"I truly believe that my business started to sustainably grow once I allowed myself to grow as well" with Laura Rike

Laura Rike is a Pinterest Powerhouse who helps high-performing business owners, content creators & influencers grow PROFITABILITY the right way with SUSTAINABLE systems.

She has helped clients and students bring in over 50k+ in monthly revenue. Her clients have become industry leaders with 6-figure businesses and are growing sustainably by ranking on the first page of Google and getting targeted email leads daily.

With over 3.2 Million monthly viewers on Pinterest alone, Laura has been featured as a guest on podcasts like Tailwind, Ultimate Marketer, and Twin Cities Collective. She lives in Minnesota with her family and can be found online at laurarike.com.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I am a mom of three. After starting out as a virtual assistant over ten years ago, I was burnt out and felt like I had no energy to share with my kiddos or family when it mattered most to them! I had established myself as a sought-after Virtual Assistant who rocked the house with her design and tech skills, but I was hitting walls trying to expand my business online and make more moola while sharing some much-needed snuggles with my kids. So I took some time figuring out what I truly loved and wanted to be doing day in and day out. That's when my true passion for graphic design and Pinterest morphed into my daily life!

What inspired you to start your business?

My desire to help serve others, plus the longing to be able to stay at home with my kiddos was a huge motivator. While pursuing my desire to help others, I realized that I could not only help, but bring in an income that would support my family in a way we hadn’t seen before.

Where is your business based?

My agency is 100% virtually run, but I currently live with my family in Minnesota.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The first step I truly took when realizing I had a gift for design and Pinterest was to reach out to my previous virtual assistant clients, letting them know the amazing shift that was happening and asking if they knew anyone that might need help. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

First and foremost - traffic from Pinterest to my website was most impactful. My website is built with a number of digital products, services as well as my blog, where I educate entrepreneurs on the power of Pinterest through written tutorials, which are sometimes supported with video training too!

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

One of my biggest challenges was growth. I felt like I kept hitting a wall. I would hire an assistant, only for them to outgrow the position a year or so later. Being only one individual trying to take on the world was posing a challenge. I eventually hired a coach who helped me put together a structure and plan that kept my team happy, educated continually, and growing with me instead of outgrowing me.

How do you stay focused?

I have a number of calendars with different names in my google calendar that each has a specific purpose. One is for the delivery of products and services, one for lead generation, and another for personal development. I break out my days and weeks with what needs to be done in each calendar and make sure to time block accordingly. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I believe that there’s enough air for everybody to breathe - I don’t feel like I have to worry about anyone else out there. There's no such thing as competition in my eyes - there are only mentors, mentees, collaboration opportunities, and friends.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

My most effective marketing strategy is Pinterest ads that lead to my free masterclass that helps people discover the simple blueprint we've used to avoid common mistakes, establish authority, and truly take your Pinterest marketing strategy to the next level!

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Most entrepreneurs skip personal investments because those investments seem disconnected from their businesses and services. If an entrepreneur has an extra hour, for example, they may prefer to invest in their agency over-investing in themselves. I would urge them to reconsider. I was once challenged by the idea that if I can’t make time for my own personal development and invest in myself… How can I convince others to invest in me? I truly believe that my business started to sustainably grow once I allowed myself to grow as well.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

From the Trash Man to the Cash Man: How Anyone Can Get Rich Starting from Anywhere by Myron Golden, because Myron makes you think outside of the box. He asks the truly difficult questions and helps you move past the myths and get to the real things that can move you forward.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite tool is slack. It helps me stay organized and productive with my team. I can be nursing my daughter, or heading into an interview for a podcast and still feel connected to them. It helps us feel like a family and staying up to date on everything taking place with our clients and the agency. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

I would say, my mom. Even though she is not an entrepreneur, she was the primary breadwinner for our house growing up. Seeing all that she did, sacrificed, and gave to us so that we could have a better life was inspiring to me. It is what I hope to be able to do for my children as they grow up, while also leaving a legacy and my agency for them in the future. 

How do you balance work and life?

I don’t believe in balance. I believe in a perfectly unbalanced life. Nothing is going to ever be perfectly balanced, so I strive to be unbalanced. Making sure things get done on time, that everyone I come in contact with leaves with a smile, and feels supported in some way -  whether that be my family or my clients - is more important to me than balance. To do this, I continually work on my calendars (mentioned above) and just keep my mind on the things that truly matter.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

A calm hot bubble bath with a good book or movie and a bath bomb!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I’m planning to create a number of mini-workshops that help make Pinterest more attractive and attainable for other entrepreneurs looking to grow their business.

How can our readers connect with you?

1. Website: https://laurarike.com 

2. Masterclass: https://laurarike.com/pinterest-marketing-strategy 

3. Facebook: https://facebook.com/laurarike

4. Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/laurarike 

5. Instagram: https://instagram.com/laurarike 

6. Twitter: https://twitter.com/laura_rike 

7. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarike/ 

8. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LauraRikePinterest

"You don’t need an MBA to build a business, you just need the grit to see your idea through" with Lisa Curtis

Lisa Curtis is the Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli, the leading brand pioneering a new sustainably sourced superfood called moringa. Moringa is a protein-rich leafy green, more nutritious than kale, with anti-inflammatory benefits rivaling turmeric. Kuli Kuli’s moringa powders, bars, and wellness shots are sustainably sourced from African women and other small farmers around the world and sold in 11,000 U.S. stores. Lisa began working on Kuli Kuli while serving in the Peace Corps and, alongside her amazing team, has grown it into a multi-million dollar social enterprise. Learn more at  www.kulikulifoods.com and www.lisamariecurtis.com. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?  

Prior to starting Kuli Kuli, I served as the Communications Director at Mosaic where I managed a team of six to grow the company from zero to over $5M invested in solar through Mosaic’s online marketplace. Previously, I wrote political briefings for President Obama in the White House, served as a United Nations Environment Programme Youth Advisor, and worked at an impact investment firm in India. I've been recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30, Inc Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders list and have been featured in numerous outlets including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

What inspired you to start your business?

