Meet Lynn Steinberg – Founder of Goodies For Gifts

Lynn is a fabulous entrepreneur that we met through #startupchat on twitter!  Goodies are a great promotional item.  They are yummy, appreciated and remembered!  Lynn is one smart cookie for turning this into a thriving business!

Name:

Lynn Steinberg founder of Goodies For Gifts

Location:

Chapel Hill, NC – The goodies on www.goodiesforgifts.com are “Made Anywhere, Shipped Everywhere.”

Education:

I graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a degree in exercise and sports physiology.

Professional Background:

I worked in media and market research before launching Goodies For Gifts.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:

When I was younger I wanted to be a sitcom writer. I’m still not sure why, but I am definitely not doing anything related to that today!

What you are:

I am an entrepreneur, wife, mother, daughter, sister, half-sister, grand-daughter, cousin, sister-in-law, daughter-in law, aunt and friend. I am also a lover of all things food, an adoption advocate and passionate believer in women being able to do anything – being a role model to girls is part of every decision I make.

 

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

I started a blog to channel my passion for food and gifting into a fun, social project. Little did I know, this food blog would soon become a new chapter in my life. Today, Goodies For Gifts is widely popular and successful. Goodies For Gifts is the only food gifting website and it specializes in offering food gifts from small mom-and-pop type stores that consumers may have otherwise never known about. Goodies For Gifts also offers small boutique food companies a chance to market their products in an affordable, cost effective way.

Where you are located:

Chapel Hill, NC

Company Website?

www.GoodiesForGifts.com

What inspired you?

Having lived in six cities since college, each year I send gifts to all of the people in my life, all spread throughout the country, for all different occasions – whether holidays, birthdays, just because or special occasions. Over time, I found myself finding unique foods to send as gifts instead of more traditional presents. First, it was pizza from Chicago. Then it was pickles from New York, followed by cookies from Columbus and ice cream from Cincinnati. Today, I am an expert in shipping food from coast to coast and finding the best gifts for the people in my life. And now, I’m sharing my advice with others, helping consumers everywhere be the most popular gift givers around.

How long have you been in business?

Goodies For Gifts started as a blog in June 2011. After gaining a significant fan base I decided to expand that into a food gifting website to serve as a resource for consumer to find yummy edible gifts. www.GoodiesForGifts.com was launched in December 2011.

How did you fund it?

The initial investment was from a private investor. The total investment for startup was $45,000.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?

My mentors are my father-in-law and my husband. Both are successful businessmen with great business acumen. I value their opinions and feedback greatly.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?

Yes, I am a member of the American Marketing Association.

Current Business Challenge?

My current business challenge has been balancing my time between sales, social media, expansion and keeping up to date on industry trends. Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to everything you want to.

What are you doing about it?

We use a great PR firm that helps us. I have also hired a talented social media marketer who helps me when I need to dedicate time to sales or outside initiatives to grow Goodies For Gifts.

Favorite motivational quote:

“If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”  ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Family?

I am married with three daughters who call themselves my “Goodies Girls.” One of my children is adopted which is near to my heart because I too was adopted. My family has been my main support system throughout the Goodies For Gifts start-up process and I couldn’t have done it without them.

If so, how do you balance family and business?

Honestly, balancing it is a challenge. Days go by so fast when you are working for yourself and LOVE what you do. I remember sitting in my office at work staring at the clock waiting for the day to go by. Now hours pass in a flash. My kids are home from school in a blink of an eye and I have not even thought about preparing a family dinner let alone laundry and the other necessities. Goodies For Gifts has almost become my fourth child. Even though my kids see me less and I am working much more, they are happier and share the joy of seeing their mother happy. Knowing they are proud of me is just another reason that makes it all worthwhile!

Favorite book?

The Help

What do you do to relax?

I love riding horses.

What do you want to change most about your world?

I want to hire someone who does all of our laundry and puts it away each night. I really think this would solve so many of my problems!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the fact that I stuck with my dream through all the ups and downs. Throughout the start-up process there were times when I had to tell myself to keep going. I’m also proud that my daughters have seen the emotional ups and downs of starting this business and that they now know that you can overcome challenges and accomplish anything you set your heart to.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?

I would recommend having a strong support system before starting a business venture because I often leaned on them to get through rough patches. I also recommend becoming savvy with social media. It is an affordable way to market your company and engage with fans and consumers. It’s so important to me that I actually help the Goodies For Gifts food companies better market themselves.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?

My favorite magic wand is Pinterest! With the turn of the New Year, Pinterest has fast become a prominent social network and gives many businesses, including mine, the opportunity to engage with users based on lifestyle and shared interests – it can be a deeper connection than is possible on other social networks. Goodies For Gifts has directly benefited from Pinterest. Approximately 85 percent of traffic from my Pinterest page results in new visitors to the Goodies For Gifts site. This is 25 percent higher than Facebook or Twitter.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?

My tiara would be made out of pickles and cake pops! What a weird combination, but I love it! The first time I ever gave any thought to food gifting was when I received Full Sour Pickles from a friend in college. It was one of those moments I truly will never forget. It was one of the best gifts I ever received because it solidified that even though our lives were changing, this friend really knew me and knew what would make me happy. And as for cake pops, they are so delicious and so much fun. I guess my tiara would be a yummy mixture of sweet and salty!

