm on my computer I'm emailing, creating designs, or doing research. “

5. Predict trends. Rasula thinks that the world will become more creative; bold pattern and color will come to the forefront. “I think that the world has been focused on all-things-tech for so long it seems only natural for the focus to swing at some point to the Creative Class—those who are creating, influencing, and producing art and culture,” she says.

6. Inspiration surrounding you. “The desert! The ocean! The clouds! We have all the inspiration ever needed on earth, we just need to get out there and look around... As an amateur photographer I'm always inspired by the shapes and textures and light found in nature.” Those around her also serve as inspiration. “I think 2016 is the Year of the Woman. So all my fellow girlbosses, Hillary, Lena—they all inspire me!”