After feeling weak as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, I turned to moringa to regain my strength. Moringa is a local superfood that helps with malnutrition, but few people benefit from it. I found that the women in my village saw no reason to grow moringa when there was no market demand. I started Kuli Kuli to tackle the twin challenges of malnutrition and obesity that plague our global community. In the US there are millions of people looking for all-natural ways to nourish their busy lifestyles, just as there are a billion people around the world just looking for nourishment to survive. Investing in agriculture is, hands down, the most effective method of reducing poverty, but investment in agriculture has been declining for the past two decades.

I saw the rise of greens – from green juices to kale smoothies – and the popularity of superfoods such as quinoa, chia, and acai. As a green superfood with strong medicinal benefits, moringa is a superfood that resonates with the US population, while supporting women moringa farmers around the world. Upon returning to the US from the Peace Corps, I founded Kuli Kuli, a mission-driven business, to drive economic growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agricultural development by selling sustainably sourced moringa products.

Kuli Kuli is now the leading brand pioneering the superfood moringa. Moringa is a protein-rich leafy green, more nutritious than kale, with anti-inflammatory benefits rivaling turmeric. Kuli Kuli’s moringa powders, smoothie mixes, bars, and wellness shots are sustainably sourced from African women and other small farmers around the world and sold in 11,000 U.S. stores.

Where is your business based?

Oakland, CA 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Together with a few amazing friends who became co-founders, we handmade moringa products in a commercial kitchen that we tested in farmers’ markets. Then we did a crowdfunding campaign that helped us launch into retail in 2014, and in 2016 Whole Foods Market noticed our success in Northern California and launched us nationwide. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I’m a huge believer in the power of storytelling. I tell my story to everyone I can, and especially to the media. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

I had so much self-doubt when I first started Kuli Kuli. I thought I was too young, too inexperienced, too nice, too “female” to scale a startup. Everyone told me I was crazy to start a company selling a superfood no one had ever heard of, and source it from small African farmers. I've since found that with enough passion, grit, and hard work, anything is possible. The key is finding the people who are crazy enough to believe in your vision, and who have strengths that complement yours. Believe in yourself, find others who believe, and build something great.  

How do you stay focused?

I evaluate every new opportunity carefully. If it’s not a “hell yeah”, then it’s a “hell no.” 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

As Kuli Kuli has grown the market for moringa, there have been a lot of competitors entering the space, particularly online where there are no quality standards. However, Kuli Kuli is proud that many consumers have recognized the high quality of our moringa, giving us over 60% market share in the US. We're constantly innovating, creating incredible new products and gift packs at kulikulifoods.com to surprise and delight our customers. We plan to stay in the game for the long-haul as we know a mission as important as ours can't be accomplished overnight.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

We’ve found that the press has been our most effective marketing strategy, both in sending thoughtful, customized pitches to the press, and people reading my thought leadership pieces on Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisacurtis.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

My best advice is that you don’t need an MBA to build a business, you just need the grit to see your idea through. I hope that I can be an example for other founders, female founders, in particular, showing that no matter your background, you too can build a multi-million dollar business. I started this company at age 23 without any industry experience, and together with my amazing team, have grown Kuli Kuli into a multi-million dollar business with an investment from incredible partners such as Kellogg, Griffith Foods, and leading venture capital firms.  

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I love Headspace, a meditation app to calm my mind before bed. I’m a big fan of Brad Feld’s blog for his actionable advice. I love the book by Muhammed Yunus Building Social Businesses as it inspired me to start a social enterprise.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I’m a big fan of SMART goals. I’m extremely goal-oriented and believe that if you set a goal with a clear strategy you can accomplish anything.  

Who is your business role model? Why?

I really admire Chris Mann, the founder of Guayaki, for the way that he has pioneered yerba mate in the US and done it with a strong focus on social and environmental justice.

How do you balance work and life?

I don’t. I actually think that the idea of “balance” can be counterproductive. Sometimes my work is all-engrossing and I work all the time. Sometimes, as with the recent birth of my daughter, life becomes all-engrossing and I work way less. I think the key is to know where to focus your time at any given moment and not beat yourself up for working too much or too little.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I'm a big believer in self-care. The more stressed I am, the more I sleep, exercise, and eat healthy foods. I've been running a startup for long enough that I understand the ups and downs of the rollercoaster. When your startup inevitably faces challenges, it’s so easy to try to solve those challenges by working all the time, losing sleep, and stopping exercise. This puts you in a mental space where you’re least prepared to solve challenges. No matter how busy I feel, I take care of myself so that I can take care of anything the world throws at me.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Kuli Kuli is launching a really exciting new product in February. Join our email list at www.kulikulifoods.com to be the first to get access to it. 

How can our readers connect with you?

I’d love to connect with your readers! I’m active on social media – lisacurtis on Twitter and lisamcurtis on Instagram, as well as Lisa Marie Curtis on Facebook and LinkedIn. Kuli Kuli also has a great social media presence @kulikulifoods.

"Build an advisory team of mentors, peers, coaches that can guide you and assist you through this journey" with Nancy Sabino

Nancy Sabino is the CEO and Co-Founder of SabinoCompTech. An IT firm serving SMB’s in the legal, accounting, and private healthcare spaces with The Awesome IT Way®, an Outsourced Internal IT Department in a box providing Guidance, Management, Maintenance, and Security. Nancy has led SabinoCompTech to be an award-winning firm ranking among the top 501 MSPs in the world, DigiMaster of the Year for outstanding service, and named a thought-leader by Women of the Channel as well as 40 Under 40 for Houston Business Journal.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

At the age of 22, Nancy Sabino and her husband Angel co-founded SabinoCompTech, an Outsourced Internal IT department for small and medium-sized businesses. Self-taught with a couple of years of experience in the IT world they wanted to take on the IT industry on their own. In 2015 Nancy was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program where she gained validation and learned new skills which allowed her to lead SabinoCompTech to a new era of growth and value-driven service to their clients.

In 2016, within a matter of months, she transformed the entire business model of SabinoCompTech bringing focus and specialization to their service offering and creating the business that it is today.

