After Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, This Entrepreneur Found the Confidence to Take on the Fashion Industry
"Coming down from the summit, I realized what I was capable of."
We know how daunting it can be to start a new business, especially if you’re disrupting an industry or creating an entirely new one. When there is no path to follow, the biggest question is, where do I start? There is so much to do, but before you get ahead of yourself, let’s start at the beginning. To kick-start the process, and ease some of those first-time founder nerves, we’re asking successful entrepreneurs to share their stories in our new series, From Scratch. But this isn’t your typical day in the life profile. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty details—from writing a business plan (or not) to sourcing manufacturers and how much they pay themselves—we’re not holding back.
Photo: BKM Photography, Courtesy of Shobha Philips
Shobha Philips can remember feeling frustrated by the lack of nude bras available in her skin tone for as long as she’s been wearing one. But it wasn’t until she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro that she discovered the confidence to start her own lingerie line and address this glaring lack of inclusivity in the fashion industry. “It was a nine-day journey, and it was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I had ever done,” the founder tells Create & Cultivate of the climb. “Coming down from the summit, I realized what I was capable of, and suddenly starting a business seemed less intimidating.”
After summiting the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and experiencing this perspective-altering epiphany, she started Proclaim, an inclusive lingerie line. And true to her vision, there is an intention behind every element of the brand, from the name and mission to the ethical production of each garment. The brand’s pieces are made from earth-conscious fabrics (think wood pulp and recycled plastic bottles) and cut and sewn by skilled workers in Los Angeles who are paid fair hourly wages rather than per piece (a practice that often promotes wage exploitation and unsafe work conditions).
Ahead, Philips tells C&C how she brought Proclaim to life, from how she found the right manufacturing partners to why she used her own savings to fund the business.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing professionally before launching Proclaim?
I studied marketing in school and had a few corporate roles in supply chain before starting Proclaim. I always knew in the back of my mind I wanted to start my own business—it just took a while to figure what that business would be.
Did you write a business plan? If so, was it helpful, and if not, what did you use to guide your business instead and why did you take that approach?
I started several versions of a business plan, but what I ended up with before launching Proclaim was more of an outline than a full-on business plan. I ended up pivoting and adapting throughout the development process and the first year so much that it felt like my business plan would have been invalid almost instantly. I do think it is important to think through each of the components of a business plan, but perfecting a business plan document was not something I focused on.
How did you come up with the name Proclaim, and what are some of the things you considered during the naming process?
I had a long-running list of possible names on a spreadsheet that I shared with friends and family to get their feedback. I wanted a name that spoke to the bold and disruptive vision and I had for this business, and in the end, Proclaim was the one that just felt right and resonated with people the most.
What were the immediate things you had to take care of to set up the business?
Setting up separate business accounts for checking and credit cards was important to keep track of business expenses and to keep them separate from personal expenses. I also made sure the domain name and social media handles were all available with the business name.
What research did you do for the brand beforehand?
I did not have a design background so I spent almost a year and a half researching the fashion industry in general and really trying to learn everything I could about bra construction and manufacturing. I purchased a ton of bras and took them apart to see how they were made. I also just had a lot of conversations with friends about their bras; what they loved, what they didn’t. I spent that year consuming all the information I could about this industry I was jumping into.
How did you find and identify the manufacturers that you work with? What was important to you during this process and are there any mistakes you made and learned from along the way?
Making connections for sourcing material and manufacturing took a while. It was a lot of Google research, cold calls, and dead ends trying to find the right partners who aligned with the brand values of being a sustainable and ethically made brand. I would recommend taking your time with this step. It takes a while to find the right manufacturing partners. I remember feeling like I was not moving fast enough and was anxious to get my collection made, but I think it’s such a crucial component to your success that it’s worth taking your time.
Photo: Marissa Alves, Courtesy of Shobha Philips
How did you fund Proclaim? What were the challenges and what would you change? Would you recommend your route to other entrepreneurs?
I used my own savings to fund Proclaim. As a values-driven brand, I wanted to be able to bring my vision to life without compromising for investors and outside stakeholders. As far as what I’d recommend to other entrepreneurs, I think it depends on the industry and what success looks like for you. For me, success was bringing a product to life that I felt needed to exist. If your goal is to be like the next Amazon, you’ll probably need outside capital.
Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and setup?
I have an accountant for taxes and I do all of the bookkeeping with Quickbooks. I recommend keeping up with it weekly because it does become daunting if you keep putting it off.
How did you promote your company? How did you get people to know who you are and create buzz?
Proclaim has grown mostly through Instagram. I’ve been lucky that I’ve had a lot of success on the app reaching like-minded people organically who believe in our mission. I started the account six months before launching so by the time we launched, there were already a few thousand followers who supported the vision.
Do you have a business coach or mentor? If so, how has this person helped you, and would you recommend one to other entrepreneurs?
I’ve met so many amazing women on this journey of running a business. There are a handful of women who are fellow designers and fashion entrepreneurs with whom I am in constant contact during the week. We help each other with everything from sourcing issues to marketing strategies and everything in between. My business would not be where it is today without the support and guidance of these fellow small business owners.
What is one thing you didn’t do during the setup process that ended up being crucial to the business and would advise others to do asap?
I’d say, make sure you’re building your email list from day one. Make it easy for customers who discover you to sign up on your website and social media pages. It is such a powerful and relatively inexpensive tool; I wish I had focused on it earlier.
What is your number one piece of financial advice for any new business owner and why?
Find a good CPA! Even if it seems pricey when you are first starting out, in the long run, it will save you money.
Photo: Marissa Alves, Courtesy of Shobha Philips
MORE ON THE BLOG
39 Successful Founders Share the Podcasts That Transformed Their Businesses
Listen up.
There’s no denying that podcasts are the hottest medium of the moment. In 2021, people have already spent 15 billion hours (yes, billion with a B) listening to podcasts (insert exploding head emoji here). And, thankfully for all the entrepreneurs out there, there’s no shortage of business podcasts to download for mentorship, guidance, and expertise straight from founders who’ve learned tough lessons the hard way.
For a fresh crop of listens to add to our weekly lineup, we tapped 39 successful founders to find out which business podcasts they subscribe to for advice and inspiration. From a must-listen-to series about the struggles that successful entrepreneurs have overcome to a series of interviews centered around women in tech, these are the podcasts they listen to on repeat. Trust us, you’ll want to have your headphones at the ready.
Chriselle Lim
Co-Founder of bümo
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: It has helped me to understand the struggles of entrepreneurs which was very comforting during my journey building bümo, but it also has allowed me to dream big of what could be. The conversations are not sugar-coated and show you all the highs and lows from start to finish.
The Best Business Tip: You don't have to have a blueprint to follow when you start a business you just have to do the next best thing, and step by step you will find your own way.
Dianna Cohen
Founder and CEO of Crown Affair
The Podcast: The podcast that transformed my leadership style is any podcast with Adam Grant. Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist who has a thoughtful approach to leadership and teamwork. I first heard him speak on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert (another favorite pod) and have continued to follow his work and podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant, directly.
Why You Recommend It: From Adam’s ability to reframe concepts like imposter syndrome to his scientific approach on feedback, or the thoughtful conversations he has with leaders and innovators like Jane Goodall and Ester Perel, I really enjoy his approach to teamwork and leadership.
The Best Business Tip: His conversation with Brené Brown is one I keep coming back to. Having been trained in work cultures and high-growth startups that didn’t allow space for vulnerability at work—it’s now something I practice with our entire team. I’ve found that the capacity to be vulnerable (while still having a productive, problem-solving attitude) has allowed us to embody our brand mission around care and taking your time, even in a fast-growing startup environment.
Abigail Cook Stone
Co-Founder and CEO of Otherland
The Podcast: The Entreprenista Podcast
Why You Recommend It: I am so inspired by hearing all the founding stories and behind-the-scenes notes of how female founders got their start, as featured on The Entreprenista Podcast. To me, it is all about inspiring other women and creating a supportive community—if I can do it, they can do it, too!
The Best Business Tip: My biggest takeaway from the guests on the podcast is that you should always trust your intuition. As women in business, the podcast reinforces that you are your best asset.
Samara Walker
Founder of Àuda.B
The Podcast: The podcast that transformed my business and mindset as a founder is How I Built This with Guy Raz. This podcast propelled my mindset as an entrepreneur allowing me to navigate building a startup from a different lens without scarcity, self-doubt, and learning to accept failures as wins. I operate from a mindset of abundance and count my failures as opportunities to pivot, iterate and learn. Failures have come within various forms especially monetary losses, but once I've experienced a hardship, I assess the situation and always use the experience as a learning moment to grow and push myself forward. I've become a better founder, leader, and visionary for Àuda.B because of the amazing founders having the opportunity to share their journeys on How I Built This.
Why You Recommend It: From my personal experience, being authentic and vulnerable are two major keys to being a successful entrepreneur. The founders on the podcast share their highs and lows which provide listeners with realistic expectations of what being an entrepreneur comes with. Social media paints a false narrative of entrepreneurship and or building start-up and this podcast really reshapes the true narrative. Founders dish the real from beginning, middle, and now!
The Best Business Tip: Believe in yourself even when no one else does! Understanding your vision and passion will see you through, too often founders hold the vision of the future but the world doesn't latch on until there's a wave of others.
Nichole Powell
Founder of Kinfield
The Podcast: Female Startup Club
Why You Recommend It: One of the best things you can do is learn from other founders, and the interviews on Female Startup Club are perfect for that. Host Doone Roisin has chatted with female founders from skincare brands like Black Girl Sunscreen (and Kinfield!) to food and apparel companies to physical retail, like Chillhouse. It feels like listening to your friends talk about how they built their brands—casual yet informative.
The Best Business Tip: Investor funding is not always the answer. I loved the episode with Farmgirl Flowers founder Christina Stembel talking about her journey with bootstrapping her company Farmgirl Flowers to $60M+ revenue. There are many ways to fund and grow a business, and it’s exciting to hear success stories from founders who chose funding paths that aren’t often reflected in the media.
Emma Bates
Co-Founder and CEO of Diem
The Podcast: Women in Tech Podcast
Why You Recommend It: I love the variety of topics and people host Espree Devora features on the podcast. As a woman in tech, it’s an amazing resource to gain insights from other women across the industry.
The Best Business Tip: My overall takeaway from the podcast is that each one feels actionable. When I’m lacking a little “get up and go” energy, it never fails to motivate me to keep pushing, deploying, and executing! It’s not about anyone else’s journey, it’s about the one you carve for yourself.
Nicole Williams
Head of Creative and Comms at Headquarters
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: HIBT is probably one of my main go-to’s for hearing from entrepreneurs and learning about their rise, big wins, and fails along the way. I always find it to be compelling to understand the motivations behind any business and hear about the challenges that come with growth and scaling. Whether it's the husband and wife duo behind Lonely Planet talking about their earliest guides, James Dyson spouting wisdom around innovation, or Lisa Price building Carol's Daughter from her home in Brooklyn, the stories of entrepreneurship and taking risks are inspiring.
The Best Business Tip: Surround yourself with talented individuals who are better at what they do than you are. I think this is a recurring theme across many of the HIBT episodes both in the individuals you partner with as an entrepreneur but also in the teams you build.
Ariel Okin
Founder of Ariel Okin Interiors and Fenimore Lane
The Podcast: The Second Life podcast hosted by Hillary Kerr helped me as I was pivoting careers, and I love listening to the inspiring stories of other women who have pivoted too.
Why You Recommend It: Hillary is an excellent interviewer, and really does her homework on every subject. She asks such insightful questions, and draws parallels between stories to create learning lessons for the listener. It's such a great place to get inspiration for anyone who is pivoting careers or afraid to make the jump!
The Best Business Tip: Delegation does not equal weakness—a great tip from Eva Chen's episode. Being able to successfully delegate and know what you aren't good at to free up time for what you are good at is an essential skill for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Chloe Songer
Co-Founder of Thousand Fell
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: This might not be a well-kept secret—but while I was still working for Gap Inc in my full-time role I would binge How I Built This episodes all day long. HIBT is an honest look into founders’ stories—the risks they took, the uncertainty that they faced, the mindset around the founder role and leadership, etc. It is amazing to hear all of these different voices and stories and picture myself in the same position in the future.
The Best Business Tip: I loved—and still think about daily—the Stonyfield Yoghurt story—Gary Hirshberg went everywhere to find funding for his business and was maniacal about cash flow—he had his cash flow mapped down to the hour! He was also tasked with trying to convince people that organic was important in the early ‘80s, and to me, this journey is so similar to trying to convince and educate people to switch to sustainable and circular products. Other incredible episodes include Dyson, WeWork, and Cisco Systems & Urban Decay.
Lisa Buhler
Founder and CEO of Lisa Says Gah
The Podcast: Business of Fashion
Why You Recommend It: I get a lot of their approaches to retail as a whole, from fashion’s approach to plus-size to combating anti-Asian racism in fashion, they touch on relevant topics that our business is experiencing.
The Best Business Tip: Stella McCartney has some sage advice: value collaboration and mutual learning over competition; “be a fighter” when it comes to securing better incentives for sustainable practices, and always look for new information on how to be better. “You never stop learning when you work sustainably,” she said. And I agree, it’s all about learning, and that’s what our tiny and mighty team is all about. We want to be the best and we know we can’t be perfect but we are marching toward that.
Nicole Gibbons
Founder of Clare
The Podcast: I love Guy Raz’s How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: The entrepreneurship journey is so hard and I really enjoy hearing other founder stories. Hearing successful entrepreneurs share their stories of the ups and downs and how they came out on top is so encouraging and inspiring!
