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Archives for August 2015

Jasmine Smith

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3005|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-jasmine-smith-of-jasmine-smith-co_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-jasmine-smith-of-jasmine-smith-co_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461333275457{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461332739803{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

JASMINE SMITH OF JASMINE SMITH CO.

BRANDING, MARKETING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jasmine-Smith-co/1574843406113862?ref=hl” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/jasminesmithco” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”https://instagram.com/jasminesmithco/” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3004″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Small business owners need help on how to grow their business from someone who is filled with passion and can related to their experience; Jasmine Smith is the right person for the job. is a branding, marketing, and social media strategy company for small businesses and startups. For the past year, Jasmine has developed a platform that helps entrrepreneurs identify the path the need to take in order to elevate their brands and reach their customers in the most efficient way.

As a former consultant and co-founder of We Do Social, Jasmine and her company focuses on educating entrpeneurs on “how to use branding, marketing, and social media as a way to reach and connect with people.” After 10 years of client-facing service with many government agencies, Jasmine is well-equipped to assess, address and improve issues or challenges within your business and build a geniune relationship with you.

This Womeneur has definitely been on a career journey filled with life lessons and one that has helped to mold her expertise in order to help others.

What inspired your journey into business?
There was a time in my life about two years ago where I found myself constantly thinking about my purpose. Why am I here? What am I giving? Why am I always looking for a new job? I wasn’t happy, I didn’t feel like I was helping anyone and I wanted more – more freedom, more flexibility, and more happiness. About two years later and after some soul searching, I learned that if I wanted those things, then I had to create them. Understanding that led me into this journey.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I just did it. I did not talk to anyone or ask others for their thoughts or opinions. I just started doing my own research and did it.

What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fear is that I forget to do something that’s super important. Not because I just didn’t do it but because I didn’t know or was too busy to take the time to do it.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I consult with entrepreneurs who are more successful than me. I reach out to them over coffee and mostly listen to them but I also share my feelings with them. More times than none, they have been there and they remind me that my current feeling is natural and temporary.

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked pass them? 
Taking on more then I should. I just realized this and it’s because deep down, I think I’m superwoman but I’m not. I work through this by reminding myself that I’m not great at everything only some things. If it’s something I am trying to take on that I am only good at, then I don’t do it.

What’s been most rewarding?
When a client says to me “I never thought or considered that.” That’s how I know I am helping. You should never tell a client something they already know.

Who were you before you started your business?
Before my business, I was a woman searching for gratification.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would have spent more time creating and developing my brand before launching my company. Branding is vital to a company. If a brand is unclear or just bad, it will deter not attract people and a business needs people to sustain.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
Evernote and Twitter! Evernote keeps all of my thoughts organized and Twitter keeps me in the know.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
Being human and transparent. I am very direct with my clients but in a tactful way. I don’t use cliché business terminology and always explain to them why their idea won’t work but in turn tell them what could work.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see Jasmine Smith co. doing business with an international partner and clients in at least 3 other major cities.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Have a list of business advisors who are smarter and much more successful than you.
  2. Build solid strategic relationships.
  3. Always remind yourself that entrepreneurship is a journey which means there is going to be good, bad, and ugly. When things get ugly, think about the good.

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Funding Options For Small Business Owners

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So you’ve decided that you want to start your own business. You’ve built your business plan, including revenue projections. What’s the next step? Funding. How exactly are you going to start this business, especially if you do not have all of the capital to get going? Acquiring a loan from the bank is not always the easiest option, but thankfully, it is not the only option. Below are a few options to get your business up and running.

1. Grants
Government grants are a great option because they are not required to be paid back. However, there are a few downsides. Grants usually come with stipulations, such as strict application requirements and periodic updates on the status of your business. Entrepreneur’s 11 Grants for Women-Owned Businesses You Need to Know About is definitely worth a read.
2. Online Lending
This is quickly becoming another way to receiving business loans. The biggest advantage is they are much faster than the typical bank loan process. A few sites gaining popularity are OnDeck and Kabbage, which are both rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

3. Crowdfunding
Within the past couple of years this option has become a popular way to raise money for anything from help with medical bills to college tuition. Sites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe allow users to pool from multiple potential investors. There are regulations on some platforms, such as the site keeping a percentage of earnings.

4. Friends and Family 
The age-old way of getting a loan is still very effective. Lenders only invest in businesses they believe in, partially because they trust the founder. This option allows for more flexibility with matters such as length of repayment and interest rates. As long as you show your loved ones how serious and dedicated you are by having a strong business plan, it’s worth it asking them to invest in you.

