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DIANA BARTON - Founder, Diana B. Beauty
It all started in my kitchen. In 2005, I plunged my hands into a bowl filled with sugar and maple syrup, added a fragrance oil and mixed it all together. I stood there tasting, smelling and rubbing the mixture all over my hands. I rinsed my hands to AMAZING, squeaky clean results. Even now I cannot explain how I developed the perfect formula; it just happened. Today, every sugar scrub at DIANA B. is made the same way. We have five fragrances to choose from, with two more on the way.
I adore the scrubs and love what I do. I have the joy and honor of working with someone and watching their skin improve right in front of my eyes. This trust and human bond are paramount to DIANA B. and have helped grow my business into a successful one in five short years. We have achieved double digit revenue growth each year and are currently poised to have our best year in 2010.
I feel blessed to be a part of this journey (equal parts hope, faith, action, inspiration and joy) and am honored to share my most powerful tips:
- Exhibit total passion, commitment and trust. Building a brand takes a kind of total passion and commitment to detail that has amazing rewards both for you and others. Stick to your inner voice and never give up on your vision. Trust that. Don't think, What would so and so do? You know what to do; follow that voice. It will take you across the finish line.
- Cultivate a niche. Focus on real points of difference in the products you create. Define their differences and go deep rather than wide in your line. This focus will give your customers an opportunity to choose options in the same vein as their favorite style, scent or object. Define a core niche for brand identity and run with it!
- Do not let negativity invade your space. Find your own particular rhythms to stay positive and honor that sense of peace within yourself. Daily performance requires huge energy, and you will need time to recharge. I have found watering in the garden, or just listening to a beautiful piece of music can reset a better peaceful state of mind.
- Respect others who know more than you do! I had to learn to listen. This lesson was tough because I think creative people tend to have a strong sense of self; however, a teacher can change your life forever. Look for people in your desired field that love and support what you do. Your sense of wanting to make them proud will be a driving force in your success.
- Give back. Give a serious percentage of your first paycheck and profits back to a charity, a friend in need or a stranger who loves your product but cannot afford them at that given moment. This heart expanding lesson will open the door for growth. Give more than what is expected, you will never regret it.
Diana Barton is tireless in her campaign to make all women everywhere feel beautiful. She is thrilled to be participating in her first Women’s Conference this year. She continually looks for ways to give back, and donates a portion of sales to Cancer and Careers, a resource for working women with cancer. She also supports the WE Programs as part of this year’s Women’s Conference.
LINDA ROTTENBERG - Co-Founder & CEO, Endeavor
A little over a decade ago, I was riding in a taxi in Argentina, and the driver told me he had a PhD in Engineering. “Why don’t you become an entrepreneur?” I asked. “A what?” he answered. Realizing there wasn’t even a word in Spanish for entrepreneur, I set out to create Endeavor, an organization that helps innovators in developing countries—from Argentina to South Africa—reach their high-impact potential.
In addition to being a CEO, I’m a full-time wife and mom to five-year-old identical twin daughters. Through trial and error, here are some personal and professional lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t fall in the trap of “too many options.” Call me contrary, but I never liked the mantra to “always keep your options open.” Too many options are a distraction and can lead to a kind of paralysis. At every life stage, instead of trying to do everything available, I’ve looked for specific ways to fill a need or bridge a gap—and focused my energy accordingly.
- Work-life balance? Technology helps. I’ll be honest: running a franchise in 11 countries while balancing family life isn’t always easy. But I’ve learned to make some adjustments. For instance, I travel much less than I used to (only a handful of trips each year) and rely much more on the web. From email and Skype to teleconferences and online social networks, technology allows me to literally be “everywhere at once.” And for a working mom, that’s a blessing!
- Follow your passion, and help others follow theirs. For me, these two things are one and the same. In fact my main goal was never to create a successful organization for myself, but to give others the resources to make their own organizations succeed. Of course, call it karma or the “boomerang effect,” but this approach has paid off on both fronts. Whether it’s helping entrepreneurs or attending to your customers’ needs, an “other-centered” approach is a great way to do business.
- Psychic equity goes a long way. People do their best work when they feel empowered. I often talk about what I call “psychic equity”—granting employees a sense of ownership over the mission and strategy of the company or organization. Even if you can’t offer million-dollar bonuses or stock options, you can offer this value. So whether you’re a job seeker, employee, or the head of an organization, take a lesson from the nonprofit playbook: a sense of ownership goes a long way, and won’t ever lose its worth.
