Featured Entrepreneur – Independent Recording Artist Jennifer Grassman
Our latest Featured Entrepreneur is independent recording artist, Jennifer Grassman. I’m excited to have the opportunity to share her interview with you all, not only am I a music lover, but I think it gives a candid look at the business side of the music industry and when you’re an independent you’ll see that you have to be entrepreneurial to make it work.
Even though Jennifer operates in a very different business realm than our “typical” features at Smallbizbee.com, I decided to ask her the same questions I would of any businesses owner – and I’m glad I did.
What I realized from her answers was that we may all be in different businesses, but we are all dealing with the same businesses issues, and the drivers for success remain the same. Enjoy!
Tell us a little about yourself, your background
I am 24 years old and live in Houston with my husband, Jason, and my kitties, Agatha Mittens and Mr. Charles Bingley.
What is your business, what do you do?
I am a recording artist. I write songs, compose music, perform concerts, and distribute my music on CDs and through other digital media means. I also design all my own CD artwork and promotional graphics, book my own concerts, and manage my own website (which is www.JenniferGrassman.com).
When did you start the business?
I would say 2003 is when I really started thinking of my music seriously as a career option, and not just as a hobby or side business.
How did you get the idea for this?
It came about quite naturally. Music has always been a passion for me, so to be able to do it professionally was a dream come true. What really hooked me on songwriting was the ability to express myself and vent through the lyrics and composition of each piece. It’s great to be able to vent through your work!
By the time I was 18 I had acute “fly-the-coup” fever, and was determined to gain independence and escape my parent’s house somehow. I made up my mind that I had three choices:
1) Get a job and my own apartment
2) Get married to a really cool guy who lets me play piano all day
3) Get famous and go on a world tour
It turned out that option #2 presented itself during my freshman semester, and (even though I have entirely recovered from my “fly the coup fever”) I’ve been working on #3 ever since!
Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Originally, I was signed to an independent record label, which funded my first two album releases. However, I have since terminated that contract and set about managing my own career. In this way, I have much more creative freedom and control over how my business is run.
I am currently working on producing and releasing my third album (a venture which typically costs $7,000 – $10,000 – not to mention the travel expenses of a tour). Obviously, playing at coffee houses doesn’t get you that kind of pocket change. So, I began involving my fans and friends in my music business. I created some fun and easy ways that they can help me raise money in return for credit in the album booklet, free CDs, exclusive private concert invitations, and other cool gifts.
One way my fans can help me raise money is by hosting “house concerts.” So far, this has been my favorite way to generate funds. Here’s how it works: I perform a concert in their home (usually a living room or patio) for their friends and family (sometimes it’s a public gig, but not always). Every guest pays a cover of $15 to $20 and brings a bottle of wine. The proceeds then go toward funding my album.
Fans can also sponsor the album. So far, I’ve gotten sponsorships from as far away as Germany! Usually they’re not big ($20 here, $50 there), but it all adds up and every cent helps.
What was the biggest startup challenges?
I would have to say my own learning curve. I was only 17 when I started out. I trusted some people I should not have trusted, and was generally naïve about business and the music industry. I quickly found that I had a tendency to assume that other people were being nice to me out of the goodness of their hearts, and several times was rudely awakened to the realization that they were in it purely for themselves (and not always for the nicest reasons). It’s been an extreme growing process, but it’s been an amazing adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband, who has helped me overcome a lot of hurdles. We started dating when I was 18, and were married when I was 21. So, I feel that we really became adults together. I’ve become a lot more “people smart” since my teen years. I have worked hard to surround myself with ethical people who genuinely care about me and my music, and those are the people who I will be super happy to benefit should my music career really take off here!
What makes your business unique, what’s your “unique selling proposition”? Said another way, “why should I buy from you and not a competitor?”
I can honestly say that my music is very unique, both musically and lyrically. You should buy from me and not a competitor because I don’t HAVE any competitors! Haha! (One has to be slightly cocky to do what I do). In all seriousness though, people have compared my sound to that of Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, or Loreena McKennitt, but it’s really not something you can put in a box. You will either love it or you won’t.
Besides the fact that my music is quality art, I would also point out that I use it to promote and sponsor many wonderful causes. I prefer to write songs about things that are meaningful and inspiring … as opposed to boyfriends, drugs, and parties. For example, I love to use my music to artistically take a stand against domestic violence, abuse and sexism.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Word of mouth is priceless. Even on the internet, I find that most of my fans heard about me through another fan, and not through some social networking profile or magazine article (although, those help too, and certainly play their part in taking one’s career to the next level).
