What’s still unique about us? The uniqueness is the fact that we have accumulated over the years, the history of a diverse group of women who are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, big or small. Some businesses have closed, others have grown, and many have stayed the same or changed slightly. Regardless of their stage of business, we have been able to learn from many women about their path to business success.

For a few years, especially before we changed the website format into WordPress, we thought of shutting it down. But our passion, curiosity and supporters kept us going. We couldn’t have done it without perseverance and a true intention to highlight women’s successes and challenges, and most importantly how they persevered, so that you will as well.

Wishing you a year of perseverance and persistence, followed by the realization of your vision and business dreams,

Elisa Balabram

Recently, while reorganizing my office library, I came across ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napolean Hill. This book has been a timeless and proven reference for training and coaching worldwide through several decades. The section that really resonated with me this time around was about persistence, a quality that in, one way or another, you are probably familiar with. So what does it mean now and why is it even more essential than ever for success in your changing world today? According to Webster’s dictionary, to persevere is to continue steadfastly. To be persistent is to continue firmly in spite of opposition, and to endure. You need to be persistent to persevere and willing to change when the situation changes.

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Based on the idea that there are two sides to every situation, think yin & yang or… “I’m glad I did it/I’ll never do it again”; it is one thing to keep holding on through thick and thin to a specific situation but quite another to keep moving forward in a positive direction where there is authentic, meaningful growth and change along the way. So, what are the main ingredients of success that make up perseverance and how can they be adapted into our lives and businesses? Consider the following:

Decision + Focus + Desire + Faith + Imagination + Persistence

=  Perseverance = Success!

Feel free to mix up the equation to suit your own vision. The point is to identify what each component means to you and what actions and beliefs will be necessary to get from here to where you want to be. Don’t be surprised if in the process you change direction! To focus inward, with all that it entails, can lead to a greater self-understanding, self-awareness, and strength of courage that can propel you in the right direction and help keep you on track. It will simplify your life by allowing you to recognize and dispose of the negative clutter. You may also need to take your power back from those you have allowed to undermine your efforts or limit your possibilities and ultimately, your right to a full and happy life. This doesn’t mean giving up or neglecting important relationships, but renegotiating your position. Effecting small changes often leads to big results.

That being said, as humans there will always be those moments of distraction from doubt and fear as we journey into the unknown and continue to grow. During these times it would be helpful to review your own principles of perseverance. Perhaps you need a revision or a reminder. Sit alone in a quiet space, clear your mind, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to focus on the moment. Identify and recognize where your feelings are coming from.  Chances are the anxiety stems from the past and the unknown future. When you falter, ask yourself, did this just happen or did I make it up?

In closing, perseverance isn’t about having control but rather how we bounce back and regroup after setbacks, how we embrace change to keep moving forward, and how we reinvent ourselves and situations as needed. Overthinking, storing negativity from others, and worrying about things beyond our control can only weaken our resolve and blind us to opportunity and the simple joys of daily living. Sometimes it’s better to just take our hands off the steering wheel and let the universe drive.

Visit www.cloutetcetera.com for more tips and ideas.

‘One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.’   _Andre Gide

Where would we be without perseverance?  No worthwhile accomplishment has ever been achieved without it. For me, perseverance conjures images of the movie Chariots of Fire and the triumphant feeling when you finish a long and arduous project.  On the other hand, I think of and expect obstacles, adversity, strained willpower, pain and hardship. In essence, you can’t have one without the other. Like most things in life, you have to take the good with the bad. When it comes to achieving our goals, perseverance is the bridge that takes us from enduring the hardships to ultimately crossing the finish line and enjoying the sweet taste of victory.  Therefore, it’s practically a given, that when we commit to a goal, obstacles will follow and perseverance will be a key ingredient to get us to the “promised land”.

Underlying true perseverance is a strong unyielding conviction to succeed, the willingness to do whatever it takes to move forward and the humility to get up after you’ve fallen – yet again.

