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?

One of my biggest triggers is being underestimated. However, I’ve learned to embrace it – as I have come to realize being underestimated is one of my biggest competitive advantages.

How did you come up with your business idea?

After years of working in the fashion industry, I learned some unsettling facts. I learned that the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry — right behind the oil industry. I learned that it is also the second most polluting industry to our clean waterways — right behind agriculture. I learned how complex the fashion supply chain is and that almost all of our clothing, made both internationally and domestically, is being produced in sweatshops with absolutely horrible working conditions. I learned that 98% of these workers don’t make enough to meet their basic needs and that 75% of them are women. I learned that child labor is actively being utilized by the majority of these companies, and children are being exploited every day. I learned that the fashion industry produces more carbon emissions than international flying and maritime shipping combined. I learned that 60% of our clothing is being made out of synthetic fabrics that release microplastics into our air, soil, water, and bodies with every wash and wear. I learned that a polyester shirt takes over 200 years to decompose and that once it finally does, the toxic chemicals that are used seep into our environment. And if that is not upsetting enough, I learned that over 8,000 synthetic chemicals are being used in the production of our clothing, many of which are known carcinogens, allergens, and endocrine disruptors. 

Ultimately, it was my concern about the industry’s effect on our environment and humanity that led me to come up with my business. 

For The Feel’s plan was always to connect conscious consumers with feel-good apparel. However, when the pandemic hit… our entire launch plan changed. As soon as it became clear that the fabric face masks, largely produced by the fashion industry, were going to become a vital part of our everyday wardrobe, I knew we needed to do something. That is when we partnered with the only 100% GOTS certified organic manufacturer in the U.S. to produce safe and effective reusable face masks, that FEEL good not only to people but also to our planet. In partnership with our manufacturer, our mask’s quality and design has been approved by one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. and is being worn by doctors and nurses throughout the U.S.

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

I would not be where I am today without the support of two of my team members, Jada Street and Ronak Patel. The fact that they trust me to successfully guide them on the achievement journey and that they buy into my north star means the world to me. I can not move mountains alone. But with people like them by my side, the “impossible” feels possible. As corny as it sounds, I truly believe teamwork makes the dream work.  

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

100% yes. To be honest, I would be extremely surprised to learn that there is a female out there who hasn’t ever felt this way. But when my abilities are being questioned by someone purely due to my gender… watch out.    

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?

Being a perfectionist about the work I put out into the world is my most instrumental trait. I have to constantly remind myself on a daily basis that it is about progress, not perfection. I’ve learned when I focus on perfection it takes too long to make progress. That is why these days, I’ve deemed myself a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring “good-enoughist”.   

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

The part that excites me the most about being an entrepreneur is that I get to wake up every day and dream out loud. And that I have the opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives and the planet we live on.

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

Sit quietly and stay the course. (Don’t ever do that. The magic happens when you color outside the lines!)

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

We are on a mission to shift the landscape of the fashion industry. Most people are unaware that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting and unethical industries doused in a myriad of unregulated chemicals. This is extremely problematic because many of these chemicals are known to be harmful not only to our environment but also to human health. Yet, there is no single US federal agency that oversees the ingredients used in the production of our clothing and face masks. That is why as a business, we aim to lead by example proving it can (and should) be done in a better way by designing and developing feel-good essentials made with clean and premium materials. We believe in a fair, healthy, and sustainable approach to the apparel we make, and the people we work with, and the community we sell to.  

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

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Work hard. Don’t expect anything to be handed to you. Surround yourself with people that know more than you in the areas you know less. Don’t ask someone to invest in you, if you wouldn’t invest in yourself first. Stand out from the pack. You don’t get noticed being just like everyone else.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

My goal for 2021 is to continue helping people stay safe and healthy during this pandemic with our toxic-free face mask. In addition to encouraging people to curate a wardrobe that builds a better foundation and future. One that feels good. #ForTheFeel 

Any final words to end this interview?

This holiday season instead of just participating in an ordinary sale we decided to give our customers 15% off and give back 15% of all our profits to the role models out there making an impact each and every day.  After all, Christmas is all about giving back and giving thanks. So we wanted to do just that. We were asking people to send us the names of teachers, nurses, vet techs, social workers, postal workers, or anyone else they look up to so we could pay it forward to as many as we could. It feels good to care about others! #ForTheFeel

Connect and partner up with For the Feel on Enterprise League

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?