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Intrepidity!
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
The Creative Mind. In order to be an entrepreneur you’ve got to have some kind of creative super-power. You may not be able to draw, or sing, or dance, but you’ve got to have an inspired vision that is unique enough that you can carve out your own little niche and thus not compete quite so doggedly with the major corporations who have million dollar marketing campaigns and would otherwise leave you in the dust. You’ve got to have the capacity to do something new and wow people with the novelty of it.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Gumption, determination, and a strong and unshakable belief that what you’re doing is what you are meant to be doing. If you’re planning to give up just because you aren’t rolling in the dough after the first 5 years of dog hard work, then you’re not going to have a happy adventure.
The other thing I highly recommend is bartering. For example, if you’ve got something that a website designer wants, get them to design your website in exchange for your services. I once had this running deal with a beautician. I performed for free in her coffee house in exchange for free hair cuts and highlights. It was awesome. I’ve never looked so posh!
Describe/outline your typical day?
My work comes in and out like the tide. Some days I have nothing to do but update my Twitter. Other days I have a tsunami of emails, phone calls, and bookings (but I still update my Twitter).
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Friends! I rarely have the time (or the money) for a real “night out with the girls.” Since many of my concerts are on the weekends, my social life is limited to concerts where I can convince my friends to show up, and week nights.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Independence and self confidence. You have to have the ability to make decisions quickly, wisely, and effectively on your own without a panel of counsel. You also have to be something of a jack-of-all-trades, because whenever you can’t afford to hire someone to get something done for you (for example, writing a press release or updating your wesbite), you have to be able to get the job done yourself.
What would you say to someone considering starting their own business?
Do your research! Have a game plan for what you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it, and how long it will take you. Also, you must be conscious of your business persona from a very early stage. Create an image and a brand and stick with it until it catches on.
If you had the chance to start your business over again, what would you do differently?
I would not sign a recording contract. I would find a way to fund my album independently and on my own terms.
Have any failures you’re willing to talk about? What have you learned from them?
When you’re an entrepreneur the first thing you learn is that there is no such thing as a failure! I once came up with a new marketing scheme. I was going to promote my Christmas album by hosting a secret concert for members of the press by invitation only. Only one person came. I could have viewed this as a failure. Instead, I decided that next time I would serve beer, and then the media would come! In other words, whenever you have a “failure,” critique what went wrong, and improve upon your foibles.
What was your greatest fear in starting a business? How did you manage that fear?
My greatest fear was a very basic and primitive one: No one will like me! I overcame that by challenging myself to do my best to prove myself wrong. You’ve got to have thick skin and lots of stubborn determination to be a small business owner.
What would say are the five key elements for starting and running a successful business?
- Self Confidence
- Creativity / Resourcefulness
- A Friendly Personality
- Determination
- Ethical Business Policies
What gets you out of bed in the morning, what inspires you?
What really solidified my business’s “mission,” was when I started getting emails, letters, and gifts from people all over the world who had suffered from terrible illnesses such as cancer, who were chronic pain sufferers, or who were abuse and rape victims, and who told me about how they derived comfort and hope from my music.
In particular, I got a letter from an adult male child abuse survivor who said that my songs comforted him when he had nightmares, panic attacks, or felt depressed. I cried when I read his story, and to know that my songs moved him toward hope … I was humbled, heartbroken, and overjoyed all at the same time. That was the biggest compliment anyone could ever give me, especially as I am a domestic abuse survivor myself. It motivated me to work harder every single day to expose more and more people to my music, in hopes that my songs would continue to propagate good in this oftentimes dark world.
What keeps you up at night, what worries you?
All the things I have to do tomorrow! I have dreams about forgetting to make important phone calls, and sometimes wake up in the wee hours of the night contemplating my next email campaign.
In one word, what’s the key to success?
Love – You’ve got to love what you do, hold onto it, and make it lovable to other people too.
Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
In 10 years I think I will be recording my eighth album and touring the world with my husband (and possibly a kid or two). In 20 years, I’ll be recording my thirteenth album, and writing my autobiography (edited by Candace Runaas of Runaas Resources – www.runaasresources.com).
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask yourself, and what would the answer be?
Where do you want your business to take you eventually?