As a Certified Holistic Health Coach and serial entrepreneur, I ride the life-long wave of persistence. Daily, I reaffirm my resolve, get clear on my goals and recommit to my purpose and persevere.  It’s not because I have to, rather because I want to.  It’s not just for the “fame and fortune”, but ultimately because I want to become a better and a healthier person. I want to see how far I can extend myself from my comfort zone, how much courage I have left when my knees are knocking and how much good I can do in the world when I’m not stopped by fear.  That goes not only for business but for my health and life as well.  Living a healthy life as in business requires a solid daily regimen. It’s a series of rituals, small but powerful actions that over time create either empowering or disempowering results. As with everything, we get to choose:  suffering and playing small or magical results.  Our spirit targets the latter while the ego tries to stick with the former.

We have all had a taste of what perseverance is really like. It’s that moment when the enthusiasm for what you really seek has waned and you’re faced with an obstacle, perhaps a series of them that forcibly test your faith and your resolve to the core.

In business as well as healthy living, perseverance is key.  However, perseverance needs its strong allies in the “good fight”.  These include:

1. A Strong vision: For any endeavor, you must know WHY you are embarking on your journey.  Your vision and your soulful “why” will hold you through the peaks and the valleys.  Keep your vision in mind at all times, create a vision board, keep post-its around your home and office so you know the  true motivation behind what you’re after.  If you want to get healthy, WHY do you want it? Dig deep.  If you want to build and grow a successful business, WHY are you doing it?  Go beyond the financial freedom component and wanting Fridays off. It’s the WHY + the powerful vision that activates the magical results.

2. Have a clear plan but be flexible: You’ve heard it many times over that you can’t arrive at your destination without a clear roadmap.  That being said, roadblocks will appear so you must course-correct as needed however many times that might be.

3. Have unwavering faith: It will get hard and you WILL be tested. The good news, it happens to all of us. You may not hear about other people’s hardships or meltdowns but believe me they’ve gone through them and are better for it now.

4. Expect the unexpected:  If there’s one thing I know for sure in business and with life, it’s that “stuff” happens!  Entrepreneurship is a sport in living outside your comfort zone on a daily basis.  You must get used to feeling uncomfortable. In fact, Tony Robbins says that the quality of our life is determined by the level of discomfort we can tolerate.  Stay open to new possibilities and go with the flow.

5. Keep stretching yourself: When you feel like you we are at the end of your rope, out of cards to play or resources to pull to achieve your outcome, dig deeper. Think even more expansively, reach out to even more people for help and keep going. The resources are out there and people do want to help you. You will prevail.

6. Take massive action daily: Perseverance requires powerful action on a daily basis.  Faith and hope are good but only as far as they are coupled by action.

Perseverance can seem like a double-edged sword because when we need it, we are uncomfortable. However, it’s when we’re persevering and stretching ourselves that we’re truly living to our fullest potential. In that moment, you have a clear goal, you know why you’re going after it, you believe in yourself and the Universe that they will deliver and you take daily, consistent and powerful action to achieve it. Above all else, when things get tough take a deep breath and stay the course!

“I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.” ~Author Unknown

Could you please share your background prior to starting your business?

Leticia Robles

My parents, Rolando, Sr. & Graciela Robles, owned four businesses and I ran one of them for 2 years.  They were my first teachers in the business world.

As a teacher, what inspired you to start R.B. Construction?

Being self-employed and being able to work along side my husband was my primary reason for starting our company in November 2007.  Having an educational background allows me to give clients better-informed choices.

What have been the most difficult challenges you face as a woman in a still mainly male dominated industry? How do you overcome them?

The most difficult challenge in a male dominated industry is not to take their opinions personally when it comes to working with a woman.  If I find a contractor that refuses to work with a woman, I just keep searching for one that will work with me.  The difficulty is living and working in Texas, machismo attitudes are rampant in the construction business.

Overcoming the challenges is an ongoing process of self-confidence and positive thinking.

Have you been able to do business with local, state and federal governments? How has been your experience with government procurement?

I have done business in three different states with Dallas flooring companies.  No, I have not pursued any government procurement due to my lack of commercial liability insurance at this time

How did any outside advisors make a difference in your company?