The Best Business Tip: I really loved the episode that featured Peloton founder John Foley. Peloton is now close to a $30 billion-dollar company, but in the early days, he had a really difficult time getting investors to buy into his vision. He pitched around 3,000 investors and faced so much rejection and persisted. And now his company is one of the most successful and most valuable companies in the world. The lesson: Stay the course, be unwavering in your vision, and have enough to keep going, even when people think you’re crazy. The difference between a lot of successful entrepreneurs and the ones that don’t have great outcomes is the lack of grit to keep going.
Nina Mullen
Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Hilma
The Podcast: Unfinished Biz
Why You Recommend It: Unfinished Biz is a podcast hosted by two partners at VMG, a VC firm. They interview successful entrepreneurs on how each business started and chronicle the various bumps they experienced along the way. I especially love this podcast because it is focused on a business (rather than consumer) audience, so the guests are incredibly candid and you really feel like you are getting an inside look at their business. My co-founders and I always listen and share learnings from the episodes!
The Best Business Tip: The episode with the founders of RXBar is one of my favorite episodes because it shows the importance of starting with a clear idea of who your customer is and what a dedicated marketing strategy looks like to target that customer. We all think of RXBar as a mainstream brand today, but when they first started the founders were focused on the niche paleo and CrossFit customer. They were targeted on how they reached those early customers and only scaled from there, after they had that loyal base. Highly recommend!
Kailey Bradt
CEO and Founder of Susteau
The Podcast: Female Startup Club
Why You Recommend It: It gives great perspective into the early stages of starting a business. In most podcasts, you hear from founders who already did it. These are founders who are currently doing it. Doone is a phenomenal host as well and really is on a mission to bring exposure to young female entrepreneurs.
The Best Business Tip: In a recent interview with the skincare brand Topicals, I loved learning about their approach to launching by focusing on education and not on product. It made me rethink how we launch new SKUs and shifted my focus from a traditional marketing strategy to focusing on educating our community first. Topicals also made great use of Twitter, which I am incorporating into our brand marketing now!
Tai Adaya
Founder of Habit
The Podcast: I listen to NPR’s Up First every morning!
Why You Recommend It: It’s important as a business leader to be aware of what is going on in the world so I love this quick but content-rich AM briefing. Our society is a system and everything is linked together. As the leader of a company in a healthcare category, it’s important to me to stay up to date on healthcare access especially. I listen to job numbers to get a feel for consumer sentiment. It’s important to stay aware of M&A and business activity and cultural happenings. Habit uses pop culture to communicate ideas around health. I’m always listening!
Elizabeth Egan
Co-Founder of Dally
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: You can read all the how-to books or blogs you want, but there’s no better way to learn than to hear the real, unvarnished stories about building companies from founders who did it. A company’s path is never linear and you learn more through failures than successes. The host, Guy Raz, does an excellent job extracting the stories of the more challenging moments from founders—some for the first time ever on public record.
The Best Business Tip: In Brooklinen’s episode, the founders talked about the specific issues they had with customs and immigration on their first order. Well, I was about to make the same mistake they did when I listened, but managed to fix it in time after hearing what the founders did wrong. Make sure to file an import bond application!
Ariel Garcia
CEO and Founder of The Blog Stop
The Podcast: Unstrictly Business by Do Well Dept.
Why You Recommend It: I love how the podcast redefines "success" as a business owner and how to get there. It goes beyond sales and marketing strategies and upholds personal wellness as a key element of success. There is a focus on the care of the individual, which, I think, is hugely overlooked in the business world - in both leadership and company culture.
The Best Business Tip: In building a business, it's easy to feel like we need to be in control of every minute and every moment. That if each minute isn't dedicated to being productive or furthering a goal, it's a minute lost. But in reality, slowing down and taking care of ourselves IS a way to stay in control and, ultimately, be the one to choose what our lives look like. Being a slave to productivity isn't freedom. Freedom is the ability to take a day off, sleep in late if we need it, or give our entire team a Friday off after a busy season.
Lulu Pierre
Founder of Boho Locs
The Podcast: Sales Funnel Mastery
Why You Recommend It: Host Jeremy Reeves offers very practical advice! When I was first starting my business, I just needed a few pieces of key advice to get me going on my journey. Through this podcast, I learned about lead generation and how to best communicate with customers along their sales journey to really build that brand loyalty and affinity. I found it very helpful and there are tips and tricks I learned from the podcast that I still implement in my business to this day.
The Best Business Tip: The main thing I’ve learned is the importance of constantly staying in touch with your customers and meeting their needs wherever they are at.
Meg Young
Founder and CEO of Cailini Coastal
The Podcast: Whiskey & Work with Kelsey Murphy
Why You Recommend It: This is a must-listen-to podcast if you're an aspiring entrepreneur or on the cusp of a big career, especially if you're nervous to make the leap! I started listening to this pod two years before I made my own career change from 13 years in PR to start an e-commerce shop in the home space (which I knew nothing about) and the episodes not only motivated me to make the change but provided education on what steps to take to successfully do so. Kelsey is a business and life coach who offers solo pods—where she discusses everything from imposter syndrome to strategic marketing—and interviews with inspiring and relatable everyday entrepreneurs (as well as some notables!) about their career journeys. It's a feel-good podcast that will leave you inspired and confident to follow your gut and your dreams while making sure you strategically plan for all that being an entrepreneur truly entails.
The Best Business Tip: One of the themes of Kelsey's podcast is trusting and listening to your intuition. I am a very intuitive person, but when fear enters it's easy to ignore. Kelsey's own personally successful career change, as well as that of all her many guests, all had a common theme about knowing when something is NOT right and actively making the change to unlock your real potential and find a career that brings you true fulfillment. Her episode with Marie Forleo is one of my favorites! I personally made the career change, and I now fully understand exactly what she talks about. I am finally not only doing something I am good at but something that truly brings me joy.
Tiffany Staten
Founder of London Grant Co.
The Podcast: Second Life and How I Built This, especially episodes with Drybar Founder Alli Webb and Carol's Daughter Founder Lisa Price.
Why You Recommend It: Before launching London Grant Co., I was consumed with doubt surrounding my ability to pivot into the unknown and vast territory of CEO. Sometimes, all you need is a vulnerable story from another founder who took the same leap. Every story won’t resonate, but I guarantee there will be one that speaks to your soul and serves as the universe sending you a gentle whisper that says do it. Second Life is especially focused on inspiring stories of women who've made a successful career pivot. As a mother transitioning from corporate drop-out to beauty founder, I found my tribe.
The Best Business Tip: Do it… and do it scared. I’ve learned that you’ll never be truly ready, and you’ll never have all the answers. But, the opportunity of a lifetime to invest in yourself awaits. As a mother, and someone who finds comfort in the safest road most traveled, I needed to hear women take small, meaningful steps forward that lead to huge rewards—both personally and in business. I have flashes of Lisa Price and Ali Webb in my head all the time because their stories made me feel that this journey wasn’t actually insurmountable. More than anything, I felt seen, and sometimes that’s all the motivation it takes to move the needle.
Jacqueline Tatelman
CEO and Co-Founder of STATE
The Podcast: When we first started out, I burned through How I Built This. I loved to hear how some of the best brands in the business started, how they grew, how they failed, and how they got back up again. I was fascinated by the range of stories and would covet the tidbits of information I gained from each listen. There were a few episodes that really stuck with me and when we were experiencing a business “low,” I would think back to the stories I heard and remember it’s all par for the course. It helped me keep my head down, my eyes open, and plow through it.
Why You Recommend It: I think everyone knows that How I Built This is a must-listen. Every entrepreneur needs to know that the journey is not easy. I feel the new How I Built Resilience series is now also a must-listen, especially with where the entrepreneurial landscape is right now. It’s amazing to hear from other leaders how there will be light eventually, you must stay passionate and always focused."
The Best Business Tip: It’s incredible how sometimes you hear things at the perfect time and place. I recently listened to the episode with Kenneth Cole. Kenneth Cole was actually my first job out of college and I absolutely loved my time there! I was so proud to work for a brand that revolutionized the idea of mixing business with a profound political/social justice message. I loved how Kenneth created Kenneth Cole productions, his clever spirit, and how the relationship between the brand and the powerful messages it stood for was so natural and organic.
When we were building STATE, I reflected a lot about how easy it was to mirror that energy. Recently, we were contemplating a shift in our messaging to satisfy some outside advisors and when I listened to this episode, it reminded me of where we came from and why our mission is intrinsic to our success and the continuation of the business. I love the thought of that one day when we’re the entrepreneurs on the other end of the microphone on How I Built This, there will be someone out there who will be listening, and it’ll be a message at their perfect time and place.
Kiku Chaudhuri
Co-Founder of Shaz & Kiks
The Podcast: Second Life with Hillary Kerr
Why You Recommend It: I love how honest the conversations are with these women leaders about their career journeys and all of the various twists and turns. The host, Hillary, makes sure to highlight the non-glossy parts of entrepreneurship and really convey the full story, with all of the good and the bad, which I think is really important for aspiring entrepreneurs and fellow founders to hear.
The Best Business Tip: Towards the end of each episode, the host asks the guest about their failures and mistakes. Each one is unique to their story but also you learn the most from that one question. One common thing is that EVERYONE has had failures and challenges, even the most successful people, and to always remember that you learn the most when you fall.
Emma Kemper
Principal Designer at Emma Beryl Interiors
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: In How I Built This, Guy Raz interviews successful entrepreneurs about how they got to where they are. It's so inspiring to hear the ups and downs of building huge household name businesses. One thing I especially love about it is that the interviews are very honest about the struggles and hurdles entrepreneurs have to face with their companies and that the podcast doesn't paint a rosy picture. I always find myself rooting for the companies by the end of the episodes and having a newfound respect for the people behind the businesses.
The Best Business Tip: Your company only really fails when you quit. There are so many highs and lows in growing a business (and sometimes the lows are devastatingly low) but if you believe in your company you should always stick with it. There are so many huge brands that I've heard discussed on the podcast that have had incredible lows but have persisted and seen huge success on the other side of those roadblocks.
Dr. Lisa Creaven
Co-Founder of Spotlight Oral Care
The Podcast: Second Life
Why You Recommend It: It's truly inspiring and uplifting to hear honest stories about women growing, learning, and going for what they want in their careers. Hillary Kerr's background in journalism shines through on every episode which makes the podcast more personable.
The Best Business Tip: I think just understanding that career pivots are not easy or straightforward for anyone, but they're always worth it is something I've picked up from this podcast in general. That theme seems to ring true in every episode. Before I became full-time at Spotlight Oral Care, I was running my own dental practice. The decision to become full-time at Spotlight Oral Care and stepping away from the practice was a mix of emotions I had to work through. Listening to these career pivots in such a positive and real way gives me insight and reassurance… there's endless opportunity out there!
Cary Lin
Co-Founder of Common Heir
The Podcast: I’m pretty sure How I Built This with Guy Raz is already on most people’s lists, but one of the podcasts I enjoy most is How’s Work with Esther Perel because she explores the emotional side of work and relationships.
Why You Recommend It: I was already a fan of her hit series, Where Should We Begin? Ester does a beautiful job exploring interpersonal dynamics in the workplace, and the emotions we bring to those relationships are similar to those we have in our personal lives. I think her work is all the more essential as we come to terms with a hybrid remote/office environment. I think the early stages of building a company are all about building key relationships—with co-founders, vendors, early partners—and that it’s important to find ways to communicate, listen, and understand other perspectives. The way that Ester guides these therapy sessions helps me remember that being vulnerable, actively listening to others’ needs, and preserving through difficult conversations is essential to being a good founder.
The Best Business Tip: One of my most memorable episodes is The Break-Up, in which two former fighter pilots co-founded a successful business. The conversation unravels the challenges of blending the personal and professional, and their differing attitudes towards success and failure, risk tolerance, and how critical it is to have those conversations early and often and to not sweep things under the run and leave things unspoken. Good communication and expectation management are essential, as is recognizing the burden or role others have taken on that you might not realize because you’re in your own “hero narrative.”
Jean Brownhill
Founder of Sweeten
The Podcast: The Happiness Lab by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos
Why You Recommend It: So much of entrepreneurship is a mental game, and you need resilience to survive. Dr. Santos provides a lot of research and insights on how to protect your mental energy.
The Best Business Tip: Running a business takes a lot from you; if you don't protect your own resources, no one else will.
Side Note: There is also an episode of Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History called The Lady Vanishes that made a huge impact on me. The episode explores the world of art and politics to examines the strange phenomenon of the “token,” the outsider whose success serves not to alleviate discrimination but perpetuate it.
Terri Rockovich
CEO and Co-Founder of Jinx
The Podcast: Group Chat
Why You Recommend It: Group Chat is a must-listen for entrepreneurs because the hosts are business owners, investors, and most importantly: real people just trying to figure it out. They fold humor into the realities of growing a challenger brand, discuss hot news to keep you in front of world happenings and give real takes on culturally relevant topics.
The Best Business Tip: These guys constantly host and interview entrepreneurs that provide so many pieces of valuable advice, asking provoking questions that help tease out the formula for which each person uncovered success for their given project. The most valuable takeaway for me is "how you pivot is how you prosper." Because the majority of success stories do not happen overnight, but instead are earned over a stretch of many years that require a maniacal focus and a high comfort level with failing and learning.
Vanessa Quigley
Co-Founder of Chatbooks
The Podcast: The Life Coach School
Why You Recommend It: Very early on when starting our business, I had to learn how to not take things so personally. For example, instead of letting a bad app review ruin my day, I needed to view that circumstance through a neutral lens so that I could learn from it. I learned some very helpful cognitive tools from Brooke Castillo of The Life Coach School podcast that helped me develop more self-awareness and expand my potential. She also teaches important concepts related to money, like it’s okay to want money. Money is good. And money will come as we create real value. It also sparked the idea to create my own podcast about something I do have a lot of experience with—motherhood! I have seven children ages 13 to 26 and on The MomForce Podcast, I share what I’ve learned thus far and call on incredible guest experts for help on the stuff I’m still trying to figure out!