Actually, I made a deal with God. I said, “God, I don’t need 10 Hummers or a $15,000 dress that barely covers me. All I want is enough money and success that I can live comfortably off my musical career, support my Mom, send my four little sisters (and eventually, kids) through college, buy my Church their own building so that they don’t have to rent anymore, support our friends whenever they need help, and donate to charity as often as possible. That is my dream.”
Thanks for your time Jennifer, we wish you the best of luck!
Find out more about Jennifer’s music, get free MP3’s, and pick up a CD or two all at: Jennifer Grassman’s Offiial Website
Jennifer Grassman "Pretty Girls" Music Video
Want to be our next Featured Entrepreneur? Contact us, and tell let us know why we should feature you!
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Featured Entrepreneur: Feedback Jar
We’ve talked a lot recently about the importance of getting feedback from your customers. For customer feedback to be most effective it needs to be a two way communication between business owner and consumer, and our latest Featured Entrepreneur understands how important that dynamic is.
I’m happy to have Nick Leung, founder and owner of Feedbackjar.com, tell us a little bit about himself and his company which provides a community built around two way feedback and communication.
Special Offer: Nick has a special offer just for Small Biz Bee readers. If you want to start gathering, and using, your customers feedback this is for you! Details following the interview.
What is Feedback Jar?
FeedbackJar is a way for customers to communicate with each other and with their local businesses. Customers and merchants can help answer questions, share ideas, and resolve problems with products and services they use in their local community in a public forum.
When did you start the business?
We’re started implementing the idea back in the summer of ’08 and started a private launch in Fall ’08. We’re currently in public beta as of Feb ’09.
How did you get the idea?
We read a lot of bad press on how review sites do not give business owners justice when it came to bad reviews. Clearly, the solution was to allow the merchants to talk with their customers in a public forum. We also wanted to allow customers to respond and help to other customers with products and services they use from their surrounding businesses.
This put us in another category, which was not your traditional review site but a crowdsource customer support application. We searched other companies that were in a similar space, and soon discovered none of them were focusing on the local small business market. This of course inspired us to create FeedbackJar.com.
What sources did you use to fund your biz?
Currently it’s me and my friend I’ve known since college. Our burn rate is very low since we do all the development ourselves and we can move relatively fast.
What was the biggest startup challenges?
The biggest challenge is getting the word out and getting people to use the site. Our idea is very new and not many people are familiar with the concept.
How did you overcome those challenges?
We’ve been embedding ourselves in online communities, Twitter, social networks, and blogs. We also getting our faces out there in the community by going to networking events, parties, and talking with bloggers. Focus on what your users want is probably most important since a happy user is your best evangelist.
What has been the response/reaction to your business from your clients?
A lot of the merchants on FeedbackJar like using the site since they have another medium to communicate and connect with their customers. Customers are more likely to voice their opinion to the business since it’s so easy to submit a feedback.
Best advice you can give to a new startup?
Be passionate about what you’re doing. That passion will reverberate into your product and customers. Also, be prepared to experience highs and lows. Starting a new business can be daunting since there’s no black and white way to do things. It’s okay to make mistakes, but make sure you can identify your mistakes and correct them early.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned from starting your own business?
Your product doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be working. Have tools and mechanisms in place to measure your progress before you become obsessed with constantly adding unnecessary features.
What’s the future look like for Feedback Jar?
We’ve just finished creating a FeedbackJar widget. Now any merchant can easily embed a FeedbackJar widget on their business homepage. With the widget, customers can leave feedback without going directly to FeedbackJar.com.
We’re also working on a new UI design and hopefully have that done with in a couple of months.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I’ve lived in the Silicon Valley all my life. I know and heard of countless people who formed startups in their garage. I’m still relatively young and don’t have much to lose. It’s just part of the culture here in the Valley where young entrepreneurs take a leap of faith hoping to create the next killer app.
In one word, what’s the key to success?
Passion
About Nick
Nick Leung and Dennis Chan are programmers from the Silicon Valley wanting to start a online business together ever since they were roommates in college.Nick previously founded open.srcphp.com, a visual library for open source php projects. Dennis is the founder of costshare.net, a group expense sharing site, and slickgadgetz.com, an ecommerce site.
Special Offer:
Feedback Jar is giving away 25 free website widgets to Small Biz Bee readers. The widget is easy to install on your website, and gives your customers a quick and convenient way to leave you feedback. If you would like to claim your free widget, and start capitalizing on your customer’s feedback, here’s how:
1. Create a business profile.
2. Go to http://www.feedbackjar.com/ContactForm, fill out the info,
and enter "SmallBizBee" in the subject line.
