6 women founders share a piece of advice they wish they’d known when starting their Entreprenista journey

Erin Brown, Founder of Hot Red Carpet

I am a facilitator of fun. This is done in two ways: I provide light-hearted “Red Carpet” treatment as an emcee at events welcoming attendees to literally step into the spotlight on my tiny red carpet and at virtual team bonding events as a game show host; second I am a Confidence Coach helping individuals and organizations to hone their confidence so they can connect with their own audiences effortlessly. 

Hot Red Carpet’s mission is to uplift the world by helping people create customized red carpet experiences. Whether it’s transforming a dull work meeting into an engaging and team-spirited experience, turning a blasé virtual happy hour into a game show that’s filled with laughter, camaraderie, and healthy competition, or amping up the joy at a special occasion by capturing unique red carpet interviews, our intention is for clients to feel free to enjoy the moment and connect leaving a long-lasting positive impact!  

Best advice:

Surround yourself with a support system who you trust and can lean on during the journey. Be kind and loving to yourself & celebrate each win along the way as it will build momentum and remind you you’re on the right path.

Marianna Kerppola, Founder and CEO of Poisera

The Poisera App supports moms-to-be through the overwhelming transition into motherhood. We help moms turn anxiety into resilience by creating a safe space to talk through what’s really going on. We aim to give each mom the confidence and resilience to follow her own mothering journey. For us, this begins with caring for her emotional wellbeing, so mothers can endure the lows and celebrate the highs of motherhood.

I launched Poisera because of my own turbulent journey into motherhood. My mom passed away 6 years before I gave birth to my daughter. I felt incredibly alone, despite having a supportive partner and community. As I talked to more moms, I discovered all moms struggle with loneliness, each in their own unique way. That’s what inspired me to launch Poisera: To create a company that supports and empowers moms along their journey.

Best advice:

Celebrate and savor *every* small win along the way. Launching a company is not for the faint of heart. But if you can hold on to the highs, you can weather the lows.

Janice Wong, Founder of BeCeBe Cloth

BeCeBe Cloth is founded by a nurse and mom of 2 small children. We design reusable potty training blankets, simplified cloth diapers, and grow-with-me clothing to help busy, eco-conscious parents clean and clothe their little one with ease. Our multi-functional products empower parents to make multi-purpose, long-lasting purchases that preserve our sanity, kids’ future, and this planet.

Best advice:

I’m so grateful for the amazing women I’ve met as I prepare for the entrepreneurship marathon. Start lean, learn fast, collaborate and empower each other to maximize the Entreprenista impact!

Brett Krugman, Designer and Owner of BRETT LAUREN Jewelry

BRETT LAUREN is a woman-owned contemporary jewelry company that employs women from local underserved communities to hand-assemble our gemstone pieces.  Jewelry is our passion, dignity is our purpose.

Best advice:

Don’t think that just because you ran a division, or a company for someone else, that you have it nailed when you start your own business…YOU WILL NEED HELP. Drop the ego and ask for it…it will be the smartest and most rewarding move that you make.

Kerry Farris, Founder of Once Again Home Co.

Once Again Home Co. creates joyful, stylish and  versatile home products for a growing community of conscious consumers. Our towels are the first step in creating good habits to help families use less single-use products and ease into a more sustainable way of living.

Best advice:

Don’t be afraid to share your business with friends, family, social media and more. I have received so much support and confidence from finally having the strength to share this information. I was so worried about negative feedback that I forgot about all of the positive feedback I would receive. It also helped me get the word out and sales moving.

Caitlin Johnson, Founder of Bold-Bird Consulting, Inc.

My name is Caitlin Johnson and I am Master Certified in Execution Management. I have over 15 years of experience and have coached over 70K global leaders. I’ve been named among the top 4% of achievers in my industry. At Bold-Bird, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live the life they imagined, by deliberately crafting their personal terms for success and infusing them into work that matters. We create tailored coaching programs to help individuals recognize and leverage their unique strengths so that they can transform those talents into successful career and personal opportunities. Our mission is to embolden others to rise above the daily grind and access the desire to live intentionally, purposefully, and without regrets.

Best advice:

Don’t be afraid to partner and collaborate. Becoming an entrepreneur can feel like a lonely road. Partnering and collaborating helps keep the momentum going.  It’s engaging and reminds me why I’m venturing out on my own.