Nancy has led SabinoCompTech to join the ranks of the Global List of the top 501 IT managed service providers, the MSP 501 in 2018 and were awarded 3rd place for MSP of the Year as well as win DigiMaster of the Year in 2019, placing in the Top 50 on the MSP 501 list in 2020, being honored as a Woman of the Channel 2020 and Houston Business Journal’s 40 under 40 2020.

Nancy is passionate about business, marketing, diversity, equality, tattoos, and inspiring others to dream big and be an example to other girls that with hard work, dedication, and the right resources, they can be successful. Nancy and Angel are high school sweethearts who have raised 2 kids while building their business. One of those kids is planning to take over.

What inspired you to start your business?

I felt that there was a pain that small business owners had in translating their technology and compliance needs and what was out in the market or how the services were handled. I wanted to help in that translation so that business owners could be not only compliant but trust that their technology was going to work for them and not against them. I wanted to help them understand technology so they can use it to their advantage and to gain a footing over competitors through technology.

Where is your business based?

We are based out of Katy, Texas which is a small city outside of Houston, Texas. Thanks to technology and the internet we have clients all over though!

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I started with a set of questions that then led my direction and the action I was going to take. I asked who was I wanted to work with? What pain did I want to solve? Then I asked myself how I was going to solve that pain. And finally, what will that take? Once I had the answers for that, I started to put a plan together making a list of ideal clients, how to approach them, answering the pain call, and starting to figure out staff, and process. All of this before figuring out a name and getting the legal stuff done. I was not going to do all the legal requirements if the business was not going to be viable.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Networking has been a great effective but slow way to raise awareness as well as educational webinars, and podcast features.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

One challenge for me, being a woman CEO in the IT industry has been imposter syndrome and feeling like I didn’t belong. I had to accept that I am different and that I will be treated differently but where there are those that will look down on you, there are also supporters and allies. What I saw as a weakness I now see as one of my greatest strengths now just in business but in forming relationships etc.

How do you stay focused?

I schedule my time for everything I have to do and I stick to that schedule. If it’s on my calendar that’s what I am doing during that time. I also have to prioritize items, actions, etc. so that if something pops up that isn’t on my schedule I can assess whether it needs to be added later to my schedule, whether I need to move something else, or if it even needs to be on my schedule and if it’s something that could be delegated.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

My business reflects who I am, my values, my experience, and my point of view. This means that our brand is bold, our service model is all-inclusive and our service is personable, our employees are able to enjoy a work-life balance, and our clients are largely women-owned businesses. All of these items create an environment where people feel cared for and valued which I think differentiates us from other IT providers.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

I think it’s been a combination where we started a referral program along with prospect education around the major pain points we deal with.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Build an advisory team of mentors, peers, coaches, etc that can guide you and assist you through this journey. They will be invaluable in all aspects of your business and life. They will hold you accountable and celebrate your wins with you. They will be a source of inspiration and support when you are running low or feel like you are alone and they will help to motivate you. 100% necessary in the journey of an entrepreneur.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

Teams would have to be my favorite app because it allows me to stay in constant communication with my team. Not just on a business or day to day level but we can have some fun through it as well.

I don’t have a favorite blog per se but more of a Reddit channel for businesses like mine. It helps me stay on top of what the chatter is in the industry, what the boots on the ground are seeing, and if we need to make pivots in our business.

My favorite book of all time has to be The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz. As entrepreneurs, we can get carried away with the notion of being helpful which leads us to try to be all things for all people which is not always conducive to business or trying to have some sort of life outside of work. He gives great tips and examples of how to bring focus to what you do. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Microsoft Office 365 because for a small cost it not only gives you the basics like Word, Excel, etc but it also offers cloud email, online calendar booking, notebooks, storage, project software, to-do app, and so many other tools that are useful to make your day to day easier including collaborating with your team or clients. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

Marcus Lemonis because of the way he approaches business. People, Product, Process. Each is needed in running and growing any businesses and each needs careful attention. It shows us that business is personal as well and that there is room for compassion in business.

How do you balance work and life?

It is all about integration and balancing where and when you can. My kids have grown up in our offices. They have been around and even participated in business conversations as they have grown older. It gets easier the more mature the business is as you have a team in place, processes in place and you can step away from more often.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

A VR workout with the app Supernatural followed by a meditation. It allows me to get any extra energy out and to process my day.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I will be continuing to ride out this coronavirus havoc while taking care of our clients and enrolling prospects who are waiting to join our outsourced IT department program, The Awesome IT Way®. I am also launching a new business which I should have up and running within six months and finally I am planning a small getaway with my husband.

How can our readers connect with you?

I’d love to connect with your readers especially to talk business and all things entrepreneurship. You can follow me on Instagram @nancysabinosct as well as on LinkedIn and FaceBook @NancySabino. You can also check out my website: nancysabino.com to learn more about me and my company.

"Never be afraid to ask questions" with Abby Taylor

Abby Taylor is Co-Founder and CMO of Playa Bowls, New Jersey’s original superfruit bowl franchise. Avid surfers, Abby and Playa Bowls co-founder Rob Giuliani conceptualized the company while exploring surf breaks around the world, where they noticed that versions of superfruit acai and pitaya bowls feature prominently in the surfer diet. Inspired by the unique flavors and driven by their desire to share the delicious healthy discovery with family and friends, Abby and Rob brought their own twist on bowls back to the Jersey Shore, setting up the first Playa Bowls location - a single umbrella stand on the boardwalk. A fine artist by training with a BFA from Salisbury University, Abby also oversees the creative identity of the Playa Bowls brand from the design of each of the 85+ franchise locations, to the menus. In 2019, Abby was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list and received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Award for Innovation.

When she’s not at Playa Bowls, Abby is surfing Playa Maria in Rincon, Puerto Rico, or the waves in her hometown of Bradley Beach, New Jersey.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Since I can remember, I’ve always felt at home at the beach. I’ve been surfing since I was a little kid, and was a very creative child. When it came time for me to choose a college I didn't take it too seriously. I decided to go to Salisbury in Maryland, mainly because I could surf in Ocean City all year long. In the beginning, I felt like it really was a waste of time and I struggled to pass my general education classes. I felt like I should be out living my life but was trapped. As soon as it got to my major (Graphic Design) and the creative portion of my college experience I really began to excel. It was like something just clicked. 

