Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

I was unhappy at my previous company for many reasons, but the trigger was pulled for me when I was terminated in January 2015. I could have gone to work for another big corporation, but I knew that wasn’t right for me, so I decided to start my own business with my business partner, Joe Griffin. It’s been a tremendous success, and we’ve built a lucrative company with an amazing team. 

How did you come up with your business idea?

I spent 13 years in big pharma and knew the industry pretty well. When I decided I wanted to start my own company, I interviewed doctors of all types to see what unmet need was present in the market. I truly wanted to create something that would help patients and doctors alike. 

Through interviewing these doctors, I found out earwax impaction was a big problem that drove many people to visit the doctor. The doctors were interested in an OTC product that would solve this problem—not only so they could use it in the office, but so their patients could use it at home and save the doctors’ time (they often don’t code earwax removal) so they could see higher-need patients. 

After almost a year in the lab and hundreds of formulations, we finally came up with the product, EARWAX MD. Things took off from there. We now have 9 ear care products in over 13K retail stores, on Amazon, and our website, with more products in the pipeline.

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

My business partner, Joe Griffin, was and is a supportive and encouraging business partner on all accounts. I’ve learned that you can’t do it alone; it’s crucial to have someone there to celebrate the victories with as well as the tough losses. Having a business partner to lean on for support and encouragement has helped make our business possible. 

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

Absolutely. I think being a female entrepreneur has its challenges and obstacles. I’ve faced many of the typical hurdles that numerous women before me have faced in terms of wage discrimination, sexism, harassment, and more. I’ve had the disadvantageous experience of being the only female in the room on many occasions. 

I do everything in my power to make sure that those aren’t obstacles in my company or for my employees.

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

I think, as you might guess, it’s a mix of many things. It’s definitely hard work, talent, and resourcefulness, that’s true, but it’s also the connections you’ve made and the network you’ve built that come in handy when launching a business or a product. 

I had many professional friends that stepped in when I started my company and helped me by offering me advice, counsel, and services. Those indispensable offerings are what helped make my dream a reality.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

Every single day I learn something new. I learn how to do something I’ve ever done before. It’s never boring, owning your own business. You’re constantly thinking on your feet and pivoting quickly to adjust to new situations thrown your way. I’m excited that I don’t know what challenge each day will bring. 

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

Once, I was giving a presentation to a client. The client asked me a left-field question about a statistic I did not know, so I told the client I wasn’t sure. Afterwards, my superior was incredibly upset and told me to never say “I don’t know.” I think that’s the worst advice I’ve received, to pretend to know something you don’t. No one can know everything.

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

Eosera is a fast-growing, multi-million-dollar, female-led biotech company focused on ear care. With a full, comprehensive line of ear care products for all ears in over 13K retail stores across the nation, including ear hygiene, earwax removal, ear itch, and ear irrigation, Eosera is one of the leading experts in ear care. 

Our products include EARWAX MD, EARWAX MD for Kids, EAR CLEAN MD, EAR ITCH MD NIGHTTIME, WAX BLASTER MD, and more. Our mission is to bring to market the latest quality innovations in ear care while staying true to our company values and placing people before profit. 

We believe in understanding the consumer’s needs and delivering product that serves those unmet needs in the healthcare industry. We’ve grown the ear care category in retailers by up to 35%, and we continue to introduce new innovations year after year.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be optimistic yet grounded, be flexible, be kind. 

Be optimistic yet grounded. You don’t have to be happy-go-lucky all the time, but keeping a positive attitude, even an attitude of perseverance, will not only help you get through tough times, but it will also lift others on your team up. As a leader, it’s important to remember to stay grounded. I’ve seen negativity spread through offices and ruin the culture of a company far too quickly. Don’t let it happen to you and yours. 

Be flexible. Something will pop up every day that you have never done before. Deals go wrong, things fall through, disasters happen. Being flexible will allow you to ride the wave and do all you can do to keep things together. 

