#20: 5 Tips for How to Start a Small Business with Amir Mostafavi of South Block
Whether you’re starting a small business, building your personal brand, or just trying to expand your network, it’s important to embrace the power of community. And today’s guest has built several successful stores around the idea that hope, opportunity, and kindness will take you far.
Amir Mostafavi is the founder of South Block, a juice bar in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia area. Amir runs his business with a pretty simple mindset: Make people feel awesome and treat them with respect. It’s served him well, and with nearly two decades of experience, he’s seen plenty along the way.
Highlights of our conversation include:
One of the top lessons Amir has learned from running a small business – and why that same lesson makes leading a company so exciting. (1:30)
The number one, simple and effective rule South Block has followed and how it’s led to building a strong connection with the community. (5:00)
What South Block is doing to provide coronavirus relief to people within the community and how Amir got his start in small business. (7:35)
Why having a connection with people is critical for any small business, and how you can help build your community. (11:30)
The four core values of South Block and the cool way the company promotes them. (15:20)
Believe in Yourself: Everything starts with you and your own unique abilities.
Spread Good Vibes: Make meaningful connections and make people feel awesome.
Small Acts Have Big Impacts: The little things we do daily can really make a big difference – especially right now.
We Are One Block: Recognize what makes us different, but together, we’re all one community.
Amir’s start in small business by working at his father’s video store growing up, and the ways his father’s entrepreneurial career has given him inspiration in his own business goals. (18:53)
How working on a college campus introduced Amir to the positive impact having a brand community can have. (23:40)
Some of the challenges Amir has seen while running a business, including trying to run one during a pandemic – and how he’s found solutions to these obstacles. (28:00)
South Block’s story of becoming the first juice bar on the East Coast to serve any kind of açaí bowls, and the growth in popularity of those options. (35:35)
Amir’s top three artists and works of art, including MasPaz and MISS CHELOVE, Andy Warhol, and Wynwood Walls in Miami. (37:52)
What’s Next with Amir Mostafavi?
Check out South Block’s website and on Instagram and be sure to give Amir a follow on Instagram, too.
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