The Best Business Tip: I especially loved Episode 161 of Life Coach School, which is all about money beliefs. For so many entrepreneurs, money is a real scarcity. But there is real power in abundant thoughts like “Money is easy,” “Money is fun,” and “I love creating value.” Challenging my beliefs has allowed me to be open to more possibilities and opportunities to create value for everyone!
Cherie Hoeger
CEO and Co-Founder of Saalt
The Podcast: Startup Therapy
Why You Recommend It: From problem-solving operational challenges to creating core values and an advisory board, I love Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan's no-nonsense approach to tackling the real, everyday struggles of entrepreneurs in the startup phase. There are not many places that you can gain so many practical solutions in such a short amount of time, and they do it with candor and humor that's engaging and entertaining.
The Best Business Tip: One episode from Wil and Ryan talked about why smart founders stay in customer support. They emphasized customer support as a critical function of leadership, right up to the founder and CEO. Having regular exposure to customers helps keep us accountable and in touch with customer needs to make better strategic decisions.
Amanda Goetz
Founder and CEO of House of Wise
The Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz
Why You Recommend It: This podcast is one of the most popular podcasts about business and growth for good reason. Each episode shares stories from real founders, including their highs and their lows. The show never shies away from diving into the tough parts of being a founder. It shares first-hand experiences about success and how every single success story also has its fair share of scary moments throughout its growth. It's honest and real and I love it.
The Best Business Tip: Recently, How I Built This added a new digital franchise to their weekly series that dives into how brands have built resilience into their operations and with their teams throughout this past year. I launched House of Wise in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, so resilience is in our DNA, and I think each of these new episodes offers great takeaways for every entrepreneur and employee alike, as all of us navigate this new world and new consumer mindset.
Ona Diaz-Santin
Celebrity Hairstylist and Owner of 5 Salon & Spa
The Podcast: The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
Why You Recommend It: Leadership skills at their finest!
The Best Business Tip:
What does it take to be a team?
T- For tolerance of each other’s weaknesses because we all have them.
E- Encouragement of each other’s successes because we all have them.
A- Acknowledgement that each of us has something to offer.
M- Mindfulness that we need each other.
Mimi Ausland
Co-Founder and CEO of Free the Ocean
The Podcast: The podcast that continues to transform my relationship with business and money is On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
Why You Recommend It: After reading Jay's best-selling book “Think Like a Monk,” I began listening to his podcast, On Purpose and I'm so glad I did. In the podcast, Jay speaks to finding purpose, living our lives with intention, using our time and energy wisely, the importance of gratitude and giving back, and much more. On Purpose is inspiring and authentic and it's refreshing to hear a top male podcaster speak to these things. If put into practice, the principles Jay and his guests talk about will translate into becoming a more successful entrepreneur with greater impact. For these reasons, this podcast is a must-listen for female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs alike!
The Best Business Tip: My "aha" moment was hearing Jay say, “Nobody is going to create our lives for us.” This seems almost too simple to be game-changing but it has stuck with me since hearing it. Hearing this, I realized not only the importance of intention but also action. Before making a goal in business, we need to consider the investment and the life it requires before making it our goal. Then, we can get clear with our intentions, spring into action, and create the life we want!
A specific episode recommendation is "Arianna Huffington on How Setting Small Micro Habits Can Help Combat Burnout and Exhaustion.” Arianna speaks to her past struggle with finding a work-life balance and the dangers of encouraging constant productivity. She mentions how quality sleep, breathing exercises, and taking breaks to get outside, are key not only to our mental health but also to productivity. I really appreciated hearing this from such an accomplished entrepreneur.
Erin Treloar
Certified Health Coach and Founder of Raw Beauty Co.
The Podcast: Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
Why You Recommend It: Amy’s podcast is the absolute best at delivering actionable marketing tools that drive profitability while going above and beyond to serve your customer. She shares expert interviews, execution plans, and behind-the-scenes secrets that leave you with concrete action items you can implement right away and she does it all with the most encouraging and empowering voice.
The Best Business Tip: Build your product or service for your ideal client by connecting with them and including them in the process. I highly recommend episode #324 “Email List Growth Strategies That Will Transform Your Business.”
Imane Fiocch
Founder and Owner of Neon Lace Company
The Podcast: More Than One Thing
Why You Recommend It: Athena Calderone’s guests come from all different industries and share how they’ve arrived at their current career landing spot. Many of her guests wear multiple entrepreneurial hats which speaks to multi-hyphenates and out-of-the-box thinkers/creators.
It’s also a must-listen for anyone who is looking for advice or support whilst changing careers or embarking on a new creative endeavor. I found her podcast very helpful when I was navigating a career change from the beauty industry. At the time I was worried that my other passions and creative interests wouldn’t be accepted and I would be pigeonholed into one thing people knew me for. Listening to Athena’s personal career path encouraged me to take a leap and launch my own business. Her voice is also incredibly soothing and very easy to listen to!
The Best Business Tip: The biggest lesson I learned through Athena and her guests is summed up in the title of her podcast—More Than One Thing. As humans we are multi-faceted, we often have many interests, and our careers aren’t always linear. Listening to More Than One Thing helped me understand that a non-traditional career path is okay and I’m not the only one!
Katie Wilson
Co-Founder of BelliWelli
The Podcast: Reaching New Heights
Why You Recommend It: Megan Gallagher brings on phenomenal entrepreneurs whose stories are both fascinating and illuminative. She has a unique ability to get to the heart of the matter and help guests share the juiciest details of their journeys.
The Best Business Tip: Megan did a podcast episode with Meaghan Murphy, about growing into a positive person. They stressed that your personal narrative is your own choice. In other words, you are in control of what you tell yourself. This has helped me hugely as an entrepreneur. It's easy to get caught up in what I could have or should have done, but I've made a conscious effort since listening to that podcast to CHOOSE to send myself positive feedback as often as I can. I'm in charge of my narrative.
Niambi Cacchioli
Founder of Pholk Beauty
The Podcast: Beauty Is Your Business
Why You Recommend It: I love it because it’s business owners asking other founders questions—they’re able to ask questions that only a founder would think about. They have multiple hosts from different cultural backgrounds on the show so you’re getting multiple perspectives from guests and hosts. It’s the first podcast I heard that talked about trends in beauty tech, bringing to the light Korean skincare and African descent skincare way before it had hit on a national scale.
The Best Business Tip: My favorite episode was with Charlotte Cho from Soko Glam. She talked about working towards creating an accessible and inviting set of beauty regimens for the North American market and how it needed to go beyond the Korean beauty culture. She had to teach this new market how to use these products for the skin. The focus was on how to translate to customers how these products and ingredients will benefit them and how to use these rituals in their everyday life. And this is why at Pholk we do so much skincare education; it’s not only about cultural values and cultural ties. Making it simple and easy to understand how to use these products.
Alyssa Wasko
Founder of DONNI
The Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown has been a constant source of inspiration to me in both my personal and professional life. I also look to The Business of Fashion Podcast for fashion news and Second Life with Hilary Kerr, whenever I am lacking creative energy or in need of a confidence boost.
Why You Recommend It: Courage and vulnerability are two things that Brené constantly preaches, and her outlook attributes to my mindset while effectively leading my team through the good and unpredictable times. Her recent episode with Aiko Bethea really touches on this and is worth more than one listen.
Hannah Bomze
Co-Founder and CEO of Casa Blanca
The Podcast: How I Built This
Why You Recommend It: This podcast is full of tangible, relatable stories about what it takes to build a business. Guy Raz is great at facilitating honest and insightful conversations with his guests about the entire process of starting a business: the creation, where things went wrong and how they were fixed, growth and expansion, etc.
The Best Business Tip: The episode with Whitney Wolfe, the creator and founder of Bumble, was especially insightful. She was able to take all of her experiences, frustrations, highs and lows, and focus them towards building and creating something that would have a positive impact on the world around her. Bumble was also designed specifically to empower women, which is also a core principle at Casa Blanca.
Margarita Arriagada
Founder of Valdé Beauty
The Podcast: What Works
Why You Recommend It: Tara McMullin does an incredible job of leading conversations with guests across a breadth of topics related to building a thriving business. She is very thought-provoking. Not formulaic, yet shares principles and examples to consider that are actionable. I love that in every case there is consideration of the business with personal life balance and development.
The Best Business Tip: I took away a lot from the episode “Writing the Second Draft of the book "To Sell With Love" with author Finka Jerkovic.” I was intrigued by this podcast because it was within a series titled: Working the Plan. And also by the title of the book "To Sell with Love." My takeaways were:
What is the process really of writing a book when you've never written one before? This was relevant because I draw parallels on how I narrate my brand's journey and story unfolding like a book. In fact, the packaging of my product simulates a book.
What does “selling with love” look like. I have always thought that I was not good at selling. The traditional wisdom on selling or pushing products, I have never related to. Yet I created a brand to sell products. The actual book and the rationale on how to sell from a place of love, completely resonated with me and validated my conviction on how I want to see the brand thrive.
While the brand may be about you, it's not personal. I did not expect to hear that while a brand or product emanates from your perspective, experiences, and events in your own life, you need to treat the brand like a product and detach from the personal relationship one might associate because it comes from you. If people agree or disagree with your opinions, it does not define who you are because it is not all of who you are. I'd felt I had to prove my worth and that of the brand. This topic provokes a different perspective.
Elyce Arons
CEO and Co-Founder of Frances Valentine
The Podcast: The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale
Why You Recommend It: It is so inspirational. I first listened to this before I left for college, and have listened to it over and over again throughout the years. This was recorded sometime in the ’50s, so there is some (unintended) sexism, but the message “you are now, and you do become, what you think about" is still very true. It means everything you become is guided by your own mind. The podcast focuses on success as the progression of a worthy ideal. Follow your dream, pursue your goals, do not conform, but have courage, keep a positive attitude every day, and wake up and decide to be happy.
The Best Business Tip: If you think in positive terms, you will get positive results. Build what you imagine and you can help others in the process.
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How to Hire the Right In-House Legal Counsel (and Save Your Startup Money)
Timing matters (and earlier is better).
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
If you’re looking to hire legal counsel for your company, be careful. Just because you’ve found a lawyer who specializes in startups, doesn’t mean they’re the right legal counsel for you or your startup. Here’s how to evaluate whether a lawyer is right for you.
Experience Is Important
In order to reap the benefits of hiring an in-house counsel early, you need to hire the “right” lawyer. Look for someone who has worked in your industry, and if possible, in the particular type of business your startup is involved in, which will make their existing knowledge and experience transfer easily to the company.
The right lawyer should bring real-world considerations into any legal analysis and be able to assess and articulate risks without making a startup feel that all roads to achieving its business goals are blocked. If a particular course of conduct is deemed to be too risky to pursue, an in-house lawyer should be able to suggest safer alternatives to consider, balancing legal requirements with the needs (and vision) of the business.
Consider Culture Fit
Fit within your company culture is also important. Your in-house legal team should be adept at forming relationships with the other key members of your leadership team, so that they, too, see the lawyers as a helpful source of guidance and strategic input, rather than simply naysayers.
Timing Matters (and Earlier Is Better)
It is much easier for in-house counsel to be viewed by your management team as a “partner” and not a “blocker” when that person is brought into the conversation early and is part of discussions about the vision and path of the company. Bringing a lawyer on board when there are already fires to put out makes it harder hard to view them as the strategic partner they can be.
By bringing on the right in-house counsel early in your startup’s life, you can build a legal department that is not simply a “cost,” but a true strategic partner of the business. This paradigm shift can end up saving you money, angst, and reputational damage, and will ultimately lead you and your company to be more successful.
“By bringing on the right in-house counsel early in your startup’s life, you can build a legal department that is not simply a “cost,” but a true strategic partner of the business.”
—Amy Rowland, Founder of Varia Search
About the Author: Amy Rowland is the founder of Varia Search, a boutique legal recruiting firm that uses a bespoke approach to fill legal department roles. Prior to starting Varia Search, Amy was a recruiter at another legal search firm where she focused on recruiting for in-house legal positions. She has also held in-house roles at two international companies and a large New York City law firm.
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When Should Your Startup Hire a Full-Time Lawyer?
Psst… it may be sooner than you think.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
Because an in-house legal department is commonly viewed as a “cost center” and not a “revenue generator,” startups are often advised that the answer to the question of “when should we hire an in-house counsel” is best answered by running a straightforward cost-benefit analysis. When that exercise demonstrates that the legal fees paid to outside counsel are greater than the cost of adding a lawyer to a company’s payroll, then it is time to bring on a lawyer to work in-house.
While this approach is appealing in its simplicity, it fails to account for a big portion of the value that an in-house lawyer (and ultimately, a legal team) can bring to a young company, the value that may be difficult to quantify. The right in-house counsel can be a strategic partner and a huge asset to a growing business. Here’s how to tell when you should bring on a full-time lawyer.
Save Yourself Headaches and Money, and Hire In-House Counsel Early On
Once the legal structure of a company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) has been set up and the basic legal requirements for doing business have been met, many startup founders think of lawyers only as “clean-up crews:” people reluctantly hired from time to time when there’s a problem.
In fact, until confronted by a lawsuit or government investigation, many founders tend to view lawyers as obstacles to progress—people who are always telling you what you can’t do—and to want to avoid them for that reason. But lawyers can also provide useful perspectives to a founder strategizing how the company can achieve its goals while avoiding expensive pitfalls.