Be kind. It’s a small world. Someone you talked to knows someone who knows someone who knows your mom. Make her proud.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

In 2021, we hope to expand our ear care line, introduce our nasal care line, and team up with more retailers than ever before. We hope to grow and change the ear care category with innovative, effective products and help consumers, doctors, patients, retailers, employees, and all stakeholders with our mission of putting people before profits.

Any final words to end this interview?

I’d love to share that business can be more than making money. Making money is important, and I’m no doubt a capitalist, but there’s a greater good that can be served. Eosera is one of the companies involved in conscious capitalism, a concept that believes there’s a higher purpose over profits. 

Our higher purpose is people. To us, believing in people before profits means keeping in mind and prioritizing the people you serve before your bottom line when making business decisions, large and small. 

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

I actually had more of an inspiration than a trigger. My dad was a very successful restauranteur and I realized after working in a corporate environment that being an entrepreneur was much more my style. Hard work didn’t scare me as long as I could enjoy the process and run my own show. I ultimately went to work with him and once he was diagnosed with cancer wound up being in charge.

How did you come up with your business idea?

In 2006, my then 12-year-old niece, Kendra, was at my home one winter’s evening. We had recently experienced a number of family cancer losses and she was just drawing at my coffee table. A telethon came on for children with cancer. Kendra looked up and said, “I’ve got to help those kids”. 

She instantly drew a little dog – like one of those divinely inspired moments you hear about – and dubbed him “Trouble”. She then drew a very simple comic strip about a pup that was abandoned, rescued by a kindly Nonnie (based on her own grandmother who had passed away) and Trouble, in turn, pays it forward and rescues other pups. 

I saw the magic in this character and took a leap of faith to turn him into what he is today. Trouble is a global children’s character helping kids through the bumps in the road of life gently and with humor. He is an American made plush pup and we have just launched our third book in a series.

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

I have had support from so many along this journey. Three women in particular – Carrie Schluter, Melanie Fleming and Sue Byors – have all stepped up in a variety of roles from creative to PR to bookkeeping to encourage me and keep me on track. 

People see not only the magic of Trouble but also the inspiration he elicits in kids which is why so very many have stepped up to help.

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

Way back in the restaurant industry there were times I felt I was perhaps not being heard right away. But I have to say in this journey with Trouble The Dog I’ve really not experienced the same difficulty. Maybe I’m just stronger.

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

I say the most important trait to have an entrepreneur is to trust your gut. What is most detrimental would be not to follow that instinct.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

What is most exciting to me is the creative process as well as knowing how Trouble The Dog is inspiring kids to help other kids. 

As an example, a boy adopted from foster care after a very rough start in life receives so much comfort from Trouble that he’s started a campaign to get 185 Trouble Dogs into the arms of other kids still in foster care because he knows what it’s like. 

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

The worst business advice I’ve ever received was to forget having Trouble made in America stating “people don’t care”. They do!

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

Trouble The Dog is a character created from the pure heart of a child wishing to help other kids be their “troubles” big or small. Trouble inspires children to open up about their emotions as well as pay it forward for other kids. Trouble enchants kids who ask that he be turned into a cartoon character. This concept is different, engaging and we have the television pitch to prove it to the right partner.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

I’d advise aspiring entrepreneurs to realize they have a lot of hard and wonderful work ahead. And if the passion is truly there to never, ever give up on their dreams.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

My goal for the coming year is to turn Trouble The Dog and his posse into a cartoon series.

Any final words to end this interview?

I’d love to share how breathtakingly difficult it was to have Trouble manufactured here in America. It took me six months, all day, every day, to find the right partner in American Bear Factory. I had many who wouldn’t give me the time of day, others who said: “you can’t afford to have us make your product”. 

And ultimately I persevered and Trouble is one of the very few plush pups made right here in America. We’re very proud of that accomplishment.

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

Wow – that really is so spot on! When my marriage ended I had a lot of free time to explore who I am and what I love more and I’ve always been so passionate about car seat safety in general and winter car seat safety in particular that I decided to go for it!

