We had the good fortune of connecting with Kae Gruner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kae, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all started when I became an intellectual property lawyer and noticed friends sliding into my DM’s to ask questions about their business ideas. I realized quickly that (1) I had the knowledge they needed to take meaningful steps towards launching a new business, and (2) I had a blast doing it!

I also learned quickly that the costs of lawyers are often a barrier to entry for many everyday entrepreneurs. After giving birth to my first baby, I had a new freedom from studies and career for the first time in years. As I breastfed and brainstormed, I crafted prompts to help future entrepreneurs to answer the questions they didn’t know they needed to ask. I simplified the process into a fillable workbook so that everyday entrepreneurs could take the reigns to validate, build, and legally protect their ideas without a lawyer.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Almost every person I’ve ever met has a big idea… some little seed of entrepreneurship that they just can’t stop thinking about! But for most, “reality sets in”, and they never actually pursue their business dream due to limitations of time, money, & other resources. Although the internet has so much free information available, the curious want-repreneur can feel overwhelmed within minutes of typing “how do I start a business” into the search bar.

That’s where I saw a massively underserved community… hiring business lawyers and coaches are expensive, and sifting through all of the free information is impossible for anybody with a full-time job, school, or even a family to care of. My vision for a better world includes entrepreneurship for all… but REALLY for all. A platform and community that includes a combination of free & affordable DIY resources that are crafted and curated mindfully of the everyday entrepreneur’s needs. So I mapped out the fundamental milestones to take a dream business from idea to launch and simplified the process so that everyday entrepreneurs could take the reigns to validate, build, and legally protect their ideas (as much as possible without a lawyer).

My biggest pain point as a business owner is time. I work full-time as a corporate lawyer, and I have a toddler running around at home. I’m spending my free hours during the week working on my business (Start Up Heart Up), including connecting directly with small business owners in my Tik Tok & Instagram communities (18k+ strong!). I’ve already created, self-published, and launched my guided interactive business planning & strategy book called “Idea to Launch” and am currently working on my digital course- an affordable alternative for an early stage entrepreneur to hiring a lawyer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me, a perfect day in Atlanta comprises doing morning rooftop yoga overlooking the beltline with Yogabrielle, followed by coffee and breakfast at Pancake Social. After we’re full, we’d explore the shops at Ponce, specifically Citizen Supply to support local business owners & artisans, and of course the indie bookstore Posman Books. A stroll down the beltline could take us to Piedmont Park where there is always good people watching! If we have the time, I’d take them for the long hike at Stone Mountain during the day. For dinner, my fav-fav spot has got to be La Grotta with the yummiest rich, truffle-covered pasta (and all the wine)! For evening entertainment, the rooftop and lobby bars at Hotel Claremont will provides hours of entertainment and good vibes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to the day-dreamers who never give up on listening to their hearts and following their passions.

Website: www.startupheartup.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lawyerkae

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaegruner/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lawyerkae

Facebook: www.facebook.com/startupheartup

Image Credits
Coda Photography

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