So you want to start a business...
But, where do you even begin?
You need an LLC! But first, a website! Do you have a social handle? You have to file taxes differently! The flexible schedule is amazing! You can never fully turn it off! Is the business unique enough? Who’s doing your logo? Do you have subscribers? What’s the difference between a Substack and a newsletter (I’m still trying to figure this out!)
Thinking about starting your own business is exciting, but that excitement can quickly become overwhelming with all the shoulds and should nots. Statistics seem to be against taking the leap as well, showing that 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years. But people still do it—and studies also show that most entrepreneurs succeed on a second or third try—it’s sticking it out and trying again that can feel daunting!
One of the Substacks we recommend is InKind, who recently wrote about this topic. “Build the plane while it’s flying” in their mid-May Substack circled around this idea that you don’t need to have all the answers while developing a new business idea. Our upcoming entrepreneurship boot camp won’t give you all the answers, but it will inspire you to seek and learn more tools that will help you build that plane. We sat down with a handful of small business owners, all of whom will be at our boot camp event, to share more about their business journeys. You’ll get to hear their inspiring stories on June 20th!
A quick Q&A with Jenny Bravo, Cherie Scott, Lisa Jones, and Kathy Palmer.
What inspired you to start your own business?
JB: I’ve wanted to be a business owner since I can remember. I grew up in a house with two ambitious parents, and my mom specifically always inspired me through her work ethic. She was both a mom and a businesswoman throughout my entire adolescence, and very clearly worked hard at both. I recall her making deals in the car on the way to the grocery store with me and my sister in the back seat. And I can remember noticing how she would balance being kind with being firm and assertive.
I think because of that, even as a small child, I would play pretend “office” and dream of what business ownership could look like by playing it out. As I got older, I would ask my neighbors if they had any odd jobs for me - like $20 to vacuum their whole house or $10 to take their dog on a walk. Then when I was a teen, I started to dream up ad campaigns for existing brands, or what it would take to invent a new product, or how to solve problems that I didn’t think had adequate solutions. I remember even drawing my own patent for a make-believe product.
At 16, I got my first legitimate job as a retail sales associate for a local clothing resale shop, and eventually moved over to a high-end home décor and gift shop. Then, after 3 internships in college, culinary school in NYC, and two more retail associate experiences, I went out on my own. Throughout all of these experiences I was taking mental notes of what worked and what didn’t. I think I entertained a career working for someone else for about 5 minutes in college, but I’ve truly always felt driven to do something on my own.
CS: As a little girl, I vividly remember my mother spent hours every Sunday making Caldine, an iconic Goan seafood gravy, from scratch. She took no shortcuts. Years later, I missed her cooking deeply, and I did not have time to craft it from scratch as a working mother of two. I could not find Caldine on a menu at a restaurant or in a store on shelves. So, instead, I thought to myself, “Cherie, why not figure out how to jar these sauces so you can have them anytime you have a craving?” I learned how to shelf-stable them through a Recipe to Retail course at the University of Maine. Then I launched the Mumbai to MAINE collection as an homage to my mother. I guess I became an accidental entrepreneur and solved my own problem, too. #zerolabormaxflavor
KP: A drawing class, indirectly. I was studying computer science and working as a programmer at USM during the day, and waiting tables at night. I decided to take that drawing class one semester, and it both opened up my mind and got me fired. That was in the early 90s, and at that time, taking art was apparently an indication of a lack of commitment for computer science students. It turned out to be such a blessing. Within a year, I opened my own restaurant with two friends. That restaurant was the inspiration for Fish & Bone. I don't think I would have started my own business if I hadn't taken that drawing class. I wasn't great at it, but it was an amazing experience - it taught me to see and think differently.
