Featured Interview: Cherie Burton, Mrs. Utah 2004 and Founder of Blue Rose Communications

 

The following article was written by Startup Princess writer, Jessica Cryer.

We’re featuring Cherie so we can all get to know her better and also get excited about her upcoming speaking event at the Startup Princess Networking Tea Party February 13th in Provo, Utah. Cherie’s presentation will focus on presenting your most powerful IMAGE (how to look and prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally for a media interview, speaking event or business meeting)…as well as “being your best self!” Cherie’s media experience includes being on Oprah, besides all she did as Mrs. Utah! The event is $10. To RSVP, click here.

Aside from being a wife, mom of three and former Mrs. Utah, Cherie Burton is the founder and president of Blue Rose Communications, a company devoted to helping women and girls discover their personal life missions and ‘divine feminity.’

After graduating with Honors from the University of Utah, Cherie began speaking publicly in schools and juvenile detention centers on adolescent relationships. She has held group therapist positions at a psychiatric hospital, a residential facility for teen boys, and a teen wilderness survival program. In 1997, Cherie began directing a support group for women who placed their children for adoption (birthmothers). For 2 years she directed and produced the Junior Miss Scholarship Program in her area and presented a series of workshops for 16 and 17 year-old girls on Self-Esteem and Confidence.

A self-professed ‘late-bloomer,’ Cherie decided to follow her childhood dream of competing in pageants. In 2004 Cherie was crowned Mrs. Utah with the social platform ‘Inspiring Greatness in Girls.’ She continued to speak about the importance of self-esteem in girls and women. Devastatingly, just three weeks before passing on her title of Mrs. Utah, Cherie’s sister Shawna committed suicide. “It changed everything,” says Cherie. But through this sorrow and grief a self-defining moment was born. Cherie realized she needed to be the ‘voice’ for Shawna and become an advocate for suicide prevention. Cherie has spoken publicly about suicide prevention on several occasions and was recently asked to sit on a State Suicide Prevention Council with the Utah Department of Human Services.

Blue Rose Communications is also a result of her passion to help women recognize their “greatness”. Her company offers a book authored by Cherie about how to cope with depression and even a 12 week personalized reformation program. Cherie has been a regular co-host on television and radio talk shows and has plans to author more inspirational books for women. She continues to teach the ‘lost feminine arts: Etiquette, Self-Presentation, Poise, Character Development, Leadership, Natural Beauty and Personal Mission Discovery.’

Cherie states, “We can create anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that we desire. I believe God implanted within us many glorious passions and gifts that we don’t often recognize as righteous desires. He largely wants for us what we want for ourselves.”

Enjoy meeting Startup Princess, Cherie Burton!

Name: CHERIE BURTON

Hometown: Hmm…I moved 14 times from birth through high school graduation. I’ll claim Douglas, Wyoming, as it’s the placed we stayed put longest!

Current Residence (City, State): Sandy, UT

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Minor Degree in Sociology

Professional Background: Mrs. Utah 2004, Author of the book “Where Depression Ends,“ Motivational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate with several Utah government and private Agencies, President of Blue Rose Communications, Founder of Emergence Training Seminars for Women

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A Mom and a Teacher

What you are: The sum total of my choices the last 38 years of walking this planet! Read more

Featured Interview: Celeste Gleave Founder of Fyvestar, Inc.

The following article was written by Startup Princess writer, Jessica Cryer.

Celeste Gleave is the President and founder of FYVE STAR, Inc., a company started in her spare bedroom in 1991. The company started out as a small chemical supplier to local businesses. The first sale was a gallon of hand cleaner to a window installer. Celeste made the sale, picked up and delivered the product. She was excited, but with the motto “no job too difficult, no task too great,” this was only the beginning.With her attention to detail and multi-tasking spirit the company began to grow and is now the sole source supplier to the United States military for runway and aircraft deicers. The company sells to military bases all over the world and now has a long term contract with Homeland Security. But with being known as a “serial entrepreneur” deicing products are only one part of what FYVE STAR, Inc. offers. The company has expanded and now handles general contracting projects and even publishes the Utah Preservation Magazine, the premiere magazine of the division of state and history. FYVE STAR, Inc. continues to outsell their previous quarter earnings proving a record year in 2007 and a promising year in 2008. There is a reason Utah Business Magazine named Celeste in their April 2007 issue as one of the “30 Women to Watch.” Celeste was also a Utah 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year nominee.

