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Interview with Vanessa Karel, Founder of Greether

Published

3 months ago

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Interview with Vanessa Karel, Founder of Greether

Vanessa Karel, is a second-time Founder, serial entrepreneur, writer, public speaker and full-time hustler. She has dedicated her time into solving one of the biggest issues for women: Safe navigation and genuine connections through her travel startup; Greether.

The company targets two of the most important SDGs and UN development goals, which are to reduce safety risks for women and to increase income opportunities for them. Having only launched Greether for less than a year, the web app has organically grown users in over 90 countries and 450+ cities around the world. “We connect female travelers to verified local women Greeters they can book wherever they go so they can have safer navigation from a local expert, it’s like booking your local bestie”
She was recently named as one of the “100 rising Latinx Startup Founders to Watch” and volunteers as the Manager Director of Girls in Tech San Francisco, a Non-profit with a mission to bring more women into tech roles.

Where did the idea for Greether come from?

In 2020, I finally realized what had been lacking throughout my solo journeys, while traveling alone being stranded in Morocco in the middle of the pandemic. Which led me to founding a safety platform for female travelers around the world named Greether.

The platform targets some of the most important SDGs and sustainable UN
development goals, which are to reduce safety risks for women and to increase income opportunities for them through sustainable tourism. Having only worked on Greether for a year, the web application has organically grown users in over 90+ countries and 400+ cities around the world. We connect female travelers to verified local women they can book wherever they go so they can have safer navigation from a local expert “we provide travelers with their local best friend”

My goals are to empower women to help each other while discovering the world. I’m constantly advocating and finding ways to bring up issues that need to be addressed immediately, such as pay gaps, insecurity, and how to build sustainable tourism. Our long-term goals also include being a tool for women-led SMB owners through Greether by giving them a space and a way to be discovered through our marketplace.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I begin my day cuddling with my cat and having coffee with my partner. My calendar and my email decide what my day is going to look like. Lately I have a walking pad under my desk which surprisingly helps me get super focused. Whenever I am lacking inspiration, I tend to listen to podcasts about entrepreneurship or about a topic I know nothing about, it helps spark my creativity

How do you bring ideas to life?

I always begin by writing them, it is definitely the way I have begun every project in my life. I have hundreds of notes on my phone, sometimes I even send myself emails to remember something I thought of. I like going deep knee or not at all, so once I have something stuck in my head it’s really hard to get it out until I at least give it a try.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Women supporting each other, people investing in women and the feminist movement fighting for equal pay, equal rights and safe places.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Being disciplined, remembering why I started and having fun whenever I can! It makes me more productive, inspired and happy.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The curiosity you have to discover the world, new cultures and meet new people will eventually pay off. Keep being curious, open to learning new things and always believe in your ambition and fight to keep your vision alive.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Talk to strangers more often, it will surprise you how connected we all are, you might be a conversation away from meeting your next client, business partner, best friend or even the love of your life.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I keep reminding myself why I started this business, why it’s worth pushing forward and looking back on how much progress I made. It is so easy to feel like you aren’t moving forward when you do so many things every day, but they do add up. It’s almost like exercise, you don’t notice the results immediately, but eventually you start seeing results and the rest of the world begins noticing as well.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Asking for feedback even when the feedback is hard to hear, I try to detach myself from emotional reactions in my business so I can see the big picture, analyze what’s useful, understand where the feedback is coming from and how we can minimize friction.

As a marketplace with two types of users, both perspectives are very crucial. Not all feedback is useful but most of the time it can show you blind spots.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I can’t point at one exact thing, I fail every day in a thing or two but that is part of the journey of building a business. However, if there was something I could point out it would be when I used to say yes to everything, I used to go on meetings with anyone that asked for one, and I wasted precious time by doing that. I have become more selective and strategic, but it took a while to realize that not everyone, or everything deserved my time and attention.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

An app that matches investors with startup founders for quick intros that’s done in the style of a dating app based on their criteria and the startups thesis. (Can someone actually build it and let me know!)

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Inviting a group of female travelers to a picnic, it was great to detach myself as a founder and remember why I began this company, have candid conversations with them that didn’t feel as if I was pushing our brand to them. It is very important to build community and to do it genuinely it’s a great investment that goes a long way.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Slack! We use it to communicate as a team. We have a daily channel in which everyone can write what they’ll be working on for the day. It helps me realize if someone should prioritize something else or if I can help them with anything.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini. Never have I cried as much with a book as I did with this one. The story is raw, sad, devastating but yet beautiful. It teaches you about the power we have to create family-like bonds with people who don’t share our blood and how important it is to keep fighting against war, radical religions and domestic violence.