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?

I love what I do and I can’t wait to get to my desk each morning.

Meet Louise Edington – Founder of Fabulous and Fearless

Name:

Louise Edington

Location:

Originally from the UK, now Park City, Utah

Education:

BA American Studies with Religious Studies

Professional Background:

Very varied but entrepreneurial since having children. I ran an EBay store, did direct selling and ran a childcare business in my home. I finally ‘grew up’ and found what I LOVE to do at the age of 49 when I took an online Social Media Marketing course after moving to Utah from the UK (via Australia). I coached that course as a licensed and certified coach for almost two years prior to launching my own Start Up.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:

A writer and I do plan on writing my book later this year.

What you are:

I am a Social Media Marketing Coach primarily but I also coach my longer term clients to connect the dots through auto responders, growing their list, creating their opt in give aways etc. You could say that I am a Technical Business Coach.

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

In January of this year I launched my own business, Fabulous and Fearless Connections, and created my own coaching programs. I coach entrepreneurs to be Fabulous and Fearless online to increase their confidence and their profits.

I have also launched ‘co create’ programs where I and my team take our clients content from newsletters, articles and books (or transcribed phone interviews if none of these are available) to create and post content on Social Media for those who are too busy to do them selves. I, therefore, serve those that wish to do their own and those who wish to outsource. Both options use the clients’ own voice in Social Media which is crucial for authenticity.

Where you are located:

In my home in Park City, Utah though I hope to have an office outside the home later this year.

Company Website?

 http://FabulousandFearless.com

What inspired you?

Being described as a ‘trailing spouse’ in US Immigration terms after my husbands company transferred us to Utah from Adelaide, Australia and being told that my work ‘didn’t matter’ by someone I care about inspired me matter and to be an equal partner in my marriage.

How long have you been in business?

In this capacity, 2 ½ years. In one form or another, 10 years.

How did you fund it?

Out of pocket.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?

I hire coaches but my main mentor is my good friend Jude Anker who has inspired me to develop my signature system, BE Vitamins to boost your confidence and profits online.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?

I run my own chapter of Angela Johnson’s Biz Divas and I am also a VIP member of The Hub in SLC. I attend other groups as time permits.

Current Business Challenge?

Learning to outsource what I am not good at.

What are you doing about it?

I am taking it one step at a time. I first hired a bookkeeper; a VA is next and then a housekeeper.

Favorite motivational quote:

‘If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change’ ~ Wayne Dyer.

Family?

Husband, Charles, and two amazing daughters Molly (14) and Alice (12). Also two rescue dogs, Roxy and Ozzie.

If so, how do you balance family and business?

That is difficult at times as I have no extended family close by but I try to finish the bulk of my work by the time the girls come home from school to spend time with them. Weekends are also generally family time. We also like to take a lot of short trips away to unwind.

Favorite book?

I love to read so this is always a difficult choice but I will say ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz.

What do you do to relax?

Read, walk with my mentor Jude and our dogs, have a glass or two of wine in the evening with my husband, watch movies with my family and I plan on taking up Bikram yoga. I loved yoga when I was younger and my body and soul needs it, as I get busier in my business.

What do you want to change most about your world?

I am a huge supporter of equal rights for all and would love to see a world where color, gender and sexuality were no longer issues. I am also passionate about children and sponsor two children currently, one in Ethiopia and one in Guatemala.

What are you most proud of?

My girls, unquestionably. I am also proud that I have overcome so many fears, limiting beliefs and almost crippling shyness in the last few years.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?

Success in business usually doesn’t happen overnight and persistence pays off. Also take coaching in any area you are not confident in whether that is sales, marketing online or anything else.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?

My iPhone – I can stay connected everywhere!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?

Amethyst, Sapphire, Turquoise, Jade (and yes, I know some of these are semi-precious but I love these colors)

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?

I LOVE what I do, and I love to connect (hence the name of my business). So please friend me and follow me at these links.

http://www.facebook.com/louise.edington

http://www.facebook.com/FabulousandFearless

https://twitter.com/LouiseEdington

http://pinterest.com/louiseedington/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseedington

I also offer FREE 30 minute consultations for anyone who would like to discuss their Social Media marketing needs https://my.timedriver.com/LNSTG

Meet Marie Forleo – Creator of Rich, Happy & Hot B-School

I’ve wanted to interview Marie for a long time.  I was happy to hear her whole back story and get to know her better and I’m delighted to introduce her to you.  I haven’t met her in person, but I know that when I do we’ll be friends instantaneously.  :)  I LOVE MarieTV.  Her weekly videos are fun and clever, and to top it off Marie is incredibly business savvy.  Want to see Marie for yourself?  Check out her latest videos here. – Michelle

Name: Marie Forleo 

Location:  NYC, Los Angeles, Sag Harbor and worldwide

Education: Graduated Valedictorian with Business Degree, Seton Hall University

Professional Background/Brief Summary of your Start Up:
My journey started out on the floor of the New York Stock exchange as a trading assistant on Wall Street.  I knew in my heart that I was meant to do great things in the world, but I didn’t know exactly what “job” that was.  My only clue was that I was passionate about business, and I was very creative.  I got gigs in publishing  - on the advertising side of Gourmet Magazine and then on the editorial side of Mademoiselle Magazine.