A good lawyer has been trained to anticipate issues that might arise and will put in place the safeguards that can help a company avoid those problems. Like the old adage, “a stitch in time saves nine,” this way of working obviously helps a company avoid extremely costly mistakes.
Learn From the Mistakes of Others, and Consult Legal Counsel Proactively
Protecting your business early on can save you 10x, 20x, or even 30x in legal fees if you have to hire legal counsel to clean up a mess. In Season four of HBO’s series “Silicon Valley,” an entire episode (“Terms of Service”) was constructed around a character’s failure to comply with the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (“COPPA”), estimating that that mistake—made without even realizing that a lawyer should have been consulted—left the company, Pied Piper, potentially liable for $21 billion in fines.
A quick consultation with a lawyer could have saved a lot of angst, even if it would have ruined the episode. As far-fetched as this scenario might be, it is unquestionably true that a lawyer can save a company money by minimizing its exposure to regulatory fines, along with lessening the likelihood of costly lawsuits and making sure the company’s intellectual property, reputation, and other valuable company assets are well protected—all of which add enormously to a company’s success.
Unfortunately, since these benefits represent savings that are difficult to quantify, they are not so easy to plug into a cost-benefit analysis, but that doesn’t make them any less important than the sum of all those law firm invoices.
“Can’t I Just Use Outside Counsel Instead of Hiring a Lawyer In-House?”
While outside counsel can certainly provide legal services, without context, a founder may miss the right opportunity to reach out for help (since you don’t know what you don’t know!). Even if you do think legal counsel would be helpful, the prospect of facing expensive legal fees may deter your from making the call until a concrete issue presents itself.
Giving an in-house lawyer a seat at the table early in a company’s development can mean fewer unpleasant surprises down the road. It can have other benefits as well, such as devising a strategy for utilizing outside law firms and judging when the most cost-effective choice is to consult outside legal experts, for example, to advise with respect to a specialized area of the law such as patent and other intellectual property matters, First Amendment issues, SEC regulations and the like.
When it is determined that outside counsel needs to be consulted, the in-house counsel team can manage that relationship, including negotiating legal fee rates and reviewing bills. If done right, this can also save a company money. Not only that, it will free up the team member who is currently managing outside counsel, which again can lead to cost savings or even revenue growth if that team member’s responsibility is normally to generate revenue for the company.
“While outside counsel can certainly provide legal services, without context, a founder may miss the right opportunity to reach out for help (since you don’t know what you don’t know!).”
—Amy Rowland, Founder of Varia Search
About the Author: Amy Rowland is the founder of Varia Search, a boutique legal recruiting firm that uses a bespoke approach to fill legal department roles. Prior to starting Varia Search, Amy was a recruiter at another legal search firm where she focused on recruiting for in-house legal positions. She has also held in-house roles at two international companies and a large New York City law firm.
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How the Founder of Loeffler Randall Opened Her First Retail Store During the Pandemic
It was 16 years in the making.
Photo: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall
In January of 2020, my husband and business partner, Brian, and I realized a dream we’d had for nearly 16 years: we signed a lease on our very first retail store for our brand, Loeffler Randall. We chose Soho because that neighborhood has been home to our office for over a decade. It’s also where we had our first date; at Raoul’s Restaurant, complete with a visit to the tarot card reader upstairs.
Brian and I started our company in 2004 in our garden apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Long before we had children, we hoisted long whiteboards along the walls of our apartment where we plotted and planned the company we would create. I felt so much pressure to have my designs work, for this to be a success, that I couldn’t sleep at night. Bob, our life coach, asked us a question, “Even if you fail, do you think it might still be worth it? That you will learn something? That you will have created something that you are proud of? Isn’t there freedom in that? In knowing that even if you fail, it will be a success.”
We channeled this same wisdom when we, up against many unforeseen challenges and delays, decided to stay the course and open our first Loeffler Randall retail store in NYC in February 2021. Here’s how.
1. Accept What You Cannot Control
In the middle of March 2020, the reality of COVID hit. Soon the full brunt of the pandemic’s impact smacked into our business. Our store, nearly completed, stood empty, its walls half smoothed with plaster and with shelves laying bare.
March and April were cold and damp. I tried to take my three kids on long, windy walks on the beach in Long Island each day to get some energy out. Brian stayed home, enduring the bankruptcies of four of our important wholesale accounts. At home, I threw myself into sewing masks for front-line workers, with the message “Thank you, hero” embroidered inside. Without discussing it, Brian and I divided and conquered. I taught myself how to bake bread and busied myself feeding the kids, working on creative projects, and designing new, pandemic appropriate products like slippers.
2. Commit Yourself Completely
Even after all these years, with all our company’s triumphs and steady growth, signing our first retail lease felt just as scary as first starting our line. Many of our friends and advisors told us to get out of our retail lease at all costs. Another suggested that someday, after a vaccine was developed, the city and our business might return to a new version of normal. Would we start then to plan the future? Or would we plan for it now? We choose to proceed. To commit to completion and see our vision through.
When we pressed pause on the store construction in March of 2020, we were 75% complete. Many months later, when we were able to resume, we dove right back in, selecting light fixtures, having reusable totes made from the fabric scraps from our development process. We were ready to open our doors in February, one of New York’s coldest and snowiest months. Was anyone shopping? It didn’t matter, we committed to this project, to that date, and we did all in our power to make it the best and most successful we possibly could.
Unable to host a typical store opening party, we made cardboard tubes with masks, sanitizer, and photos of the new shop to send out. Instead of press previews, I held Zoom meetings with reporters, showing them the wall of pleated styles on my laptop. It worked, with the support of our friends and community, in the media, social media, and beyond, people were excited. The word was out, and customers did in fact start walking through the door.
Photo: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall
3. Focus on the Positive
After a year of bad news, our store opening was the beacon of hope and positivity my team and I needed. A reporter asked us over Zoom how we would know the store had been a success. And the answer came to me that for me, no matter what happened, it already was a success, because it exceeded my expectations for a physical representation of the brand. It felt warm and welcoming, just the way I wanted it to feel. And it continues to inspire me and my team creatively.
In designing the space back in early 2020, my team and I collaborated with my friend Poonam Khanna, the interior designer and architect who designed our office. Zoe, on my team, pulled together the things we love and are inspired by: the tiles and earthy textures from our recent trip to Marrakech, pleated fabrics referencing our collection. Poonam set down slabs of terrazzo, hunks of pale oak wood, textured plaster, and rich pink velvet onto the floor of my showroom to see how it all worked together. We stood back and smiled—this was our brand coming to life in 360 degrees. To have us finally open our doors, and invite our community into the first Loeffler Randall retail space a full 14 months after signing the lease, 12 of which were consumed by the pandemic, was a proud, full-circle moment. The beginning of something new, something hopeful.
The NYC I know and love began to emerge again like the bright bulbs on the flowering trees on our block. And shoppers crowd down Prince Street and into our shop, especially on bright, sunny days.
4. Know It’s All About the People
This weekend, Lucy, from our sales and merchandising team got married at the Boat House in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The bridesmaids all wore Loeffler Randall pleated bow heels. As the sun set behind the chuppah overlooking the lake, I smiled seeing my beloved co-workers: Jessica who has helped build our company for over 10 years, Lissa who started as an intern so many years ago, and Miranda, our retail store manager, dashing into the ceremony just in time from a full shift at our store. We had just had our highest-grossing day at our boutique.
Even though the pandemic still rages, there is hope in the vaccine and hope for a small business like ours, more happy occasions on the horizon, and many more weddings to celebrate in Loeffler Randall heels.
About the Author: Jessie Randall created Loeffler Randall in 2004 out of her garden apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn with her husband, Brian. Fifteen years and three children later, they are still doing what they love, making distinctive products in small, considered batches with attention to every detail. Since 2004, they have expanded from shoes, adding handbags, ready-to-wear & accessories to their collection. Creativity is at the heart of what they do, they are always thinking about new designs they can offer to their customers from their signature point of view.
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5 Travel Founders Who Are Giving Us Serious OOO FOMO on Instagram
Put that PTO to good use.
Photo: Spencer Davis from Pexels
Welcome to 5 for 5, where we spotlight 5 women in 5 minutes or less.
We don’t know about you, but we’re currently daydreaming about signing out of Slack, setting our OOO emails, and getting far, far away from our WFH desk situations. Ahead are five travel founders who are seriously fueling our OOO FOMO and inspiring us to submit a PTO request, stat.
1. Katalina Mayorga
As the co-founder of El Camino Travel, an off-the-beaten-path travel company, and Casa Violeta, a private villa located in Granada, Nicaragua, it’s no surprise that Katalina Mayorga’s feed is filled with beautiful beaches, colorful streets, and unreal sunsets.
2. Marta Tucci
Travel photographer, writer, and co-founder of Naya Traveler, a travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys to destinations spanning Spain, Morocco, Argentina, and more, Marta Tucci documents her travels to everywhere from Bahia to Bali and Kashmir.
3. Cheraé Robinson
Cheraé Robinson, the founder of Tastemaker Africa, a platform that connect travelers with a range of unique tours and experiences created and hosted by artists, creators, and makers, shares swoon-worthy snaps from Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cape Verde, and more.
4. Achiraya Thamparipattra
The co-founder of Hivesters, an award-winning travel social enterprise created to preserve and help Thai culture flourish, Achiraya Thamparipattra often posts photos from her adventures in Phuket, Ayutthaya, Phang Nga, and more destinations throughout Thailand.
5. Phaka Dludla Hlazo
As the founder of Zulu Nomad, Phaka Dludla Hlazo is providing curated experiences in East and Southern Africa. Her IG feed is an enviable travel bucket list, featuring photos from UNESCO World Heritage site Maloti-Drakensberg Park in South Africa, Stone Town of Zanzibar, and more.
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How to Land Your Dream Business Collaboration (and Double Your Revenue)
It’s a win-win.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
The word collaboration is being thrown around like gifts in Oprah’s Christmas special. From brand-to-influencer collaborations to employee collaboration and collaborative playlists, there are so many contexts in which collaboration is used. However, when it comes to growing a community and a business, collaboration marketing is the strategy you need to know about.
If you’ve ever spotted the likes of Uber x Spotify, Allbirds x Shake Shack, or Rimowa x Supreme, you’ll know how brand collaborations have the power to spark interest and, in some cases, cause a social media frenzy. So, how do you find your own dream collaborator?
Much like networking, collaboration marketing can be likened to dating in more ways than one. You could say that a dream brand collaboration is like a “friends with benefits” for your business, and you’d be right. Collaborating with a complementary brand has benefits, for example, you can use them to:
Double your organic reach
Build buzz and engagement
Attract media attention
Boost a new or existing revenue stream
Grow your community across social media, event audiences, and email lists
Grow your network
In fact, Collabosaurus ran a research study that found collaborations to be up to 25x less expensive than digital advertising. Want to get on the collaboration marketing bandwagon? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Know your value.
Collaboration marketing is all about win/win value exchange, and you likely have a lot more to offer in a collaboration than you think. You don’t have to have an immense social media following, significant cash flow, or the ability to just give away “free things” in order to collaborate. Collaboration is about leveraging what your business already has to benefit another business and vice versa.
Perhaps you have a cool office or event space, content creation skills, excess product, an engaged social media community, or an email list—collaboration is possible for all brands, big or small, it’s about getting creative with value. Start conversations with what you can offer in a collaboration, then ensure that you’re communicating your marketing objectives.
2. Find the right partner and tie your collaboration to a marketing objective.
How do you find your dream collaborator? Start with complementary industry spaces. Look for companies that share values, objectives and have a similar brand aesthetic and target market to your business (so that any cross-promotion is super valuable).
Platforms like Collabosaurus are incredible for finding amazing brand collaborators for all sorts of campaigns in social media, products, or events. They also have a nifty idea and strategy generator that generates creative collaboration ideas for your business.
When it comes to finding a creative idea and executing your collaboration, don’t forget that it’s a marketing activity. Just like any marketing strategy, make sure you have a goal in mind, an objective that you can track against (such as growing your email list, getting content created, or increasing event shares on Instagram).
3. Leverage, leverage, leverage!
You could have secured the coolest collaboration in the world, but if no one knows about it, what’s the point? It’s crucial to have a promotional plan in place, for both yourself and your collaborator, that reflects a mutually beneficial sharing of marketing responsibilities. Identify all of the promotional channels and opportunities available to both yourself and your collaborator. Then, set a schedule so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to who is promoting what and when.
Want to keep things #legit? Consider signing a joint marketing agreement, or MOU document to keep things in writing, and using platforms like Bit.ly or Sked Social to track the impact of your collaboration against your original marketing goal.
4. Use collaborations in your broader marketing strategy.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate collaborations into your strategy frequently. Mix up your collaborators, as well as the types of collaborations (social media, product, event, etc.) you explore to keep your exposure opportunities fresh, and engaging.
The benefits of brand-to-brand collaborations are endless, and if you’re interested in giving it a try for your own business, check out Collabosaurus, a match-making platform for brands to collaborate for win-win marketing collaborations that help businesses grow. It’s free to start, takes less than five minutes, and from over 6000+ collaborators to choose from, including Porsche, ASOS, Olay, and RedBull, your dream brand could be waiting for you.
“You don’t have to have an immense social media following, significant cash flow, or the ability to just give away ‘free things’ in order to collaborate.”
—Jess Ruhfus, Founder of Collabosaurus
About the Author: Jess Ruhfus is the founder of Collabosaurus, a marketing platform that match-makes brands for clever collaborations and partnerships. With a background in fashion publicity and marketing education, Ruhfus was frustrated sourcing cool brand partnerships in events, products, and social media. So, she launched Collabosaurus in 2015, which has now attracted over 6000+ brands including Porsche, ASOS, Olay, Topshop and one of the largest global retailers in the U.S. Jess has also spoken for Apple, Vogue, and The College of Event Management, splitting her time between Sydney, New York, and Los Angeles as Collabosaurus continues to grow.