How did you come up with your business idea?

As a busy working mom with young children, I wanted to do everything right for my children but I needed certain things to be easier too! I always prioritized my children’s safety over all other things and when winter rolled around I found myself really struggling to keep up with the NHTSA and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to take puffy coats off in the car seat. 

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

I have always been very uncomfortable with public speaking and as my company has grown I find myself in the spotlight or in front of a camera often. Before any event (except Shark Tank – because the first rule of Shark Tank is you can’t talk about Shark Tank) I would reach out to strangers in my state through Facebook to practice live. 

The generosity of time and outpouring of support in people’s willingness to take time out of their busy days to listen to my antics and help me overcome my hurdles has always been so touching!

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

There are many times, especially early on when I was starting out and seeking services that I felt my ideas or goals were easily dismissed. My favorite has always been when someone who doesn’t understand my business explains how it can’t be done and I would think “Well I am already doing it”. 

It’s easy to feel like these things are disadvantages but I think its a huge advantage because its a great screening tool for who you don’t want to work with.

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been detrimental for your success so far? And why?

I think resourcefulness is the most important trait in entrepreneurship. To be successful you have to be willing to learn and learn again and try and try again when things don’t work out. It’s not a short and easy journey. 

I have done well so far and I don’t think there are many detrimental traits that have slowed my success. I am not entirely comfortable on camera or in front of a large crowd but I have reached out to others to practice and am generally open in my struggles. So many people are so supportive that I don’t think it has harmed my company’s growth in any way.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

Every day is a new journey and challenge. I like solving problems and learning new things but beyond that, I love helping others. Reading messages from parents telling me how my coats have changed their life and made trips so much easier keeps me going!

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

You need to hire a [insert overpriced expert here].

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

Buckle Me Baby Coats are car seat friendly coats that go on at home and stay on safely in the car seat. The NHTSA and American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend taking traditional coats off in the car seat due to the dangerous space underneath the harness that is created when the puffiness of the coat compresses in a crash. Parents love how fast and easy Buckle Me Baby Coats are to use in the car seat and kids love how snuggly, warm their coats are in the winter!

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

Listen to your gut – you are your best expert. If it feels wrong or your unsure – its probably the wrong decision. If you need five people to tell you to go for it – take a deep breath and just go for it!

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

My goal is to continue to grow and scale so I can reach even more parents with easy winter car seat safety!

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

In my 16 years of working in the corporate world of architecture and design, I despised the idea of working 40+ hours a week to start what felt like “living” at 6 pm. I wanted to live to work and create a lifestyle instead of a “job,” and that’s exactly what I set out to do. 

During my career, I was constantly coming up with ideas to build my own business, but none of them was powerful enough to ultimately take the leap until one night at dinner with a colleague, I came up with an idea that would take online dating to a new level.

How did you come up with your business idea?

In February of 2008, I was out to dinner with an architectural colleague. He’d spotted an attractive woman at a nearby table and scribbled, “Want to have dinner?” on the back of his business card and slipped it to her as we were leaving the restaurant. He left with a date. I left with an idea. 

After over two years of brainstorming how to remove the “business” out of the business card, I launched Cheekd – a deck of ice-breaking dating cards with a unique code that leads the recipient to the privacy protected online dating profile of the mysterious stranger who slipped them the card where the two could start communicating online. It was like online dating but backwards. 

We’ve since pivoted Cheekd into a hyper-speed mobile dating app that gives users the ability to never miss a real-life potential “love connection.”

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

Back in 2010, we’d hired a web developer off of NYC’s Craigslist to help fix our broken website. Years later before I found myself flying out to LA to film my coveted spot on ABC’s Shark Tank, Roger (my Craigslist developer from so many years before), came to me and said he’d been watching my hustle for several years, hadn’t stopped thinking about my business and wanted to get involved.