The best way to find funding to jump-start your business is to do research. A great tool is Fundera. It allows users to compare a list of lenders based off of the information they entered about their business. Another great way to do research is to ask other entrepreneurs with a currently running business for advice; they were once in your shoes and will most likely provide great financial pointers.

3 Ways to Tackle Fear

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It has been a prosperous year for women entrepreneurs. From owning new businesses, gaining new accolades and pursuing new careers, women have worked to debunk the claims that we cannot be as successful as our male counterparts. My ladies are #winning!

I am especially excited to see my melanated ladies taking charge and breaking custom stereotypes as the two tech geniuses Angel Davis and Lauren Washington did with their recently launched app KeepUp. The app was designed to filter out the non essential posts from six major social media platforms. It is aimed for small business owners who would rather read about major events than what their high school classmate had for lunch. The two women were friends for a decade and traveled from SIlicon Valley to Buffalo for a chance at some startup money in the 43North business-idea competition. With their $250, 000 win, they catapulted into the tech world to shift the ratio for black women tech entrepreneurs.

“It’s a hard road to be a woman tech entrepreneur, even harder as a black woman but it’s something we knew about going in,” Washington said in an interview.

It’s nothing short of brilliant when women take on a challenge and when they succeed, it can open doors for others alike. It’s not awfully hard to admit that I have side eyed jobs that I knew women weren’t dominating and even diverted from certain avenues, like tech, because of the intimidation factor. I shortchanged myself out of my own growth. What I am intimidated by should not scare me but propel me forward.

Have you ever felt as though you dismissed a career path, a school decision, or a project because there was an unfamiliar barrier? Have you felt as though you missed out on an opportunity because of fear?

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

Fear is good. It’s one of those pesky things necessary for growth. It’s hard everytime but everytime I try to remember some key things to keep my momentum rolling forward.

1. There’s Brilliance Behind Fear

We all get it. That feeling that ‘OMG what am I even doing?’ It’s one of those feelings that can paralyze and fuel at the same time.

 

“Do one thing everyday that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

For every great moment in my life, I was scared of it: my blog, changing careers, motherhood.  Prior to any of these pivotal moments in my life, I wanted to disappear but because I didn’t, I have moved on. I have grown past those fears and onto new ones. I hate to sound cliche but I have conquered them. Fear is what I make it and like the women leaders today, I’d rather embrace it.

2. Positivity is Necessary

We’ve all heard it, stay positive and surround yourself with the like. It’s one of those age old hymns we hear when stress is threatening to consume. But its important. Staying positive on the daily ensures a clear head. When you inhale nothing but positivity, only positvity can be the result. There’s a sea of negative situations, places and especially people that can swallow and destroy. Like parasites, they can leech onto the good inside of you until it deteriorates to nothing. Preventing that from happening can be the difference between success and failure.
3. Pain is temporary; Pride is forever

My highschool coach used to drill these words at track practice and I used to think it was his excuse for being tough on us. As I grew older the saying stuck with me. That pinnacle, that goal that’s sitting at the top of your list can only be achieved with hard work. All the long hours, extra coffee and tiresome days disappear after your victory settles in and why is that? Because it was all worth it.

You reap what you sow.

Simple as that. Only hard work can reap rewards so keep fighting.

What are some ways you try to stay true to your mission? How do you react to fear?

Ebony Cattouse

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^3001|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-ebony-cattouse-of-ebony-cattouse-events_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-ebony-cattouse-of-ebony-cattouse-events_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461332592960{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461332301858{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

EBONY CATTOUSE OF EBONY CATTOUSE EVENTS

OWNER/EVENT PLANNER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/MissCattouse” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/ebonycattouseevents” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3000″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ebony Cattouse is the women behind , the event planning company that helps brings our visions come to life. It is very easy to decide to plan or host an event but the struggle comes in to play when we actually have to bring all the pieces together to make any event memorable. Helping to organize everything from weddings, social, to corproate events, Ebony and her team have developed a reputation of making every event personal, unique and of course fun!

Starting her career 5 years ago focused on small intimate dinners, Ebony developed a talent of not only helping her clients complete a tasks but making her clients feel at ease and comfortable throughout the planning process.

This Womeneur’s career journey has included paying close attention to not only the creative side to event planner but the business side as well. Ebony has learned along the way that doing your research and figuring out what is needed to bring the company to next level will always remain important.