What inspired you to start your business?

After graduating, I was fortunate to be able to travel to surf some of the tropical locations I had always dreamed of. In order to do so, I was bartending all summer, saving my money, and traveling all winter. I have surfed in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, California, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. I loved living a life that way and didn't really know exactly what to do with my life. During my travels, I noticed that each different country had its version of an Acai bowl and got hooked. When I got back to the states, I would try and recreate them for my friends and family. I needed to share what I’d learned about their unique flavors and health benefits with everyone I knew!  

Where is your business based?

Belmar NJ is where our Flagship store is. We have 95+ locations in the Continental US and Puerto Rico.  

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I wanted to bring Acai and surfing together at the Jersey Shore. I was sick of eating boardwalk pizza and heavy food at lunchtime and then heading back to the beach to surf. There was a need for something healthy and delicious and Playa Bowls filled that need. My co-founder Rob and I set up a totally illegal small cart operation on the side of the road in Belmar NJ, with an old patio table, a refrigeration unit, an umbrella, and a power cord running from a neighboring Pizza restaurant. We walked up and down the beach and told the story of Acai to everyone who would listen. One day we looked up and realized there were twenty people in line at our little stand. We knew people loved the product and it was a great way to test the market before moving to our first permanent location in Belmar.  

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Social Media has been the most effective tool for us. Specifically, on Instagram, we’ve been able to authentically communicate who we are, and have found a dedicated, engaged group of people who have responded positively to that. It’s been a driver for both sales and marketing, especially when we’re introducing stores in new markets.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

In the immediate, navigating coronavirus has definitely been a challenge. We have stores in several different states and have had to work with them to ensure they are in adherence to each of their local government’s rules and regulations. We’ve also been working with our franchisees on navigating the requirements for the various loan and grant programs available to them. In terms of overcoming these challenges, I think communication has been key. Our core leadership team is in touch all day long, and we’re in regular contact with our franchise partners. Everything changes so quickly these days, that being adaptable is the best way to survive. Though Playa Bowls has become a gathering place in each of the communities where we have stores, we shifted our business model temporarily to take-out and delivery, working closely with third-party apps, and adding menu items like our DIY family bowl kit that would make for a better Playa Bowls experience at home. It’s working, but that being said, we’re very much looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of our customers when dine-in service resumes in all of our stores.

How do you stay focused?

I focus on my team. It’s always crazy and humbling to think of how many people rely on Playa Bowls to provide for themselves and their families. When things get crazy, I remind myself that we need to succeed, for them. I love seeing employees start at line-level and move up to shift leaders, store managers, and even upper management positions. I feel like I have a duty every day to keep Playa Bowls fun and exciting, and to keep everyone in #Pineappleland from our employees to our customers happy. That keeps me focused.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Our brand speaks for itself. We’ve created something so special because it’s authentic and our brand is a direct reflection of us as people, and our passions. This is the lifestyle I grew up in and it wasn’t easy to bring that vibe into the stores. We started as a stand and this is the true “American Dream” story. People can relate to that. There’s lots of competition out there, but their narrative isn’t as strong, so people aren’t drawn in the way they are with Playa Bowls. We knew we’d made it when people would go to other acai stands and ask for a “Playa Bowl.”

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

We started the company in the early stages of Instagram, and that’s really catapulted our success. Our bowls and products are bright and colorful and coupled with our Instagram-worthy store designs, we’ve created an environment that markets itself. Our followers are engaged; we get tagged organically in at least 50 pictures a day, each selling our brand to their followers by default. We’ve used that platform to our advantage and continue to build our business with it.  

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Never be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes I am in meetings and everyone is throwing around three-letter terms and phrases and I have no clue what they are talking about. I have no problem saying "hold on, what does that mean?" Allowing myself to learn and grow on a regular basis has made me so much more well rounded and knowledgeable. Surround yourself with smart people and utilize their strengths and never stop learning. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is definitely Instagram. I’m an artist and have been super creative, so being able to follow people who express themselves in unique ways visually is perfect for me. It’s also a great tool to keep an eye on our competition and see how messages other brands are putting out there are resonating publicly. Some of our best marketing ideas are inspired by interactions with our followers. When you can have a direct conversation with your customer, it’s so much easier to understand what they really want.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

We use a program called Canva. It’s become an important tool for use on the corporate and franchise level. It can design in-store signage, flyers, and social media posts all in one space, and allow us to share those digital assets internally with our franchisees and store managers. It allows them to design assets independently, but have someone from the brand side monitoring them to ensure everything is consistent. It really allows our brand to have a professional, consistent look and feel despite the fact that 95 different locations are creating their own tools.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Sophia Amoruso. I got hooked once I read her book GirlBoss and just really resonated with her story and her attitude. It was like she was speaking to young female founders like me.

How do you balance work and life?

You have to take time out for yourself. It’s so important for your health mentally and physically to take a step back and focus on yourself. In the beginning, I had a very hard time doing that, but as we built our team and our infrastructure, it became easier because everyone was so good at their jobs, that I knew if I stepped out to go for a surf or take a break, I could trust that what was going on back at the office was still on track. I have a lot of trust in my team, and for good reason.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I’m a workout addict. I do CrossFit 6x a week, and love to run and surf. It allows me to check out, and just let my mind wander without being stressed about work. I also love listening to true crime podcasts and going for a nice long run.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Expansion beyond New Jersey is a continued focus for us. We’ve really dominated the fast-casual healthy market here with 51 stores in New Jersey alone. We’re also going to continue our expansion out west.

How can our readers connect with you?

They can follow me personally @atay732, or our Playa Bowls page @playabowls.

