TARA MIKO GRAYLESS - Founder, Taramiko Inc.

12/10/09 | | 3 Comments

Tara Miko Grayless, Founder, Taramiko Inc.

As the founder of a fashion consulting business, Taramiko Inc., I know the challenges of starting a business. I also know what it takes to make it happen. Here are the 5 rules I live by --

1. Structure: Developing and staying true to your business structure is one of the most important aspects of being a business owner.  Peace of mind comes from having advisors who understand your vision. With a strong support network in place, you can focus on the strategies, goals and objectives of your business. You can’t be everything, so focus on your strengths and leave the rest to the experts.

2. Employees: It has been said over and over, “There is no I in team,” but it is true.  I learn from my team daily, and I empower them to share their ideas and opinions in a non-judgmental format.  Speaking from experience, I have had too many jobs where I was not valued. I knew that if and when I started my own business the trust that I would give would come back a thousand fold, and it has.

3. NO: I have made far more cold calls than I would like to count. And yes, 9 out of 10 times I heard the word NO (or worse). However, amazing doors have opened and incredible opportunities have presented themselves because I can swallow the word NO, and I had the courage to put myself out there.  If you don’t ask you will never receive. So, I say bring on the NO.

4. Customer Service: Worrying about what you don’t have, rather than taking care of what you have, is a huge mistake, which I see companies make repeatedly. I treat each customer like my “one and only.” Most of my new clients are from referrals from existing accounts. You can pour thousands of dollars into marketing and advertising, but having positive word of mouth is priceless.

5. Passion: I love my job! How many of us are fortunate enough to say that statement and mean it.  Let me tell you, you better be passionate about your company and what you do, I have never worked this hard or this many hours in my life, but the reward is amazing. Finding something you love to do and doing it with all the passion you have is the most important ingredient in your recipe for success.

Tara Miko Grayless began her career in fashion with Virgins Saints and Angels in 2003 in San Miguel Mexico.  She moved to Los Angeles in 2004 bringing VSA with her and creating a sought-after fashion brand. Tara launched Taramiko Inc. in 2005, a fashion consulting business focusing on a custom approach to sales, branding and marketing with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. Tara’s mission is to work side by side with clients to achieve success their way while exceeding their expectations. Taramiko Inc. opened their east coast office in New York in December of 2008.