While I was grateful to have work, I was also deeply unsatisfied.  One day, I stumbled upon an article about a new profession (at the time) called life coaching.  Something inside my heart lit up.  But I was afraid because who in their right mind would hire a 23 year old life coach?!   Immediately, I signed up for a three-year intensive training program to learn life and business coaching.  I kept my day job at the magazine, but studied coaching at night.

About six months into my coach training, I got a job offer from Vogue.  That was my proverbial fork in the road: do I keep my safe job in the fashion publishing world or quit and start my own business? I quit and have never looked back.  Here’s a timeline that makes the rest easy to follow.

• 2001: Quit my publishing job, started my coaching business
• 2003: Kept coaching, but also became an MTV hip-hop choreographer/producer
• 2005: Kept coaching, also became one of the world’s first Nike Elite Dance Athletes
• 2006: Kept coaching, wrote and self-published my book Make Every Man Want You
• 2006-2008: Created 4 top-selling fitness DVDs
• 2007 – 2008: Created my first digital training programs, sold my book to McGraw-Hill (now in 11 languages)
• 2009: Launched the first Rich Happy & Hot Mastermind, Virtual Coaching Program, and Live Event
• 2010: Tony Robbins interview released; starting to experiment with video blogging, launched Rich Happy & Hot B-School (online business education & mentoring program)
• 2011: Flew to South Africa with Richard Branson to work with Virgin Unite, partnered with Urban Zen for RHH Live, launched MarieTV.com
• Today: We’ve built a multi-million dollar company, our team has grown to 10, we have a community of over 50k women entrepreneurs and the sky is the limit.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:
I was always multipassionate! I wanted to be an artist, animator, dancer, actress, writer, fashion designer, teacher.

What you are:
I often say if Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Oprah and Jay-Z had a love child, it would be me.
That’s because I’m part business strategist, part marketing maven and part spiritual ass-kicker with a side of hip-hop swagger.

Through a bestselling book in 11 languages, tens of thousands of subscribers in 188 countries around the world, 4 top selling fitness DVDs and a weekly online show called MarieTV that’ll make you laugh so hard you’ll snort your soy latte, I help people dream big and back it up with daily actions to create measurable results.

My fancy bio:
Marie Forleo is a marketing and lifestyle expert who inspires countless individuals to live Rich, Happy & Hot™. She reaches over 50,000 readers in 188 countries worldwide with her weekly videos and newsletter, and leads dynamic training programs that teach individuals to succeed in business and life.
Marie was recently interviewed by Tony Robbins for his DVD program The New Money Masters and mentored young business owners at Richard Branson’s Center of Entrepreneurship in South Africa. Her bestselling book, Make Every Man Want You: How To Be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself is published in 11 languages. Through Marie’s Change Your Life, Change The World® initiative, each for profit training program is tied to a non-profit partner who supports women, the environment and entrepreneurship. She’s been featured on Oprah Radio, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Glamour Magazine, Self Magazine and The Rachel Ray Show.

With loving yet wisecracking advice, Marie inspires tens of thousands to take charge of their success and happiness by boosting their business skills, shedding BS excuses and injecting massive amounts of fun into each day.

Company Website?
www.marieforleo.com

What inspired you?
I started my current business for three reasons:

1.   There’s a huge gap in the market for modern online marketing and business training that’s both hard-core effective and hard-core fun.

2.  I believe the world will fundamentally change the more women become economically empowered. When women live rich (in every sense of the word – financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually) everyone wins: you win, your family wins, your community wins, and the whole world wins.  I want to help make that shift happen.

3.  Many female small business owners have a negative association with marketing.  They see it as slimy, non-ethical, aggressive or pushy.  This mindset keeps women earning less and struggling.

I see marketing not only as a vital skill for small business success, but more importantly as a vehicle to create art, connect deeply with and serve others, and to make the world a better place.

I want to change how small business owners, and women in particular, think of and feel about marketing.  It not only helps women get the results they want, but marketing brings out our best human attributes: true listening, compassion, honesty and a spirit of service.

How long have you been in business?
The early parts of it were started back in 2001.

How did you fund it?
Hustle, drive, and many jobs on the side! And getting the word out about my business was all word-of-mouth.  My goal was getting everyone (dogs & grandmas included) on my newsletter list.  I was a bartender at night to fund my business, so when anyone asked me what else I did, I told them about my business and got them on my email list!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?
I have incredible respect for one of my mentors, Richard Branson.  We all know he’s a brilliant business person and philanthropist, but what impressed me most happened out of the spotlight, when I spent time with him in South Africa. I was there to work with Richard and Virgin Unite by mentoring young entrepreneurs at The Branson Center of Entrpreneurship.  During our down time at his African retreat Ulusaba, Richard spent time just hanging out.  Not once did take out his Blackberry.  He was fully present, warm and open.  He treated each and every person, from his guests to his staff, with the same level respect and care.

Current Business Challenge?
Wanting more hours in a day.

What are you doing about it?
Honestly, we’re pretty efficient with our time.  For our team it’s just about managing growth and being extremely selective about what we say yes to.