"I think the process of starting a business is like building a house" with Nicole P. Brown

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I have been working in our family businesses for over twenty years. I graduated from USC and began working with my father and brother at CytoSport, a sports nutrition startup. A few years in, we launched the Muscle Milk brand of protein products. I grew up with the Brand, eventually becoming the CMO overseeing all things consumer and brand facing. We sold the business in 2014 and started a boutique flavor, innovation, and application house on the west coast called Flavor Insights. We see FI as a foundational business that we intend to keep in our family. We had always thought we would get back in the branded space and earlier this year launched the ALTWELL brand of CBD products. My role with ALTWELL is to advise on overall brand development and strategy. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

My mother has always been a ‘non-sleeper’. She has been using sleep aids since she was in her early 40s. We had an event a few years back that had us looking into more natural sleep alternatives and she discovered CBD. While the results were positive, the experience was varying. There was very little information about the products, so we began educating ourselves. Ultimately, we decided that we’d like to jump in. We wanted to bring a consistent consumer experience, we wanted to educate, we wanted to help grow the category much the same was that we grew up in and with sports nutrition.

Where is your business based?

We are located in the bay area, Northern California. It’s super convenient as California is among the largest CBD markets in the country.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Our family spent about 2 years researching the space. There’s a lot to figure out with an ever-changing legal, regulatory, and supply chain landscape. While challenging, we took out time to go about it the right way.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Building a social community where women can share their personal experiences with CBD. It’s very much a recommendation/ referral type of purchase. We want to know that women just like us are experiencing positive results. There’s comfort in knowing we aren’t the only ones awake at two in the morning and needing some sort of natural support. There’s growing consumer demand and the education piece is playing catch up. We love being a part of it.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

I think the regulatory situation is a challenge for all CBD brands. Trying to navigate a clear, safe, and responsible path forward is important. It’s not helpful that characters in the space suggest CBD can do and cure almost anything. That will change over time. Our customer’s experience is at the center of every decision that we make. We want to deliver a quality experience each and every time. That makes us hyper-focused on testing – we triple test each product before it lands in a consumer’s hands. This ensures that we know that the amount of CBD we have on our label is what is in the product. It ensures that our products are clean and safe for their recommended use. It’s an important promise.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

Again, we are providing a safe, quality, premium, and consistent CBD experience to our consumer. As mentioned, we triple test. We are a company led by women living in the category and using all of our products. Our consumers are our inspiration. Recently, a suggestion came to us that women want CBD for their period. That inspired our PMS kit. I think our close consumer connection makes us unique. I also think our previous experience in food, beverage, brand building, and our science background uniquely positions us. While it’s behind the scenes, it’s an inherent benefit to our consumers.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

Word of mouth is a powerful tool. When women like something, they like so share it and keep their crew in the know. We love community building.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

I think the process of starting a business is like building a house. Everything takes twice as long and is always more expensive than the original idea. It’s not for everyone but for the right people, it’s everything.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I love apple pay. I can’t believe how quickly I can purchase something while browsing Instagram. For blogs, I follow Melissa Wood Health. I love her approach to fitness and lifestyle. She’s light, fun, and very knowledgeable.  I should be reading more. I generally have a stack that I am trying to get through. I recently read Red Notice. I couldn’t put it down.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I love checking our sales first thing in the morning. As a newly launched brand, it’s super satisfying to see the daily progress which means consumers are accepting our idea. I also love to browse our Instagram. It’s a great real-time connection and the positive feedback validates why we jumped in. It inspires us and reinforces that we are helping. The world is a very interesting place now more than ever. People are looking for balance, comfort, and calm. We are happy to play a peaceful part.

Who is your business role model? Why? 

My dad. I have worked for him in 3 different start-ups. He’s taught me a few golden rules along the way.  1. God hates a coward. Though I am more spiritual than religious, those words remind me to just go for it. 2. There’s no plan B. Most entrepreneurs don’t have a safety net, they are all in and committed and that notion drives them. It’s why we show up. 3. This isn’t a dress rehearsal. So true. Live, love, laugh, enjoy, and appreciate.

How do you balance work and life? 

ALTWELL! Ha. Today balance is blurry. I take it day by day. Some days are far more balanced than others. I try and carve out a minute or two for me every day for a few deep breaths. With four young children, even that can be hard. Exercise helps! I try and stay connected to the people that keep me laughing. It’s hard to see enough of them. Truly, ALTWELL helps keep me balanced! It’s a part of my daily self-care routine. I never go without a Balance soft gel or our serum for my evening and morning routine. I end up adding our protein or tincture or both depending on what is going on throughout any particular day.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

It depends. I love a long, hot shower followed by a cup of tea. I always add ALTWELL a Balance soft gel to my evening routine. Alternatively, I make a mean margarita. Just squeezing the lime can give me that Ahhh! feeling.

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

A few short getaways with my family before whatever form of school starts. I like the idea of staying put during the fall. I need to get some training underway with our English Mastiff puppy that has taken to sleeping in our bed!

 How can our readers connect with you? 

@ALTWELLCBD on IG.

"One day at a time" with Jessica Perez

Jessica Perez is a passionate, sustainable, skincare developer with more than seven years of experience in the beauty industry. In 2012, she graduated from Lakeside School of massage, obtained her LMT license, and practiced for the next two years. Shortly after, she started researching and developing her own bath and body products that will later lead her to her current sustainable and clean beauty/skincare brand, LoYo Body.

What inspired you to start your business? 

Growing up with a mother that was a natural entrepreneur, she was working as a tailor for school uniforms then moved to make wedding cakes; I was always passionate about business life.  After graduating from the school of massage, I started shifting my passion from creating and making others feel good, to developing a curiosity about natural and homemade skincare. While creating my personal formulas and doing ingredient research, I quickly learned about all of the toxic ingredients in our daily regimen that are used by large companies to make our daily skincare products.  

Where is your business based?

