Episode Description:
Annie Godfrey is an experienced entrepreneur/small business owner of Waterworks Laundry in Newark, New Jersey. She and her husband started the business in 2007, while Annie remained in her corporate career in Human Resources at the time. Due to organizational restructuring, she took the plunge into full-time business ownership in 2018. Now, she is on a journey to empower the youth, creating businesses that the community needs, and providing services that separate her from the competition. In this episode of S.T.A.R.V.E. Talk, Annie sits down with J Haleem and takes a deep dive into the subject of entrepreneurship.
Show Notes:
3:07 - J Haleem Welcomes Annie to the Show
4:20 - Annie talks about the beginning of WaterWorks, established 2007
6:34 - Annie speaks on transitional moments in her business
8:08 - J Haleem and Annie discuss the differences in workforce generations and their behavior in the workplace
10:02 - Annie’s thoughts on creating a business people need versus following trends
11:57 - That moment when you would use your services
14:33 - The “Shock” Factor when customers discover WaterWorks is black-owned
16:57 - J Haleem speaks on the importance of being able to articulate your business
22:00 - Annie speaks on the importance of listening to young people
24:33 - J Haleem asks Annie to define “victory,” and what it means to her
29:07 - J Haleem speaks on his HBCU experience with entrepreneurship
30:16 - Annie’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
34:42 - Annie speaks on the danger of business being “under” capitalized
38:35 - The importance of partnerships & the limitations on free money
41:26 - Volunteering - the way to serve to learn
48:02 - What S.T.A.R.V.E. means to Annie
52:06 - J Haleem gives Annie her flowers
To connect with Annie:
Websites: https://www.waterworkslaundry.com
https://www.smartsuds.com
Instagram: @waterworkslaundry
Facebook: 970Bergen
