Talnts Inc., a Woodland Hills social network for content creators and other talented individuals

Employees: 9

Financials: Raised $1.5 million in investment over past year

What led you to start your own business?

The need to start something myself that I could be proud of, being my own boss and making a difference.

Where did you get the startup money?

The company was bootstrapped with money I had saved up over the years.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far?

Finding the right partners to trust that have the same vision and passion for the future of Talnts.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?

Don’t trust anyone; be firm, honest and don’t be afraid of people not liking you. Be yourself, always. A lot of my advisers told me to tone it down and cover up my tattoos in meetings with investors. And what I found out is that I got more respect from them by being me and showing people I know what I talk about. Don’t dress a certain way to get people to like you. Be authentic.

How many hours a day do you put in?

In the office, about 10 hours. Out of the office, anywhere from two hours to eight.

You’re younger than many peers in your industry. Is that a challenge?

Both yes and no. Some people seem to always think they know better than you, always. And some actually understand that we young entrepreneurs know a lot, too, about our field and got this far by being smart and willing to adapt and learn.

Would you start another company?

Yes.

Could you ever work for someone else?

I am not cut out to work for other people. I simply can’t do it. I have always been this way. It doesn’t motivate me if it isn’t all or nothing.

What do you do to unwind?

I work out every single morning. That is my free time to unwind.

– Sandro Monetti