Imagine you check your 6-month-old child into the hospital for what you perceive to be a simple fever, but instead find out that your child has been diagnosed with a rare disease for which there is no known cure?  No mother or family should have to endure this, but it was from this traumatic personal experience, and many months spent alongside my child at the hospital, that I founded both: The Spread the Joy Foundation, a registered 501(c)3, and Open the Joy LLC, with the joint mission of spreading joy to pediatric patients and developing emotional intelligence in kids.  

During the months I spent at my daughter’s bedside, I was resolved to transform the experience of pediatric hospitalization into a more positive one for families. Working for two years alongside a pediatric psychologist, Open the Joy and Spread the Joy were born with the mission of providing families with the tools required to deal with times of crisis with positivity and creativity. We focus on healing through play.

How did you come up with your business idea?

It all started with my daughter lying on top of me, in a hospital bedroom, with me googling on my cell phone (with my one free hand) “screen-free things for kids to do in the hospital.” I realized very quickly that there wasn’t a single toy company out there addressing the social and emotional needs of the 3 million hospitalized children in America every year. 

I also understood that given my daughter’s diagnosis, my children would lead slightly different lives from other kids and have to navigate the world with an added layer of caution. I wanted to equip them, from a young age, with important life skills that their journey would require of them, such as patience, self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and an overall sense of gratitude. 

I worked with a child therapist to better understand how to create fun, playful and joyful experiences for children going through difficult times. Every toy, game, or even set of cards we created focuses on building a child’s self-esteem and creating bonding experiences for families. I realized that what we had developed was indeed universal, and we launched the toy collected at NY NOW in August 2019.

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

Our biggest supporter has been the Tory Burch Foundation. In March 2020, I was selected as a fellow by the Tory Burch Foundation for promising Female Entrepreneurs. The team there has provided incredible business insights, guidance, resources and have been so supportive of our mission and vision. Hessun Lho, the Program Director, is such a kind and encouraging soul. I was blessed to have been included in the cohort.

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

Yes, when it comes to financing. I believe there needs to be some levelling out of the playing field in this regard.

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?

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

Through the growth of our company, I hope to be able to grow our charitable giving a thousand-fold! This is what excites me the most about my entrepreneurial journey. Our company does its part through our partnership with the Spread the Joy Foundation, but I would like us to be able to do so much more.

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

I was once advised to sell my company in its early stages of development. This is the worst business advice I have ever received. Had I listened, I wouldn’t have been able to build my company nor the Foundation, and truly lost a part of myself. Be open to selling, but make sure it’s the right timing and that you have grown both professionally and personally from the experience. 

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

Making Kids Kinder

While the world focuses on making kids smarter, we make toys to make them kinder. We are the only toy company that focuses on the emotional well-being of children. Every product in the line – be it a simple pack of cards to a large rainy-day activity box – fosters family bonding through conversation starters, jokes, and creative activities. To lead by example, we support the Spread the Joy Foundation, a registered 501(c)3, in the free distribution of activity kits to hospitalized kids across America. 

You play. We give. Kids Heal.

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

DELIVER. Deliver on what you promise. It’s always better to under-promise and over-deliver than to over promise and under deliver. At the early stages of any business, you’re selling yourself and your ideas a lot (without large amounts of inventory). When it comes time to deliver, like most start-ups, those teething pains will be there. Be prepared for that. 

And be patient with yourself. It takes time to bring to life what you can already see in your mind.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

To successfully launch the collection in mass market… we are in the midst of negotiating an amazing deal! Top Secret… more to come!

Any final words to end this interview?

Visit us online and explore our new collection of activity kits launching 2021!

Connect and partner up with Open the Joy on Enterprise League

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?

My husband’s dream to open a Mediterranean restaurant, now known as J’s Pitaria, was a significant trigger that pushed me to become an entrepreneur. I have always been the kind of person who has an enterprising attitude and welcomes any challenge. Since he supported me in everything I’ve been able to accomplish so far, it was time for me to help him. I had just earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and gained a lot of knowledge to utilize for running the business side of the restaurant. With his passion for nourishing others through family recipes and my business education, we ran J’s Pitaria from the ground up.