This story was originally published on August 5, 2019, and has since been updated.
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How to Balance Your Full-Time Job With Launching Your Dream Business
Yes, it is possible.
Photo: Smith House Photo
Balance is a word that’s come up more this past year than ever before. Whether it’s finding new ways to juggle the sudden merge of home and work life, trying to find time to squeeze in some self-care moments, or picking real pants over sweatpants, we’re all finding ways to make it all work.
So how does that same balance come into play when you are trying to jump feet first into creating your dream business?
While taking the plunge and diving right in is a thrilling option, it’s not always feasible. Maybe you need to start building your entrepreneurial dream while maintaining your 9-to-5. The ability to continue generating income to help support your new business is the most tangible benefit to working while building your empire, especially as some of the biggest costs come from operational expenses. Admittedly, it’s not the easiest path, but I am willing to bet that’s you didn’t sign up for easy when you decided to become an entrepreneur.
So you ask yourself, how do I do both? Can I do both?
After spending more than a decade in corporate retail, I went through a personal experience that moved me to create something for myself beyond a hobby. With some strategic planning, community engagement, and a bathtub of coffee, I am on the cusp of pursuing my passion full-time. Here are four tips I found worked best for turning an after-hours side hustle into a permanent, bill-paying gig.
Block and Tackle
Time management and time blocking is critical for new entrepreneurs, especially those who still have full-time jobs. Setting aside one specific day per week or actively blocking a few hours each day as designated “dream biz office hours” is essential to keep making progress on building your side hustle.
Whether it’s a color-coded calendar or itemized Google Sheet, make sure to figure out a system that effectively lays out the tasks that need to get completed on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis. It’s easy to spin out when you’re starting out because there are a million things to do, so block out time to create a plan and focus on tackling the tasks that make up each project or initiative. It won’t be long before you start to see and feel the progress.
Make Time for Self-Care
Working two jobs is mentally and physically draining so creative burnout is a common reality of entrepreneurship. Because of the sheer amount of work on your plate, it’s easy to fall into the habit of working non-stop without taking breaks. Which isn’t effective when you actually need to function. In order to be the best version of you for yourself, your full-time job and your side hustle (not to mention your friends, family, and the slew of other responsibilities you have), you need to schedule time to rest (see the previous point about time blocking.)
We implemented “slow down Sundays” in our house to find a better work-life balance. It’s a day where we make no plans and allow for pausing and reflecting in the current moment, which helps me go into my week rested, re-energized, and re-focused.
Hire Help
Starting a new business is overwhelming, especially as it’s often a team of one building out every area from operations to marketing. This means you will inevitably find yourself working on tasks that are not your strength, and those weak spots in the foundation can become problematic later on as you try to grow.
Since you are still working full time and able to potentially generate some income to feed your side hustle, think about hiring outside help in areas where you need an expert. Not great with social media creation? Copywriting? Sales management systems? Hire an hourly contract employee to take that task off your hands so you can focus on the part of your business that is most exciting and that plays to your strengths.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Even on your worst days, always remember why you started. Ask yourself, why did I want to launch this dream business? Stick Post-Its around your home with your mission on them. Start your day journaling on the dream, and keep focus on the progress you’re making toward that dream.
And take time to celebrate the small wins! Did you launch your website? Take a walk to reflect on that moment and let it all sink in. Upload your first social media post? You deserve a happy dance, or two, even if you didn’t block out time for it.
“Even on your worst days, always remember why you started.”
—Kelly Kussman, Founder of Cayla Gray
About the Author: Kelly Kussman is the founder of Cayla Gray, a luxury line of clean fragrances. Kelly launched her dream business while working full-time as a senior director of a large corporation.
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Permission to Spend: Why A Budget is This Couple's Secret To Reaching Their Goals
Your budgeting game is about to change.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Welcome to this special episode of WorkParty titled Money Talks, a Budget Broadcast Series in partnership with You Need a Budget (YNAB), designed to educate everyone on the power of building a budget.
Whether it’s starting the business, going on the trip, or renovation projects at home, a budget (of all sizes) can help you accomplish those dreams. YNAB is the leading personal finance platform that has helped hundreds of thousands of people take control of their finances–including our guests today.
In the second episode of the WorkParty and YNAB Budget Broadcast Series, Jaclyn sits down with Chris and Julia Marcum, the duo behind the dreamy home renovation, DIY project and lifestyle blog, Chris Loves Julia, to chat about how to use a budget to plan, prioritize, and not only set–but actualize–your financial goals, and why you should start today.
Get your notepad ready and press play on episode one! Your budgeting game is about to change. Join the party on social @workparty and stay in-the-know at workparty.com.
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Why This Founder Wants You to Adopt a "Profit First" Mentality
"As the daughter of immigrants, I was taught that to get ahead, you must work hard, spend frugally, and save money."
Photo: Courtesy of Caroll Lee
Being a small business owner means always being flexible, able to pivot quickly, and willing to veer from the plan as needed. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly put those skills to the test this year, and my team at Provenance Meals was able to step up to the task and propel us forward.
Before founding Provenance Meals, I was a certified holistic health coach in Brooklyn. I encouraged my clients to follow a simple elimination diet replacing processed and packaged foods with wholesome ingredients, and their overall health, vitality, and energy levels dramatically improved. But finding the ongoing time, motivation, and know-how to cook healthy meals at home—and sustain these life-changing benefits—was a challenge for most everyone I worked with, and I knew I could help. After finding this clear gap in the market, I launched Provenance Meals in 2012, making it easy for time-pressed humans to achieve their wellness goals, nourish their bodies, and replenish their spirits with 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free meals designed by wellness experts, and made from scratch with thoughtfully sourced, local ingredients.
Launching Provenance Meals was not my first entrepreneurial venture—I invested my heart, soul, and just about all of my savings into a small gourmet market in 2016 that sold semi-prepared, organic meals to busy New Yorkers. Shortly after opening, my business partner decided that to back out of our business deal and sue for all of the money she had invested. It was an incredibly stressful time, and I went into a great deal of debt to buy her out, but I appreciate that the experience taught me valuable lessons that would help propel me to launch Provenance Meals.
The biggest lesson I learned was to maintain a healthy cash reserve to stay afloat through unforeseen challenges. Since then, I have followed the “profit first” mentality, setting aside money for a small profit and taxes from our sales, and only then allowing myself to spend what was leftover to operate. I didn’t know anything about raising money or wooing investors when I opened my first business. As the daughter of immigrants, I was taught that to get ahead, you must work hard, spend frugally, and save money. Now I also know that you need to start with a business model and unit economics that work from the get-go, and you will be that much more prepared for emergencies in the future.
This system is how I’ve been able to bootstrap Provenance Meals without relying on investor life support. We have been profitable since launch, with $0 raised until this year's community-driven campaign on Republic, our first-ever fundraising effort (at 742% of the minimum goal), which allows for angel investors and Provenance Meals' longtime community members to buy a stake in the company. Since our nationwide launch this spring, we’ve seen revenue increase 78% month over month.
For small businesses looking to expand their brands during a time of uncertainty, here are some additional pieces of advice that have served me well over the years:
React quickly and assertively in the short term.
But be aware of longer-term consequences. Right when COVID-19 hit New York City in the spring of 2020, we realized quickly we needed to pivot to meet our community’s changing needs (as many New Yorkers fled to second homes). We expanded our local courier zones in New York to include Connecticut, Westchester, and Long Island in order to follow our clients, and have seen demand soar in these regions. This led us to begin shipping nationwide and expand our offering to include new products. Because we’re now in a position to reach a larger audience and garner higher total revenue, we’re able to lower prices to make our products more accessible—our Daily Essentials program now starts at $52/day (originally $68).
Double down on your values.
Don’t be wishy-washy when it comes to why you do what you do. Your mission statement, your company’s core values, and your voice are your “North stars” in making business decisions. The more authentic you are about why you’re doing what you’re doing, the more you’ll love your business and the more you’ll attract customers. I see so many starting founders comparing themselves with other entrepreneurs. Truthfully, we’re all figuring it out as we go along! Stick to what makes your business uniquely your own and you’ll find success in your field.
Celebrate your strengths.
A perfect company, strategy, or plan doesn’t exist, but what does exist is my own confidence in the future, which I pass on to my team. I like to think my perpetual optimism helps show everyone how bright the future can be and inspires my team to share the dream with me. That’s one of my strengths as a leader. What are yours? Celebrate your strengths and use them to your and your team’s advantage.
Balance is key.
As the founder, in many ways, you are the business. When you take care of yourself, you’re also taking care of your business. Having two young children when I first started Provenance, I had no choice but to prioritize my family. The process was a stressful juggling act at the time, but in retrospect, forced me to be fully present in my home life and separate my work life. Over the years, I’ve learned strategies to cope with the stress and holding the responsibility of my business and my staff’s livelihoods on my shoulders, with practicing presence and meditation at the top of the list.
Give back where you can.
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed a lot of problems that already existed in the food industry, including the tremendous amount of food waste, the working conditions of farm and factory workers, the tenuous nature of the hospitality industry, how the way we grow and eat food affects global climate change, how representation matters, and the amount of food insecurity that exists in the United States. As Provenance Meals grew, we knew that we wanted to prioritize giving back to our community. We forged a nonprofit partnership with Kiss the Ground, underscoring our mission to support independent farmers and further provide widespread access to nutrient-dense ingredients.
Founding and running my own business is a dream come true. I have so much pride in what my team and I have built, and feel like we’re only just getting started. Especially in challenging times such as these, I rely on our spirit and determination to further our mission to improve the health and lives of others through the power of (delicious) food as medicine.
About the Author: Caroll Lee launched Provenance Meals to make it easy for modern, time-pressed people to achieve their wellness goals, nourish their bodies, and replenish their spirits. Caroll believes nutrition is the bedrock for feeling good, performing well, and living a longer, happier life. She launched the meal program in 2012, and in eight successful years, Provenance Meals has amassed a dedicated community, including noteworthy fans like Naomi Watts, Taryn Toomey, and Rachel Brosnahan. The nourishing, anti-inflammatory food offerings are all 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and composed of organic, local ingredients.
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5 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself Without Sacrificing Your Business' Success
Don't let stress become part of your daily routine.
Photo: Christina Jones Photography
This time last year, I was sitting at a desk, in a corporate job that I thought was “the job.” In reality, I was working myself into the ground for someone else’s bottom line. My health was at an all-time low—both mentally and physically. I was exhausted and needed a change. That’s when I decided to take my side hustle full-time.
In our fast-paced, highly competitive world, being “stressed out” is one of the most common feelings. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to let stress become part of our daily routine. But I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to stop accepting the high-stress lifestyle as “just the way it is.” You do not need to work 24/7, and push, drive and grind until you break. It is possible to build a successful business with balance and wellness at the core.
Often, I see entrepreneurs fall into chronic stress because they believe that hustling until you can’t hustle anymore is the only way to succeed. I was one of them. As a young entrepreneur, I personally experienced burnout, and the long nights lying awake with thoughts about all of the different ways that I could grow my business swirling around in my head. Eventually, at age 22, I was left with a chronic illness. My body gave me a “force quit” and taught me a lesson that has become part of my life’s work to share.
Today, I run my new business with an autoimmune disease and a new mantra: Stress is inevitable, but it is not uncontrollable.
Learning to manage stress has been an essential part of my success in business. And I can promise you this: running a business with self-care in mind is a lot more fun (and more productive!) than operating from a place of burnout.
So, to the busy, stressed-out, and overworked entrepreneur reading this, here are my top five tips for taking care of yourself without sacrificing your business success.
1. Don’t Sacrifice Your Routine
When you know you have a busy day ahead, it’s easy to skip journaling, working out, or even eating breakfast, and head to the computer first thing. It’s also easy to keep working after 5 pm because you’re determined to cross things off your to-do list before calling it a day. Having both a set morning and evening routine gives you a sense of control in stressful times. Doing so can set the tone for your entire day and can help you transition into an evening mode that allows you to be present for friends and family, and for yourself! Even if you’re not a “routine person,” try starting off your day without your phone and do something just for you.
2. Delegate and Outsource
Outsource the things that drain your energy or take you out of your creative flow. Things that suck up your time are not worth it. Bringing in backup may make your margins tighter at first, but as all good CEOs know, investing in a team that helps you expand and grow will return the cost in more ways than just revenue. With less stress, you can focus on innovation in your business, as opposed to worrying about smaller day-to-day tasks. When you’re feeling sick or close to burnout, don’t be afraid to lean even more on your team. That’s what they are there for! Your business and your team can manage a day, a week, or even a month without you if you’ve trained them well.
3. Treat Yourself
Whether it’s a full spa day or diffusing your favorite essential oils, be intentional about doing things that bring you joy. The entrepreneur life can be lonely, so try calling a friend or family member once a day. It’s amazing how much a good friend can lift your spirits. My favorite stress-reliever is ending my day with a warm bath with Epsom salts, baking soda, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, which releases stress and toxins and makes my home feel like a spa.
4. Get Moving
I try to get some form of exercise every day. It may seem obvious, but it’s a game-changer. Exercise works wonders for releasing stress and clearing your head on a busy day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from your desk for a quick walk around the block or a 5-minute ab workout. Every evening, I clean up my desk, shut down my computer, and go for a walk to clear my head and disconnect. This helps me to be more present in my post-work hours and improves my sleep at night. No more lying awake thinking about business.