We originated our business - LoveYourself Handmade Bath and Body - in Wisconsin, but we rebranded our new sustainable LoYo Body brand in our current location, Charlotte, NC.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

After learning about all of the harmful ingredients used by big companies to make our skincare products and with my knowledge as an LMT in how we absorbed those ingredients, I decided to research and formulate my own skincare products.  I took advantage of entrepreneur seminars and tools to learn about branding and creating a business. When I was ready, I created my first business plan and soon enough I found myself selling my products to multiple local businesses, such as Whole Foods.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

To be able to raise awareness of my business, I needed to put all my trust in what I do and have a clear goal.  Honesty with your audience is also very important.  People nowadays are more open to brands where the owner is involved with the audience.  Whether it’s newsletters, Facebook lives, and doing Instagram lives, you need to put your face out there. I also think that partnering with other small businesses has helped me in reaching more customers.  You would be surprised as to how many entrepreneurs are open to help you elevate your business.  

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was when I decided to move from Wisconsin to North Carolina.  I knew that moving to a new location would basically demand a business start-up. Redesigning my previous brand, looking for new places to sell, finding out that I could no longer sell at Whole Foods WI, trying to find a way to rebrand with a low budget, and not having a support system with me was very hard.  Many times, I suffered from imposter syndrome and thought about quitting. I pushed forward and the rebrand took me nearly two years. When I was ready to relaunch the brand, I became affected by Covid-19 and lost my full-time job.

Losing my full-time job was a very difficult reality to take in. As they say,  “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”, that’s exactly what I did.  Without a full-time job, I’ve had the opportunity to devote my time to my brand.  

How do you stay focused?

One day at a time. Yes, I have to have a long term business plan, but the only way to stay focused is to take one step at a time.  Trying to accomplish too many things at the same time will put you in an overwhelming stage. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

Demand for more sustainable brands is making news every day. I know that there are a lot of brands with sustainable household products and some eco-friendly bath care, but I have not seen a brand like mine.  LoYo Body brings clean beauty that is presented in a luxurious, yet still affordable way while offering an eco-friendly approach with recycling options.  We created a rewards program for our customers so they can recycle our LoYo jars directly with us while receiving an incentive. We are currently working on bringing the same approach to local stores including Whole Foods in North Carolina. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

I started by identifying my competitors, finding my brand pitch, and defining what makes my brand different from others.  With those two components, I started a strong campaign that is clear for my target customers. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Take the time to make a business plan, find resources for new entrepreneurs, and don’t be afraid to make bold moves.     

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I love PicMonkey. It's basically my everyday go-to to create brand content. 

Blog - I love listening to the FollowThatFear podcast on Instagram! Carmen keeps me focused and motivated with her pep talks.

My favorite book is LeapFrog.  This book is a compilation of hacks to help you advance the business world. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I love Skillshare. They host hundreds of mentors and real entrepreneurs that are sharing business hacks and seminars 24/7. They cover everything and anything. 

Who is your business role model?

I love Skin Food - SkinFood has a huge impact on the Whole Foods community and Etsy. This brand was my inspiration to partner with Whole Foods! The owner is a superwoman!

The second one is Lady Suite. I love the aesthetics and her unique approach to present her products. 

What are some of your favorite products? 

I love my own products! In the shower, I use my half-moon shaped Blue Tansy Soap and I wash my face with my Rose Glow Coconut Cleanser.  After that, I nourish my body with the Blue Luv Body Oil,  apply a few drops of Benevolent Oil on my face followed by a coat with Pink Succulent. 

 How do you balance work and life? 

I am trying to eat healthily and walk every morning. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Call my mom and sisters and watch Netflix with my kids! 

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

After the rebrand, I’ve submitted my products to over 25 retail stores around the US and received product verification requests from two of them.  My goal is to be able to start selling in at least four retail stores.  

How can our readers connect with you?

Website Loyobody.com

Email hello@loyobody.com

Instagram loyo_body

Facebook LoveYourself Body

Q&A with Female Entrepreneur, Smita Daya

Soham Photography

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My name is Smita Daya. I was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia. I left Zambia at the age of 12 to attend boarding school in England and then moved to the United States in 1980. After having worked in corporate for over 25 years, I decided it was time to follow my true passion for healthy eating. For the past 29 years, our journey has taken us to various countries where we became enthralled in the world of oils and spices. Living and traveling abroad has allowed us to explore the finest in savory spices, gourmet oils, and seasonings from home, charming ourselves and our two daughters along the way. Now a family tradition, every home-cooked meal incorporates different oils and spices, enticing our taste buds with exciting new flavors.

What inspired you to start your business?

Life is full of wonders, and we are fortunate to have lived next to an amazing Italian family (the Calamai family) for 16 years. Our lives changed when we were introduced to freshly pressed olive oils, straight from the Cantina. We grew to love fresh oils and continue to further expand our palate with gourmet olive oils, vinegars, and spices. We had the privilege to visit the Calamai family several times in Romola (near Florence), Italy and were fortunate to visit the Cantina, where the olives are first pressed. That did it, we were in love! Olea Oliva! ("The Olive Tree") is a family-owned and operated business, and we want to share this tradition with you.

Where is your business based?

Our business is based in East Cobb, Marietta Georgia. We are also an e-commerce business that ships in all 50 States.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

At the beginning of 2015, I was searching to find the right business to start that would allow me work to take care of my family. My husband, Dilip and I travelled to various countries over a period of several months to do some research on spices and olive oils. It became clear to us while travelling that we wanted to create a business where our customers know that when they buy an Extra Virgin Olive Oil from us, they are getting exactly that – the highest quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, made with attention, care and love from preferred handpicked olive groves. With a family-oriented community, and an appreciation for health and good taste, it seemed to be a perfect setting for a gourmet super spices, olive oil & vinegar taproom.

So, both Dilip and I decided to get certified in our areas of expertise. Dilip, is a certified Olive Oil Sommelier from University of California-Davis at Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Sciences, together with over 10 years of experience from Florence, Italy with the Calamai family. In addition, he is also an Industrial Chemist. I hold a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from The T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell.