- Craziness can be a compliment! When I started Endeavor, many people said I was crazy. They said there were no entrepreneurs in emerging markets, and no philanthropists. At first, I took it hard. But gradually I learned to use critiques to my advantage. “Crazy” is what helped me look for the need, the opportunity. “Crazy” made me focus. Every day, our entrepreneurs reinforce this lesson for me. These are folks who have been called “crazy” all their lives for their untraditional ideas. And they all share an ability to listen and learn from critics, while sticking to their guns when it matters most.
Linda Rottenberg is one of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. Her international nonprofit, Endeavor (endeavor.org), identifies and supports High-Impact Entrepreneurs in emerging markets. These entrepreneurs are given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that will catapult them to success, generate jobs, and become role models for others.
Also featured on The Women’s Conference site: “A Father’s Ten Lessons for His Daughters,” a post by Linda’s husband, Bruce Feiler.
KRISTI HEICKE - Founder, Girlfriends
Staring glassy eyed across a conference table as another executive blathering on and on about yet another must-have product or service, I nearly lost it. It was the last straw—death by meeting. I realized at that moment that there MUST be more to my life than corporate politics and bottom lines. I got out and never looked back.
Today, I’m living my dream of mentoring and inspiring young girls as they navigate their way through adolescence and transition into adulthood. Here’s my advice for those of you who want to start your own nonprofit or business, based on what I learned starting mine:
- Do what you love. It has been said that if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. It’s true. If you followed a career path solely because of the money it promised, you already know this. Though money can solve a lot of problems, it can’t buy happiness. Fortunately, there are ways to turn what you love into a living so that you can be both happy and financially secure. I did some honest soul searching and identified my true passion—developing the next generation of women leaders—then figured out a creative way to make it my career.
- Educate yourself. It’s a jungle out there! You can have all the heart and soul it takes to start your own business, but if you don’t know the ropes, you’ll be eaten alive. Take advantage of others’ experiences. Read books, blogs, and tweets. Talk to people. Ask questions. Find out about your competition, who they are, and what needs they are NOT fulfilling. This is your niche. Success comes to those who stand out and rise above. How will you turn heads?
- Stick with it. Everyone enters a new business brimming with positive energy, but it’s the ones who stick with it even when doors shut, money dries up, and even the strongest supporters start to waver who succeed. I don’t know any entrepreneur who has NOT faced these challenges. Expect them. Persevere. Remind yourself about WHY you started down this road in the first place. A strong sense of purpose is the best motivator.
- Exude confidence. I have received countless opportunities and much-needed financial support as a direct result of my over-the-top confidence. It is my single greatest characteristic, and people always respond to it. Whether you’re seeking a grant from a major corporation or simply pitching your idea to a potential partner, confidence is contagious. Of course, in addition to your pure passion, this confidence must be based on sound research and a solid work ethic. Supporters can spot a phony a mile away.
- Find a mentor. No amount of experience can replace the value of a good mentor. Connect with someone with a skill set you admire who is willing to guide you through the process. Schedule a phone conversation once week, and a face-to-face once a month. Choose someone who can be your cheerleader when you need a boost of confidence as well as an honest and constructive critic when you face tough decisions. A faithful and supportive mentor may end up your most valuable asset.
Kristi Heicke, speaker and author, founded Girlfriends, an after-school program for tweenage girls in Long Beach, California, in 2006. The organization mentors and guides adolescents, helping them build long-lasting relationships and form goals that will carry them throughout their lifetimes. Today, more than 700 Girlfriends have benefited from the weekly meetings, the organization gains widespread attention and accolades.
MELISSA MOORE - Author, Shattered Silence
I grew up in poverty -- the victim of domestic violence -- with my father in jail. All of this could have destroyed me; instead, these challenges became a source of purpose and direction in my life.
After enduring tremendous adversity, I decided to compile the lessons I learned in a memoir -- Shattered Silence. Becoming an author and entrepreneur has broadened my experiences. Here are 5 principles I learned along the way:
1. Add Value.
Books are essentially products. Reading a book is an investment of time and money, so the book you write needs to add value for the consumer. Your readers will expect to walk away having learned or been inspired in some way. Make sure your book accomplishes this.