Enjoy these Magic Wand tips from Celeste Gleave, Founder and CEO of FYVE STAR, Inc!

The best way for me to de-stress is to take some me time for myself, meaning- exercise, YOGA, gardening, art projects.

Staying organized is something that I am very well known for. I go by the book, I am never late for an appointment, I don’t like for people to sit at my desk and rearrange things, I have one way and that’s my way. Those around me know that is the only acceptable answer.

Communication is KEY. When you run 3 companies, things tend to overlap. There must be a very clear line of communication. Control is a major issue. You must always be in control of what is around you, or at least have the access to control.

One tip that I would give is never let anyone see you appear to lack control of your environment. People see you as a strong, positive, outgoing, IN CONTROL individual, and they believe in you and will follow you. When you let your guard down, people around you notice that and you could become very vulnerable at that moment. Timing and environment is essential. Don’t get me wrong, its nice to relax and have fun, but when you are in a work or professional environment ALWAYS put your best foot forward. DO NOT let people see a weak side of you. They will remember that.

You can’t get to the top if you have people holding you down. Help people move up with you and when the time comes they will be there to push you over the top.

Featured Interview: Jenna Raby, Founder of Laborfair

The following article was written by Startup Princess writer, Jessica Cryer.

Good help is no longer hard to find. So says Jenna Raby, Founder of Labor Fair. Laborfair is an online resource for busy people (like yourself) looking for reliable, affordable help. The mission is simple. Laborfair connects those who need a service with those that can fulfill the service. From landscapers to house cleaners, information is available from the providers themselves. Use the search engine to search for the service needed. Providers can start profiles for themselves as well. And the best part about it is it’s FREE! All you have to do is rate a provider you’ve used using the Laborfair system.

Jenna Raby isn’t the middle man collecting a fee from each transaction. Rather, this down to earth do gooder promises 100% of the fee goes to the provider. This allows a fair wage for providers and a decent price for services for the consumer. The service is currently in the Bay area and northern California and just recently launched in Los Angeles.

Enjoy meeting Startup Princess, Jenna Raby!

Name: Jenna Raby

Hometown: Oldwick, New Jersey

Current Residence: San Francisco, California

Education: University of Virginia (1991 undergraduate English Literature and French Philosophy), Columbia University (2003 masters degree in International Affairs)

Title: Founder, President and Chief Mouthpiece for Laborfair.com. I lead Laborfair.com’s efforts to scale our partnerships and member base and build the structure for our social mission. I have an eclectic background in international business and the non-profit sector having worked as a foreign film buyer, a transportation broker for petroleum carriers in South America, and a program officer at a private family foundation.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Queen of the Underdogs. An iconoclast. A do-gooder.

What you are: Queen of the Underdogs. An iconoclast. A do-gooder.

Brief Summary of your Startup: Need anything done? Want to find a local service provider with peer-reviews, ratings, and references? Need to know what the fair hourly rate is? That’s Labor Fair.com. Laborfair is the smart, easy and right way to find quality help ranging from a handyman to a personal chef. We connect service providers and people in search of personal help in a way that’s fair, easy and financially rewarding for everyone involved. We’re all over the Bay Area and Northern California, launching into Los Angeles next week.

Company Website? http://www.laborfair.com

What inspired you? I’ve always believed that business can be a phenomenal instrument of positive social change. Look at Seventh Generation, Whole Foods, B Corp, wind and solar power, Toyota’s success with Prius. These are all the businesses taking problems and turning them into profitable solutions for social ills. If you approach and create your business differently, the results will be different.

How long have you been in business? A year and ½.

How did you fund it? I pitched and pitched. A few early angel investors and my best friends. I’m raising more with our growth and success. Know anyone?

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No, I wish I did. I’m working it out as I go. Women I don’t even know personally have been the greatest supporters of Laborfair and my vision.

Read more

Featured Interview: Jen Davidson, SnoDaisy Founder and Bobsledding World Champion

The following interview was written by Jessica Cryer, Startup Princess Writer.