It was very important for us to get certified. In a world where fast food and convenient foods devoid of nutrients have become the norm, we feel that offering people simple and quick cooking tools and techniques is more important than ever. Our passion is sharing our spices, oils and balsamic vinegars with you and getting people excited about cooking. With two daughters and a business to run we know how hard it is to plan freshly cooked, flavorful healthy meals every day. For us, these spices, oils and balsamic vinegars have changed the way we eat! Our products make creating flavorful and healthy family meals easy and fun.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness for my business is word of mouth branding. I love to partner with the community and local business owners and help empower individuals to make sound healthy choices. We offer healthy cooking workshops in the store and private venues. I have been blessed to share my passion for healthy cooking at the local senior centers, fitness centers, YMCA’s and Churches. Community development and partnering with local businesses is very important for Olea Oliva! Social Media is another effective way I have been raising awareness for my business.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

One of our biggest challenges is trying to educate the mass consumer on authentic Extra-Virgin Olive Oils, barrel-aged Italian Balsamic Vinegars and Super Spices. Since we opened our doors we’ve received so much amazing support from the Marietta and Atlanta community and local community business partners. These are our champions, our friends and the people who share our mission to spread the word about cooking real food with quality ingredients and amazing flavor combinations. We love the growing community of regular patrons - and the opportunity to serve them. We think of Olea Oliva! as a little store with BIG heart. Getting to know and understand our customers has been a rewarding experience.

How do you stay focused?

It is not always easy to balance work/life. You really have to be disciplined in so many ways. My boarding school days in England taught me a lot and having some structure in my life has helped me to balance both. I am an early riser and start my day with “me-time” and work out for an hour. This sets the tone for the rest of the day. My family is and will be the most important thing. I always plan ahead and prioritize what is important and take the time to understand what needs to get done first. Planning ahead is the key to managing the work/like balance.

Work and career are there to help us grow and enable our family to do special things together but as the old saying goes, a good work-life balance is one in which you work to live, not live to work. I have been so blessed to have such wonderful support from my family, friends and our local community! 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I differentiate myself from others by offering healthy cooking workshops on how to use super spices with Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamics by boosting flavors while maintaining high nutrition in a dish. My customers want to learn more on how to “Eat better, not less”. They want to be able to go home and provide their family with the healthier options. This is very gratifying to see!

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Hands down, it has been word of mouth and reaching out to my local community partners! I also send out my monthly workshop schedules to my database email list. We love to work with local markets and do pop-ups.

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself! Work hard. Know what you are capable of and have faith in your capabilities! Do what you do best!

What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

The internet as this allows me to work from any location.

What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

We use Shopify because of the business tools, resources and processes it provides. This platform also provides us with information about marketing campaigns and promotions. We also use Shopify for our day to day analytics and shipping.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My father, who taught me how to run a business at a very young age of 18. Always giving me strength and courage to fulfill my goals and face my fears. Love you, Dad, for always challenging me to do my best!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Growth, author another cook book, and start to teach at culinary schools!

How can our readers connect with you?

Olea Oliva!
The Avenue East Cobb
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1000
Marietta, GA 30062

Website: www.oleaoliva.com

Phone: Tel: (770) 321-0099

Email: info@oleaoliva.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleaolivaUSA/

Top 15 Women to Watch in 2018 this International Women's Day

To celebrate International Women's Day, we've scoured the web to find the most promising female entrepreneurs.  Here is the first list of women who are disrupting their industries and making changes to female entrepreneurship in a big way.  This list focuses on the up and coming female entrepreneurs rather than the usual suspects.

Meet the women who are paving the way to make a change as well as the future for the younger generations. 

Clarissa Shetler, Co-founder, C2 California Clean, Doctor of Pharmacy

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Understanding that we may have to work twice as hard as a male but it's all worth it.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Connect with other business women. Don't be shy and reach out. Females want to help other females succeed. We always love helping others and sharing our advice.

Danni Lin, Founder and CEO, GREAT WINE, Inc.

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

We still see many women living with gender stereotyping and gender inequality. The biggest social assumption is that family should always be a woman’s top and only priority in life, not her career or passion.

As a female entrepreneur, I always think that confidence is the roots of beauty. Every woman is unique and uniquely beautiful because they all have a different life experience.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

There will be ups and downs in the progress of setting up a business. At the up times, you may want to ride on the tides and go faster. At down times, remain confident and work hard to achieve your goals. Successful entrepreneurs are people who do not give up.

Danielle Tate, Founder & CEO MissNowMrs.com

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Overcoming fear of failure is a huge challenge. Instead of the glass ceiling of Corporate America, we have the "sticky floor" of entrepreneurship. Amazing women can think of every reason why they are under-qualified to start a company, why it will fail, or why someone else would do a better job as the founder.

It's incredibly frustrating to have these conversations. Statistics have shown that women entrepreneurs return a significantly higher ROI than men, and I believe we have a moral obligation to solve the problems we encounter or no one else will.

Once we have our startups, finding funding as a woman is difficult. I'm excited to see more and more women-focused venture funds and hope to see more women have huge exits that give them the ability to become angel investors in women-led startups. It will take time, but positive change is coming.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Begin with the end in mind. Pinpointing exactly what you want out of your startup before you start will help you make strategic decisions that make your dream a reality. Knowing if you want to build a lifestyle company, versus a 3-year flip, or ten-year unicorn will make finding a co-founder or investors with a similar vision easier. It also helps you avoid waking up 5 years into a business and realizing you don't have the company or life that makes you happy.

Michelle Lewis, Visibility Expert and Founder of Visibility Vixen 

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

I believe this is the most opportunistic time in history for female entrepreneurs online.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Do your research, don’t just jump. Know your purpose, find your unique voice in your industry, outline your product path. I see the most frustration from people because they want an entrepreneur lifestyle, but they spend months struggling with no income because these steps aren’t in place.

Kristen Baird, CEO and CVO, Kristen Baird

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

The fine jewelry industry is male-dominated, generationally owned, and characterized by mass-manufacturing. I'm a female entrepreneur, a first generation business owner, and a proponent of handcrafted fine jewelry. Shaking up the "norm" and gaining respect from my peers (mostly male) has been the most challenging part of my business and I would say that is one of the greatest challenges most female founders face today.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Relationships are imperative. Align yourself with positive, driven individuals across all industries, in all age groups, and from all backgrounds. They will be your tribe and you will need them through thick and thin. Likewise, it's not just a "take" situation. Be a giver and share with your tribe and the generations coming behind you.