2. Find Support.
Find people who believe in your message. The journey to success starts with gathering your team. Once you have found the people you can depend on, create an economic tie with them. This will allow the efforts of the team to be rewarded when your venture is successful.
3. Be Persistent.
Success comes -- in part -- as the result of persistence. When I finished my first manuscript I sent it off to the publisher, only to be rejected. Beaten down at the thought that all my hours writing were in vain, I realized it would be more of a waste if I gave up, so I rewrote my manuscript. In the end, it was a higher quality piece, which was worth the extra effort and time, and it got published. We may be inches away from success, even when it feels like miles. Don't give up.
4. When Afraid, Do it Anyway.
As entrepreneurs, we all come to a crossroads where we must take a risk. That moment for me was when I decided to leave my job to become a writer. In times of fear, I would visualize the worst scenario possible. Then I would evaluate every problem that could occur and provide a possible solution. This made me feel more in control, trusting that I could handle whatever may come my way.
5. Focus on the Result.
There were moments when I became more concerned about the means than the end (the goal). After setting a goal, you can change your strategy, but don't lose sight of your ultimate destination.
Melissa Moore's is an advocate for women, children, and animals who have suffered abuse and cruelty. A portion of her book royalties support CASA. As a national best selling author and speaker, she shares a dynamic message of having the courage to shine through adversity.
ALEXA VON TOBEL - CEO & Founder, LearnVest
Two years ago I had an idea for a website. I wanted to bring trusted personal finance education to women online – and do so in a fun and hip way. In December 2008, when most were hiding cash under their mattress, I decided to leave a well paying job, invest all of the money I made post college, and take on the challenge of building a company.
Despite the recession, I was able to develop my idea into a viable business and today; LearnVest is a venture-backed TechCrunch50 company educating thousands of women about personal finance.
I want to share with you the 5 most powerful lessons I learned throughout my experience building a company. Many of the tips I'm discussing with you were passed down from others who were kind enough to share their experiences and insight with me.
1. Get skin in the game.
Foregoing income is one thing; investing your own money in your idea is another. At a time when the economy was at its worst, I took a leap and invested all the money I made post-college into starting LearnVest. I don't recommend that everyone else be this crazy, but having a personal investment in your company will influence every decision you make.
2. Enlist support.
Anyone who tells you that you can go it completely on your own is wrong. Start out by creating an advisory board composed of successful people, and don't be afraid to give them equity. They will most likely know some helpful short cuts and be able to offer connections to other experienced people.
3. Be steadfast about the big idea, but willing to adjust the execution.
A clearly articulated business proposal that supports an unmet need will attract investors, but actually getting the funding might take longer than you expect. Be inviolate about the big idea, but accept feedback from your advisors or potential investors and be willing to adjust the details. If you start with a truly good idea and your product solves a real problem, doors will open.
4. Know your users and excite them with exceptional customer service.
At the end of the day, your user is all that matters; it is imperative that you know them well. Your goal is to provide a product that excites them and/or improves some aspect of their life. Once you know your user, keep them and their needs in mind at all times when making critical decisions. My priority at LearnVest is to provide the best customer experience possible. While it is a lofty goal, premiere customer service is attainable. Nothing gives me more joy than receiving feedback from a LearnVest user, telling me that our advice has helped her confront a financial issue and she is in a better financial state and mindset because of it. Not to mention that word of mouth is the best (and least expensive) form of early-stage marketing; if your product makes your users’ life better, they will want to share it.
5. Never get demoralized.
Take time to find the joy in each day of the journey. It seems obvious, but after working 16+ hours a day over and over again it's hard not to become a little ragged. I always find at least twenty minutes a day of quiet time to take a break and exercise. It never fails to provide greater clarity to problems I'm trying to solve.
It’s been two years since I launched LearnVest. I'm proud to say that I’ve successfully raised two rounds of funding (a seed round and a venture round) and built an exceptional team of LearnVest employees. While we have been successful in many ways, we will continue to learn from our users and improve on our product everyday. We know that with each new user, we are one step closer to achieving our mission of educating millions of women.
Alexa von Tobel is the Founder and CEO of LearnVest, one of the leading independent personal finance websites for women. Alexa feels passionately about making personal finance education fun and accessible to everyone.