Josi Jahic, Co-Owner of J’s Pitaria

How did you come up with your business idea?

J’s Pitaria was a concept that my husband and I had in the back of our minds for a long time. We’ve been lucky enough to travel the world and experience authentic, healthy Mediterranean dishes throughout our lives. When we landed in St. Louis, however, they were impossible to find. Before opening, it was our mission to perfect the recipes our menu would include, while upholding the tradition surrounding each item.

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

I’ve mentioned him a lot already but my husband, Zamir, is my biggest supporter. If I’m ever feeling down or discouraged, he’s the one who lifts me up. I do the same for him whenever he needs it. We are constantly encouraging each other to keep moving forward and never look back.

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

Personally, I’ve never felt at a disadvantage because of my gender. It’s all about having the confidence in yourself to work hard and get where you want to be in life. That’s how I’ve always operated. If I were ever overlooked, you’d better believe that I was pushing myself without even knowing it.

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 believe hard work plays a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship. You have to be willing to put the hours in and be really creative and strategic at the same time. This is especially true in the beginning as you have to make so many decisions like choosing a location that best fits the demographic you want to serve. 

You also have to be resourceful and know how to multi-task. When we first started J’s Pitaria, I was working full-time with a law firm and spent evenings and weekends at the restaurant. That was a challenge I had to overcome to be successful.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

I’m most excited about our potential to change people’s lives through our authentic Mediterranean food. Even our employees have become healthier by eating our food. I’ve also been able to build a strong team that shares our vision and that is exciting as well. They take care of the restaurant just like my husband or I would. As someone with a background in human resources, I know how hard it is to find a team like this. With them, we can offer the highest quality of food that makes our customers feel good and want to return on a daily basis.

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

People told me that we were insane when we chose our current location for our business. One day we were driving around the city and we found an empty space that looked perfect for us. It turned out that it had been vacant for four years. Where others saw only a vacant room, I saw a blank canvas. After gutting it and dressing it up, we were able to turn it into a one-of-a-kind destination for our customers to experience authentic, healthy Mediterranean meals.  

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

J’s Pitaria is home to hand-made, from-scratch Mediterranean food and artisan Somun bread, baked fresh daily in our stone brick oven. We truly believe that good food cannot be rushed, which is why we make our meals to-order. When you place your order, we hand-craft your meal using a medley of fresh, organic, premium ingredients to create a decadent, unforgettable Mediterranean experience. 

Absolutely nothing is frozen here; we make everything from scratch with pride in the traditional way. We take the time to create an organic, healthy meal for you – and each meal is worth the wait. Once you have our authentic Mediterranean cuisine, you won’t be able to resist coming back!

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

You must believe in yourself – if you don’t, then no one else will. Then, build a team around you that shares your vision. Many people don’t understand how detrimental it can be to the business when employees feel underappreciated and uninvolved. On the other hand, a team that feels heard and valued can make a business soar. 

It’s my goal to let our team in on all the decisions we make. Before making menu changes, we all get together and discuss changing items and prices. This shows them that they are part of my team. If your team does well, then you will be successful. 

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

I want J’s Pitaria to become the best of the best in serving authentic, healthy Mediterranean cuisine throughout St. Louis. Right now, we’re working to educate our community on how healthy our food is and that it’s important to change negative eating habits. This is especially important in light of the global pandemic. 

People need to know that good food is not boring; it’s tastes wonderful, makes you feel better overall, and helps you stay strong and healthy. 

Any final words to end this interview?

Women – don’t be afraid to jump in and chase your dreams with all your strength. It’s absolutely possible to make them come true. Look at me – I immigrated to St. Louis, got a hard-earned education, met my husband (who also immigrated here), raised a son, and have started our restaurant together. Achieving the American dream is always within reach; you just need tenacity and unwavering confidence in yourself.

Connect and partner up with J’s Pitaria

How would you describe Talley to a 3-year-old?

As a safe space where you can go whenever you’re feeling like you can’t talk to family or friends about life situations you may be going through. At Talley, we connect you to other people who understand what you’re going through because they have been in similar life situations and you’re able to have anonymous conversations with them. They are basically there to listen, you can get an understanding of their experiences as well.