Favorite motivational quote:
It’s my own  Everything is figureoutable.  That motivates me and inspires me to solve any problem because I know a solution is out there, or can be created.

If so, how do you balance it all?
It’s all about scheduling and realizing when you’re creating something massive, the idea of “balance” is unreasonable. I’m big on NNT or Non-Negotiable Time.  As long as I maintain that, I’m good.
http://marieforleo.com/2011/07/when-you-doubt-everything/
http://marieforleo.com/2012/04/workaholic-relationship-issues/

Favorite book?
The War of Art and Do The Work, both by Steven Pressfield

What do you do to relax?
Ride roller coasters, walk my dog, go to the movies or order in great food with friends.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the results and real change our company creates in other people’s lives.  When I hear about women breaking from from their own limiting beliefs, creating more income and revenue than they ever dreamed possible, and living life on their own terms – that makes me proud.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?
Hustle, have patience and don’t quit!  If you have to take on side gigs to fund your business – DO IT.  Focus on long-term success, not a short-term ego trip.  It’s often hardest to persevere in the beginning, so don’t compare yourself to others.  Stay focused on creating outstanding products and services for your customers and, most importantly, commit to mastering the tools of modern entrepreneurship: online marketing, content marketing and word-of-mouth via social media.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?
The Google- it’s the world’s best (and free) research assistant!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?
Hmmm, I think I’d rather design a ring or a necklace than a tiara!  I’ve got a lot of hair so anything else is overkill.

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?
Our brand is one-of-a-kind for five key reasons:

• Our heart and genuine desire to serve.  We’re maniacal about customer service – whether you’re consuming our free content or investing in a paid training.  Our market can feel how much we care about their success.
• Collaboration with leading entrepreneurs and organizations to make an impact beyond profit.  Richard Branson is a mentor and we work regularly with Virgin Unite to make business a force for good.  Russell Simmons, hip-hop mogul and philanthropist, spoke at our Rich Happy & Hot LIVE event, held at Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Center in New York City.  We’ve built a well with charity: water and have an ongoing lending team with Kiva.org   Through our Change Your Life, Change The World® program, every for profit program has a non-profit partner.  Learn more here: http://marieforleo.com/giving-back/.
• An overwhelmingly positive and highly engaged audience.  Over 32K Twitter followers, 13K on Facebook and a global community of over 50K women in 188 countries who love to talk and connect on our blog.
• Our passionate dedication to building truly creative, world-class products. We believe that business training and personal development should be hip, fun, and gorgeous to engage with.
• We show women how to fall in LOVE with marketing.  Most women think marketing is slimy, sleazy and scammy and that mentality can put them out of business. We teach a modern approach that’s classy and personal.  It’s about genuinely understanding and connecting with your customers on an emotional and psychological level to help them lead better lives.

Learn more about the Rich, Happy  & Hot B-School go here.

Meet Julie White – Founder of Figure It Art

Julie and I were friends on facebook long before we ever had a real conversation.  Ever happened to you?  I loved getting to know Julie better and love her authentic and passionate drive for her business.  - Michelle

Name: Julie A. White

Location: Utah

Education: WSU, English, Creative Writing emphasis

Professional Background: I have 20 years in sales and marketing.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A Mom.

What you are: A business owner. I birthed a business instead.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I own an art brokerage. Our specialty is people or figurative artwork. We offer tasteful nude paintings, sculpture and photography.

Where you are located: On-line

Company Website? Www.figureitart.com

What inspired you? I worked as an Art School and Gallery director and saw the need to help artist succeed. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the creativity. Great artwork inspires me. I love pieces of artwork (especially sculpture) that makes me think, “How’s they do that?”

How long have you been in business? 18 months

How did you fund it? Savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Angela Johnson, David Neagle

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Biz Divas

Current Business Challenge? Finding customers

What are you doing about it? Cold Calls to interior designers, hotel & cruise ship buyers, spas, MD offices, networking, and this summer I’d like to attend a trade show.

Favorite motivational quote: ”You wouldn’t have this dream in you if you weren’t meant to achieve it. – David Neagle. The quote goes something like that….

How do you balance it all? Even without children I find it a challenge balancing a full time job and launching my startup business. How do Moms do it?

Favorite book? Right now, David Neagle, “The Millions Within.”

What do you do to relax? Write magazine articles (see my blog at www.freelancejulie.com), paint & run. I’m preparing for my first 5K in May. Yikes!

What do you want to change most about your world? I want to help artist sell their artwork through my art business, or by offering them business coaching skills. My goal is to guide them from a weekend hobby to a satisfying career.

What are you most proud of? Hmmm… not sure yet.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Go for your dreams!!!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds, Ruby’s and Sapphires.

I enjoy doing crazy things. I’ve survived skydiving and taking flying lessons.

 

Meet Adhis Boucha – Founder of Mind & Money

Do you have a money story?  Most of us do, even on a subconscious level.  The work Adhis is doing for women to unlock their fears around money is worth following.  - Michelle

Name: Adhis Boucha

Location: Utah

Education: High School

Professional Background: Sales, Customer Service, and Network Marketing. The last couple of years, I reawakened my passion as a teacher and began offering personal finance classes in the community. I have also been trained as a financial counselor by Dave Ramsey and his company, Lampo Group.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Everything! From lawyer to florist to psychologist  to rockstar and songwriter.