LJ: In 2006, after nearly 20 years of working for a large corporate travel company and advancing to various management positions, I decided to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey. Throughout my corporate career, I encountered numerous “Me Too” moments and navigated complex corporate politics. Realizing that I had reached the pinnacle of my advancement within the corporate structure, I felt compelled to create something of my own. I saw an opportunity to blend my expertise in group travel and event planning into a single cohesive venture. This led to the founding of Worldwide Group Travel & Events, where I could apply my skills, passion, and vision without the constraints and challenges I faced in the corporate world. Starting my own business allowed me to cultivate a work environment that aligned with my values and ambitions, providing tailored services to clients while fostering a more inclusive and respectful workplace.
How does your business look different now vs. when you first started?
JB: Well, for one, I’m no longer in the wellness industry. I started my very first business as a health coach at an integrative medical practice here in Portland. I met with a business coach through the Maine SBA, who helped me review my business plan and introduced me to a local business attorney. Throughout those few years, I learned how to book clients, update my offerings to stay relevant and manage my books. That business really empowered me to feel confident being on my own because it felt slow and digestible. I didn’t jump straight into the deep end despite feeling like I had a lot of small business experience and plenty of desire. I waded in. And now, I have two small businesses that I can draw a direct line back to that first go as a health coach, and all my years working for small businesses prior.
CS: In December 2020, I started out handcrafting regional Indian simmer sauces. I had two accounts in week 1. Today, three years later, I serve 60 wholesale accounts in New England. The urge to scale quickly and bring new SKUs to the shelf is always tempting, but I’ve resisted that urge over the years. I’ve stayed cognizant of my financial and physical boundaries to sustain strategic and long-term growth. I am proud of my small business, which is making big strides. I sell nationwide through my website and regionally through my wholesale accounts. The goal is to earn a permanent place on as many highly curated pantry shelves across the US.
KP: In the early months, there was so much time - I could paint Dalmatian spots on my old car in between customers. Now, of course, at any one time, there are usually 10-12 of us working between the two stores and not getting everything done. I do a lot more remote work, thinking, and problem-solving now, and the team has taken over as the public face. Also, when you are your only employee, you don't even know you need things like protocols. Now the business has infrastructure that I can't even put a value on. We have protocols and procedures and training modules for just about everything. And we have a very deep base of collective knowledge and experience - my team in Portland knows way more about animal health and nutrition than I did when I started.
LJ: When I first started my business, the emphasis was primarily on brides and destination weddings. Over time, we have evolved and expanded our offerings significantly. We now collaborate with radio stations, entertainment networks, states like Maine, and celebrities, broadening our audience and enhancing the destinations we serve. Adapting to societal changes has been crucial, and we’ve pivoted accordingly. Today, our business encompasses several new brands, such as Jamaica Fit Trip and Black Travel Maine. Additionally, we have developed a media and marketing arm to better serve our diverse clientele. Our growth has been substantial, and we now boast an international staff with team members based in India and Russia. This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation and our ability to meet the dynamic needs of our clients on a global scale.
What qualities do you think every entrepreneur should possess?
JB: A healthy amount of risk tolerance and a vision in their head of what they want their lives to look like. You may not have the thing or idea yet, but the general vision and determination to get to a place you hold in your mind is so important. I also think a successful entrepreneur knows that they don’t know it all. There’s a saying I live by and that is: always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Which basically means that you can’t do it alone. It’s imperative that you find smart and driven people to work alongside. Especially in areas that you don’t know or don’t care much for. I also think that highlights the importance of genuine networking and making truly meaningful connections.
CS: I’m the first woman in my family to launch a business. Every day is a day of lessons learned, mistakes made, and unexpected wins, too. Building this brand has been a test of endurance, humility, and as a woman -- a vulnerable one. Many budding entrepreneurs wait to have the perfect business plan and go through months of customer discovery to bring a product to market. I didn’t. I launched with a product, Caldine, that folks didn’t even know how to pronounce. But I made sure to tell its story, and my customers connected to it. Today, it's my hero product and my top-selling SKU. In short, grit and resilience are key qualities, but let’s also throw in – Go with your gut and just do it - launch!