What is the story behind Talley?

The story behind Talley is my own experience: I went through a tough experience where  I felt like I couldn’t speak to family or friends. I was experiencing issues at work, with my finances and in my relationship, I felt alone in my struggle, and that was when I had an epiphany. I thought that it would be nice for people to be able to actually have an outlet, especially when they feel like they can’t or don’t want to speak to family and friends. Surprisingly speaking to strangers is quite easier than speaking to people very close to you sometimes, especially when you don’t want to revisit the issue over and over again.

How is Talley different from your competitors? What is your unique selling point?

Talley is different because we connect you based on experiences to other people who have been through similar life situations as yourself, so we’re not just connecting you to random listeners, we try to connect you to people who have close experiences to yourself. Empathy amplifies our experience as humans.

What is the most difficult aspect of running your own company?

The most difficult aspect I guess is funding, getting that funding hurdle, and doing it right. Also, for us at the minute a lot of the people who work with us are volunteers, so it is also about managing volunteers and people who are willing to give whatever time and skills they can – and it leads me back to the funding because if we had enough money we would pay people and would be able to get their full time. It’s a journey, but we’ll get there.

Tell us a curious fact or an anecdote related to Talley

Talley is run on a team of volunteers: we are a very tight-knit team, we’re like a family I guess. It’s so much fun, when we do our team meetings we start with a check-in and we do a checkout as we do on our TalleyTalks. Also, every two weeks we all watch a movie together and discuss it during our team meetings, it kind of keeps engagement – because we are a mental wellness community, the team’s mental wellness is paramount. It is important that we walk the walk we talk about. So, when we do our check-ins, our check-ins are not about the work we’re doing, it’s more about our personal lives, like how we are really doing, so it could be positive or negative as much as people are willing to share.

Talley is given $1 million, how would you spend/invest them?

I think if we’re given one million dollars, the first thing we would do is get full-time staff, pick a few people to work full time. We would also get our app up and running, and we would basically get more people attending TalleyTalks because they are very helpful, and we get so much good feedback every time.

Where is Talley headed now? What’s the next big thing you’re striving to achieve?

The next big thing for us after finishing our crowdfunding is the development of our application.

Connect and do business with Talley on Enterprise League

Lighting pens and power banks are not cool

So let’s see what are the most common bespoke gifts that a company can give.

The kind of stuff that everyone received the past couple of years was a bunch of lightning pens, tote bags, mugs, power banks, pop sockets, notebooks, drawstring bags, keychain bottle openers, wine, chocolate. And which of these were memorable? 

Maybe you made notes with the pens in the notebook, you went shopping with the tote bags, you charged your phone with the power bank which broke after a couple of months but to be honest none of them were the best because of their quality or usefulness. 

And how much of them did you re-gift? Because that’s a thing. You always receive a bottle of wine, a box of soap or fondue pack that you’ll never use. The first though before being harsh is thinking of who can you re-gift it to and when? If you are not on a budget you might give tumblers, earbuds, a box of great quality cheese, a bluetooth speaker. But still, these are cliches.

Personalised business gifts that are entertaining

Being the Business Development Manager at a startup venture that is a player in the secondary market of LEGO gives the opportunity to work with B2B and B2C customers from all around the world where we offer bespoke LEGO kits. – Dorottya Fogel

The possibilities are endless; it only depends on whether you have a smaller budget or money doesn’t matter. 

Our knowledge that we gained in the recent years and the fact that we closely work together with well known LEGO builders gives us the opportunity to create for each and every project of ours a unique, personalised creation that inspires adults and children alike. Let it be an original sized city light poster with a logo of a company, a microscale furnished office HQ from several thousand pieces or personalised minifigures with the right outlook and tools for team members. 

We guarantee that the recipients of the gifts will spend much more time with their presents than an average gadget. 

So if you’re struggling with what to give whether you have a small budget or money doesn’t matter, that is a memorable, fun and the gifted would only give it away to their kid who will be happy as hell, I would suggest to reach out to us and we would be happy to build some fun thing together. 

Connect and do business with WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD on Enterprise League