We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ethan Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Ethan, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The thing that I am most proud of building is a customer base that trusts and treats us like we are family. They trust us with codes to their home, driving their cars that cost as much as some homes, and supporting us in businessbut also in our personal growth and development in life. One of my customers is my “mentor” now and has taught me so much , and i’m very thankful for that. But all of my other customers share tips, and life experiences that may help me when I ask or they know an area that I may be struggling with. So what I am most prod of building that nobody see’s is my own little community through my business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ethan and I am now 23 years old. I have been in business for 4 years. It has been a great experience that has helped me build confidence in myself and my craft. I have done things that I never could’ve even dreamed of being capable of, and met people that I never thought I’d be in the same room with , let alone have a meaningful conversation with them . That has honestly been my favorite and most interesting part of my job, besides the cool cars I get to work on . I’ve grown my mobile detailing business to a 6 figure business after starting out the trunk of my Toyota Camry during covid, i have learned a lot and have had some setbacks but we keep pushing and surpassing our goals!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I was very insecure and had very limiting beliefs about what I was capable of doing. My business has helped me see just the beginning of what I am capable of. As a kid I could’ve told you that I wanted to own a business, but if you would’ve asked me what it would be I would’ve told you, ” I don’t know, there isn’t anything I’m great at, or really inspired to do” , or “I’m too shy” or “Why would anyone buy anything from me , I’m just a kid”. The last one I delt with even into the first year or two of my business, especially when trying to sell more premium services. But as I did more cars, bigger services, and nicer cars, I was slowly able to change that mindset . Nowadays I’m able to keep a positive mindset for the most part, but sometimes that thought still pops up in the back of my head.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That sometimes you just have to go for it. Suffering often forces you to confront your fears and push beyond your comfort zone because you have no other choice besides just staying the same. This can lead to unexpected opportunities and a deeper understanding of what you can do, something that a steady path of success rarely provides, or needs because as they say “If it isn’t broke why fix it” or something like that. The willingness to take risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, becomes a valuable lesson learned through suffering and just needing anything to work.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are getting it wrong by trying to perfect something before getting started or releasing whatever service/product that they provide. Sometimes you just need to take that step, as I feel most work is only 50% knowledge of your craft and the other 50% is experience. There is a lot of different business and detailing skills that I would’ve never learned until actually dealing with a customer or being in certain conditions. Also you will actually start getting feedback from real people that aren’t you. There is things you will never thing about until someone else mentions it, or you may have even heard it before but sometimes someone can explain it in a way that makes a lot more sense to you.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I simply hope that people remember me as a good person who built something valuable for future generations, and that I positively impacted their lives, whether financially or by serving as an inspiration or mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trueshinesd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trueshinesandiego/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/true-shine-sd-san-diego?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: Google Business Page: https://share.google/nbzBe5aDDBe1FQmWI
