Secondly, I knew my product. Knowing what it is that you are talking about is a key factor. When you have been working on something for so long, there should be no questions left on the table, as to whether or not you are capable of taking your business to the next level. You must have confidence in not only your product or service, but also yourself. People can tell if you want to be there or not.
I decided to make what I believed in my reality. I decided in my mind that my product was a great one, one that had been tested and proven to be legit, and with that, there was only one thing left to do–go out and convince everyone else. I could have only done it with the right amount of confidence.
Next–and this really can be the overall number one–listen to the pros! I was very fortunate to have an ABSOLUTELY amazing coach Chun Lung Lim and also one brilliant friend, who happened to be the winner from the previous year, Ninotchka Johnson. I ran everything by them. Some things they loved, others not so much. Through it all, I listened to their advice. In the end, I took it all into consideration and I went with what I felt good about.
Lastly, I wanted to be in a position to support others. I wanted to create a platform to make it not just about BiArté, so I made my pitch to include the “giving back” aspect of my business.
How did you make it into the next round of the competition?
Social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope and any other means of getting my message out there. After I posted everywhere, I identified my strengths and played to them. Also, I asked my closest supporters to help spread the message. I can truly say it was a community effort. I formed new relationships with folks like the Staples Store Manager, who helped me to tie everything together. I know it’s odd, but you never know who will be your angel. I am so grateful to her and all the many others who truly had my back in the competition.
I prayed about it. I asked God to guide me, my words and all of my actions. I spoke of confidence earlier. Well I would have been a wreck without faith and prayer. It’s an exciting time, but it can be a stressful time as well. Knowing that I was not alone was the single most important thing that I believe did it for me.
The last part to this is, GO BIG!!! Never give yourself the opportunity to have regrets for not putting your best foot forward. Your future self will thank you.
Any last words for competitors in the 2016 Start Something Challenge?
The last thing I want to say is this: Winning the 2015 competition was an experience I will always cherish. I will not say that you will not face challenges as a budding owner. Even as the winner, I have faced many major challenges myself in the last year. The folks at Rising Tide Capital would call them ‘Life Cards.’ Just know that, it gets better. Maybe you’ve been facing challenges already in your business. The Start Something Challenge could very well be the thing that you need the most. I congratulate you all for stepping up to the plate and believing in yourselves and your businesses. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you all grow as business owners.