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Featured Entrepreneur: Tomato Graphics
In my first conversation with our latest “Featured Entrepreneur“, Tomato Graphics owner, Rock Langston, shared with me the following:
“I began this business in a remote community where there were few work opportunities, but I had access to two libraries and a lot of time to self-educate. Eight years later I have clients around the States and overseas. “
This is exactly the kind of attitude, and stick to it kind of mindset we love to feature. Rock‘s passion for what she does, and desire to succeed, permeated through every conversation we had.
Rock will tell us more about what Tomato Graphics is and what she does below, but if you are looking for a graphic design artist to help you with advertisements, mailings, logos, or any other design work for your business check out what Rock is doing…from the looks of things her customers love her and we can see why.
SPECIAL OFFER:
For Small Biz Bee readers Tomato Graphics is offering 15% services until March 31, 2009. If you’ve been waiting to get some work done – take advantage of this offer!
What is Tomato Graphics?
TG is a graphic design business with a focus on print media for small businesses, non-profits, travel and tourism.
When did you start the business?
In 2001, but I’ve worked in other areas of design for some years.
How did you get the idea?
My background is in design. I started out as a textile and artwear designer, doing one-off pieces of hand-dyed fabrics and embroidery. After a move to California, I turned my attention to gardening. I became a licensed landscape contractor, designing residential gardens in the Bay Area, and also did interior painting (faux finish and color consulting). When we moved to very rural Colorado I had time, a computer, and a library, so decided to finally pursue my interest in graphic design as a “college of one”.
What sources did you use to fund your biz?
I’m a true sole proprietor, using no outside funding.
What was the biggest startup challenges?
Getting clients in the rural area where I was living when I started. There is a lot of the “it’ll do” mentality in remote communities where people are used to being self-sufficient, so it was a challenge to get them comfortable with the concept and value of graphic design. Presenting a businesses or organization with the benefits of having a professionally designed identity was a bit daunting. They didn’t identify with this approach which I think was often due to a fear of being made to look ignorant or foolish due to a lack of experience with the process. Technology can have that effect on us.
How did you overcome those challenges?
By showing them how much fun it is to have custom-designed graphics and collaterals that get positive comments and results. I present my portfolio by describing the client for each piece. Slowly they see that many businesses are like theirs: small, and new to this approach. I also reassure them that they are a crucial part of the process. Once they understand that, and we get in the cycle of development, they get caught up in and start to have fun with it. When they get their goodies from the printer, they really start to own it.
What has been the response/reaction to your business from your clients?
They really appreciate the attention and support they get from me. Once they get the hang of it, they love coming back for more, and also take pride in being able to be a resource for others.
Best advice you can give to a new startup?
Take good care of your clients. Always be generous, patient, and try to see it from their perspective.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned from starting your own business?
To always be myself, and work according to my own principles and ethics.
What’s the future look like for Tomato Graphics?
Always interesting. I love print media, and as a seasoned designer, find that my challenges are wonderfully different from those of someone just entering the field. I bring such a diverse range of experience and skills to what I do that I feel very free from constraint. I’m busy exploring ways to continue to work with clients in small towns and rural areas, as well as drawing new clients from here and abroad. I work in both Spanish and English, which gives my world a delightful twist.
What inspires you to do what you do?
My pull to be a designer was evident from childhood. What inspires me is the joy I get from the process, no matter what form it takes.
What words describe your career path?
Design, color, people, variety, change, challenge, humor.
In one word, what’s the key to success?
Heart. And humor. Maybe they’re the same?
Short personal bio:
Rock Langston has made a tour of the midwest and western states, toting her wildly varied design career with her along the way. She now lives outside of Amarillo, Texas with her beloved crew of two Old English Sheepdogs, Lindy and Lola; World’s Best Cat, Raster; and always supportive spouse, Ken. Her home
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Featured Entrepreneur – Jason “Biz Kid” O’Neill – Pencil Bugs
Our latest Featured Entrepreneur has built a booming retail business over the last three years, is in the early stages of finding a manufacturer to mass produce his product for national distribution, started his company with little to no debt, has been in the black since day one, uses his free time to help kids in need, donates a portion of his profits to good causes, and is working on his first book which chronicles the experiences he’s had with his business so far.
Impressed?
I was certainly was after reading a resume like that.