Learn more about Ebony’s journey and some pieces of advice to take with you on your journey:

What inspired your journey into business?
I am inspired by a few of my mentors who constantly see the drive in me to succeed. Starting my own business is a challenge in itself but I am enjoying every minute of it. Why? Because I get to show the world what I do and how I have fun doing it.

What steps did you take to start your business?
The first thing I did when starting my business was research. I did my research on the Event Planning Market and all I needed to know. Especially how to stay and remain unique amongst all the others. Many do not understand how much the Event Planning Market has changed and it’s blooming industry.

What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fear as a business owner is failing.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I take sometime away to meditate and center myself and check in with one of my mentors.

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked pass them? 
My weakness in business is marketing. I do market my brand the best way I can but not enough.

What’s been most rewarding?
Being a part of a platform such as WOMENEUR. It’s the work I do that has led me to this point in my career/business. Another rewaring aspect is the ability to gain two (2) new clients after every event I do.

Who were you before you started your business?
I was planning events but not at the level I am now. I was planning numerous events for one big family continuously and occasionally new clients.

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would not do anything differently for it had led me to where I’m at now and I’m very happy.

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
I cannot live without . I simply have all of my documents saved on my computer and my phone.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
I am available to my client’s 24/7 leading up to their event. Via email, phone or skype. My client’s appreciate the fact that I’m as excited as they are about their special day.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see Ebony Cattouse Events as a Brick and Mortar in the next 5 years. Presently there is a home base office for the company where clients’ come in and we also travel to clients. We are hoping to open something in Brooklyn or Chelsea in Manhattan within the next 5 years.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Do your research
  2. Know your Brand
  3. Never give up!

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Sink or Swim: 5 Signs It’s Time to Outsource Work

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There comes a time as an entrepreneur when you have to delegate some of your work. This is especially true if you are a “solopreneur” and doing it all. If you’re like me, you wake up every day with the conviction to move your business ahead. In the midst of all of my conviction, I have come to realize what I am really good at, what I love to do and what I absolutely have no zeal for. That latter part about what “I have no zeal” for is where I am currently focusing. The goal is to look at those items with an open mind and decide what needs to be kept in-house for now and what I can outsource so I can focus more on the things I am good at and enjoy doing.

The key in all of this is to recognize the signs that it is time to let go.

Here are some signs and/or indicators that it is time to delegate and/or outsource some of the burden:

  1. You continuously procrastinate when it comes to the task. If you are constantly setting a certain task aside, it may be an indication that it’s time to relinquish control and get someone to help you out.
  2. You’re forgetting tasks and making mistakes. When you look at the spectrum of your diversified duties as a solopreneur; you have to be realistic and understand that if you choose to continue doing everything for yourself – something will suffer.
  3. Subconsciously you realize that you aren’t the “Jack or Jane of all trades”. As much as we like to convince ourselves that we are invincible and can master any and everything- we are not the master of every domain. It’s not a crime to delegate a few items where you lack the requisite skills.
  4. Your business has scaled to a point where you feel frenzied. A little frenzy never hurt anyone. A lot of frenetic energy and stress starts to impact you, your business and well-being. Additionally, the new reality of chaos can cause you to resent the very business you have worked tirelessly to build. Who wants that?
  5. There are a myriad of things left on your business bucket list that you have yet to address. Do you need to get your name trademarked or maybe you have wanted to launch an e-learning course? If you’ve got more of these bucket list items than you would like- it may be time to hire a professional or two to assist you with these projects.

I will be the first person to tell you that I am the absolute worst about asking for help. The interesting thing is eventually (if all goes well) you reach a point where you have no choice but to choose between efficiency and ego. If you choose ego, it could be to the demise of your business. If you choose efficiency, you give your business a lifeline to carry on.  The benefits of seeking help and delegating certain items, so you can be the best you in life and in business far outweigh any negatives you have conjured in your head. Find your weak spots and start looking for the right people to help you get things done.

8 Basic Accounting Terms Every Womeneur Should Know

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As a small business owner, you are required to wear many hats including that of an Accountant. The term accounting simply means:

“The systematic and comprehensive recording of financial transactions pertaining to a business.” -Investopedia.

We completely understand the word accounting may freak you out, but don’t think you have to remain in the dark just because you hire a Bookkeeper or Accountant. We’re not saying you need to know all the ins and outs of accounting, but we strongly recommend you familiarize yourself with the basic terms that affect your finances on a daily basis.