What is your favorite quote?

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”

Key Learnings:

  • It’s possible to follow your dreams, it is possible for you to create change, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or what your expertise is but you need discipline and drive to make it happen.
  • If you start a business, make sure you are 100% passionate and in love with the problem you are solving because there will be many hard days, competitors and obstacles, but nothing is stronger than a founder who is all in, this makes you unstoppable.
  • Being a startup founder might be one of the hardest professional challenges you’ll ever endure, but it will also be one of the greatest learning experiences in your life.
Originally published on IdeaMensch.
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Interviews

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers: History, Tradition, and Innovation

Published

2 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Jack Carlson is the founder and creative director of Rowing Blazers, a fashion brand that combines classic American style with a contemporary edge. Jack Carlson, a former national team rower, and scholar of history draw inspiration from vintage sportswear and traditional Ivy League fashion. His passion for design and fashion, combined with his unique background. Jack Carlson has resulted in the creation of a brand that stands out in the industry.

Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in fashion?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design, even while pursuing my other interests. I grew up in Connecticut and started rowing at a young age, eventually competing at the national level. While studying history at Harvard, I became interested in the traditional clothing worn by rowers and began to collect vintage rowing blazers. This sparked my interest in fashion and led me to start designing my own clothing. After completing a Ph.D. in archaeology, I decided to pursue fashion full-time and founded Rowing Blazers in 2017.

What inspired you to start Rowing Blazers?

I wanted to create a brand that celebrated the rich history and tradition of American fashion, particularly the preppy style of the Ivy League. At the same time, I wanted to bring a contemporary edge to classic designs and challenge the boundaries of traditional fashion. I was inspired by the vintage rowing blazers that I collected and wanted to create my own versions that were both authentic and modern.

Can you walk us through the design process of creating a new collection?

The design process always starts with research and inspiration. I spend a lot of time looking at vintage clothing, archival photographs, and historical documents to get a sense of the styles and aesthetics of a particular time period or culture. From there, I sketch out ideas and work with my team to refine the designs and select fabrics. We always strive to balance classic elements with modern twists and unexpected details. It’s a collaborative process that involves a lot of trial and error, but we always end up with something that we’re proud of.

How do you stay true to your brand’s identity while also keeping up with current fashion trends?

For us, it’s not about following trends, but rather creating timeless pieces that will never go out of style. Although we draw inspiration from the past, we don’t limit ourselves to it. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and push boundaries while staying true to our brand’s core identity. We’re not interested in fast fashion or disposable clothing – our pieces are meant to last and be treasured for years to come.

Can you tell us about a particular challenge you faced while growing Rowing Blazers and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is scaling the business while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that we’re known for. We’ve had to find the right partners and suppliers who share our values and are able to produce our garments to our high standards. We’ve also had to be very strategic about our growth, taking things one step at a time and not rushing into anything too quickly. It’s been a learning process, but we’ve been able to grow the business in a sustainable way that we’re proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own fashion brand?

My advice would be to stay true to your vision and never compromise on quality. It’s also important to be strategic about your growth and not try to do everything at once. Start small and focus on doing one thing really well before expanding. And always be willing to learn and adapt – the fashion industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be flexible and open to new ideas.

What’s next for Rowing Blazers?

We’re always working on new designs and collaborations, but we’re also focused on expanding our brand beyond just clothing. We want to create a lifestyle brand that encompasses all aspects of American style, from furniture to home decor to travel accessories. We’re excited to continue growing and evolving while staying true to our brand’s identity and values.

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Jack Carlson’s passion for fashion and history has resulted in the creation of a unique and innovative brand that stands out in the industry. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as well as his commitment to sustainability, sets Rowing Blazers apart from other fashion brands. To stay up to date with Jack Carlson and Rowing Blazers, you can follow him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Gracie Cedres

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Interview with Gracie Cedres: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance

Published

2 days ago

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March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Gracie Cedres, Founder of G.R.A.C.E.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gracie Cedres is the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E., a company that provides virtual assistance and project management services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a degree in communications, Gracie has always been interested in helping others succeed in their businesses. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs led her to create G.R.A.C.E., which has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. In this interview, Gracie will share more about her journey as an entrepreneur and the success of G.R.A.C.E.

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur?

Sure, my name is Gracie Cedres, and I am the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E. I have always been interested in helping others, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, succeed in their businesses. After completing my degree in communications, I worked as a virtual assistant for various entrepreneurs and realized that there was a need for high-quality virtual assistance and project management services. That’s how the idea for G.R.A.C.E. was born, and since then, I have been working hard to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals.