Now what if I were to tell you he started his company when he was 10 years old, and has accomplished all the above by the ripe old age of 13!
In a word, remarkable.
Jason O’Neill is not only is a remarkable person, he is a model of extremely sound business practices. As you’ll read in his interview below, his advice on starting a business and running it successfully is grounded in fundamentals and best practices for any startup. Let him serve as an example to anyone out there who still thinks they have too many obstacles in front of them to actually start their own business. If Jason can start his biz at 10, I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to start yours!
Call to Action
I feel as entrepreneurs we get what we give. Give Jason a little bit of your business.
Go to Jason’s website and order a couple sets of Pencil Bugs. Get some for your kids, or grandkids. Grab a set to donate to the local school, or community center…heck, just get a set for yourself and let the people at the office talk.
I’m a firm believer in supporting entrepreneurs such as Jason. By the time you read this, my Pencil Bugs order will have been placed!
Special Offer: When you order your set of Pencil Bugs before Jan. 31, 2009 enter promotion code BIZ BEE and you will get a FREE set of Pencil Bug bookmarks!
What is Pencil Bugs?
Pencil Bugs are colorful, bug-like pencil toppers that I handmake, with the help of my parents of course. They come in eight different colors on top of a standard #2 pencil along with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes their birth date, given name, and care and training instructions. They are removable from the pencil so you can put them on another pencil when that one runs out or they also fit on pens, markers, or crayons.
When did you start the business?
In 2005 right before I turned 10 years old.
How did you get the idea?
My mom was painting some wooden doorstoppers for a craft fair. I figured if I would help her paint them, then I could get half the money from the sales. She didn’t want to share her profits so told me I had to come up with my own idea. I knew I wanted to make something for kids that could be used for school or homework so after drawing a few designs on paper and then making a couple of prototypes, Pencil Bugs were born.
What sources did you use to fund your biz?
Because I started out with a small quantity to sell at the craft fair and wasn’t really thinking about making it a real business at that point, I didn’t need any funding. My initial expense was only $10. I made enough money from the craft fair to be, as I like to say, “in the black” and have been profitable ever since. The good thing about being a kid with a business is that you don’t have to make a living yet from it so you can afford to go slowly. We are trying to find a manufacturer to mass produce the Pencil Bugs and then I’ll probably need to get a loan for that but it will be from my parents. They don’t charge interest like the banks do.
What was the biggest startup challenges?
I’ve been lucky and didn’t really have any startup challenges mostly because my idea became a business kind of by accident. Starting out slowly made it much easier to manage things especially since we handmake the products.
How did you overcome those challenges?
My parents have always taught me to be organized, plan ahead, and not expand too quickly which has kept everything going without getting overwhelmed.
What has been the response/reaction?
In the beginning when friends at school found out that I had a business, many teased me saying it was a dumb idea or things like that. They also didn’t think it would last but here I am, three years later and have done more things than many grown-ups never get to do. There was one kid from school that offered to buy my business in the beginning. He brought two $50 bills to school and offered them to me. I could see already that I was going to make more money than that from my business so I turned him down.
Since about 6 months after I started my business, I’ve been speaking at schools, libraries, and community organizations encouraging kids to try their own ideas. Now I think they look at me differently because I’ve been successful for three years but I’m sure there are still people out there that think it’s a dumb idea. It doesn’t matter to me because the guy that created the pet rock made tons of money and people probably thought that was dumb too.
Adults have been very supportive of me and have said I’m an inspiration to people no matter what age. That makes me feel really good. Lots of people are also glad to see I give part of my money to help other kids.
Best advice you can give to a new startup?
Use common sense. Do your homework and see if there’s a market for your product first. Listen to people who know more than you to help because it’s very hard to do it alone, even if you are an adult. Don’t expand too quickly.
Of course, I didn’t figure out these things myself. Luckily, my mom and dad have lots of business and marketing experience and were willing to support my ideas and teach me what they know.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned from all of this?
Have patience because it’s not always fun and easy. There were many times I wanted to quit especially during the first two years when we were doing many, many sidewalk sales outside stores like Wal-Mart and Albertson’s grocery (with permission, of course). My mom would say, “find that extra 10% and try just a little more.” Sure enough, it usually worked even though I didn’t always like it. But now that my business has gotten to this point and I’ve had some really terrific opportunities, I’m so glad my parents didn’t let me give up.
What’s the future look like for Pencil Bugs?