Amy Hutchins, Chief Product Officer, Unearth Technologies

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Fundraising is one of the hardest parts of any startup, something that’s especially true for female entrepreneurs. When looking at statistics, about 28% of proprietary software jobs are held by women, whereas only 7% of VC partners are women. Fundraising is largely driven by networks and its difficult to break into a male-dominated network.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Work on something you're passionate about and work with people you're passionate about. Every step of a startup journey can be exceedingly difficult, and the more successful you are, the harder it becomes. Working on a business idea that motivates you, and working with people that push you to be the best personally and professionally, are the two key ingredients to providing the momentum you need to get through the tough times.

Christine Hutchison, Co-Founder and CMO, Proxfinity

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Access to capital.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

You have to have gut and perseverance. Don't take failures to heart. Learn from them and make it better the next time. I am constantly asking for constructive feedback because I know we can always do things better.

Josephine Caminos Oria, Founder and President, La Dorita Cooks, LLC

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

I believe the greatest challenges women founders face today are not related to their gender but inherent to entrepreneurship itself. And that's access to funding. While it's been proven that women face greater obstacles than men when seeking traditional funding through financial institutions, I believe that this will change in 2018 as a result of the women's movement for equality.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

The #MeToo movement has cleared the path for female founders in 2018. So I offer, "Get out of your own way, and get to it."

Joanna Dai, Founder, Dai

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Compared to finance, my experience in fashion so far has been a far less male-dominated and a more level playing field. I've read the statistics on female founders receiving funding versus male founders, which has been quite discouraging. We have not gone for funding so I can't attest to that first-hand but it's great to see a wealth of support and networks for female entrepreneurs out there.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Take your time doing market research and product/brand development so you can really hone in on how and why you're unique.

Brianna Carney, Founder, Crew Bloom

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Work-life balance and an expectation for female founders to lead like male counterparts.
There’s a pressure for female founders to be stoic and suppress their emotions and passion. It’s unfair because our ability to feel and to vividly express ourselves is one of our biggest assets.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Find smart people because you are only one person, and treat them well.

Carin Luna-Ostaseski, Founder, SIA Scotch Whisky

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

Fundraising. Unfortunately, we're still very much at a time and in an environment where women face a challenge raising capital. I hope to turn the tables someday with a fund that helps fellow female spirits entrepreneurs.

In the meantime, every year for the past 4 years, SIA Scotch Whisky has contributed a percentage of our gross sales to a different organization that helps support women start and run their own businesses.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Ask for what you want. You will get rejected, absolutely ... and then one day, you won't.  I didn't know anyone in the spirits industry when I set out to create my brand. So I reached out to 80 people for help - every single distillery I'd ever visited, every name and resource I found in magazines, books, online. I got 80 "no's" (no we can't help you, no we are not interested, no you are crazy....) and came close to throwing in the towel a few times, but I persisted. And then finally on the 81st time, I found the person who was the one who changed everything for me. And this door to this "old boy's club" was opened to me by a woman!

Vikki Hankins-Jones, CEO and Founder, VMH Media/Publishing - VMH Magazine

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

I find the most challenging area for female founders is the male-dominated market in my field. Although a great deal of progress has taken place, women are not taken as seriously as their male continuer parts. Further women, in particular women of color, have to work ten times as hard to gain recognition for their brands.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

My best piece of advice for young entrepreneurs is to believe in their mission, product, services. When the going gets tough it is your 'belief' that will bring the tenacity needed to reach your goals.

Serena Holmes, President & CEO, Tigris Events

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

I don’t think female founders necessarily face bigger or different challenges than their male counterparts but I’m sure this could be dependent on the industry.

As a business owner starting out, I think some of the biggest challenges may include creating a point of difference in a competitive marketplace, learning to manage cash flow well and understanding how to work on your business while also working in it. That is a challenging balancing act until you are able to grow a team to support you.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Get help as soon as you can. Find a mentor or hire a coach. This will help you accelerate your learning and in turn, your growth. I didn’t get help until eight years in and it made the world of difference. I wish I had done it sooner.

Cynthia Jamin, Owner and Designer, TwirlyGirl

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

I do believe women buy into the stereotypes that are pervasive in our society. It takes a lot of self-determination and confidence to go against these social norms. A lot of them being centered around either women settling for less because they feel they wouldn't be able to compete in the business world (a "man's" world), or they feel obligated to be just a mother or just a wife.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Be willing to put in the work and be open to learning everything you can about every aspect of your business. Don't just hire people right from the beginning to do the jobs that you might not be interested in, or feel you don't have that skill set. There is nothing you can't learn. It's through actively being a part of "the every day" that you get to see what works and what doesn't.

You will have first-hand knowledge of how you want things done because you have done them. Growing a business is so much more than just getting sales, it's about creating a whole world, an environment that people interact with. It's a big responsibility that requires your full attention. Be prepared for long hours and no weekends off, but in the end, it's so worth it.

Steph Webster, Co-Founder, Miss Collective

She says the biggest challenge female founders face in business is:

A lot of the women that I've met through the industry and through our Miss Collective network tells me just how prevalent the confidence gap is. I meet incredible women who I'm inspired by, who really doubt their own contribution or level of accomplishment. I'd love to see us continue to work together as an industry to help break down the confidence gap and the barriers that it can create.

As a founder, you have to be a good leader, so you have to find ways to believe in yourself and project that confidence to teams and those around you to keep driving your business forward.

Best piece of advice she has for female entrepreneurs:

Follow something you're passionate about! Sounds so cliche and I know common, but for me, the things I've pursued in business have resonated strongly with me personally. I founded a mobile application called Barkparks, because I wanted a tool to find fenced dog parks for my foster dogs.

Miss Collective started because I found a lack of support for women in my industry and wanted to find a way to give back to the community and help other women. It shouldn't be a stretch to get excited about the business you want to create!

Stay tuned for our next installment coming on March 15th!