1. Financial Statements
These are formal and structured reports that record the financial transactions of your business.  They record your cash inflow, outflow and give you an idea of how much money came in and went out at any given time of the year.

2. Balance Sheet
An extremely popular financial statement, the balance sheet records a snapshot at a particular point in time of your assets, liabilities and capital (equity). This report will capture things such as your cash in the bank, inventory and other items. Essentially, the balance sheet should ‘balance’: Total assets = liabilities + equity. Balance sheets are generally prepared once monthly and reflect a cumulative year-to-date balance (i.e. January to July 2015).

3. Income Statement (Also know as Profit & Loss Statement)
Also another popular financial statement, it reflects a summary of your company’s financial performance by recording its revenues, expenses and net income over set period of time. This report will captures things such as sales, cost of goods sold and all overhead costs to operate your business. Income Statements are generally prepared once monthly and reflect a month-to-date balance (i.e. July 2015).

4. Revenue
The amount of money your business receives from the sale of its products or services. Also known as gross income – before the deduction of any expenses or costs.

5. Expenses
The amount of costs your business incurs daily to operate.

6. Net Income
This is the amount that remains when you subtract expenses from your revenue. It represents your total earnings or ‘net profit’.

7. Accounts Payable
The amount of money you owe to your creditors due to a service or product they provided you. You will most likely receive an invoice stating any outstanding balances you owe.

8. Accounts Receivable
The amount of money owed to you because of products or services you provided to a customer.

Now that we’ve filled you in on these basic accounting terms, do you feel you are much better prepped to handle your company’s finances?

Learn To Be Bold

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“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

Goethe sure had a way with words. But how do you turn inspiration into action? Good news, you can LEARN to be bold. With boldness comes confidence, direction and courage as well as genius, power and magic. Not a bad incentive, right?

Own Your Flaws AND Strengths. Spend a little time getting to know yourself. Ask friends or relatives if you want the perspective of others who love you. Knowing what you’re good at and what you need help with allows you to build partnerships to get where you want to go. Plus, being self-aware gives you confidence. Yes, you have weaknesses. We all do. But you also have incredible abilities.

Set Clear Priorities. Figure out what you really want to accomplish. Be bold for a purpose. If you’re inspired and passionate, you’ll be more willing to take risks. Why invest yourself in something you don’t care about? Why act hastily for something that really matters to you? Have objectives and a plan.

Put Fear in Its Place. You will feel fear. Everyone does. That doesn’t mean you should avoid things that frighten you but neither do you have to conquer every fear you have. Invite fear into your life with wisdom. If leaping out of a plane frightens you, but it’s not holding you back from your dreams, you don’t have to go skydiving. But if public speaking frightens you, and you dream of being a motivation speaker, then you DO need to work on it. Feel the fear, prepare yourself, build your skills, take a class, practice in a safe environment, and move through your fear to do what you truly want to do.

Value Failure. Everyone fails. It’s tough, but it’s also a part of being human and challenging yourself.  Thomas Edison put it in perspective: “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Each time you fail, you learn. One of the things you learn is that failure isn’t permanent unless you give up. Get up, instead, and try again with a newer, smarter plan.

Be Honest, Not Perfect. You don’t have to be anything or anyone other than who you are in order to succeed. Let yourself be vulnerable and honest with yourself and your allies. “Fake it till you make it” isn’t as powerful – or as bold – as being authentic. Plus, your honesty will inspire others to step up and be fully themselves as well.

Relive Your Victories. Focus on the successes, even when small. Replay your wins like a game tape in your head. Praise yourself, even if it’s just with your own thoughts. Take ownership of the times you have been bold. Publicize them. Those little victories will add up, and remind you that you CAN succeed.

How do you plan on being bold today?

Monique Garraud

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Take a walk down the path of these entrepreneurs, business owners and progressive women.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2997|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/womeneur-spotlight-monique-garraud-of-dandy-demure-jewelry_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^womeneur-spotlight-monique-garraud-of-dandy-demure-jewelry_650_650_90_ffffffgrayopac-7_s_c1|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1461332112930{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1461331731104{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

MONIQUE GARRAUD OF DANDY DEMURE JEWELRY

FOUNDER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”]dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/dandydemurejewelry” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2996″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dandy Demure is a Brooklyn-based jewlery company owned by Monique Garraud that includes a beautiful collection designed by her sister, designer Jennifer Garraud. It is definitely a family affair! Monique’s entrepeneurship motivation was sparked at a very young age as she developed her sales and design skills selling and making hair bows at her local flea market with her mom at the age of six. The designs of Dandy Demure made its way to , the online marketplace for unique goods, through brainstorming everything from a company name, designs and social media presence that would help the company expand and grow.

