Featured Interview: Carol Rice, Cherish Bound

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Enjoy this interview with one of our Fairy Godmothers, Carol Rice, Founder/CEO of Cherish Bound, a big fan and friend of Start Up Princess. Recently Carol and I chatted at length about strategy for both of our businesses; we laughed, inspired each other, shared tips, brainstormed, shared contacts, and I left her office feeling recharged as an entrepreneur and as a mother.

Her business, Cherish Bound was born after spending over 15 years in the traditional scrapbook industry when she saw an opportunity to help families share stories first, books second, and to use digital images to make it happen. Her company has a home party model and they are recruiting reps all over the country to take their products into new markets.

Carol has a great love for supporting women entrepreneurs and is a generous mentor to many in our Kingdom.

Kelly: What keeps you motivated day to day?

Carol: That’s an interesting question, because day to day it changes. Some days its my family and close friends believing I can do this; they expect me to keep going so I do, other days it’s the sense of responsibility to those who have placed confidence and trust in me to not give up, some days it’s that I hate the idea of failure and letting myself down more than I hate anything hard that I may face that day, but most often it’s the sense that I feel compelled to do what I am doing. I have a vision for all that Cherish Bound will be, the lives it will touch, the dreams that will come true and all that I will become as a person as a result of being committed to that vision and do what it takes to make it happen. I know I’m doing what I was put here to do and that thought motivates me as a backdrop to everything. It feels good to be where I’m supposed to.

What aspects of business are most exciting for you? I love the sales process when it’s done right. When a sale is made to really meet the needs of the person you are talking to, it’s an amazing thing that happens. Everyone wins and I love that. I love figuring out hard things and the sense of satisfaction on the other side of a difficult time or problem. I love to be productive and work with positive people who don’t complain but just help figure things out. I respect initiative and have an awesome team that implements that along with being positive and productive.

What do you dread about business? Doing business with dishonest people. People who have no problem justifying any action and have the sense that they are more important than everyone else. I dread working with overly emotional people who can’t be pleased, no matter what; it’s disheartening and discouraging.

How do you find time for yourself? Because I love what I do, much of my work recharges my batteries. But I’ve become pretty good about being in tune with myself to know when it’s important for me to get some time out with a friend, a sister, a good book, or just lingering a bit longer in a fun store to enjoy the moment alone. I’m married to
a good man who is always supportive when I express the need for that. If I try to schedule alone time though, it seems it rarely happens, so I’ve learned to try and take advantage of the moments when they present themselves. “Spontaneous” isn’t easy or a knee-jerk reaction or me so I’ve had to learn to do this.

What is your magic wand tip of the day for Start Up Princesses? You truly need to believe you have a right to succeed. Hang a quote, put something on your keychain, wear a special bracelet or ring…something that reminds you that you are as eligible as anyone for success. Allow yourself a sense of entitlement - it isn’t selfish, it’s mandatory.

Thanks Carol for inspiring us and teaching us!

To read more by Carol Rice, please visit her Start Up Princess profile page.

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