We’ve been trying to find the right manufacturer to mass produce my Pencil Bugs so they can be in retail stores around the country. That will get me to a whole new level. I also have the first book done in an early chapter book series about my Pencil Bugs that I collaborated on with my mom. We’re starting to send the manuscript out to publishers. I have a working prototype for a board game and designs for a video game plus I’d like to have a plush toy version of Pencil Bugs for babies.
One of the things I enjoy a lot is public speaking and giving interviews. I’ve been speaking at schools, libraries, and community organizations but I’m getting the opportunity to speak with Mark Victor Hansen on stage to help promote his new book about young entrepreneurs which I’m featured in. I’m working on my own book about the experiences I’ve had so far with my business and I can see myself going around promoting that too.
In one word, what’s the key to success?
Persistence
What inspires you to do what you do?
I want to earn enough money while I’m young so that I don’t have to work when I’m older. I will still probably work but will be able to work for fun. Plus I know the more I earn, the more I can donate to help other kids.
7th grade – “A” student
Lives in Temecula, CA with parents, Don and Nancy O’Neill
Likes playing video games, golfing with dad, swimming
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Featured Entrepreneur: Romy Taormina of PSI Bands
Sometimes in business we can make things too difficult. Our latest featured entrepreneur should demonstrate to us all that successful businesses boil down to seeing a need and filling it. Romy Taormin of Psi Bands has done just that. Finding a solution for symptoms affecting 1/2 of all women during pregnancy is not just good for your health and wellness, it’s good for business too.
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Extremely generous offer: Romy has agreed to give away one pair of Psi bands to a lucky Smallbizbee.com reader…keep reading to find out how you can win some FREE product!
What are Psi Bands?
Psi Bands are acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, anesthesia, and chemotherapy. They are drug free, waterproof (no more soggy wrist bands), adjustable around the wrist and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort, reusable, affordable, and stylish!
When did you start the business?
Psi Bands launched in October 2007.
How did you get the idea?
We suffered from terrible morning sickness during our pregnancies. We found relief from wrist acupressure but were dissatisfied with existing products on the market. We wanted something “more” for others who suffer from nausea, so we created Psi Bands.
What sources did you use to fund your biz?
Personal funds as well as a business line of credit. Our bank could see the potential in us and our product.
What was the biggest startup challenges?
Psi Bands are a medical device so we needed to obtain FDA clearance, and set up systems to maintain compliance.![]()
How did you overcome those challenges?
We hired a firm who specializes in regulatory compliance consulting. As a business owner, it’s important to identify your strengths and capitalize on those, and also to know when to ask for assistance.
What has been the response/reaction?
Amazing! We are selling nationally at Rite Aid, Longs Drugs, REI, Pharmaca, Amazon, drugstore.com, TravelSmith, etc., and recently launched internationally with our CE certification. We have received considerable press, including the coveted “O, the Oprah Magazine”. www.psibands.com/press
Best advice you can give to a new startup?
Love what you do and believe in yourself and your idea.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned from all of this?
Take one step at a time.
What’s the future look like for Psi Bands?
Great. We are landing new accounts both nationally and internationally, driving consumer awareness through the press, and adding on to our team.
In one word, what’s the key to success?
Perseverance.
What inspires you to do what you do?
We are fulfilled by helping others. We do this by providing a product that provides relief to the very common and debilitating problem. We help to inspire entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs (Romy has a blog on Savor the Success: http://www.savorthesuccess.com./member/romy-taormina/blog). And, we donate to our charitable partner, Fertile Hope, a national nonprofit that provides information, hope, and resources to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. $1 of every Cherry Blossom Psi Bands set sold goes to support Fertile Hope. Psi Bands and Fertile Hope are working together toward a common goal – improving the lives of both cancer patients and those who parenting dreams are coming true. www.psibands.com/giving
How to Win a Free Psi Band
Winning a free set of Psi Bands really can’t be simpler. All you need to do is tweet an @ Reply to Romy that says the following:
@RomyTaormina Saw you on Smallbizbee.com
and you will be entered into a drawing for one free set of Psi Bands. You need to be following @RomyTaormina and tweet the above no later than 12am, EST on January 12 to be entered. We will draw for the winner “semi-live” here at Smallbizbee.com on January 13, 2009. Not only is Romy the kind of entrepreneur you’ll want to be following anyway, but free stuff is always good so it’s a double win!
Carla Falcone and Romy Taormina are former advertising executives who are now Psi Bands Co-Founders/”Mompreneurs”.
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