What you are: Mentor, teacher, speaker, and cheerleader for womenkind.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Mind & Money Mentoring was born when students of my community classes began referring people to me who needed one-on-one help with their financial situations. In a nutshell, I help women sleep better at night and breathe easier during the day. I provide private mentoring for women and families to help bring balance to their finances and their relationships. The New Money Mama line provides classes and online tools to help women begin shifting their attention to the income-producing gifts they had forgotten they already have. I invite every woman to begin their journey by going to www.MindMoneyMentor and signing up for the free “New Money Mama” video newsletter.

Where you are located: I have an office in Lehi and in Sandy.

Company Website:  www.MindMoneyMentor.com

What inspired you? When I was about 20 years old, I dreamt I was in the very modest home of a small family that was struggling financially; worse, they were also poor in hope that life could ever be any different. As I shared with them basic laws of money and abundance, their eyes opened with wonder and I felt such gratitude and hope from them. That feeling is imprinted in my mind all these years later.

About 8 years ago, my husband and I became debt-free, and naturally, I wanted others to experience the peace and freedom we were experiencing. What I have found since is that it is not the debt itself that shackles and destroys hope, it is the negative EMOTION women have about the debt and how they let that feeling  DEFINE  their self-worth. Today, I am most inspired when I see a woman experience A-HA’s that helps her break free from the thoughts she has carried for decades about herself and about money.

How long have you been in business? Coming up on a year

How did you fund it? Cash, savings, and favors!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother? Several! It would be wise for every entrepreneur to have a mentor or three at any time.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Biz Divas, The Hub

Current Business Challenge? Transitioning classes and programs over to the “New Money Mama” brand and re-designing some of the classes to focus more on helping women create what they have been saying they need: more money and more meaning.

What are you doing about it? Embracing change! I survey women about what they want to know about money and find out what they believe about their ability to have everything they need. I am also spending more time watching and listening to comedians. When I laugh more, it is easier for me to convert that energy into delivering hope and productivity.

Favorite motivational quote: I have two.
1] Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. (Mark Twain)

2] Never leave the scene of a decision without first taking a specific action towards its realization. (Tony Robbins)

Family? A tall husband and 2 toddler daughters.

How do you balance family and business? I ask for help. Every superhero should belong to a SuperHero League! I have SuperNanny and ToiletWoman help me out a lot on the home front. And of course, FlyMacDaddy is awesome at being flexible with our family schedule and taking great care of our daughters when I am traveling to trainings and conferences. I am also retraining myself to PLAY MORE! When I make time to play regularly, my brain reciprocates by working harder during business hours.

Favorite book? The book of Proverbs in the King James translation of the Holy Bible. It contains some of the most insightful and funniest advice regarding money and character!

What do you do to relax? Getting massages is awesome. Going outside where the light doesn’t come from a computer monitor is fantastic.

What do you want to change most about your world? Frankly, it is time for many of our sisters to wake up to what is going on in their minds, their families, and their relationships and exclaim, “This is not acceptable!” Too many women think they have to wait until their kids grow up or until Prince Charming fulfills them before they can choose a life that feels meaningful and exciting. With some creativity, we can each live that soul-fulfilling life NOW. Putting this off and shrinking back to somehow be more ‘honorable’ is not healthy, and it actually does damage to marriages and children’s long-term confidence.

What are you most proud of? I am proud of myself for becoming an affectionate and attentive mommy to my daughters, and I love that I am setting an empowering example for them and their posterity.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Consistent successes keep you moving forward. How do you consistently succeed? Take at least one teeny, tiny baby step every day, and celebrate it!

Favorite Magic Wand? Email! I can email any one of my mentors and get fantastic feedback and insight.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? My Tiara would be gold and adorned with opal, aquamarine, sapphire, coral, and emerald. I guess it would be more of a party tiara by that point!

A percentage of every single ticket or program women invest in through Mind & Money Mentoring or through New Money Mama  goes to educate a woman in India out of poverty. Women helping women as they help themselves! I love it!

 

Meet Lara Galloway – The MomBizCoach

Collaboration, not competition – that’s how I feel every time I talk to Lara, the MomBizCoach.  She provides valuable insights to working moms, and has been a friend of Startup Princess from the very beginning.  It’s been a pleasure for us to cross paths again in the last few months and I’m excited to roll out a fabulous tele-seminar with her later this month.  Stay tuned! – Michelle

Name: Lara Galloway

Education: Masters in Comparative Literature

Professional Background: Almost 10 years at IBM doing PR and communications, then e-business sales; taught Spanish during my grad school days; started out working at various newspapers

What you wanted to be when you grew up: a teacher

What you are: a life coach/business coach

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I built the Mom Biz Coach brand to mentor and support mom business owners who want and need a fulfilling business of their own to have a successful life. Although I am a professionally certified Life Coach, most of my teaching comes directly from my experience of trying to run a business while running a family (not easy!). I offer private coaching, a group coaching program called the Mom Biz Academy, and weekend business intensive getaways called the Mom Biz Retreat. And since I run my whole business online, I offer a lot of training to women’s organizations on using Social Media to build your business.