Monique has experienced transitioning careers from the sciences to jewlery creation and from being an employee to developing an entire business while tackling the nuances of an online business environment. She definitely has a unique insight on the journey of an entrepreneur as she had to learn a number of skills to jumpstart her succesful business in to something that she can be proud of.

This Womeneur gives us a great deal of motivation as she was able to recognize her true talents and set goals to bring her vision to life! Read more about Monique’s journey and great advice about house to follow your passion and be a success:

What inspired your journey into business?
Some of my fondest memories I have stem from the summer I helped my mother make and sell hair bows at the weekly outdoor flea market. I was six years old when I first felt the thrill of selling something that I made with my own hands; a feeling that I will never get tired of experiencing. I continued making and selling bows at $0.25 a pop that summer, eventually raising enough money to buy a bunch of assorted snap bracelets from the booth next door. This experience sparked an entrepreneurial spirit in me that lives to this day.

What steps did you take to start your business?
When I decided to start a jewelry business, I took a course offered by NYC called the Craft Entrepreneurship Program. This program helped me set up an Etsy page and highlighted all of the critical points associated with online stores, including SEO, photography, budgeting, and other important business principles.

What are your biggest fears?
As cliche as this sounds, I AM FEARLESS. I think its very important to adopt this attitude because without it, you will not take chances.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
The best motivation for me is setting goals. I have set immediate, short term, and long term goals for my business that I work towards on a daily basis.

What are your weakness in business and how have you worked pass them? 
My biggest weakness is entering a field that I know nothing about. I’m a scientist by trade so all of my knowledge in business practices is newly acquired and a work in progress.

What’s been most rewarding?
Seeing people react to my jewelry! When you take an idea from your head, make it with our hands, and present it to the public, you never know what response you are going to get. My first craft show was very rewarding because I felt that my small idea was finally becoming a success.

Who were you before you started your business?
Before Dandy Demure, I was a curious woman with an entrepreneurial spirit hidden inside. Now I’m an entrepreneur!

If you had to do it again, what (if anything) would you do differently?
I would have pushed my initial hesitations aside and done it sooner!

What’s one good software or application you cannot live without?
[Not a software, but] My sister Jennifer 🙂  She is the face behind our social media account and without her help, I wouldn’t have the time to develop the brand to the level we have.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?
Talking to people! Since Dandy Demure’s target audience is the working woman, we have the opportunity to meet all walks of life at vendor shows and revel in the ability to meet new people and hear their stories.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In 5 years we’d like to have a permanent residence in a few stores and have expanded to include jewelry for the working man.

What are 3 tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

  1. Set Goals
  2. Don’t be afraid to seek help
  3. Have confidence in your brand

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Effective Collaboration Between You and Your Right-Hand Person

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Throughout the journey of creating your small business, there are many little nuances that need to get done in order to make your complete vision come to light. Most of us start out as a one-woman show, hustling to balancing all tasks for the day, for the week or even for the season. Once a solid routine is beginning to develop, you will notice that there are particular areas (mostly administrative) that warrant some help.

Hiring a full-time employee or obtaining an intern for the short term or long term is a very big decision when it comes to the growth of your small business. Bringing on someone to your small team in a personal assistant or “right-hand” capacity should be a ‘give and take” situation. This means that you should want to give this person the opportunity to learn, gain skills, and broaden their network all the while having them take responsibility for the project management aspects of the business to relieve some of your time to focus on “big picture” tasks.

As a Womeneur, you have to be all about learning and growing at all times. Included in that sentiment is being a good example to those individuals who are looking up to you. Here are a few things to consider and/or think about when you find yourself knee deep in work and desperate to find the perfect right hand guy or gal:

1.   What are your needs?

Early on in my business, our team of two realized that we needed help! There were many small tasks that turned in to big task because we were unable to effectively complete them because of hectic schedules and being consumed with the larger pieces of the puzzle. We ended up sitting down for a few hours and writing out what we needed help with. Many of the items on that list included things such as:

  • Email follow-ups to folks we met at conferences, developing sponsorship or intent letters to between clients and/or companies/individuals we needed to connect with;
  • Organizing our shared drive, folders and email traffic;
  • Meeting minutes for internal status meetings and client meetings;
  • Niche tasks such as copywriters, editors (video, photo or articles) or even a great research
  • Administrative needs around filing, answering phones, sending “thank you” emails/letters, etc.