MICHELLE RENEE - Founder, Rock to Stop Violence
After my daughter and I survived a home invasion kidnapping and being held hostage for 14 hours as part of a bank robbery scheme, returning to my 13 year executive banking career was not an option. I began searching my heart for a way to combine my love for music with my passion for educating others about the realities of violence, abuse and trauma for women and girls. The answer: Rock To Stop Violence (www.rocktostop.org), an organization that brings the community together for non-violence through rock & roll music, art, and fashion.
Passion alone, however, doesn’t equal success. Without action, patience, and the right team, your passion will not develop into a profitable venture.
Here are my top five must do’s to help you be a take charge, live your dream, make a positive difference success:
- Take Personal Inventory: Make personal choices with healthy self-loving boundaries using my five favorite boundary setting words, “that doesn’t work for me.” Take personal inventory and cut out any personal drama and doubters and develop a successful personal infrastructure first.
- Don’t Treat Your Business Like Pasta: You have heard the old saying “throw everything up against the wall until something sticks” right? Great for pasta, not great for business. Before you begin to develop your business plan, develop a vision. Spend 10 minutes each day picturing what you want your business to look like, feel like, the type of people you want working with you, and how you see yourself operating it. Stick to your vision and adopt a “see” it before making it happen habit.
- Avoid Super Woman Syndrome: When I first started out I was a one super woman show. When I had finally attracted the world famous House of Blues and Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation as supporters for my second annual event, I had to learn to take off the cape, let go of some control, assemble a team I trust and know that my next step towards success was delegation. Know when it is time to take off the cape!
- You Are More Than Your Business: I tell my daughter often that my favorite role in life is the joy of being her mom, but that is only one aspect of who I am. Many women lose themselves in one role in life. Whether it is motherhood, wife, or business women, be sure you don’t wrap your entire identity up in one role and take time to nurture, reward and celebrate ALL of you.
- Hit The Unsubscribe Button: Just the other day I looked at my inbox and saw a newsletter I signed up for years ago. Today, nothing in it really does much for me. I finally hit the unsubscribe button. We must perform this same evaluation in our life and in business. What ideas, processes, beliefs, and self-limiting relationships are no longer a fit for the new evolved you? Hit the unsubscribe button and sign up for something new that inspires you.
Today Michelle Renee is an award-winning author, international speaker, respected activist, radio show host, and PTSD breakthrough coach/expert. Michelle is the Founder/Creator of Women Who dreamBIG® and Rock To Stop Violence. Her 2nd annual Rock To Stop Violence event will be held on May 19th 2010 at the world famous House of Blues and will feature classic rock icons such as Chris Slade of AC/DC and Spencer Davis of the Spencer Davis Group. Michelle’s debut memoir, Held Hostage, is now a Lifetime world premiere movie starring Julie Benz; a project she served as Creative Consultant and Associate Producer on. Visit her website, www.michelle-renee.com.
NELL ALANO - Co-Founder, Grateful Graffiti
During a very tough time, I read some incredible books and learned some valuable lessons. The most important was to focus on what I had instead of what I didn’t have. When I then decided to start my own business, I wanted to create a product that would be positive and reflect some of the advice that inspired me.
Grateful Graffiti was launched out of my desire to Tag the Town Positive! The catalyst for Grateful Graffiti was the traffic in Los Angeles. We all get stuck staring at the back of the car in front of us. I thought it would be great to be looking at something uplifting and artistic that could at the same time stop any temptation to honk the horn! A car magnet seemed like the perfect solution.
The best advice I can give comes from some of the most inspiring and creative minds I’ve learned from:
- “Success is a journey not a destination” - Russell Simmons
I have driven a long way to deliver one single magnet. It’s as exciting to me as a store placing a big order. As an extra bonus, some incredible opportunities have come from a single sale. My co-founder and I receive the nicest letters and calls from customers, too, and it’s so rewarding. I’m the happiest when I focus on the process, not the results. - “The details are not details. They make the product.” - Charles Eames
Every decision you make, right down to the stamps you choose for your envelopes, is an opportunity to reflect your vision. I give my attention at every turn, and it all adds up to a product that I’m proud of. - “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher” - Oprah
There are going to be people who are negative about what you’re doing. You have to steer clear. I seek out enthusiastic and supportive people and avoid those who aren’t at all costs. Make sure the players in your life are on your team. - ”A quitter never wins and a winner never quits” - Napoleon Hill
Sometimes everything falls into place and one great thing happens after another. On other occasions it’s not so good and you get to a point where you question if you should continue. This quote has saved me during those times. The way I cope is to change my state of mind, take some action, and great things start happening again! - “Do the thing and have the power” - My Mom
My mom, who was way ahead of her time, put this quote on a plaque and gave it to me as a gift when I was 12. I gradually grew to understand and appreciate the meaning. It is so much easier to get things done than not. It doesn’t seem like work at all. It’s actually fulfilling, empowering and freeing!
