Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Yan.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My journey to where I am at today was a long one. I worked at a family-owned IT company for 23 years. I started when I was 17. Over the 23 years, I learned so much about technology. I immersed myself in all facets of the company’s departments to better position myself as a reliable employee and resource. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t do, from scheduling service calls, doing IT assessments, generating sales, and helping with tech support. I am by no means an IT technician, but I am a technology professional.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry can be very lonely. I always felt like I was never heard or seen. I had to work harder to get acknowledged. No matter how hard I worked, I thought it was never enough. At times it got very exhausting trying to prove my worth. When you start to feel this way, you become unmotivated and unhappy.
After 23 years, and during the Pandemic, I decided that I needed to do something for myself and my family. It was a tough decision as the world was going through unprecedented times. No one knew what was going to happen in the future. All I knew was that something needed to change. And that’s when I decided to start my own business. I started my business in 2021. I took everything I learned and absorbed through the 23 years of experience and applied it to my business today. My company just celebrated its 2nd anniversary on June 6, 2023. Through the support from my friends and family, I was able to work through all of the challenges any startup business faces. To this day, my company continues to grow and is more successful than ever. It was one of my best decisions for myself and my future.
Since becoming a business owner, I have accomplished so much. I became a certified minority woman-owned business. I lead two women’s groups. I wrote a chapter in a book that was released, I am a counselor and coach through the Urban League Metropolitan St. Louis to help minority and women-owned businesses, and I was on a panel for Tech STL. I was a judge for the Washington University School of Business Olin Cup Challenge, and I was just awarded Top 100 People to know in St. Louis by Small Business Monthly. These past 2 years have brought out the best version of me anyone has ever seen.
Starting my business was for more than just me. I want to use my business to help pave the way for other women in technology. I want women to know that they are not alone. I want to provide resources and guidance to other small business owners so that they can succeed. This is the legacy I want to leave for my children so that they create their dreams, be happy in the path they choose, and give back to the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I faced a lot of challenges over the years. I knew that being a business owner, you can’t do everything alone. And if you do, you’re spreading yourself too thin. I was faced with hiring challenges. Finding the right person for certain positions was challenging as the world went through pivotal times. Another challenge I faced as a new business owner was rebranding myself. Since coming from a company that I had been at for 23 years, that is how everyone knew of me. However, when I started my own business, I had to get out there and rebrand what I now represent. Among those challenges, you need more resources, like any other start-up business, financial capital resources to stay open, resources for finding partnerships for support if you still need to get your w-2 employees, and resources for marketing your business. Within the first 2 years, everything has been a learning experience for me. One of the things I did before starting my business was create an advisory board. My advisory board consists of business owners who have had their businesses for 20-plus years. My advisory board provided me with guidance through all of my challenges. Without their guidance, I would not be where I am at today.
We’ve been impressed with C Three Business Consultants LLC, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
C Three Business Consultants LLC is located in St. Louis, Missouri. We serve clients all over the United States. We can provide exceptional services or cost-effective replacement solutions. We have helped many businesses with sustainability and growth. The owner of C Three Business Consultants LLC has over 25 years of experience being immersed in the Business and Technology industry. With her experience, she has helped businesses of all sizes and government entities find peace of mind and, most importantly, helped them reduce costs. C Three Business Consultants is a certified Woman Minority Owned business looking to pave the way for women in technology. We strive to help other small and minority businesses be able to succeed! We are accredited through MODOT, the State of Missouri, NWBOC, and SBA with WMBE/EDWOSB/DBE certifications. C Three Business Consultants specializes in Managed I.T. Services, Digital Surveillance Installs and Maintenance, Website Development, and more. On the business side of things, we specialize in expense consulting, business processes, and more. Our goal is to increase productivity and reduce costs. We are known for our superior, timely services. We listen to our client’s needs and provide timely and within-budget solutions. We pride ourselves on being there for our clients through their business life, not just when they need us. We are a trusted resource with over 25 years of experience in the business and technology industry.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people don’t know I have been in technology for 25 years, which is unheard of for my age. They always seem surprised when I tell them. Another surprising fact about me that no one knows is that I played softball inside the St. Louis Cardinal Stadium when it was first built. I have also ridden as a passenger in a race car at what is now called the World Wide Technology race track.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.c3bc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C3businessconsultants
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c-three-business-consultants/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-y-04914110/