Where you are located: Michigan

Company Website? www.mombizcoach.com and www.mombizretreat.com

What inspired you? Starting my business was a result of experiencing Post Partum Depression when I had my second child. It took me a while, but I finally realized that in order to be happy, I needed to do purposeful work outside of being a mom.

How long have you been in business? Since 2005, so seven years

How did you fund it? Luckily, starting my services business required very little money up front. I used our family savings for my Coaching Training program and for the basic things like business registration, setting up a bank account, logo design and website setup, etc. I did most of the work myself. As I made money, I invested it back into the business to upgrade what I had by hiring professionals to do some of the work I was trying to do.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No Fairy Godmother, but I have several coaches and mentors.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Savor the Success and #MomBizMondays (I’m co-founder).

Current Business Challenge? Creating additional offerings that round out the product funnel for Mom Biz Retreat.

What are you doing about it? Surveying my audience about what they want, collaborating with my business partner and co-founder, and possibly hiring a business coach to guide me.

Favorite motivational quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford

Family? Married to Richard for 14 years, mom of Charlie (9.5), Paul (8) and Ellie (5.5).

How do you balance family and business? Now that’s the $1M question, isn’t it? And probably also the cornerstone of all the coaching I do in my business . I set strong boundaries around my work time and my family time. I work when my children are at school. I get off the computer and don’t take work calls after they get home. Once every few months, I get away from my family and business and spend a weekend with a few fellow mompreneurs working hard on my business plans, marketing strategy, pitches, product funnel, etc. Extreme focus for a weekend on the work that makes my business successful allows me to maintain an easy-going weekly routine the rest of the time. I serve a home-cooked dinner at 6:30 just about every night, which keeps my family connected and healthy.

Favorite book? The Help

What do you do to relax? Snuggling on the couch or reading with the kids, taking long walks by myself, camping and hiking with my family, drinking wine with some close girlfriends

What do you want to change most about your world? Nothing. I’m grateful for my life just the way it is.

What are you most proud of? My babies.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? If your dreams and goals are important enough for you to commit to them, then get some support. There is so much more to starting a business than selling your stuff and getting paid for it.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My iPhone and all its apps! I run my whole business on that tiny little computer, and it gives me the flexibility I need to handle my life, household and business needs wherever I am (even deep in the woods of the Red River Gorge on a camping trip ).

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I’m not exactly the tiara-type, but I suppose I’d choose something my kids pick up on one of our hikes. They’re always collecting cool stones and rocks that have interesting designs and textures. I prefer things that are interesting and unique and have a story to them rather than the finer things in life.

Meet Mercy Nzeakor – Founder of the RENAL TRKRR Mobile App

Name: Mercy Nzeakor

Location: Florida

Education: Bachelors of Business Administration, International Finance and Marketing,University of Miami, Masters of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Nova Southeastern University

Professional Background: Over eight years in the marketing and communications fields

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Ambassador to Africa

What you are: Multimedia Communication Specialist for local governmental agency

Brief Summary of your Start Up: RENAL TRKRR is a mobile app that was created
for both android and apple devices and on sale for $7.99. It helps kidney patients to
take ownership of and better manage their health by providing vital tools that assist
patients in tracking, managing and sharing their medication, lab results, and other crucial
information effortlessly from their mobile phones.

Company Website? www.mytrkrr.com

What inspired you? Was diagnosed with renal failure at age 27 and needed a convenient
and easily accessible way to have my important health information with me at all times.

How long have you been in business? 9 months

How did you fund it? Used personal savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Yes, I have a mentor who is knowledgeable in the healthcare field as well as in the world of business who I frequently check in with.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Currently focusing on social networking by joining online communities for renal patients or nephrologists.

Current Business Challenge? Reaching key demographic.

What are you doing about it? Actively targeting health bloggers as well as local physicians and health organizations to educate them about our app.

Favorite motivational quote: “Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.”

Favorite book? “Use What You’ve Got, and Other Business Lessons I Learned From My Mom” by Barbara Corcoran

What do you do to relax? Travel. I love to get out and see the world whenever I can.

What do you want to change most about your world? I want Kidney disease to the attention it deserves as the number 9 killer of Americans. More than a cure for the different kidney disease, I want to teach prevention and management. Kidney disease does not have to be a death sentence, managing your health and staying active goes a long way towards improving your chances for a long life.

What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of how strong I have become. Though there are bad days, and times when I do not think I can survive one more let down in regards to my health, I’m still here and I’m thriving.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Believe in your idea and do your research.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Startup Health is a great resource for tech companies in the healthcare field

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Rubies

Meet April Cornell – Designer, Artist and International Business Woman

Meet April Cornell…in the creative corner of her world she is an international business woman doing business in three countries and making a statement in the online world.  There’s no doubt you’ll learn a thing or two about business by reading her interview and checking out her site, just like I did.

Name: April Cornell
Education: Art School drop out- seriously, went to Dawson College in Montreal decades ago.