Nell Alano is the co-founder of Grateful Graffiti. Grateful Graffiti was launched in Los Angeles in 2007 and is sold in stores nationwide including: LACMA, The Brooklyn Museum, Paul Smith stores, FIDM, and The Fontainebleau Resort in Miami. She’s enjoyed great success exhibiting at the Women’s Conference for the last 2 years. Grateful Graffiti magnets are proudly made in the U.S.A. and are available at: Grateful Graffiti.com
HOLLEE KING - Founder, SitesPacific, Inc.
Some people start their own business out of necessity. Some start their own business because they’re frustrated with their job or with the structured 8 to 5 day. In my case, it was a little of both. I knew I could make more money and gain more flexibility if I started my own business. So, with 18 years of experience, I decided to start my own planning consulting firm, SitesPacific, Inc.
Have you ever thought of starting your own business? If so, here are 5 lessons that will help you on your way:
- Believe in Yourself. Business owners believe in their product. They believe it’s better than anyone else’s, and they’re willing to work hard to prove it. If you open a cookie shop, you must believe and convey to others that you have the best cookie shop in town. If you have enough confidence in your product, you will sell it.
- Seek Advice from Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Friends. When starting a business, the first professional you should visit is an accountant or an attorney -- or both. If you want to start a corporation or other business entity, you should visit an accountant for guidance on how to set this up. If you plan to employ people, you will need to consult an employment attorney and/or an employment services company such as ADP or PayChex. You should also meet with fellow entrepreneurs, as you’ll be able to learn from their successes and setbacks. Friends may also have advice to offer, as well as moral support.
- Get Organized. Once you’ve gathered information about your business venture, it’s time to get it organized. In fact, you’ll only be successful in your business if other aspects of your life are organized as well. Organize your closets, your garage, your files and your calendar.
- Take Care of Your Customers. Once you have your customers, make sure you keep them. By staying on top of the latest news, trends, education, or “other tricks of the trade,” you’ll be able to offer your customers valuable information and innovative products. Successful customer service will keep your customers loyal and your business profitable.
- Be Patient. To keep going even when the going is hard and slow – THAT is patience. Passively waiting for your business to be a success is laziness. Don’t feel defeated if your business is not a success right away. Be persistent and trust your instincts. If you are off to a slow start, figure out what you can do to market yourself and your product better. Consider offering discounts or coupons to attract new customers.
I have never understood the axiom: “Be careful what you wish for.” Why should you be careful? I think it is perfectly alright to wish for the stars, and end up getting the moon, the sun, AND the stars. Good Luck!!!
Hollee L. King, AICP, was a speaker at the 2009 CA Women’s Conference and the recipient of a Financial Makeover from Jean Chatzky. Ms. King is an urban planner and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). She started her own planning consulting firm, SitesPacific,Inc., with the encouragement and tools she learned from the Women’s Conference. She lives in Ventura, CA, with her two sons, Brad and Drew, and enjoys her newfound flexibility and freedom that comes with owning her own firm.
MISTY GIBBS - Founder, MyInspirationLounge.com
I launched my website, MyInspirationLounge.com, to help busy women create change in minutes.
The inspiration came late one night when I couldn’t sleep and rushed to the computer looking for online support or inspiration. I was unemployed and ready to start a new chapter in my life. The only thing my search turned up was an overwhelming number of uninspiring, poorly designed websites! Leveraging ten years of building online companies, I was inspired to create MyInspirationLounge.com. It offers the best websites and resources to help women find a new career, live green, launch a business, stay fit, connect with like-minded women, see the world and give back – all in one place!
Here are my 5 tips to help you rock your business:
1. Survey your fans and customers right now. Their fresh, new ideas will give you the inspiration and energy you need to take your business to the next level.