He ended up buying out my business partners, became my CTO (a crucial missing link to my business) and helped facilitate and finance the new face and technology behind the pivoted version Cheekd. Roger ultimately became my business partner, my investor, my mentor, my support system and my personal angel in so many ways.

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

I always try to turn a disadvantage into an opportunity. While women are making enormous strides in the entrepreneurial world, men continue to dominate. In response, I find that the smaller business network of women is extra supportive of one another.

I’ve tried to embrace the ratio as being a female founder on the scene. It’s easy to stand out at events and I always joke that as a woman in the startup world, you never have to wait in line for the restroom!

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

I’ve got a laser-focused vision to succeed and will do almost anything to keep this business flourishing. I’m actually not surprised by my determination because as long as I can remember, I’ve been extremely stubborn. When most people would have quit, I only hustled harder. 

I think my personal approach, passion and dedication mixed with my relentless conviction that failure is not an option has been the recipe that has lead to my current success. I could be the walking poster child for the age-old phrase “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” 

No matter what… in the end, I’m going to have a magical story to tell.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship has been the most powerful thing that’s ever happened to me.  Building my business has been an incredible learning experience. I’ve taken a major risk (both financially and mentally) and surrendered my career in architecture and design, but my heart and mind are in this project every waking moment. I’ve never been more dedicated to anything. I’m living the American Dream—I’ve given birth to an invention. I’ve gone from 16 years of helping others build their dreams to a life finally dedicated to building my own. Instead of reading the book, I’m finally writing it.

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

I had a potential advisor many years ago that kept trying to nail the power of saying “no” into my head to just about everything. I agreed with the sentiment to a point, but saying “yes” is how I’ve gotten this far in my venture. I could write a book about how many things I’ve said “yes” to that’s lead me to so many amazing opportunities and if it didn’t lead to an opportunity, it lead to a new friendship.

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

The Cheekd dating app sets itself apart from other apps because it gives you the option to interact with a match before starting a virtual relationship with the compatible user. After setting up your page and what you’re looking for, Cheekd will then send you notifications when a potential match is nearby. Instead of encouraging users to continue to hide behind a screen, Cheekd pushes you to engage in social settings while paying attention to potential matches in the area. Our new dating app gives us the power to light the spark face-to-face first and leave the talking for later.

And because Cheekd uses Bluetooth, you’ll get a notification if someone who meets your criteria is within 30 feet of you. If you’re near a potential spark, Cheekd makes sure you know about it. It’s like online dating but it starts in the real world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

My strongest advice for others considering taking the entrepreneurial leap is that if you truly believe in your idea, give up excuses and doubt, surround yourself by an incredible support network, bulldoze forward and don’t look back because you’re about to be on the journey of a lifetime.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).

Any final words to end this interview?

A New Yorker of 25 years, I recently relocated to my home state of Kentucky and am working on a new app idea inspired by my own struggles trying to network, meet and date new people in a new city during an extremely unsocial time of purposefully distancing. My solution will allow users to have a more organic, yet virtual way, of making connections for anything from business, networking, fitness, friendship, hobbies or anything with anyone all over the world!  

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

I saw a huge opportunity to change the way children learn and I wanted to make an impact that continues for generations. When you look at the education system, you see that it is one of the industries that has not been changed quickly by technology and it is still missing a lot of opportunities especially when it comes to early childhood education. I saw a huge opportunity here to help children by creating our educational robot to utilize artificial intelligence and gradually develop personalized content for children based on their learning pace and interests.

How did you come up with your business idea?

I met many families during my tenure at iBaby. By engaging in conversations with them, I realized a great interest in smart educational toys that make learning fun and introduce children to technology. Through market research, I found out that most of the available products were software-based and were using hardware designed for adults—this was frustrating for parents. So I decided to work on a toy robot that teaches children through fun and playful lessons with designed hardware, especially for children.