We love a princess that isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants (an interview on our site). Wish granted, Jen. We are pleased to feature SnoDaisy founder Jen Davidson. The photo of Jen was taken at Jen’s first Startup Princess event, when she received her Magic Wand and showed off her cool board.

SnoDaisy is a company offering ultra-feminine snowboards and accessories for the “girly-girl” that’s a little adventurous. Light enough for a woman to carry, these boards are eco-friendly and chic. Interested in learning to snowboard? SnoDaisy offers lux snowboarding vacations including spa treatments, chauffeured pickups and delectable dining. This all-girl guided trip includes private lessons and a snowboard to take home with you!

Cool Facts about Jen:

1. She is a six-time high school hurdles state champion and all-state volleyball and basketball star.

2. Jen is also a two-time collegiate hurdles champion.

3. After college Jen focused her speed on winter sports in preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics and was a member of the USA Olympic Team in Bobsledding 1998-2002

4. She became the most decorated brakeman in history as a leader on the groundbreaking US women’s bobsled team. Nike, Visa, and Chevrolet signed on as sponsors as she ran on ice – collecting 23 consecutive international medals.

5. The two-time World Championship silver medalist retired from bobsledding in 2002.

6. She learned to snowboard just days after Olympic Closing Ceremonies in SLC.

Enjoy meeting Startup Princess Jen Davidson!

Name: Jen Davidson

Hometown: Pocatello, ID

Current Residence: Heber City, UT

Education: MS, Health, Physical Education, Recreation – Utah State University

Professional Background: Cardiac rehab specialist; member of the USA bobsled team from 1998-2002; Sports Science Technical Coordinator for USA Track & Field; Director of Training for Dartfish software – nothing that has anything to do with my startup.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: an Olympian Read more

Featured Interview: Wendy Bird, Gifts That Lift

The following interview was written by Jessica Cryer, Startup Princess writer:

Christmas is less than two weeks away and the pressure is on to find that perfect, meaningful gift. Wish Granted. This post provides information on how to get the most beautiful pearl jewelry at amazing prices. And what’s better than beautiful hand made jewelry? How about knowing each purchase you make helps fund a non-profit organization empowering disadvantaged Filipino mothers.

Today we’re featuring Startup Princess Wendy Bird and her company, Gifts That Lift. It began in 2002 when this mother of 5 decided to start a home-based business selling pearl jewelry. The original name of the company was My Princess Pearls and allowed her to sell at home parties and local events. She found a dependable source in the Philippines named Amara Flordeliza to supply the pearl jewelry. Within weeks of starting the business Amara informed Wendy of the horrible living conditions and dire circumstances of the women making the jewelry. Wendy realized the opportunity to help these women and wasted no time starting her non-profit organization Pearls With A Purpose.

Pearls with Purpose provides clothing, food, and educational supplies to 29 villages in the Philippines helping thousands. This mission is clear; to provide immediate relief, long term educational assistance and to teach these mothers skills to positively change their lives forever.

In 2006 Gifts That Lift became the parent company for My Princess Pearls and includes many other products. Gifts That Lift offers shoes, shirts, quilts and other products, but pearls still remain their best-seller. By keeping the cost of their product “fair and honest” they are able to move more product and in turn help more Filipino families. Each time you make a purchase you are helping these mothers, so go ahead and splurge!

Enjoy meeting Startup Princess Wendy Bird!

Hometown: California

Current Residence (City, State): Lehi, Utah

Education: 2 yr BYU, 1 yr- UofU

Professional Background (brief, please): 5 years running a 501c3 non-profit, Pearls with a Purpose Foundation, and two for-profit entities, My Princess Pearls and Gifts That Lift.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: a teacher or a truck driver, I liked to drive and travel, and I love children

What you are: a multi-tasking, brain-racking, running-on-empty, completely-hysterical 40-year old with a passion and a cause

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Began as a direct selling opportunity that turned humanitarian when living conditions were discovered in the area where the pearls were sourced. Non-profit began with the intent to help build and create self reliance through education, donations and training.

Company Website? www.myprincesspearls.com, www.giftsthatlift.net (movie) and www.pearlswithapurpose.org (foundation)

What inspired you? Humanitarian opportunity (the need) and God, and all those voices in my head…they wouldn’t shut up!! JK!! Read more

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