Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans: Condor Express, whale watching. This business includes whale and sea mammal cruises daily. I have experienced Captains narrating the cruises and also naturalists on board to help with passenger inquiries. Located in Santa Barbara, California
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: Education: Political Science. I have managed high end stores on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. I also have a real estate license.
Q. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans: It is important to me that everyone, especially children, learn about sea mammals and have the opportunity to watch them in their natural habitat.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: Make up your mind to follow your dream. Decide what it is you want to do and do not be discouraged if you make mistakes and do not succeed immediately. Ask for assistance, network with others and advertise.
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Knowledge, Courage and a good Product
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: 8-10
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Good Product and Good Employees
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: Print and internet, media and social media. Most successful, internet
Q. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: Bank loans
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Passion for the ocean
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: I will be working
Q. How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Very much
Q. What motivates you?
Ans: Other women entrepreneurs
Q. What are your ideals?
Ans: Live a full life and have no regrets
Q. How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: Try to find a niche that no one has attempted
Q. How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: A good product, networking, good marketing
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: Reading the wonderful reviews of the business
Q. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: More responsibility
Q. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans: Harmony, honesty and hard work. Kindness. From life experience
Q. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Exciting
Q. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans: I would have been a diplomat
Q. How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans: Good Weather, good tourist location
Q. Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Hard work and sincerity. Teamwork
Q. If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans: Enshu Kobori. He created the finest gardens, castles and tea ceremonies.
Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans: My late husband and my best friend
Q. What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
Ans: Life and Death in Shangai
Q. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans: Gardening and reading. Go to art museums, theatre and out with friends
Q. What makes you happy?
Ans: Good food, travel and good friends