2. Authenticity rules - let “you” shine through. The best business advice I’ve been given is to just be myself. Our fears and doubts get in the way of being real, but think about the vendors you buy from and the websites and blogs you read. You’re drawn to them because you connect and relate to the people behind them. As an entrepreneur, sharing your stories and connecting with customers on a more personal level gives you a huge advantage over the bigger brands that dominate your field.
3. Make sure the basics are covered.
- Every online and offline business should have a blog. The blog provides an outlet to showcase your expertise, helps you build buzz and lets the “real you” shine through so that you connect with your customers on a more personal level.
- Set up a Facebook fan page. My first suggestion is to weave some fun and inspiration into it. If your fan page is strictly business, where it’s obvious you’re just trying to sell them something, fans won’t visit often or leave comments. Add a dose of inspiration. For example, share your favorite inspiring quotes, photos or ask fun questions in addition to highlighting your blog posts, latest products or events.
- Newsletters, executed well, are a must for customer retention and driving growth. Pay attention to design, make sure it delivers value, features inspiring photos and shares your latest blog posts. Have fun with it!
It’s key to note that you can’t have too many touch points with your customers. The goal is to reach them in an environment where they feel comfortable interacting with your brand.
4. Ditch your computer. Join a local networking group and attend conferences. Face time is key and truly where the real opportunities and connections happen. Join a local networking group that fits your interests. Make sure it’s a supportive, collaborative environment. Identify inspiring conferences that will take you and your business to the next level! As a past attendee, I know The Woman’s Conference should be top of your list!
5. Take care of you and watch the creativity flow. The best thing you can do for you and your business is tuck yourself into bed early a few nights a week. Your productivity level will soar and the much-needed creative juices will flow!
Misty Gibbs is founder of MyInspirationLounge.com, a one-stop shop for women to explore the best inspiration on the web. Her mission is to empower busy women with the information and inspiration they need to change their life today, in 5-minutes. My Inspiration Lounge and Misty's tips have been seen in Sunset Magazine, Real Simple, Huffington Post and Extraordinary Women Magazine. Tips on how to thrive are sent out weekly in her newsletter, InspireMail.
MARIE DENEE - Owner, MarieDenee.com
When I was first starting out, I learned a few things that enabled me to launch my fashion blog, The Curvy Fashionista. Through the blog, I was able to test the market, share my thoughts and establish myself as a reputable source for plus-size fashion. This laid the foundation for my boutique, Marie Denee, which became an extension of my blog and eventually became my brand!
Here’s what I learned:
1. Research, research, and research! Wanting to start my own business is a dream long awaited. Before I took that first step, I immersed myself in the industry. I learned what was there, what was missing, who the leaders were, who my client was and how I wanted to get there. I networked and kept ridiculous journals loaded with years of information and research to keep me current and adept!
2. Know your audience. “If you build it” does not always mean they will come. Knowing your customer’s shopping habits, her desires, wants, needs, motivations and state of mind will help you shape your product to your client’s needs. This will help you know if she likes phone calls or emails -- contemporary styling or traditional styling. At times, you’ll need to know her better than yourself in order to anticipate her wants and provide answers to her needs.
3. Think outside of the box. While there are certain processes that need no reinvention, setting yourself apart from the crowd often catches the attention of industry leaders. Here is where you innovate to deliver your product in an unconventional way. Ask yourself questions -- What is missing? What is she looking for? How can I make it easier for her? And sometimes, How can I catch her attention?
4. Engage and Listen. Social media has revolutionized the way information is dispersed and received. Maximizing the use of these tools can bring you an amazingly responsive and alert audience -- if used properly. Just simply dropping off information without interacting with your audience is not productive. Your audience is savvy and her attention span is short. Solicit feedback, which will allow you insight into your client’s needs, wants and desires. Taking the time to listen, rather than pushing your product, will at times reveal invaluable information about what is missing.
5. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Embarking upon your dream can be scary. I have found that a supportive, encouraging support system can motivate you through times when you feel exhausted, drained, or down. Your cheerleaders will remind you of your purpose, believe in your dream, and keep you grounded!
Marie Denee is an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today's fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a sanctuary where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion-forward and impeccably fit options. The blog, The Curvy Fashionista, offers this woman a resource where she references the latest in plus size fashion, trends, entertainment, and more, catered to the Curvy.Confident.Chic. plus-size woman.
