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.
A : WE are a meditation studio in the heart of Los Angeles that gives people the space to relax, breathe and just be. We are all about being yourself and finding the true you. Meditation is good for you mentally, physically and emotionally and we make it as easy as possible to become part of your daily life.
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).
A : A graduate from Tufts University I moved to Los Angeles straight after graduation thinking i would spend 2 years here and then go back to the East coast for law school . Instead I had a 15 year career in entertainment where i worked in comedy at both studios and networks. After running comedy at NBC I decided to open up this meditation studio as I was looking for this space myself. It didn’t exist and I was trying to find a place to meditate before and after work. So I decided to create it myself.
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?
A : see above
Q : What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A : be passionate, know the product and audience you are trying to serve, believe in yourself
Q : What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A : ability to roll with the punches, think on your feet, stamina
Q : How many hours do you work a day on average?
A : 10?
Q : To what do you most attribute your success?
A : i believe and i keep going and timing.
Q : What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A : can’t answer that now.
Q : Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A : would love to grow this company where we can affect others in a positive way.
Q : Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A : i like how modo yoga integrates themselves in the community and keeps themselves authentic.
Q : What impact do good employees have on success?
A : so much. it’s hard to find good people, but they represent you and your brand so they are so important.
Q : How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A : depends on the idea. you can usually tell when something is gaining traction or not. when it doesn’t gain traction and there is a legitimate reason that you can fix, then i will move on. if i feel like there may still be factors, i’ll give it some more timer…but then, if it still doesn’t work, you have to admit to yourself it just didn’t work!
Q : What motivates you?
A : getting things done and making people happy.
Q : What are your ideals?
A : authenticity in all aspects. i like when people are themselves, whatever that means. it makes me happy and it is what i covet.
Q : How do you generate new ideas?
A : usually ideas pop in my head…..sometimes i have too many ideas, that is more my issue rather than creating them.
Q : How do you define success?
A : happiness and ability to survive.
Q : How do you build a successful customer base?
A : have a strong and good brand and care about your customers.
Q : What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A : executing ideas that i have.
Q : What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A : looking around the space that i build and seeing people benefit from it.
Q : What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A : it all falls on you, so you have to be ok with the ups and downs, as you can’t avoid them as an entrepreneur.
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?
A : authentic, growth, and community. people who work there and are part of the community. it is a friendly, open arms, everyone belongs community. you establish it by being it and expecting it.
Q : In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A : BUSY!
Q : If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
A : nothing
Q : How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A : its been a hectic year, but like everything it settles. we have to juggle as my time spent is not always the traditional 9-5 times but it can all be managed, just have to think about it more.
Q : What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
A : there is always fear. just keep going.
Q : How did you decide on the location for your business?
A : i live near by and knew that i wanted to be on one of two streets. and i got my first choice!
Q : If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
A : wright brothers. i am obsessed.
Q : Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A : my mother. she is an extremely hard worker, and big on family, education and experience. she pushes me to never give up and go for what i desire.
Q : What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
A : too many. but all mistakes work themselves out. I’ve learned from each and every one of them. if you learn from them, ultimately its not so bad of a mistake.
Q : How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
A : learn to think ahead. if you can think ahead you can prevent small mistakes. some other mistakes you can’t always prevent, some of it are learning pains.
Q : What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
A : watch tv and read.
Q : What makes you happy?
A : my baby girl, my dogs and my husband
Q : What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
A : money and freedom. in the beginning i had to really focus on just the business.