KP: Non-reactivity, flexibility, sense of humor, sense of adventure, ability to tolerate ambiguity/not knowing, perseverance, curiosity. That's a long list! I think they all have great value, so it would be hard to drop one - there are probably a lot more!
LJ: I believe the most important quality for an entrepreneur is resilience. The ability to never give up, no matter how daunting the situation may appear, is crucial. As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably face numerous challenges. It’s how you weather those storms and quickly pivot that defines your success. Facing challenges with grace and learning from each experience allows you to adapt and grow in the ever-changing business landscape. Resilience is the foundation that helps you persevere and achieve your long-term goals.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
Tenaya and Mare share a few little things that have inspired them to “just do it”…
Tenaya
I have this mindset that if I say aloud 3 times that I’m going to do something, then I have to do it. I have “failed” at many things in life, but along the way, I started to reframe and see the “failures” as opportunities for growth and innovation. It also helps that I care a lot less what others think of me and my “failures”.
If it’s something new that I want to try and or build, then I make it a priority and one of the first things I do that day. Usually booking a class and paying for something also motivates me to do it. I’m too cheap to miss a class if I’ve already paid for it!
I also try to make the new thing I’m doing super fun and enjoyable, which often means involving a friend or a favorite colleague as my collaborator. It’s an excuse to see them and be held accountable.
A big project can feel intimidating, so I break it down into small tasks or steps and set aside time so it slowly becomes part of my routine.
Mare
A good planner. Year after year, this Appointed Planner keeps me on track.
A staple white button-down. Even on days I might be sporting biker shorts on the bottom, a crisp white button-down like this one makes me feel like I have my sh*t together.
My go-to quote is, “Leap and the net will appear.” This has applied to my life beyond career choices—from changing colleges to jobs to leaving NYC—the net, while it might take longer at times, does always appear.
When in doubt, I go to Bruce - “Badlands” - Growing up playing sports, we always had team warm-up songs - ala Jock Jams - and at that time, there was some “Eye of the Tiger” and “Bust a Move” too. Sometimes, you still need a go-to warm-up song to pump you up to try something new.
Talk about a dream
Try to make it real
You wake up in the night
With a fear so real
You spend your life waiting
For a moment, that just doesn't come
Well, don't waste your time waiting
Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” is a strong second. You can take the girl out of Jersey…
Upcoming held happenings
Surrounded by female founders and business owners, attendees will hear stories about how these entrepreneurs took an idea or passion, overcame their fears and perceived obstacles, and took steps to turn their idea into a business plan. Those attending will also work together to solve a local female-owned business problem, learn how to write a business plan, and put pen to paper to their own business plan. This event is for anyone curious about what it takes to be an entrepreneur who wants to experience solving a real-life business problem and who is eager to learn more about the first steps to starting a business.
We’re sharing our favorite Maine adventure gems! Maine is called “Vacationland” for a reason, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful and scenic places. Some of us were lucky enough to grow up in the Chickadee state, while others made the decision to move here in order to breathe and be surrounded by natural beauty. For this event, it’s time to meet new faces and share notes on your favorite Maine trail, beach, island, coastal town, seal-watching point, national park, place to sail, etc.
Communication and Sexual Empowerment - Thursday, July 25th, 7-9 PM @ O’Maine Studios
Join Jennifer Wiessner, a Social Worker and Sex Therapist, for an educational tutorial on why we might struggle to talk about sex and how to change that. This thought-provoking tutorial will help attendees feel less burdened, acquire knowledge on how to improve connection and leave with additional resources to help support them on their journey.
CLASSIFIEDS
Need a refresh on your coloring books? Dani Maheu just launched her new Etsy shop, The Weathered Sweater, filled with happy and clever coloring creations for kids and adults, too! From rainbows to sea creatures to flowers and outer space, coloring these sheets leaves everyone smiling and a bit calmer.
Need to promote your upcoming event, a new business venture, looking to be connected to other community members for job possibilities, an exercise bud, volunteering, a babysitter, etc. Reach out to us, and we will be happy to include your information here!