When the right idea kicks in, there’s no more stopping. An idea turns into a business plan, the plan is executed – et voila! – progress and success start to show inevitably. Of course, all of this must be spiced up with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and fierce marketing skills. Without them, no matter how good the idea, the audience cannot see the alluring glow.
Such was the case with Omnifique – a brand offering bespoke travel experiences in carefully curated homes around the globe. The idea was born in Kate George’s head, and there was never a moment of doubt that this will be a global brand and not just local.
Let Kate, tell you the story of how Omnifique came to be.
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 left my job in 2015 after about a decade in Marketing, Advertising and Strategy at gigantic and tiny firms in NYC and Colorado. I represented some of the world’s best-known brands to small natural food product startups. I have an extremely entrepreneurial spirit, and was ready for a major change to create my own outstanding and world-impacting company.
How did you come up with your business idea?
I always knew I would create a global company, not a local Boulder business. But I didn’t know in what area. So I took some time off to be strategic about my next move.
As a sophisticated traveler myself, I craved the security of a villa or estate along with the traditional infrastructure of a world-class hotel. I desired daily housekeeping, bespoke experiences, chef-prepared meals, local expertise, 24/7 concierge. Plus anything and everything I wanted. This didn’t exist.
And then the “aha” moment: a lightbulb went on! I decided to create it myself – with the highest standards in excellence: Omnifique!
Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?
I started out renting my downtown Boulder bungalow. I took the same approach I did with all my advertising projects, and of course, I did it all to perfection – and my listing took off!
I would share my success story with friends and family in Boulder, who then asked me to “represent” their properties. I said sure, again, not thinking much of it. I was making them so much money that they wouldn’t have earned without me. And that felt really immeasurable. I felt like I helped my community and made stays fantastic for guests in “my” town. So I would say my entire community supported me.
Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?
Oh yes. Too many times to count. Having a client call me and another senior manager “girls”, folks asking to speak with my boss – assuming there is a male at the top, and in financial negotiations, it’s been prevalent. But we’re paving the way for the future generations.
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 believe tomorrow will be better than today, and the only person in control over that is ME. My business partner Pam introduced me to a Latin phrase that I absolutely love: Quantuvis – which translates to “as great as you please.” You are the only person in control over your destiny. My biggest takeaway is to always have Unwavering Faith that if I give Extraordinary Effort (Hal Elrod – Miracle Equation), I can accomplish my dreams.
What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?
The absolute most significant thing I’ve faced is what has made and will continue to make this company so great. There is no manual. Nobody has done this before. And we are creating everything – not from scratch – but from our team’s collective knowledge. We are PIONEERS. Paving the way for ourselves and others that will follow.
Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?
I actually don’t think there is ever bad advice. I will always listen and decide what makes sense for Omnifique and what doesn’t. There can always be a little nugget of gold in a pile of dirt.
You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.
Omnifique is the bridge between traditional vacation rentals and 5-star hotels, offering a bespoke experience in curated homes worldwide. Our promise is the security of home, with the dedicated care of an elite 5-star hotel. We are continuously growing our portfolio of premium and exclusive homes. Our expertise in Guest Services provides money-can’t-buy, experiential moments that create lifelong memories. Omnifique is a female-owned and led organization, committed and involved with our community. Our team is mega-diverse and mega-fantastic, locally sourced, and internationally experienced.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?
Go for it!
What are your goals for the upcoming year?
I’m excited about growing Omnifique into a world leader not only within the hospitality industry but having Omnifique be the guiding star for everything Excellent.
Any final words to end this interview?
Thanks for this opportunity!
Here are my favorite inspirational books:
- Good to Great – Jim Collins
- Girl, Stop Apologizing – Rachel Hollis
- Hyper Sales Growth – Jack Daly
- Miracle Equation – Hal Elrod
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
- How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
- Atomic Habits – James Clear
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