2.   Level of Involvement/Level of Experience

Whether you are adding someone on your team full-time or bringing on an intern, it’s important to know what level of experience you expect this person to have. Often, you will be able to meet with your assistant a few times a week, define the “to dos” with deadlines and check in as needed. Other options are more time-consuming where you will have to be in a coaching mode and give your assistant a helping hand and show them how to do things properly or in the matter that is acceptable for your brand.

For me, I prefer the former because of my busy schedule it is expected that the person that I bring on would be at a level where they can work a bit more independent and know that I am open to questions and communication as needed.

3.   Setting  Expectations

Similar to dealing with clients you must be direct and clear when it comes to what is expected from your personal assistant. This new team member will either be seen with you at meetings, social events or business settings or representing you via email or on the phone so expectations must be set. A few things to discuss should be:

  • Location of the job: remotely (from home), in your offices or at the client site;
  • Status updates are crucial when check ins are need for assignments, information or work product;
  • Schedule in terms of work schedule (how many hours/days are they needed) and deadlines for projects or tasks

Many local universities, temp agency and even your network of friends and families may be great resources to conduct a list of people that can potentially fit the role of an assistant. Tap into your network and keep in mind that although some people may think of an assistant as a non-essential job, it should be just as important as any other role. Make sure that you are the type of boss that gives them the space to be a value-add to the brand and you are doing all you can to assistant in their growth.

Does Crowdfunding Work for Womeneurs?

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Whether you are at the beginnign stages of your business or have locked in multiple years, the term crowdfunding should be a key part of your business lingo. Crowdfunding has been a major (and sometimes sole) source of funding for many small business owners attempting to take advantage of the direct to fan social media-based outreach  and fundraising in order to reach many people locally and around the world. Forbes.com describes crowdfunding as:

the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet

Over the past 8 years, the need to fund projects and full business have grown tremendously and the typical sources such as bank loans, angel investors and venture capitalist have become difficult to obtain.Crowdfuding platforms have given people the opportunity to inform the public about their amazing idea, project and/or company through a creative, informative and grassroots type of way. The most popular crowdfunign platforms are

  • Kickstarter – global crowdfunding platform based in the United States
  • GoFundMe – allows people to raise money for events ranging from life events such as celebrations and graduations to challenging circumstances like accidents and illnesses
  • Indiegogo –  an international crowdfunding web site
  • RocketHub – onlinecrowdfunding platform catered to musicians, entrepreneurs, scientists,game developers, philanthropists, filmmakers, photographers, theatre producers/directors, writers, and fashion designers.

These companies tend to bring in millions, yearly, in backers and supporters for those looking to fund their ideas. Crowdfunding has become a new norm for creative types of all genres: photography, fashion, music and entrepreneurship.

So what about women entrepreneurs?

Through a quick google search for women based crowdfunding, sites like PlumAlley and MoolaHoop are in the top two slots. In Asia, Woomentum – a SIngapore based entrepreneur community platform., has launched its crowdfunding platform, Woomentum Fund in Asia.

Mouna Aouri, founder of Woomentum, recently stated that: “In the US, research shows when businesses are run by women, they have double the growth rate than their male counterparts…”

Women leaders are taking over the top spots from male counterparts. In the machismo world, there is a shift because women are uniting to challenge the claim that men are better business leaders. Kathryn Moos, owner of a health drink VROU, ran a campaign that raised $32, 165 on the PlumAlley platform and her drinks are currently sold at the popular store whole foods.

Crowdfunding, like anything else, can be a win situation if planned well. Generally, I would be a little skeptical about asking for help. It conjures up one of those ugly feelings that stems from pride. Yet, sometimes it’s best to ask for support. It boosts passion and sparks drive for more. If we all had our support systems asking for more, production will soar through the roof.

Sometimes we may not want to ask for help because of the feeling of a lone accomplishment or just plain stubbornness. Typically, asking for help isn’t something women nataurally do. But we should. We should ask for help because we cannot all be super women all the time. These platforms were created as a bridge for women leaders to connect with investors. It binds a relationship between the two and brings further validation for the business in question.

These platforms were created for entrepreneurs to take control and build strong relationships while reaching a large audience with your ideas and companies. Do you think you would try a crowdfunding campaign? If no, what are some of  your reasons not to? If yes, what are some of reasons?