How did you come up with the idea for G.R.A.C.E.?

After working as a virtual assistant for several entrepreneurs, the idea for G.R.A.C.E. came to me. I realized that many entrepreneurs were struggling to manage their time effectively and needed high-quality virtual assistance and project management services to help them become more productive and profitable. I saw an opportunity to help entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with top-notch virtual assistance and project management services, and that’s how G.R.A.C.E. was born.

What are some of the challenges you faced in starting and growing your business?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in starting and growing my business was finding the right team members. It’s important to have a team that shares your vision and is passionate about what they do. I also faced challenges in marketing my services and reaching out to potential clients. However, I overcame these challenges by networking, building relationships, and creating high-quality content that showcased the value of my services.

What is your vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years?

My vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years is to become the go-to virtual assistance and project management service provider for entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. I want to expand my team and services to be able to help more entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. I also want to continue building strong relationships with my clients and providing them with top-notch services.

Can you share with us some of your favorite success stories from working with your clients?

One of my favorite success stories is working with a small business owner who was struggling to manage their time effectively. By providing them with virtual assistance and project management services, we were able to help them increase their productivity, improve their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow their business. It’s always fulfilling to see my clients succeed and achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to educate themselves and never stop learning. It’s important to constantly learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and seek out new opportunities. It’s also essential to have a strong work ethic, be persistent, and not be afraid to take risks. Don’t let failure discourage you, instead use it as a learning opportunity and keep pushing forward.

How do you maintain a work-life balance as a busy entrepreneur?

Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging as a busy entrepreneur, but it’s essential for your well-being and the success of your business. One of the things I do is prioritize my tasks and delegate when necessary. I also set aside time for self-care activities like exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends. It’s also important to know when to disconnect from work and focus on other aspects of your life.

Closing Paragraph

Gracie Cedres is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. Her dedication to helping others and passion for entrepreneurship has led to the success of G.R.A.C.E. With a vision for continued growth and success, Gracie is sure to make an impact in the virtual assistance and project management industry. To learn more about Gracie Cedres and G.R.A.C.E., visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Evan Cagner

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Interviews

Interview with Evan Cagner: Insights into the World of Tech and Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

on

March 27, 2023

By

Interview with Evan Cagner, CEO of TechBlue

Table of Contents

Introduction

Evan Cagner is the founder and CEO of TechBlue, a company that provides managed IT services to businesses of all sizes. Evan has over 15 years of experience in the tech industry and has helped numerous businesses grow by leveraging technology. He is a thought leader and innovator in the IT industry, with a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies. In this interview, Evan Cagner shares his insights into the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start TechBlue?

I’ve always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to solve business problems. I started my career working for a large IT consulting firm, and I quickly realized that there was a big gap in the market for managed IT services. Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends, and they don’t have the resources to hire full-time IT staff. That’s why I decided to start TechBlue – to help these businesses leverage technology to grow and succeed.

What sets TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies?

There are a few things that set TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies. First and foremost, we are incredibly focused on customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is the key to our success. Second, we have a team of highly skilled technicians who are constantly learning and staying up to date with the latest technologies. Finally, we are very flexible and can customize our services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.

How do you stay on top of emerging trends in the tech industry?

I’m always reading and staying up to date with the latest news and trends in the tech industry. I attend conferences and meet with other thought leaders in the industry to discuss new technologies and how they can be used to solve business problems. I also encourage my team to stay up to date and share their knowledge with each other.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the IT industry?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the IT industry. With so many people working remotely, there has been a huge demand for cloud-based services and virtual private networks (VPNs). There has also been an increased focus on cybersecurity, as remote workers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the shift toward digital transformation and has highlighted the importance of having a reliable and secure IT infrastructure.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?

My advice would be to focus on building a strong team and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who have different skill sets. Be willing to take risks and make mistakes, but also be willing to learn from those mistakes. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from other entrepreneurs who have been through it before.

What is your vision for the future of TechBlue?

My vision for TechBlue is to continue to grow and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our clients. I want to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and continue to be a thought leader in the industry. Ultimately, I want to help as many businesses as possible leverage technology to achieve their goals.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. I’m an avid runner and I also enjoy playing basketball and golf. I’m also a big fan of music and enjoy going to concerts and discovering new artists.

Closing Paragraph

Evan Cagner is a true leader and innovator in the IT industry. His passion for technology and customer service has helped TechBlue become one of the most respected managed IT services companies in the business. With his keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, Evan is sure to continue to make an impact in the industry for years to come. To learn more about Evan Cagner and TechBlue, you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Makayla Gordon

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