5. Meditate
Om’s the word! Meditation, whether in the form of yoga, prayer, journaling, or traditional meditation, helps to reprogram your body from a stressful fight-or-flight mode to peaceful alignment. Meditate on what you’re grateful for, or on what you have already accomplished, and let your mind wander away from the stress. I also love doing the 5-5-5 breathing exercise (breath in for 5 seconds, hold for 5, out for 5, hold for 5, repeat) when I find myself holding my breath and working in overdrive.
When you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and run down, the best thing you can do is to take a step back and assess the whole picture. Your mental and physical health has to take priority in order for your business to have sustainability and long-term success. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; and it doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or a “chore!” But the alternative—neglecting your wellness now—can stop you in your tracks, throw off all of your productivity and forward motion, and make it so much harder to get it back. Trust me on this one. So shut your laptop, go draw yourself a bath, go on a walk, or unwind and watch a movie with your people. Your work can wait; and when you readdress it, you’ll be more focused and more efficient as a result. You not only deserve it...you need it.
Remember: stress is inevitable, but not uncontrollable! Integrating balance, wellness, and self-care into your life today will make you a healthier, more productive, and more successful entrepreneur in the long run. After all, life’s a marathon... not a sprint.
“S
tress is inevitable, but not uncontrollable!”
—Gracie Thomas, Founder of Gracie Thomas Consulting
About the Author: Gracie Thomas is a marketing and brand consultant and the founder of Gracie Thomas Consulting. The GT Brand helps female health and wellness professionals scale their business through brand strategy and design and marketing consulting. Ever since her diagnosis with an autoimmune disease and Lyme disease, she stands to help female entrepreneurs build successful companies while keeping their own wellness in mind.
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This story was originally published on September 24, 2020, and has since been updated.
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Why Being Laid Off Turned Out to Be the Very Best Thing for These Founders
“We’ll forever be grateful for losing our jobs.”
Photo: Courtesy of The Hive
We don’t know that anyone really wants to be fired from a job, no matter how unfulfilling it might be. What we know for sure is that our career plans never included layoffs while we were having babies for the first time but what felt, at the time, mildly catastrophic, turned out to be for the very best.
We both met in the fall of 2017 shortly after welcoming our first children. Kristin had a daughter, Stella, and I had a son named Finn, and together, we bonded over this new chapter of our lives. We had no idea what we were doing (spoiler alert: we still don’t) and quickly bonded over the terror we felt becoming new moms. This new world felt unexpectedly scary, very overwhelming, and if we’re being honest, lonely, so it felt reassuring and comforting to have someone to lean on in such a similar phase of life. We’d meet up a few times a week for walks or drinks, and compare notes on feeding and nap schedules, growth charts, diapers, and eventually, our professional futures.
Kristin had been laid off from her role with a prestigious spinning brand while pregnant and knew that staying home full time with her daughter wasn’t part of her long-term plan. She hadn’t figured out the next step when we met but her entrepreneurial spirit was running wild with ideas and working for herself in some capacity was the dream. As for me, I headed back to a role in public relations that I loved after an (unpaid) four-month maternity leave. Like so many moms before me, I headed back to my desk so conflicted: feeling empowered by bringing home a paycheck but guilty for leaving my child in someone else’s care. Regardless of those feelings, I buckled down and got to work, despite my boss hiring someone for my exact role while I was on leave. I shook my insecurity off, showed up every day to prove myself, but despite my best efforts, it wasn’t enough for my boss, who fired me for “poor performance” exactly two months after returning to work.
Even now, three years later, I shudder remembering that feeling of inadequacy. On top of not fitting back into my pre-pregnancy clothes, losing my hair from a huge postpartum shed, and struggling to juggle pumping and working and being a great mom and wife and daughter, I was also unemployed. It sucked.
“Looking back, our respective job losses were stepping stones into a different and more satisfying career path, and for that, we’ll forever be grateful.”
I quickly jumped back in the saddle and began freelancing for clients in need of PR, and would still frequently meet up with Kristin and our kids. At this stage, our children were older and much squigglier than their newborn selves, so our usual go-to spots around our hometown of Hoboken, NJ, became impossible for us to visit. It felt like the town we loved so much had overnight become a place where we didn’t quite fit in. We were either at a spot meant for kids that didn’t fulfill our needs or at a coffee shop or restaurant that wasn’t accommodating to young children.
“I wish there was somewhere for us that would also be engaging for our kids,” Kristin said one day. I remember agreeing (while struggling to contain my baby, Finn, and sip my coffee), and suddenly, both our wheels were turning. We couldn’t stop thinking about this place: a shop that was designed for adults with great retail products, awesome food and drinks, and a place for children that would allow for their caregiver to take a break. It sounded too good to be true, but as we began looking into this business model, we found tremendous inspiration across the world. These cafes existed and were wildly popular internationally, from what we could tell from reviews. We fantasized about a space like this in Hoboken, New Jersey and started with a Pinterest board, which gave way to a business plan, and us cold-calling the owners of businesses we admire so we could ask them questions about their own experiences.
As we progressed in our planning, we kept coming back to one question, which helped quell our fears about opening a new business: If someone else opened this exact business tomorrow, how would we feel? And our answer was always the same: We’d be devastated. There was forever a worry that we wouldn’t make it, of course. Having had no experience in the coffee industry, there was the risk that we wouldn’t know enough to be successful, but there’s Google, there are the peers who become allies, there are other business owners who want to help you when you don’t know the answer. Failure isn’t an option when you put in the work and have people supporting you along the way.
We filed official paperwork to launch our LLC, sunk our savings into a joint account, secured a small business loan, and signed a lease on our space, months before anyone knew about COVID-19. The pandemic delayed our opening and, if we’re being honest, terrified us into thinking no one would ever give us a chance, but six months after opening, our shop is alive and well. The Hive officially opened in November 2020, almost exactly one year after we first signed our lease. It’s exactly what we dreamed it would be: a welcoming place for adults to get great coffee and food, a place to discover new brands and cool products, and a safe space for their littles to play. We opened in the midst of a global pandemic and have altered our model slightly by removing the majority of our seating and rather than allowing anyone to play in the designated playspace, we’ve introduced private reservations to allow us control over volume and to sanitize everything between each booking. Despite the challenges and delays we faced, we’re immensely proud to say that we’ve been profitable every month since opening our doors.
Looking back, our respective job losses were stepping stones into a different and more satisfying career path, and for that, we’ll forever be grateful. In fact, having the security of a job and a paycheck likely would have been more than enough of a reason for us not to take the leap into pursuing our dream. We may never forget that feeling of being told our jobs were eliminated (because let’s be serious, being fired sucks!), but the road we’ve paved so far is brighter, friendlier, and a whole lot more fulfilling and for that, we’ll forever be grateful for losing our jobs.
About the Founders: Before launching The Hive, Catherine Willhoit spent fourteen years working in public relations, specializing in the beauty industry, working for large companies like Dermalogica and IT Cosmetics, along with small, indie brands, to tell their stories and spread consumer awareness. After having her first son in 2017, she began reevaluating what mattered in her career and very slowly made the transition from PR into the coffee and retail space. The Hive is her first brick-and-mortar business and when she’s not at the shop, you can find Catherine outside whenever possible, taking hikes with her kids, long walks with her dog, or taking day trips to one of New Jersey’s many beautiful beaches. Catherine currently lives in Jersey City with her husband, Kevin, their sons, Finley and Miles, and their rescue pup, Egan.
Having spent over a decade working in retail merchandising for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, and SoulCycle, The Hive is very much a fusion of Kristin Karotkin’s professional and creative passions. Her happy place has always been in the kitchen baking and playing hostess for family and friends, with a fondness for celebrating moments, both big and small. Having grown up in New York and going to Cornell for her undergraduate degree and NYU for her MBA, Kristin spent her summers growing up at the Jersey Shore with her family and currently lives in Hoboken, NJ with her husband, Sam, and two kids, Stella and Harry.
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How I Empower My Team and Create a Culture of Systematic Trust (Yes, It Is Possible)
“It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” — Steve Jobs.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
The proof is in the stats. Millennials value company culture more than any other generation that’s come before them. In fact, according to Forbes, on average, millennials would be willing to give up $7,600 in salary every year to work at a job that provided a better environment for them. At We Are Rosie, our culture is built around systemic trust. We have a core belief that people have the best chance of success when they are treated with dignity and respect, and that comes along with trust. We want a team that can confidently demonstrate self-motivation, personal responsibility, and confidence.
My goal as a founder was to create a more human-centric approach to work and to build a community that reflects the company’s core values. My diverse childhood experiences as the child of a refugee have made me truly aware of what it is like to be overlooked, underestimated, and marginalized. This inspired me to want to cultivate a professional experience for my team where they are seen and appreciated as whole human beings.
Trust can be tricky for all leaders but particularly challenging for founders. I’ve used the analogy more than once that We Are Rosie is my third child. As a leader, it’s important to find the balance between seeing your vision through to fruition (helping your baby become a productive member of society) and identifying the friction points where you (and your baby) are better served by allowing others to take the reigns.
Ever heard the phrase by Steve Jobs that says, “It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” This is the crux of trust and it’s one of the many reasons we are so tedious in our hiring process for both our core employees and the incredible freelance consultants we deploy into large organizations. I actually believe that trust can, many times, be more important than experience when making a new hire. When you establish trust during an employee screening process, you are better able to create an environment for this person to thrive within your organization. You are also creating an opportunity for you to be the best leader you can be by avoiding the pitfalls that come along with mistrust.
As we move into an era where distributed and remote teams are the new norm, trust, or lack thereof, can make or break your team’s ability to achieve. When employees feel heard and respected, they will deliver their best work. I want people to be seen. I want people to know how much we appreciate the unique treasures they bring to our business. I want them to take ownership of their work and time. I want to support individuals as they recognize that there is a better way for work to happen.
Through my experience starting and growing a business, I’ve found six concrete action items that create a culture of systematic trust.
1. Embrace the Model You Serve
In addition to helping our clients discover better talent solutions, we also tap into our dynamic community of consultants. We turn our client's needs into possibilities through a fresh perspective and expertise. Our core team is small, but our power, by way of the We Are Rosie community, is mighty.
If you're unwilling to use the product or service you're providing to your clients, you are missing out on truly understanding the pain points that your clients experience and how to speak directly to them with solutions.
2. People First
Within the advertising industry (and many others if we're honest), the focus remains on the product or service, not the people producing the work. We're humanizing the way we do advertising by keeping our people first. Time is precious, and people want to work in a way that makes sense for their lives. The work comes and goes. It will always be constant. The people are what makes it magic.
3. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Our work moves fast and quickly. I set the example for my team to let go of the small things, which keeps us focused on building and collaborating together. When problems arise, we address them quickly, learn the lesson, and forget the details.
Most people start businesses so they have more control over their lives. It’s all for nothing if you are miserably trapped within your company. If you aren't having fun, you might want to reconsider your perspective. A small trick I’ve learned is that any time I catch myself saying or thinking “I have to” do something, I reframe it to “I get to” do this thing. That small mental shift takes me from a place of complaining to a place of gratitude.
4. Honesty Is the Best Policy
Embracing difficult conversations fosters an environment of trust. Being truthful about strengths and weaknesses keeps everyone clear on the best way to approach the work. If you're not being honest about your perspective, your energy will reflect that to all of those around you. Show up every day in your truth, and everyone around you will do the same.
5. Communication
It sounds cliché, but communication is vital. We achieve all of our goals through simple, clear, and timely communication, both internally and externally. No jargon allowed. Furthermore, we hold ourselves accountable to our timelines, our words, and our shared values. There is no blame game. We own it, address it, and move forward. It's a powerful, crazy concept that also works in all relationships.
6. Be Candid in the Hiring Process
When hiring great people, you must be honest about expectations. This is especially true with consultants that have other client responsibilities and time commitments outside of your business. This is actually one of the best benefits of working with consultants. There’s no need for the fake mask that tells you, “I can do it all because you’ve asked me to.” There’s no reason for the fluff, so don’t add any. Speak candidly about what’s expected and be open to hearing what’s expected from you. This process builds a tremendous foundation for trust.
When you establish trust during an employee screening process, you are better able to create an environment for this person to thrive within your organization. You are also creating an opportunity for you to be the best leader you can be by avoiding the pitfalls that come along with mistrust.
About the Author: Stephanie Nadi Olson founded We Are Rosie from a genuine realization of what it feels like to “not belong.” As a young mother with a career and also as a daughter of an immigrant parent of color, she knew what it felt like to be overlooked and marginalized. Because of this, she wanted to create a home and opportunity for people who often feel discounted. We Are Rosie is an extension of the work she has done with refugees her entire life and her soul’s calling to create a better way to do business. Stephanie has worked closely with big brands and major tech companies her entire career, so she has a unique 360 view of industry practices and the need for transformation.
This story was originally published on August 8, 2019, and has since been updated.
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Do You Have the Top 7 Traits for Entrepreneurial Success?
Trait #1: You’re curious.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
Are you cut out for the crazy, hectic, and yet super fulfilling life of being an entrepreneur? We’ve worked with countless business owners over the years, and thanks to our conferences and digital summits, we spend a lot of time with startup owners, owners of growing companies, even people juggling four or five companies at once. Unfortunately, not every business owner will make it for the long haul, but I’ve definitely noticed seven traits that are common threads among those who do well.
Do these traits sound like you? Read on to find out if you have all of the elements required to be a successful entrepreneur.
1. You’re Curious.
You don’t ever think you know it all, and you’re always learning, experimenting, and hungry for more, no matter how long you’ve been in the business. Your vision and passion inspire others to action and your curiosity keeps your business innovative.
2. You’re Highly Engaged.
You always know what’s going on with every aspect of your business. When there’s something you should know but don’t understand, you talk to the experts on your team until you get it (whether that’s your manufacturing team, your CFO, your company’s attorney, etc.).