To be honest, due to the fact that the construction industry is male dominated, it has been difficult.  Continuing education is paramount in any industry.  I take advantage of webinars offered by Cisco and other agencies.

What are the services your business provides?

Commercial & residential hardwood flooring & stairs is our specialty.  Custom designed patterned panels are cut to the client’s specifications.  We do installations, repairs, and demolitions.

What are your plans for the future?

Expansion is my goal and to reach out to businesses across the borders.

What advice would you give a woman thinking of starting a construction business?

It isn’t wise to purchase your own equipment.  Until your business is financially stable, it would be best to rent your equipment.  Downsize your personal expenses to a minimum.  Plan for financial risks by finding investors, mentors, and other women doing business in construction.

Are there any other questions you wished I had asked, from which you feel Women and Biz’s readers could learn valuable lessons?

Yes, here they are:

What are you doing to take care of yourself physically to be mentally prepared for the mental challenge of working in a male dominated industry?

Make sure that you don’t forget to workout aerobically at least 3 times per week.  As women get older, we need to include weight training to sustain our muscle mass.  Eat a good breakfast everyday and eat as healthy as possible.  Drink lots of water.

and/or

What are you doing as a company to promote the community where you do business?

Find something in your community that you can become passionately involved with that could also lead to some business contacts.  Being of service is what enriches our lives.

Ms. Robles mentioned that she served on the Mayor’s Southern Dallas Task Force for Area 3 for two years.

Contact Leticia Robles through her website at http://rbizconst.com/

Could you please share your background prior to starting The Swingset Mamas?

Lizzie and Marlowe

LS- I am a graduate of UMass/Amherst with a B.A in communications.  I worked as a creative arts therapist and facilitator of therapeutic music group with elderly nursing home residents in CT.  I also performed and recorded in a rock band in New York for fun.

MB- I am a graduate of Cornell University.  I worked at Chase Manhattan Bank, Yves Saint Laurent Cosmetics, Paloma Picasso Accessories in Sales, Marketing and Promotion positions.   I always wanted to make music a bigger part of my life after growing up playing piano and guitar and being involved in musical theater. After my first child was born and my husband’s job moved us to another state- I took the opportunity to do just that!

What inspired you to start the business?

Our business really grew out of our passion to “connect families through music”.

At the birth of our first children, we were inspired to write songs to comfort of babies, our new roles as mothers and our growing families.  After recording a few of these songs for fun and performing live, we saw that many families were looking for music in varied styles that was relatable to adults as well as kids.  At the same time, we found ourselves naturally incorporating music into our routines as parents.  Power-struggles over accomplishing everyday tasks like “buckling seatbelts, getting dressed, putting on sun-screen, leaving the playground, became easier for everyone involved when accompanied by songs.  As our families reached new stages, challenges and developments, so too did the music and song subjects.  People emailed us asking us for more songs so we kept on creating new music and videos as well as performing live whenever we could.  We include our kids in the song-writing and recording process as well, which makes it a fun family experience. We feel strongly that music is a way to connect people of all ages and also helps adults and children to teach, learn and enhance everyday tasks.

How has the journey been going through the creative process and running the business with each other? 

Having been in many bands before, I had experienced the obstacle of “BIG EGOs “getting in the way of moving forward.  Marlowe and I don’t have that problem.

As busy working mothers who don’t live in the same state, we are constantly juggling job responsibilities. We have learned to be patient, jump in and take over for each other when one of us is swamped with other work or family responsibilities.

We try to remain focused on the end result and not the petty personal issues that always seem to break-up bands. We discovered early on that as partners, we know how to compliment each other and when necessary take a step back in the creative and business side of the project. We share songwriting duties as well as the business side marketing, web presence, booking shows, taxes etc.

How did any advisors make a difference in your company?

We have tried a few business managers, but most of our success has come from our own hard work.  In 2006, we did form a company with an LA based producer to film and distribute our award winning DVD “Swing, Dance and Sing”.  He was an equal financial and creative partner with us and really helped get the music distributed to a national audience.

