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
What you are: a complex mix of SoCal Barbie and mountain girl; Head Daisy, SnoDaisy snowboarding; and sometimes an ADDiva with too many irons in the fire.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: SnoDaisy is an ultra-girly, ultra-glam snowboard company for women. We manufacture beautiful, eco-friendly, ultra-light snowboards that make it easy for women to turn and learn to ride. We also want to share the joy of winter and snowboarding with girls everywhere and host fabulous snowboard vacations and clinics taught by patient, friendly, female instructors. We combine all the best that Park City has to offer: fluffy Utah powder, delectable dining; spa treatments, luxe accommodations, and shopping. Basically, we just have a fabulous girls’ getaway. We believe snowboarding and lip gloss are a match made in heaven.
Company Website? www.snodaisy.com
What inspired you? I was shopping for new riding gear and I couldn’t find anything that suited my girly-girl pink personality. I decided I had to pursue this idea when a business friend said she had a manufacturer in Hong Kong, which seemed unfathomable to me. I figured if she could do that, I ought to be able to figure out how to take women snowboarding in my own backyard.
How long have you been in business? 2 years
How did you fund it? personal savings, Zions Bank grant funds
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My network of other successful female entrepreneurs mentor and inspire me.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Ladies Who Launch and Startup Princess
Current Business Challenge? Juggling two full time jobs. I’m still working my day job to pay the bills, and it’s hard to keep up with that and the snowboard business.
What are you doing about it? I’m trying a new system of carving out specific hours in the day devoted to one job or the other rather than tackling both all day (and night) long.
Favorite motivational quote: “There is magic in boldness†– and it’s so true!!
Family? Loving boyfriend and adorable maltese puppy
If so, how do you balance family and business? I’m lucky – my boyfriend is super supportive and an honorary Daisy. He keeps me balanced and focused on the important things, and generally knows what’s best for me before I even realize it. I make time for fun and stop to enjoy the little things.
Favorite book? None. latest read: Eat, Pray, Love
What do you do to relax? Play outside; mountain bike, golf, and snowboard (followed by long hot baths).
What do you want to change most about your world? Global warming. We won’t have snow to play in if we don’t do something about the climate crisis.
What are you most proud of? Having the courage to try.
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? Ask for help. Tell people you do business with that you’re a small startup without a lot of capital. I’ve been AMAZED at how many people have believed in my concept and bent over backwards to work with me in a price range I could afford. I’ve been offered discounts on trade show booths, magazine ads, and attorney fees because I shared my vision and dared to ask.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Crackberry. Seriously – my brain is in that thing. It frees my mind up to keep track of only the REALLY important things.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? PINK diamonds and sapphires