I thought we are still yet to utilize artificial intelligence to its fullest potential in education, so I wanted to create a smart tool that uses sophisticated AI technology for teaching children. ROYBI creates an active learning experience for children—meaning that children are not passively learning, but through discussions and chat, they’re learning from their robot. Our content is designed to not only teach children about a topic, but to also get them curious with the subjects so they would carry on learning through self-directed learning even when they’re not interacting with their robot. It also allows children to learn from technology without a need for screens.

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

My mom is a woman who I’ve always looked up to with admiration. She managed our family incredibly well, and she was the person behind my dad’s success in his business because she took care of the company’s finances and was the voice of reason behind so many of my dad’s decisions for his company. She is one of my strongest supports and someone that always is by my side to help me navigate the challenges in business.

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

This is a difficult question to answer because I don’t have a benchmark. All I can say is that even if sometimes I felt maybe my gender is playing a roll in not getting me into the direction I want, I’ve always decided to stop thinking this way and change the way I approach the problem. I’ve got a lot of support both from female and male colleagues and to this date, I never limited myself thinking about my gender or race. I believe we can make anything possible by just being persistent. 

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

Persistence. I believe it is important to be persistent in order to be able to move forward successfully. Don’t give up easily! Be ready to change and make necessary changes in your business when needed. 

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

To grow my company and to see ROYBI impacting the lives of children worldwide. I want every child out there whose parents cannot afford private tutoring to have a ROYBI that teaches them based on their personalized interests and abilities. Being an entrepreneur means you can change the world and that excites me every day about my work.

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

I don’t recall anyone giving me bad advice because I think people simply provide their opinion and it is up to me to take it or leave it. Even if I take the advice and I fail, I consider it my responsibility and my learning opportunity. 

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

Named by TIME Magazine as one of The Best Inventions in Education, ROYBI Robot is the world’s first AI-powered robot for children to teach languages through personalized lessons to spark creative thinking, improve communication skills, and boost self-confidence. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

Life is short! Follow your dreams and work on something you are truly passionate about. The beginning is always hard but you will succeed eventually if you are persistent. 

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

My goal is to expand our company’s services beyond North America and make ROYBI robot available in EMEA and APAC regions. We are also working hard to make our technology available to schools and educators around the world. 

Any final words to end this interview?

Our mission is to provide a personalized learning experience to highlight every child’s ability and interest rather than one-size-fits-all. We provide an infinite learning opportunity to set children apart for future success.

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

From experiencing sexual harassment and a constant struggle between a work-life balance, I learned that working for male-dominated companies wasn’t my long term career path. In my head and heart, I knew I would open a business one day once I was financially ready to do so or so I thought. 

I wasn’t ready neither mentally nor financially but after my VP of Sales at my former position made a comment “You make enough money for your age.”, I responded back “It’s not about the money it’s about the opportunity, and age shouldn’t define your wealth.” 

Although I was always an overachiever and excelled beyond the goals expected from me, I constantly felt undervalued and underpaid by my employers because I was a woman. This was my chance to prove everyone wrong, especially those who doubted me.

That comment was the breaking point in my career where my eyes opened up and it was time to make a major change. I wasn’t happy and I was not going to tolerate being mistreated any longer. I started forming my business idea and plan while I was working full time as an Account Executive. For 6 months, my days consisted of me running on 3-4 hours of sleep a day because my end goal for that year was to launch my business, Eternal Fleur, within 6 months and resign from my full-time job. 

My goal was achieved in just under 6 months and we were up live online and I ended up resigning from my job that week as well. By far one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve made but happy I did it!

How did you come up with your business idea?

There was a trend on Instagram with models holding huge floral bouquets in Russia and Dubai. I was quite fascinated with the concept and haven’t really seen anything similar in the US market. 

I started researching the floral market to see if I could find any floral suppliers but an issue that I was running into was that fresh flowers required special refrigeration and the inventory had to be sold pretty quickly to stay in business. Then after multiple discussions with the floral suppliers, I was introduced to a rose farm in Ecuador that specializes not only in fresh roses but as well as preserved roses. I haven’t seen preserved roses but when I received the samples I fell in love.