Professional Background: Started a business in Afghanistan that led to a chain of retail stores in North America, specializing in artistic clothing for women and children and artful linens for the home.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: a missionary, an artist, a writer

What you are: a designer, an artist and a writer- Mission- beauty

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Re-started my company after closure in 2006. Scraped and shaped it back together. It is mainly an online business with wholesale and licensing as well. Now have  4 shops in USA and 2 in Canada.

Where you are located: Burlington, Vermont; New Delhi, India; Montreal, Canada
www.aprilcornell.com & www.aprilcornell.ca (Canada)

What inspired you?  Hand made textiles,Women, myself, foreign places.

How long have you been in business? First business, 30 years, second business 4-years

How did you fund it? From the pocket.

Current Business Challenge?  Growth in the online world. Making my website feel like a favorite shop.

What are you doing about it? Planning. Hiring the right people. Communicating with my customers.

Favorite motivational quote: Action is Hope.

Family? Husband, [married for 3 months!]  3 grown sons, one in the business.

How do you balance family and business? That is always a challenge. Enjoy the small moments, that add up to a life time. Take frequent vacations in quiet inspirational spots.

Favorite book? The Man who planted Trees by Giono

What do you do to relax? Paint art and poetry on my walls, antique shopping, hang out with my husband, laugh and tell jokes. Get together with friends and family.

What do you want to change most about your world? View problems with interest instead of with fear.

What are you most proud of? Surviving! And keeping my Indian factory going. Relationship with my customers. Finding my creativity.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? You have to make your own path. Put the time in. Make good relationships, work, vendor, family, friends. When you don’t know what to do, just wake up and do something! Action is better than inaction. [caveat- usually!]

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Ice cream. It puts everything in perspective.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Turquoise, amber and Jade, old gold.

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?
I own a factory in India. It helps me do the designing I love, and gives me an appreciation of age old textile craft. I work in a woman’s business, that makes it intuitive and natural to a certain degree. A plus.
I like to give back.

Meet Vrunda Davé – Creator of The Soul Entrepreneur

I met Vrunda at Brendon Burchard’s Experts Academy last September.  She had heard of Startup Princess and has been a long time follower.  I was super impressed with Vrunda’s experience, education and background, but what impressed me the most was that despite her success, she is so warm and genuine.  I love that.  Meet Vrunda!

Name: Dr. Vrunda Davé

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Education: Ph.D.

Professional Background: I started in corporate America in information technology as an analyst and trainer. Then, I got my Ph.D. and was teaching college for years. After facing some difficult personal challenges, I reinvented myself by finding my life’s purpose which was still teaching/training but in a way that I felt was a mission rather than a career. That is when I decide to combine my business and technology background with training and mentoring by becoming a Certified Coach.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A movie director – my dream was to make be just like my favorite director, Ridley Scott. I’m the nerd who still watches the “Making Of” the movie rather than the movie itself.

What you are: I am a Small Biz Marketing Coach and Mentor, also known as The Biz Doc.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I founded The Soul Entrepreneur as a business training company to provide proven and simple marketing strategies and mentorship to women entrepreneurs who have big visions for their small business. I work with my clients on attracting and enrolling clients, cost-effective on-line and off-line marketing, speaking-to-sell, positioning themselves as experts in their market, product creation and pricing, and media appearances.

Where you are located: My home office in the Los Angeles suburbs.

Company Website? www.VrundaDave.com

What inspired you? Honestly, personal tragedy. Becoming a single-mom inspired me to start my business as a movement for financial independence for women through business.

How long have you been in business? 1 year

How did you fund it? Savings and working as a college professor.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother? I’ve been blessed with meeting so many fabulous, inspiring, generous women like Michelle McCullough on my journey.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member of the International Association of Women in Business Coaching. And I love speaking for women’s groups.

Current Business Challenge? Reaching as many women small business owners as I can through live speaking and the internet.

What are you doing about it? I am on a mission! I am doing a lot of live speaking, planning my own live workshop, making great relationships with other entrepreneurs, and building my on-line presence.

Favorite motivational quote: Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” has been my inspiration for many years. Whenever I feel down, I say this line to myself: “If one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

Family? I am a single-mom to 2 wonderful little boys Rohan, 8, and Dhilan, 5.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I work really hard from 8-5. When my boys come home from school at 5 pm, I make sure that I am fully present for them to listen, support, and play until bedtime. And I plan our weekends so that we are always doing something fun with friends and family.

Favorite book? Too many to name but here are my top 3: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, “Real Magic” by Wayne Dyer, and of course, “Walden.”

What do you do to relax? I make sure that I exercise at least 5 days a week. I run, bike, and do yoga. I love bike riding with my older son – we have the best conversations as we ride. I love movies, dancing, massages, and fun date nights with my boyfriend.

What do you want to change most about your world? The world’s children are the most important thing in the world to me. They are the most precious and often the most vulnerable. I support UNICEF and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. If we can eradicate the hunger, disease, and violence that threaten our children, this world would be transformed for generations to come.

What are you most proud of? Being a loving, dedicated mom raising compassionate, ethical gentlemen humanitarians who care about their world. And being a coach who is passionate about seeing her clients build businesses they love and enjoy the prosperity they deserve.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Focus on understanding sales from Day #1. You must get comfortable with selling and the sales conversation.  You must be able to connect with your potential clients and customers, show them why your product/service will transform their life, and lead them compassionately into a buying decision. For your business to thrive, there is nothing more important than that.