You’re also actively engaged with your employees. You understand that the success or failure of your business ultimately relies on you.
3. You Have a Big-Picture Vision.
You understand why you’re in business and you’re able to take a step back and see your company for what it is. You understand that entrepreneurs tend to be serial business launchers and you aren’t overly attached to your current projects.
You also have an end desire in mind, whether that’s where you’d like your business to be in 20 years or when and how you’d like to sell it.
4. You Have an Even Temperament.
You maintain a calm, even-tempered demeanor at work no matter what’s going on. You don’t take out your stress on others or let the urge for control of the call of anxiety get the best of you. You can be relied on to always keep your cool. This trait helps you make clearer and more balanced business decisions. It also sets the tone for a healthy-functioning work environment.
5. You Have Excellent Negotiation Skills.
You walk into every negotiation situation knowing what it is you want and what you’re willing to give up to the other side. You work on improving your negotiation skills every time. Negotiating is a huge part of business— from negotiating with vendors to everyday smaller negotiations with the members of your team.
6. You Surround Yourself With Top Talent.
You aren’t threatened by the prospect of not being the smartest person in the room. You know that you don’t know everything and that there’s always more to learn. As such, you make it a point to surround yourself with people who excel in different disciplines and areas of business. This extends to your social groups but also the members of your team and your consultants.
7. You’re Willing to Work on Any Area of Your Business.
You don’t reserve your efforts for CEO or co-founder activities. You take care of whatever needs taking care of and don’t make a big deal of it.
About the Author: Syama Meagher is the CEO and founder of Scaling Retail, which has launched brands around the world using a combination of expert advice and creative marketing strategy. We believe in the power of hard work to grow and build your businesses. Discover Scaling Retail at www.ScalingRetail.com.
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This story was originally published on August 25, 2019, and has since been updated.
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This Mom Founded a Kid’s Clothing Company to Spend More Time With Her Family
Now Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, and Eva Longoria are fans.
You asked for more content around business finances, so we’re delivering. Welcome to Money Matters where we give you an inside look at the pocketbooks of CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this series, you’ll learn what successful women in business spend on office spaces and employee salaries, how they knew it was time to hire someone to manage their finances, and their best advice for talking about money.
Photo: Courtesy of Fiona Sahakian
In 2010, Fiona Sahakian was a hairdresser and new mom working long hours and daydreaming of spending more time with her growing family when a client introduced her to Etsy. “I was so intrigued by working from home and using my creativity to generate income through a platform,” Sahakian tells Create & Cultivate. Less than a year later, she launched the first iteration of Posh Peanut, a line of handmade accessories that eventually evolved into the beloved children’s clothing brand that it is today.
Fast forward to 2021 and Posh Peanut is a favorite among celebrity moms by the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, and Eva Longoria, to name just a few. If you’re not an A-lister you can still add the brand’s coveted pieces to cart—but you’ll have to act fast. Last year, Posh Peanut launched at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, and the brand’s weekly collection drops have been known to sell out within five minutes (!). But the business wasn’t an overnight success. “I funded my business one sale at a time,” the founder explains. “I spent $500 from my own account for my first ‘big’ inventory purchase. Every sale and every dollar went back into inventory.”
Ahead, Sahakian talks about what it takes to slowly but surely build a successful brand and why hiring an accountant ASAP will save you money in the long run.
Take us back to the beginning—What was the “lightbulb moment” for Posh Peanut? What inspired you to launch your business and pursue this path?
I really wanted to stay home with my growing family. I was a hairdresser working crazy hours over the weekends. When I had my son in 2010, a customer turned me onto Etsy and I was so intrigued by working from home and using my creativity to generate income through a platform. Posh Peanut has evolved over the years from handmade accessories to the softest essentials you can imagine. Although I now work more than ever, it has given me the opportunity to also work on my own terms and around my kids’ schedules.
Today, Posh Peanut is beloved by celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, Gabrielle Union, Mindy Kaling, Eva Longoria, and more. How did you create buzz around your business in the beginning?
In the beginning, we had no marketing budget but we used social media outlets to rally up fans and our community. Our community built the buzz surrounding our coveted designs with lots of hashtags and resharing.
Last year, Posh Peanut launched on Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Congratulations! What has been the biggest challenge in scaling your business and what lessons have you learned along the way? What advice can you share on how to scale a business sustainably?
Our biggest challenge has been keeping up with demand and diversifying our supply chain. Our collections are known to sell out in 5 minutes and our production lead time is 8-12 months out on the calendar. We have had exponential growth in the past two years. Finding new supply chains to meet our growth and finance the business has been our biggest hurdle. We are 100% bootstrapped, and in order to scale to our projected numbers, we need capital.
We have been lucky to have great relationships with our suppliers and banks, and have learned that it is better to grow slow and sustain that growth rather than raising a bunch of capital. We don’t put ourselves in a corner or bite off more than we can chew. I suggest negotiating with your suppliers, banks, and find funding yourself if you do not want investors. There are many great lending programs in the e-comm space.
How did you fund Posh Peanut? What were the challenges and what would you change? Would you recommend that route to other entrepreneurs?
Don't run, walk. I funded my business one sale at a time. I spent $500 from my own account for my first “big” inventory purchase. Every sale and every dollar went back into inventory. I didn't pay myself out until many years later. I was lucky enough to have a supportive husband. I also kept my job as a hairstylist until I was able to save enough to focus 100% on Posh Peanut. I didn’t take any loans out or seek investors.
This path of course is a slow growth, but I wanted to be self-funded. I think many entrepreneurs seek out funding very early on without getting their feet wet. As we scaled, it did become more difficult and with larger inventory purchases we needed more capital. I don’t think I would change the way we funded the business. Although it took us a bit longer to scale, I think it taught us a great lesson of not over-investing in products, growing too quickly, and then figuring out how to sell them. Slowly growing taught us to invest in the correct places.
Where do you think is the most important area for a business owner to focus their financial energy and why?
Payroll. I think you can add tons of people to your team who don't add value, making your financials top-heavy every month.
What was your first big expense as a business owner and how should small business owners prepare for that now?
Inventory. Inventory was our biggest investment but also the only way to sell. Negotiate. Negotiate. Negotiate. If you are a product-based company, your inventory will always be the biggest expense. Ask vendors for terms, don't bite off more than you can chew. You can always buy more and replenish when you see demand.
What are your top three largest expenses every month?
Payroll. Inventory. Paid media.
Do you pay yourself, and if so, how did you know what to pay yourself?
I started paying myself four years ago. I didn't pay myself in the beginning as I used all the money to fund the business. However, every time I hit a goal of X I would take a little bit of the revenue and spend it on myself on something I really wanted. I believe in setting goals and rewarding yourself with a gift, trip, or whatever that thing is that really motivates you to get to that next step.
Would you recommend other small business owners pay themselves?
If you can, yes! I was lucky because my husband had a good job and paid for the necessities and I was able to save all of Posh Peanut’s earnings to pay for the business expenses. I was able to put every dollar made back in the business. I don't see a wrong or right answer. It's how your personal financials pencil out while sustaining the growth of the business.
Did you hire an accountant? Who helped you with the financial decisions and setup? Are there any tools or programs you recommend for bookkeeping?
We did hire an accountant early on. He helped set up our corporations and made sure our finances were aligned. I did not do any accounting or financials in-house. We did hire a controller a few years ago as the company was scaling quickly. I think hiring an accountant or financial advisor is very important as soon as you see traction in your business. You'll save more money outsourcing finances than trying to do it all yourself. I know how to make the money but I would never have been able to scale without the guidance of professionals.
What apps or software are you using for finances? What’s worked and what hasn’t?
We currently use Avalara for all of our e-comm state taxes and our controller does all the other finances through our ERP system.
How did you know you were ready to hire and what advice can you share on preparing for this stage of your business?
Jack of all trades, master of none. When you get to the point of, “Oh, shit,” you need to hire someone ASAP. You have to spend money to make money. Unless you have a degree in finance or lived in this space, don’t try to carry everything on your shoulders. Having a great accountant, CPA, etc. will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Do you think women should talk about money and business more? Why?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Why not? Women need to start sharing their experiences more and talk about capital. In a male-dominated space, it is incredibly nice to find other women you can relate to. Hopping on a call to get advice from another woman that understands the struggles is refreshing. You don't feel alone. Women are often more reserved or don't want to ask questions. I wish more women would find confidence and open up with what they are doing in their space.
You’re a mom of two and a founder! How has being a mother changed your priorities and your focus in terms of your career? Do you think motherhood has made you a better business person?
I always say I have three babies, my two kids, and my business. I love what I do. I love my kids to death but I also love working, building teams, and creating community. My career has made me a better mother. My schedule is always run, run, run, but my kids understand why I am doing it, and in the end, it's for them. When I am not working, I am 100% with my family. My career has taught me to slow down and do everything 100% with intention. Especially with my kids.
Do you have a financial mentor, and do you think business owners need one?
Yes, we have consultants for finance. I think when you become seasoned in your industry it's great to have different eyes and mentors in all aspects of your business.
What is your best piece of financial advice for new entrepreneurs?
Know your numbers.
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15% of the World’s Population Lives With Disabilities—Here’s How to Make Your Website More Accessible
Digital inclusivity matters.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
There have been many points throughout our history where society has had to reflect on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although there has been some progress, the Black Lives Matter movement, which was re-ignited following the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, made us realize how much work still needs to be done. As a result, many of us have engaged in discussions about racial injustice in our personal lives and businesses began to consider their roles and opportunities on how to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives as well.
As a technology advisor who has partnered with several small business creatives across many industries, I have observed many businesses move into action by revisiting their brand core values, publishing statements across digital touchpoints, and hiring DE&I specialists to assist them in their efforts. While I applaud their efforts, they seemed to miss one more important aspect that must be addressed in order to truly be inclusive, and that is accessibility. As Tim Berners Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web Consortium so wisely put it, “The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
Here’s how you can take steps toward making your digital presence inclusive and accessible—and why it matters.
What Is Web Accessibility and Digital Inclusivity?
Just ICYMI, accessibility has become the new buzzword across all things digital over the past several months, especially after we’ve all had to rely more on technology and digital media to connect, communicate and maintain some sense of community. As the world shut down during the pandemic, we had to rely on the web, escalating the need for websites to be more accessible to everyone. This is why you might have even noticed accessibility features on your smartphone and social media platforms like Instagram that allow you to add alternative text for images or auto-generated captions for videos. I believe that tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple realize the importance of making their tools more accessible and they see it as the future.
Quite simply, accessibility means the quality of being able to be reached or entered by everyone. But when you apply accessibility to the web, we refer to it as the practice of making your website usable by as many people as possible. Traditionally, we think of accessibility as being about blind users, deaf users, and those who need to navigate a website by voice, screen readers, or other assistive technologies.
The primary disabilities that business owners should take into account when thinking about accessibility are:
Blind people using screen-readers
People with other visual impairments like color blindness
Deaf or hard of hearing individuals
The motor-impaired who use the keyboard to navigate
People who suffer from epileptic seizures
Those with cognitive and learning disabilities
According to a recent fact sheet published by The United Nations, approximately 15% of the world’s population, (an estimated 1 billion people,) live with disabilities. According to the CDC, 26 %, that’s one in four adults in the United States, have some type of disability. As the world’s largest minority group, it often surprises me that accessibility is not addressed along with DE&I conversations, especially after we had to rely so much on the web due to the world pandemic shut down.
I often use the term digital inclusivity to describe the practice of bringing it all together by creating a digital footprint for your business that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible. It’s very easy to understand how diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility can get lumped together, but it’s important to recognize that they don’t all mean the same thing:
Diversity: The practice of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.
Equity: The quality of being fair or impartial.
Inclusion: The action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.
Accessibility: The practice of being able to be reached or entered by everyone.
As you can see, each aspect overlaps and intertwines to create a broader perspective and portray a positive image to your target audience. That's why the benefits of creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible business are substantial. But don't you don't have to take my word for it. Studies show that businesses with more diverse, inclusive teams and accessible content see 15 times more revenue and sales, as well as an increased ROI.
Making your web presence accessible also comes with additional perks like boosting up your SEO, speeding up your site for visitors using mobile devices or slower network connections, and making it easier for visitors to have options in the way they absorb your content. So, not only does it increase your profitability and your visibility, but it's the right thing to do.
How Is Digital Inclusivity Connected to ADA Compliance?
Aside from expanding your reach and making it easier to connect to a broader audience, there is one more aspect regarding digital inclusivity and accessibility that is important for business owners to know about—ADA compliance.
ADA compliance is another term that has gained popularity in recent months which stems from the federal law passed in 1990 called the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although the laws passed under this regulation were originally geared toward certain businesses with physical locations, the law was expanded upon in 2010 to include standards for accessible design which mandated certain types of businesses to make all electronic and information technology like websites, be accessible to those with disabilities.
ADA compliance laws vary from state to state and there aren’t any clear rules, which makes it very tricky. As a result, many businesses of all sizes have received ADA lawsuits and demand letters for having websites that weren’t accessible. And these lawsuits are on an intense rise. For now, the only recourse is to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which isn’t a legal requirement but acts as a great reference point for recommendation on how to improve accessibility. These guidelines were created by the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3), an international organization focused on maintaining web standards.
Simple Ways to Make Your Website More Accessible
So, let's talk about how to make your web presence digitally inclusive and more accessible. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money, especially if you incorporate a few simple practices whenever you upload content to your website:
1. Create a consistent, organized layout.
Provide your website visitors a clear path towards what you would like them to do. Menus, links, and buttons should be organized in a way that they are distinct from one another, and are easily navigated throughout the entire site. This also makes it easier if a user needs to zoom in and make the elements larger.
