Hi, I’m Tru Powell – an award-winning creative entrepreneur, publicity coach and personal branding strategist helping people to cultivate their personal brands. I own multiple businesses and I’m the brains behind Kandy Girl and one third of the directorship for Aston Performing Arts Academy. I also run the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards, which celebrate individuals and organisations that make the world a better place.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
I am really passionate about helping creative entrepreneurs build their personal brands and making themselves visible – after all, if you are not visible you are invisible. To do this, I run a series of coaching and consultancy programmes around building personal brands and getting entrepreneurs in the press. A few of my clients have won prestigious awards and also been featured on daytime TV! I have also recently launched the Creative Entrepreneurs podcast, which has been really well received. Guests so far have included Gym Shark’s founder, Ben Francis, singer/songwriter Jamelia, Boxraw’s founder Ben Amanna and many more inspirational people. The aim is to motivate the next generation to learn by providing value-led information so they can turn their creativity into careers and monetise their talents. In addition, I am the driving force behind Britain’s first kids’ spa and luxury children’s brand Kandy Girl; as well as a Director for the insanely talented Aston Performing Arts Academy, a community organisation committed to empowering young people through performing and creative arts. I also head up the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards. The awards are set out to celebrate unsung heroes and recognise the outstanding contributions to the business and community sectors.
2. How did you get into the industry?
I’ve always been very creative, since I could remember. When I was a kid I used to sing and dance and plan events and provide platforms for other kids to do the same. It was amazing. I actually started my events career at 16 years old where I worked in a hotel part time doing waitering. I later followed my passion and combined my love for both the arts and events when I took up Events Operations Manager position at the Drum Arts Centre. This was a great experience. I then went on to deliver corporate events for Marketing Birmingham before running my very own events company, Alternative Events.
3. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The biggest opportunity in my industry is the networking opportunities. Throughout all my roles I have carried out as an entrepreneur I have managed to connect with some incredible people who have then created further opportunities.
Unsurprisingly, our biggest challenge of all has to have been COVID-19. Whilst my coaching and consultancy is online for the most part, the pandemic has made things extremely difficult for my other businesses – Kandy Girl and APAA.
4. How would you describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as someone who leads from the front. I wouldn’t expect my team to do something that I am not willing to do. I feel I am very encouraging and motivating. My aim is always to get the best out of the people that I work with – after all, if they perform well, the business performs well.
5. How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
I get the most out of my employees by empowering them and giving them ownership of the roles they play business. I think this is the best way. I involve them in key decision making and, where appropriate, give them autonomy to make key decisions themselves. It’s all about trust and providing an interest that they become invested in and building a vision that can be seen by all involved.
6. What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
I have recently started my coaching and consultancy business but the main thing it requires to run smoothly is having very clear systems and processes. Templates are key in the delivery of the role. You also have to be very approachable and have the ability to instil confidence in your clients. Getting results is crucial and being able to evidence those results. Recently two of my clients were featured on Good Morning Britain and also others have been shortlisted for prestigious awards. Those are tangible results I can evidence.
7. How has the past 12 months been for you?
The last 12 months have been difficult but very fun. Launching any new business can be very exciting but also very challenging. I have found that many of my clients have been really receptive of the new venture and have entrusted the development of their personal brands with me. I am humbled by this.
8. Is there anything you’ve learnt during the pandemic that you’ll take forward in your business?
The main lesson that the pandemic has taught me is to always ensure you have a product or service that can be facilitated online in some way. It’s that simple.
9. What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
The next 12 months are really looking up. I have developed new programmes and courses that I am really proud of. I have some amazing clients who are achieving some great things and my podcast has really taken off, ranked top ten in the Apple Podcast charts sitting alongside some incredible entrepreneurs. There’s a lot to look forward to.
10. What are the highlights of your career so far?
Working with young people at Aston Performing Arts Academy is up there. I may have met young people whose lives were on the verge of destruction and managed to turn their lives around with the firm foundation APAA provided. I will never take credit for what they’ve achieved but I am confident APAA played a huge part in their success. This for me will always be a highlight.
11. What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
The biggest business mistake I have made is failing to have an online service or product pre-pandemic. When the pandemic hit it caused real panic. My businesses stalled overnight. Whilst I tried to pivot, I really struggled and it still didn’t provide the results I hoped for. I was lucky I had other skills and passions I could monetise, like coaching and consulting. This has truly been a saving grace for me because I am good at it and it is actually something I thoroughly enjoy!
12. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
The best business advice I have been given is ‘it’s not about perfection, it’s about progression’. This means I am no longer waiting around for the perfect time. I am no longer procrastinating. I am starting and hope perfection comes in time.