The best advice we received was from a well-known children’s television director.  He believed in our music and encouraged us to remain true to our belief in the power of music to connect families and that success would follow.  He was right.

Tell us about The Swingset Mamas and its products:

Our products include 3 music CDs and a 15 song music video DVD.  The music of the Swingset Mamas has been awarded Parents Choice Awards, NAPPA Awards, Dove foundation awards to name a few.  Our songs are played on satellite radio and our music videos are currently shown as inter-stitial content on TBN.

We write, record and perform upbeat songs in a variety of styles including reggae, zydeco, blues, funk, rock and hip hop all with sing able, memorable lyrics for kids, and parents alike. Incorporating American Sign Language with call and response singing, our live shows create an inspiring and unique shared social experience for people of all ages and abilities.

What were the most difficult challenges you faced as you began to grow? 

One of the biggest challenges all musicians face is getting the music out there to new people.   We have always had a strong grass roots following, but to reach a new and broader audience you have to tour constantly or have major media exposure.  Since we formed the band, Marlowe has lived in 4 states.  We travel all over the country to perform, but you can imagine this requires a lot of logistical planning as we each have two children.  This has been a challenge, but our families have been so supportive, that we are able to make it work.

What are your plans for the future?  

We remain strong advocates of music as a tool for building community togetherness. As the mother of a 12 year old with Autism, Autism awareness is a top priority for the Swingset Mamas.  In addition to performing at Ability Awareness and Diversity Assemblies at schools across the country, Marlowe teaches music to kids with autism at the elementary and middle school level.  We continue to spread the message of Inclusion and Awareness of all people through our music video from our latest CS ‘Mamamorphosis” “Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes”; and are constantly creating new content for families, children with autism and the community at large.

We are also in the process of creating a song- book with some of our favorite songs, visuals as well as tips for families on the best way to use the songs to teach, move, connect and have fun with each other.

What do you find most rewarding as entrepreneurs?  

When we hear our music on the radio or see our music videos on television, we feel really proud of our accomplishments. Getting our first royalty check was also pretty cool.

Our children are also now performing and playing instruments in the band with us, so as mothers this has made the project even more special.

Seeing parents and children sing, dance and make music together in a carefree way is always rewarding because it re-enforces our belief that sharing music across generations creates a shared consciousness.  We love it when parents and kids share with us that they have been inspired by our music to make up songs with their own families.

We have heard so many incredible stories from families who connect with our music.  One in particular is of a child with speech delays that had a major breakthrough from singing one of our songs.

What advice would you give women interested in starting an educational and/or music business? 

Beware of anyone who promises to make you a “Big Star”.  We have had our share of entertainment industry mishaps from people with seemingly the “right credentials” making false promises for their own interests.

We also would advise anyone entering the music business to get out there and perform live as much as possible for all populations and situations.  Also, the social media is a great tool to build a fan base and get exposure.  Offer to perform at schools during lunch periods and assemblies.  Many schools have budgets for this.  Ultimately, just love what you do and remain focused and true to your goals and dreams.  We did not start this business to make money, so whenever we are compensated financially, we are truly grateful.

How can people learn more about your music and Swingset Mamas?

Check out these two clips to get more of a feel of the Swingset Mamas.

Swingset Mamas DVD Compilation – Clips from our 15 song music video DVD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TGiF_sP6Nk

Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes:  A song from our 2011 Parents Choice Award Winning CD inspired by our journey with autism and to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion of special needs kids and all people.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Swingsetmamas#p/a/u/0/oQ3LnuQ-nE0

More at www.swingsetmamas.com

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As the New Year is upon us, we promise to make more empowering choices for ourselves. Perhaps #1 on that list is the resolution to “get healthy and lose weight.” It is an admirable goal but not very inspiring, right?  What if I told you, however, that by taking care of your health, you’d see the benefits ten-fold in your business? Would that peak your attention now?

