Introducing Ros Guerrero, Owner and Founder of Ficklets

We are pleased to introduce Ros Guerrero, owner and founder of Ficklets, an interchangable eyewear charm hugger! Ros created her adorable company through the inspiration of her special needs daughter who has worn glasses since the age of six. Ficklets (which is derived from the word, Fickle- to change frequently) is making it fun and fashionable for kids to wear glasses. One mother wrote to Ros saying, “My daughter has matched her entire outfit to her ficklets today. She can’t wait to show them off to all the girls at school!”

We hope you enjoy the interview! Browse online at Ficklets.com or stay updated with Ficklet news on Twitter!

Hometown: Originally from Guam.

Current Residence (City, State): Gilbert, AZ

Education: Attended college for two years, then decided to go full-time with sales/marketing career to pursue advancement opportunity.

Professional Background: I worked in both the retail and wholesale industry for a total of ten years, marketing high-end European luxury products as a brand manager.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I dreamed of traveling the world, so I wanted to become a flight attendant. I actually completed in-flight training, but decided to pursue my career in sales and marketing, which provided opportunities to travel.

What you are: First, I am mom to Gem, a mentally handicapped 14 year old, wife of 16 and half years to Roy, and owner/inventor of Ficklets, LLC.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Inspired by my daughter Gem, I created Ficklets – a patented interchangeable charm hugger for eyeglass frames, the first of its kind in the marketplace. Ficklets are designed to adorn kid’s eyeglasses in a fresh, fun way to help them feel more comfortable in their glasses. It’s also a great way to jazz up tired, old frames by giving them a quick, affordable update.

Company Website? http://Ficklets.com

What inspired you? My daughter Gem was the direct inspiration for creating Ficklets. She’s worn eyeglasses since she the age of six. Gem, mentally handicapped, is also the reason for my entrepreneurial spirit. My mission is to build a business that will provide her to live a quality life long after I’m gone.  It’s fulfilling to live a life where I am creative and productive with a purpose, and I’m grateful to Gem for inspiring me to grow as a mom and entrepreneur.

How long have you been in business? I’ve been actively building Ficklets now for 2 years. I say actively because I took hiatus for the most part of 2008 to care for my sister who had terminal cancer.

How did you fund it? Personal savings.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I have both online and offline mentors and each have specific gifts and talents. I’m especially drawn to women who “serve” and “support” with deep passion, ego-free.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member of a local networking group – Mompreneurs’ Live AZ.

Current Business Challenge? Capital to expand.

What are you doing about it?

• Increase wholesale accounts

• Develop formal business plan

• Ramp up brand awareness/exposure via social media

Favorite motivational quote:

• You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. ~Zig Ziglar

• Dream, Believe, Discover ~unknown

Family? Married for 16 and half years to Roy and we have one child, Gem, 14 years old with special needs.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I focus more on how I can juggle both the best way I can. My husband and I understood early on that for the first several years of business that it was going to be intensely intertwined in every aspect of our lives. With that said, my husband has been instrumental in helping create a healthy environment so I can do both. He picks up where I leave off in both our home life and in business. We each draw from our strengths and work as a team to keep both entities moving forward.

Favorite book? The Five People You Meet In Heaven ~Mitch Albom

What do you do to relax? My daughter enjoys going to the movies, so we try to take her once a week. It’s also important we keep her physically active and go for walks in the park. For “me” time, I’m involved in my local networking group and volunteer actively in many of the planned events.

What do you want to change most about your world? I would like to see more social acceptance for the mentally handicapped and the disabled.

What are you most proud of? My daughter’s ability to formulate words, thus able to speak in sentences.

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

• DREAM then take ACTION!! The first step is always the hardest.

• Believe & stay focus.

• Be a perpetual inspirational seeker to keep you in forward movement – Tenacity is key!

• Be a student of life – continue to learn, grow, & evolve. Reach out to other women entrepreneurs.

• Have an attitude of gratitude – always be grateful & humble for your blessings.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Social media – blogs & twitter.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds – birthstone for the month of April, when my daughter was born.