For those of you who don’t know preserved roses or flowers are coated in glycerin, a wax-like solution, that is used in a bar of candy or soap and it allows the flower to last a year or longer without water or sunlight. This was the perfect solution for fresh flowers because they look and feel just like fresh flowers. This was when Eternal Fleur was born and my goal was to become an e-commerce floral shop that specializes in long-lasting floral arrangements. 

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

I have multiple mentors and close friends who are business owners. Honestly, if it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would be where I am right now with Eternal Fleur and as an individual as well today. 

One of my life-changing mentors is Sam Bregman whom I met at the beginning of this year. I came across his information online after reading an article about relationships and something that stuck out was “You need to be the best version of yourself to attract the right person for you.” After reaching out to him, we clicked right away and Sam helped me with everything from legal advice to operations and everything else in between. But the best thing he’s done for me is motivated me to keep my head up high and keep building my road to success.

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

Unfortunately, I have felt disadvantaged as a woman especially when it comes to raising capital. Did you know that only 3% of VC firms invest in women-owned businesses? It’s definitely been one of the most difficult challenges I’ve experienced recently but I know I will be able to overcome it soon and raise the capital that is needed to grow and scale Eternal Fleur. 

I’ve had other obstacles in my business where I had to face difficult challenges being a female entrepreneur but I always took a step back from the problem, accessed it, and made a plan to resolve it. I believe that anything is possible even if you’re a woman. You just need to get creative and figure out how to achieve your end goal because when you do, you will feel like even the impossible is possible.

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

Based on my experience of being a CEO and Founder, I’ve discovered that it’s a mix of hard work and talent that will make you a successful entrepreneur. You have to be willing to do things that don’t always make you feel comfortable in order to attain certain goals. 

For example, I was never passionate about finance and I couldn’t afford a CFO in the beginning so I had to ask for help and then I taught myself how to create P&L’s, balance sheets, and other reports. 

You have to assess what your strengths and weaknesses are as an entrepreneur and then either hire a team who can balance out your weaknesses or learn how you can do the task yourself. You never know, your weaknesses may actually turn into your strengths. Another thing that has made me successful is my experience in fashion and consumer goods which helped me understand product placement, sales, marketing, customer service, and production and logistics. 

When I was working for employers, I always was eager to learn and took notes because I knew I’d need the information one day. From experience, I strongly feel that it is important to be willing to learn because even when you become an entrepreneur you will be not only teaching but learning every day.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

That’s a great question! 

Well, I love being able to have a work-life balance which means if I want to go to a workout class at 10 am and then work the rest of the day I can do so. Anytime I have something important to do or I need to take a personal day, I don’t have to ask anyone and I just do it. 

Another thing I enjoy about being an entrepreneur is that I love what I do and I am passionate about it. I’ve created a floral brand that creates emotions for consumers and we are not only able to create more career opportunities for women but as well as focus on sustainability programs and philanthropy. It truly feels amazing waking up doing what you love to do and giving back to the community at the same time.

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

Well, the best advice that I received is not to take business advice from people who do not understand your business. But the worst business advice is investing too much capital in something you have a gut feeling won’t work but another company or employee is pushing you to invest. 

If you are going to invest then let it be a small amount of capital, this way if the idea fails you don’t lose too much. I always say trust your gut and do all of your research before you commit to a decision you aren’t 100% sure about.

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

Real floral arrangements preserved to last 365+ days without water or sunlight.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

Be consistent and persistent in everything that you do and NEVER GIVE UP. There will be days where you feel like the most successful person and then there will be days where you feel like your world is falling apart. This is all a part of the journey. If you have a vision, make sure you write it down and create a plan before you execute. And always keep an agenda!

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

The goal for Eternal Fleur is to raise capital and then scale and grow the business in 2021. We have other goals as well within those major goals which include expanding our operations, launching new product lines, and channels of distribution.