As a serial entrepreneur and a Certified Holistic Health Coach, I know first-hand the mistakes that an entrepreneur makes and on top of that list is trailblazing ahead at the expense of our health. For many of us, whether consciously or not, we decide to put many aspects of our lives such as our health, family and social life to the side for the dream of financial freedom and entrepreneurial success.  It can quickly turn into a zero sum game of all chips being in the business basket and not much of a life left to live. I understand the hardships of starting and growing a business so I can speak from heartfelt experience.  If you want to start and grow a thriving business, you cannot leave yourself and your body behind and just hope that you’ll make it through without feeling the consequences down the line. As compliant as our bodies are, they do have a breaking point and you want to avoid reaching it at all costs.  Burnout isn’t a pretty destination and with the tips below, you never have to get there. What I know for sure is that it IS possible to be a happy, healthy and prosperous entrepreneur, to enjoy your life and be successful. If you follow these steps, I am certain that you’ll see monumental results in your business, your energy level, your mood, your productivity and your overall well-being.

Here are my top healthy habits of a happy and successful entrepreneur:

1. Decide to make your health a priority: Write down all the reasons why leading a healthy lifestyle will benefit your overall well-being and your business.  Examples include having more energy, better clarity and mental focus, less mood swings and greater productivity.

2. Hire a great business coach today: This decision alone will save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of trying to figure everything out on your own.  I have 2 business coaches and I bless the day I hired them. The right coach will ensure you do the revenue generating tasks first and that you delegate what you can (hello interns and virtual assistants). This way you do what you do best, have money coming in and have time to rest.  Barter and be creative if you cannot afford to pay a coach full-out. Trust me when I say that this is probably the most important decision you’ll make for your business and your well-being.  This is because how you run your business, is how you run your life.  If your business is chaotic, so will your life be.

3. Schedule exercise and self-care time: Brainstorm the activities you enjoy doing such as brisk walking, jumping on a rebounder at home, doing a yoga DVD, doing the kettlebell, running or going to the gym. Whatever it is, schedule it on your calendar at the best time of day for you and stick to it. Now’s your time to be a well-oiled productive machine.  All successful entrepreneurs, including the US President exercise, so you can too. You’ll feel more relaxed, more energized and have a clearer head to tackle your problems. Listening to great music or audio books can stimulate your mind so you’re never bored. A massage, a bubble bath and women’s magazines are all ways to unwind and relax too. Schedule self-care time weekly.

4. Become a pro at saying “no” thank you: Give up the illusion that pleasing others will get you farther in your business.  We must teach others how to treat us. Set clear boundaries, and refer tasks that aren’t within your revenue generating portfolio to others graciously and firmly. Abundance and success do not thrive in a disorganized business environment.

5. Eat live, fresh, whole foods: Live foods make us feel alive. Processed, “dead” foods make us feel sluggish and unproductive.  For breakfast, eat fiber rich or protein rich foods such as oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, a protein smoothie or eggs for sustained energy. Make sure to add lots of greens and vegetables and eat enough protein throughout the day.  Your brainpower and your body will thank you.

6. Drink more water: Most of us walk around dehydrated. We should drink approximately half our body weight in ounces in water a day. Our brain is over 70% water.  To think clearly you need to stay hydrated. If you’re exercising make sure to drink even more water. Start early so you get the benefits all day long. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they will dehydrate you.

7. Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night: I hear the cries of blasphemy already! Trust me. Sleep recalibrates our body so we are fresh for the day ahead. Sleep deprivation leads to weight gain, overeating, under eye circles, moodiness, low energy, mistakes and low productivity. Set a bed time and stick to it. The time you go to sleep is just as important as the hours of sleep you get.

8. Create a supportive community of likeminded people: It takes a village to build a business. Surround yourself with peers who will support you, motivate you to strive higher and with whom you can share your ups and downs. Friends and family often don’t understand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur so it’s important to have a place to talk through your experiences.

By following these simple and effective steps, you will transform your life and business and be so much happier for it.  Believe you can, take consistent action and take charge of your well-being.

“It’s in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” – Tony Robbins.

Here’s to a successful year as a healthy, prosperous and energetic entrepreneur.