2. Try to avoid the use of sticky headers or menus.
Headers that stay on the screen and continue as you scroll down can make your web pages appear crowded and overwhelming.
3. Add alternative text to every image.
Alternative text is the hidden copy that gets attached to media files like images that appears if the media fails to load. Not only does it help screen-reading tools describe images to a visually impaired website visitor, but it acts as an SEO booster by helping search engines to crawl and rank your website better. A win-win!
4. Create captions for videos embedded in your site that have audio.
By including captions, you are allowing users to read what is being said in your videos. (Bonus: this is also an SEO booster!)
5. Incorporate text transcripts for video and audio content.
It acts as another SEO booster by adding text transcripts to your website pages and helps hearing-impaired users understand the content that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
6. Be mindful of the colors you are using.
It’s important to have enough contrast between foreground elements, background colors, text, link text, and body text.
7. Avoid overly script fonts.
Although script fonts can be beautiful, they might be difficult to read.
8. Make sure that videos or image rotating wells that play automatically have the ability to be paused or stopped.
Giving users the option to stop movements may make it easier for people who may suffer from epilepsy.
Why Digital Inclusivity Matters and Should Be A Priority
The benefits of making your web presence accessible and digitally inclusive are huge. It opens up the potential for you to expand your outreach and ensures that you aren’t shutting people out. There’s no reason to exclude anybody, especially since it’s relatively easy to avoid doing so. Aside from protecting you from possible lawsuits, it also has wonderful SEO boosting tendencies that will create increased traffic and conversions which ultimately will positively impact your bottom line.
“There’s no reason to exclude anybody, especially since it’s relatively easy to avoid doing so.”
—Myrna Daramy, Digital Media Optimization Expert
About the Author: Myrna Daramy is a digital media optimization expert (DMO Expert for short.) She helps small businesses optimize their marketing strategies across all digital platforms as well as overcome the overwhelm of tech by bridging the gap between marketing and technology.
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3 Tips to Pitch (and Win!) Business Virtually
Business as unusual.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
At this point in the pandemic, we’ve all learned how to set up flattering lighting and stage a professional background for video calls, making the most of our WFH attire and makeshift home offices. But pitching (and, more importantly, winning!) new business virtually is a brave new world requiring a completely different set of skills. Here are three tips to help you level up your virtual pitch game and close the deal from behind any screen.
#1 Make time for a tech-check. (And then re-check!)
I know it’s tedious, but a thorough tech run-through and rehearsal are critical to the success of any pitch, let alone a virtual one.
While Zoom has become synonymous with virtual conferencing, plenty of potential clients, customers and partners use other platforms. Be prepared to learn and adapt to their preferred system—whether that’s Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, Cisco WebEx, etc.
And don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure everyone on the team has the latest software version installed (buy the premium subscription if necessary) and rehearse on that platform for every meeting leading up to the pitch. Get familiar with the interface, know how to optimize presentation mode for video and sound, and make sure you plan for hard-wired internet when necessary.
Remember to turn off notifications (that Slack ding will kill the vibe), charge all devices, double-check headphones, and do several tech rehearsals to work out any kinks well in advance.
#2 Read the virtual room.
Once you have the tech situation nailed down, plan for the chemistry and flow parts of the meeting. Remember that social cues like first impressions, handshakes, eye contact, and body language are trickier to read, so you’ll have to adjust.
Avoid awkward moments like long pauses or people talking over each other as much as possible. Establish meeting ground rules and communicate them to the group during the introduction. For instance, if you prefer your client or prospect not to interrupt throughout the presentation, ask that everyone please mute their computers until the dedicated Q&A session at the end.
Since you won’t have the usual verbal or visual cues to signal that things are going well, just assume they are! Jokes won’t always be met with laughs, but pretend they landed and keep rolling. Say people’s names, improvise, and find ways to connect—like referencing something one of the clients has said in the past. Remember that this is a pitch, not a TED Talk.
#3 Plan for everything so nothing throws you off.
Create a murder board of scenarios to mentally prepare yourself and/or your team that anything that could happen. What if the primary decision-maker is late—will you start without them or get going? What if sirens go by while you’re speaking? What sort of small talk can you prepare to avoid those awkward first five minutes where everyone is still joining the meeting? What if someone submits a text comment or question that the presenter misses?
During the pitch, create a “second screen environment” where the team can communicate off video—phones with an open group text or Slack channel underneath raised laptops is an easy set-up. Designate a secret “cruise director” to help you navigate the meeting—someone from your pitch team who has a smaller speaking part so they can keep an eye on the potential clients’ reactions while others are presenting. They can send texts or Slack messages like, “Client X seemed to be really into that, lots of head nodding, go into that further.” This person should also have universal host privileges to be able to mute a participant who is accidentally causing background noise.
If you have smart plans for the usual (and unusual) interruptions, clients will appreciate that you’ve made the meeting feel more seamless and comfortable.
Ultimately, once you adjust for logistics, virtual pitching is a lot like in-person pitching. You need to be prepared, think on your feet, and connect with your audience. Now you just need to make sure your kid doesn’t scream or your dog doesn’t bark while you do it.
“If you have smart plans for the usual (and unusual) interruptions, clients will appreciate that you’ve made the meeting feel more seamless and comfortable.”
—Genna Franconi, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Trade School
About the Author: Genna Franconi is co-founder and managing director at Trade School.
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9 Things No One Tells You When You're Starting a Business
In this case, ignorance is not bliss.
Photo: Smith House Photo
The one common thread that ties all entrepreneurs and founders together is that there is no rule book, especially if your company is developing an entirely new category or business model. There is no path to follow or leadership style to mimic. It can be a daunting experience but if you’re up for the challenge, it will be one that undoubtedly changes your life, for the better.
But if you’re a new founder or about to start a company and reading this in despair, then don’t stress, because there are a few things everyone should do when starting a business. Think you can cut it on your own but wondering how to start a business? Here are nine things to consider before you take that leap of faith and start your own business.
1. Begin with revenue.
It’s nice that you have a dream, but the reality is that you will need to make money. Whether you are planning on pitching to investors or building a customer-funded business, you will need cash flow. Cash flow is the heartbeat of your business. Author and entrepreneur Seth Godin says, “It pays to have big dreams but low overhead.” Overhead are things such as rent, payroll, and other monthly expenses. Make a plan and write specific goals for how you are going to make money.
2. Protect your IP.
IP stands for intellectual property. Trademark your work and spend time on your privacy policies from the beginning. Talk to a trademark lawyer and make sure you are covering all your bases in the legal sense. Have a designated spot for organizing all paperwork, legal documents, and trademarks. Trust me, you will get a lot of paperwork mailed to you and you want to make sure you don’t throw away something important because you thought it was spam.
3. Market yourself.
Free marketing on social media is the key to growing your start-up with low overhead. Research social media marketing ideas, and do your homework. Study businesses that are doing what you do. Know your target audience and study CRM (customer relationship management) within your company. Where is your ideal customer currently spending their money if not on you? Connect with like-minded small business owners, and learn from each other. I am currently in a mastermind group with seven female, small business leaders in Nashville. We get together every other week to discuss various aspects of running a small business. Be proactive and curious. Ask questions.
4. Know your “why.”
If cash flow is the heartbeat of your business, then why is the actual heart. If you can’t write down the internal, external, or philosophical problem your company is working to solve, your business won’t have a backbone. As Frederick Nietzsche said, “He who has a why can endure any how.”
5. Understand yourself so that you can make great hires.
“Organizations are never limited by their opportunity. They are limited by their leader,” according to Dave Ramsey. You are the leader. You need passion, integrity, humility, courage, and self-discipline. Know your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership capabilities so that when the time comes to make a hire or seek support, you know where you are lacking. Become self-aware and discern in what areas you need to improve.
Start by taking personality tests that give you insight into your tendencies. My go-to test for myself and my team members is the DISC profile. Every interviewee that we are seriously considering hiring takes this test before we offer a position. Your interview process should be extensive. Turnover can kill a start-up.
6. You are NOT the boss.
Your customers are the boss. Your customers are the hero. It’s ALL about your customers. The story about how and why you started your company isn’t as important as how and why your customers need your product. Learn how to serve your customers, but know that once in a while your customer might be wrong. Remember that you have the freedom to occasionally “fire” a customer. Embrace the concept that your product is not for everyone.
7. Build structure and find balance.
Professionals show up and do the work when they don’t feel like it. Become obsessed with time management or you will begin drowning in chaos. Build a structure for your business so that you can find a healthy work-life balance. Read time management books and find a routine.
8. Build a tax savings account and an emergency savings fund.
Finances and managing cash flow are two of the biggest distractions for any business. If you don’t have a CFO from the start, hire an accountant and/or bookkeeper, and build your savings. An emergency fund for your business can be anywhere from three months to a year of overhead expenses you have saved in the case of sudden disaster. Move money into your tax savings account every month and don’t touch it. Every quarter, while millions of business owners are scrambling to move around money for taxes, you’ll be able to stay hyper-focused on developing your business.
9. Embrace change and challenges.
“Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between the obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both into their advantage,” notes Seth Godin. You will face many obstacles, ups, and downs. I could spend all day telling you about all of the bumps I’ve experienced in the last three years, but then I would be talking the problem—not the solution. Godin says, “You’re going to do your best work, and it’s not going to work. Taking it personally will cripple you.” It’s ok to be unprepared when you start. There are many variables you cannot control no matter how organized you feel. You will be much more stress-free if you learn to embrace change and don’t grip your business by the throat.
About the Author: Emily Howard, founder, creative director, and CEO of Consider the Wldflwrs, a jewelry company based out of Nashville, Tennessee. An original version of this article appeared on Darling.
This post was originally published on May 3, 2019, and has since been updated.
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Together Forever? How to Choose the Right Business Partner
It's like a marriage, for your brains.
Photo: Smith House Photo
It’s said that two heads are better than one. Albeit usually true, sometimes it depends on which two heads. Having the right partner is the foundation for a successful business. However, finding that partner may be the hardest part of starting your business.
There’s no better teacher than time and personal experience. There are, however, certain lessons we can learn from others who have lived through similar experiences. And so I offer the following.
Have Common Goals
In the most literal sense, this means you should both understand the goals of the business and what milestones the entity is trying to reach and at what points. On a deeper level, it is important to understand the bigger picture behind reaching those goals and what expectations each partner has for the future.
One partner may want fortune while the other wants fame, one may want to help the world, while the other wants notoriety. While having goals that are aligned makes it easier, it is also acceptable to have different goals so long as they complement each other. For example say one partner is not interested in the money only in helping the community, while the other feels that making a fortune is the ultimate goal, in making certain decisions regarding the direction of the business: prices, events to attend, clientele to cater to, and so forth, this may cause an issue.
This shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, however, if your goals are not aligned then the business itself cannot achieve those goals simultaneously. This should be a conversation prior to the commencement of the business.
Have Respect for One Another
Respect is not only fundamental for how you treat each other but also for the success of your business. You should respect the person as a human and also as a professional.
Respect achieves three main things: First, it makes your working environment pleasant and efficient. Next, if you truly respect your partner you likely also trust him or her. Lastly, your clients will trust and respect them as well.
The day you lose respect for your partner, the partnership and likely the business, will crumble. The respect should be mutual; your partner should appreciate what you bring to the team as well. Having mutual respect will go a long way when days get tough.
“For better or worse partnerships are tested in the real world in ways that no amount of preparation can guarantee survival.”
Find Someone Who Complements Your Strengths and Weaknesses
More often than not finding a partner seems like it’s about the other person. However, the best way to find the perfect match is to do some introspection. Analyzing your strengths is usually the easier of the two tasks, and while important to know and value what you contribute to the team, it is equally, if not more important to know your weaknesses.
Finding someone who not only complements your weaknesses with their strengths but also knows how to properly handle your shortcomings is fundamental to a long-term partnership. Recognize your flaws and appreciate someone who can handle them.
Know What You Value Most
Some value charisma, others honesty, and others willingness to take risks. Whatever, qualities you feel are going to contribute most to the success of your business and achieving your goals those are the qualities you should find in your partner. While ideally we find a partner that has it all, it’s slightly unrealistic, and so having certain priorities when making a decision can facilitate that process.
Personality Matters
Yes, having an attractive, funny, and witty partner is a dream, however, this isn’t about finding a date. It’s about finding the perfect complement to boost your chances at success. And so in general, yes, you should enjoy their company. However, attributes of their personality regarding how they solve problems, how they deal with a crisis, what makes them happy or satisfied, and their attitude towards different situations is what matters when choosing your partner.
While these tips should be used as a guide or thoughts to keep in mind, there truly is no way to ensure that a partnership will succeed. For better or worse partnerships are tested in the real world in ways that no amount of preparation can guarantee survival. But if you’re lucky enough to find that perfect partner, your business is sure to reap the benefits.
“Recognize your flaws and appreciate someone who can handle them.”
—Brenda Schamy, DiSchino & Schamy, PLLC
About the author: Brenda Schamy has a multi-faceted background in criminal defense, immigration, corporate counsel, and entertainment law. Due to her extensive entrepreneurial experience, Brenda is particularly skilled in business management, taking on the role of a forward-thinker who actively anticipates the needs, concerns, and opportunities of our corporate clients. Brenda excels at looking beyond the legal scope of business and works closely with our clients to actualize their goals.
Prior to founding Erickson & Schamy (now DiSchino & Schamy, PLLC), Brenda was a Miami Dade Public Defender. With over sixty trials taken to verdict, she is especially comfortable in a courtroom and is always ready to fight for her clients’ interests. Throughout her legal career, Brenda has also been heavily exposed to immigration, music, and the entertainment industry.
This story was originally published on April 8, 2019, and has since been updated.
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