Favorite Magic Wand? My technical team at Business Mastery Outsourcing. I ask and they make it happen! I couldn’t function without them. If you are looking for a team to support you at a very reasonable price, you can learn about them here: https://bbm.infusionsoft.com/go/bmo/Vrunda/

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Rubies and Diamonds because they remind me of the passion, power, and beauty of fire and ice.

I would love to give my fellow StartUp Princesses a few valuable tools that will help them jumpstart their business. It’s called the Business Breakthrough Kit for Entrepreneurs and it includes:

1) E-Book: “The Guide to Thrive: 4 Secrets Every Entrepreneur Must Know to Build a Profitable Business Without Wasting Money, Time, and Energy.”

2) Video Training: “Get More Clients, NOW.”

3) The Dart Program – Weekly Biz Building & Sales Boosting Strategies.

All Princesses can get INSTANT ACCESS to it at: www.VrundaDave.com

Meet Kim Celano – Founder of KC Bakes

I have the best job in the world.  I get to meet amazing, creative, powerful women entrepreneurs every day.  I met Kim through our #startupchat on Twitter.  She’s a great example of someone who turned their passion into a thriving business.  I love it when I meet people who say, “I need X.”  And then they make it and then make a great business around it!  Kim is one of those people.  So grateful to be connected with her and grateful for the internet and Social Media that made it all possible!

Name: Kim Celano

Education: M.Ed. Sport Administration

Professional Background: I’ve been working in a collegiate recreation setting for the past 7 years. I bake as a hobby in my spare time which is how I found the world of cake pops and came to create our cake pop stands.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: an author. When I was younger, my mom would sometimes take me to work with her on weekends, and I loved to bang away on the typewriter, hearing the cadence of the keys as I typed about this and that. I think I have a folder somewhere with some of the stories I wrote.

What are you? Baker, Crafter, Entrepreneur, Temple Owl

Brief Summary of your Start Up: KC Bakes creates high-quality handmade custom wooden cake pop stands. Not just for cake pops, our stands are the perfect kitchen accessory for any treat on a stick, be it sweet or savory. Very important to note, our cake pop stands are eco-friendly, freeing bakers and chefs from the mess, expense and non-biodegradable waste of Styrofoam.

Where are you located? We are an e-business, so we do not have a traditional ‘brick & mortar’ storefront. We ship out of Lancaster, PA.

Company website? www.kcbakes.com

What inspired you? A few years ago, I wanted to get a fancy custom cake for my husband’s birthday, but I couldn’t afford the high bakery prices for all of that fancy fondant work.  In a true Tim Gunn “make it work” moment, I Googled how to make fondant, baked hubby a really cool cake and started off on an accidental baking journey. I made cakes for about a year, until I stumbled into the world of cake pops.  After months of getting frustrated by the expense, mess and waste of Styrofoam, I collaborated with my dad, a master woodworker, and we built a wooden stand to hold my cake pops while I decorated them… cue my Oprah “aha!” moment!  (I have many tv-inspired “moments”).  Confident that I wasn’t the only frustrated cake pop maker, I founded KC Bakes, a custom cake pop stand business.

How long have you been in business? We launched in April 2011.

How did you fund it? Ourselves. Being an avid woodworking hobbyist, my dad already had the tools we needed. We purchased the first batch of wood planks and paint, and then repaid ourselves with the profits from our first few orders. The orders following have since been funding the business.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I don’t have an official mentor, but there are a solid group of women entrepreneurs that I’ve befriended on Twitter that have been an incredible resource and support system – @BDKettlecorn (aka @MustlovePopcorn), @RaleighCakePops and @GoodiesForGifts. There are quite a few more, but I definitely tweet with these ladies the most.

Current Business Challenge? Finding the most efficient way to take orders. There are so many variables in ordering one of our cake pop stands – from stand size, to stick size, colors and designs. Not to mention shipping – depending on the size and quantity of an order, we can utilize flat rate boxes, however sometimes it’s cheaper to use regular Priority Mail.

What are you doing about it? I’m developing on an order form that streamlines some of the critical information I need from potential customers to formulate their Etsy listings. In the future, I’d like to have some kind of shopping cart feature on our website, however I’m not sure how that will work given all of the variables I mentioned earlier.

Favorite motivational quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite book? The last 8 books I read are all so great in their own respects (listed on my blog). But if I had to choose just one, I highly recommend The Great Starvation Experiment by Todd Tucker. I stumbled across it accidentally a few years ago in Borders, and found it absolutely fascinating – I think I read it in 4 days.

What do you do to relax? When I can get some quiet time, I love to read and do crafts.

What are you most proud of? That we have an international clientele. We haven’t even reached the one-year mark yet of being in business, and we have had orders from Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland and Australia – it blows my mind that something we created is literally half-way around the world.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Research your industry and network with people in that community. I have learned such an incredible amount of information because I’ve started participating in entrepreneurial groups like #startupchat. To interact with like-minded people is so important to learn new things, and to share what you know with others.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Our Cake Pop Stands!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? My tiara wouldn’t need to have precious stones, just some cute owls on it… I can’t get enough owls.

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