Shay Olivarria

I grew up really poor and emancipated from foster care. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in business management at California State University Dominguez Hills, work on a master’s degree at theUniversityofNorth Texas, and travel to nine countries. I made financial mistakes the whole way and I wanted students to learn from my mistakes.

What inspired you to start your business?

I had worked with youth for about ten years at that point. I was running a truancy program in Philly when I began my speaking career. The curriculum was about helping students that were chronically truant make different choices, but the students inSouth Philadelphiahave some immediate issues of food, clothing, and shelter to worry about. I started incorporating financial education points with the students. The students loved it and I was asked to update the curriculum. I saw that students really connected to me and my way of explaining things.

How did any outside advisors make a difference in your company?

I was really fortunate to have Anya Hall-Flores and Corey Nobles offering suggestions, honest opinions, and feedback. I have also taken advantage of many free webinars, and articles from others in my field. Joining LinkedIn might have been the best decision I ever made; I have received so much good advice from others in my profession.

Tell us about the products and services you offer

Bigger Than Your Block, LLC offers speaking services (keynotes, workshops, hosting) and books. High schools, colleges, and non-profits have welcomed me in to speak to groups across the country. Money Matters: The Get It Done in 1 Minute Workbook was an Amazon.com Best Seller and 10 Things College Students Need to Know About Money has been used to train TRIO staff inConnecticut.

Could you share what were the most difficult challenges you faced as you began to grow? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I had was overcoming my own feeling that I wasn’t good enough. I had to overcome it one small step at a time. Every lecture is a step. Every time I am asked for my autograph is a step. Even getting my business cards printed up with my name and “CEO” under it was a step. I’m sure we’ve all heard it said that you have to, “Fake it ‘til you make it”. Sometimes that’s the best you can do.  I look really confident on stage, but most people don’t get to see me in the green room shaking like a leaf. It sounds corny, but you have to believe that you are worth it; that you can do it. Celebrate every little step and let it move you forward to the next little step.

What are your plans for the future?

Expanding my empire, of course! I love my work, but I’m ready to do more. Immediate goals include: speaking in a foreign country, selling my books in bulk to youth organizations across the country, and increasing the number of presentations I give every year.

What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur interested in starting a financial consulting business?

First, be yourself. There is nothing new under the sun. Of course you need to stay abreast of changes in thinking, laws, and information relating to your profession but it’s also really important to define your brand and stand behind that. People will have to trust you and to trust you they have to know who you are.

Second, build a network of people that you can ask questions. No one knows everything and things change all the time. Having people that you can turn to and ask questions about everything from marketing and selling to the correct way to approach a cold call is going to be very important.

Third, believe that you have something valuable to offer customers and then work towards increasing that value every day.

Lastly, make sure to ask for referrals and testimonials. People that have benefited from your work bring in new customers in two ways: they provide contact information for new potential clients and the testimonials they provide will assure other potential clients that you will add value for them.

Are there any other questions you wished I had asked, from which you feel Women and Biz’s readers could learn valuable lessons?

Make sure that your family is on-board with your decision to build a business. It takes a lot of time and effort. Your business will thrive if you have people that are willing to support you when you can’t make the family dinners and when you are too tired to return their calls. Having the support of loved ones will help you find strength you didn’t know you had when the check from a client didn’t come and when a huge potential deal is on the verge of coming together but you’re not sure if you’re more afraid that it will or if you’re more scared that it won’t.

For more information, please visit Shay Olivarria’s website:  www.BiggerThanYourBlock.com

Change is indeed inevitable and it will keep coming fast and hard but it’s also a very exciting time to be alive with an incredible potential for opportunity and reinvention at every turn. This past year has personally been one of my best, both personally and professionally. Among other things, I am expanding in 2012 to go national with my insurance business and global with my consulting including relocating to another country within the next five years. After landing in NYC from Canada 30 years ago, I would never have guessed where my journey would lead me. I am truly thankful. Happy Holidays and best wishes to all. For more ideas and free resources, log onto www.cloutetcetera.com.