Today the Entrepreneur Interview blog, Folksonomy featured me, Kelly Anderson, Founder of Start Up Princess as their Female Entrepreneur of the Week. I was honored and enjoyed participating in their interview, the experience made me think deeply about how I feel about women entrepreneurs and the mission of Start Up Princess.
Here is the interview by Sian Liu, a most delightful host and writer at Folksonomy:
What will it take to encourage more women to start companies?
I believe that women are encouraged to become entrepreneurs when they see or have role models of women of average circumstances who have become successful entrepreneurs.
One way would be to have more entrepreneurs visit public schools and colleges and do presentations. I also feel that basic business courses should be a requirement in high school and college so when women are inspired to make their dream happen they don’t reject the notion because they aren’t qualified.
There are basic skills like Quickbooks, but ultimately the most helpful thing a woman entrepreneur can learn is how to network and articulate her concept verbally and in writing so she can enroll others in her vision. Then she needs to find a mentor and a community to help her with the challenges she will face but also to cheer her on to succeed.
That is why Start Up Princess was founded– we combine networking, mentoring, education, and encouragement; there is no competition. We teach that women have every gift, talent and ability to make their dreams come true, they just need to work hard and find a good mentor.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle for women in today’s world to start companies and how can we address that problem?
I think the biggest obstacle is fear. They want security—little do they realize is that security doesn’t exist. They are not always willing to bootstrap a business. We need to teach the Law of Attraction and the power of thought.
If cash flow was not an issue and you had had the choice to do any kind of startup, what would it be?
#1 Sweet & Charming, my kid’s retail business that has a very powerful message, “celebrate the royalty within†and teaches kids who they really are.
#2 I’d put more funding into Start Up Princess and have events and conferences for women entrepreneurs all over the world.
When it comes to Entrepreneurship, do you think women have less opportunities than men, and how can we change this for the better?
No, I actually think women have many outstanding opportunities if they have a good business plan or concept then they will succeed. There are many angel investors who are interested in funding women entrepreneurs if they have a compelling concept. I won 2nd place nationally at a business plan competition and I feel that one of the advantages I had was being a woman with a unique idea that wasn’t bio-tech.
However, I do agree there must be more angel investors who want to support retail and child-based product development because there is a lack of funding for these industries and this is where many women’s talents and interests are based. I’ve been pitching for 2 years and have only met 2 investors who funded retail concepts and they wouldn’t touch my concept until I had a proven track record and an established store. So I decided to ditch the big plan and bootstrapped with $10k.
What or who is your greatest source of inspiration?
God. All my best ideas come through prayer and meditation. I brainstorm with God and a pad of paper. I take all of my questions to Him and I am always amazed with the results. I am also really inspired by women who have the self-discipline and ability to balance home, family, and business with firm boundaries so that family doesn’t crowd business time and business doesn’t invade family time. It’s very difficult! I don’t know anyone who does this perfectly, but I know some who are proving to be good examples.
What is your personal motivation in being an entrepreneur?
Make a difference in the world. I am driven to inspire and motivate others to be their very best selves, make their dreams come true, and do what they were sent here to do.
Message to take away with:
Women entrepreneurs are invited to contact Kelly and join the Start Up Princess Kingdom. Kelly at Start Up Princess.com
