Barbie's been a fashion designer, scientist, doctor, U.S. President, pilot, and lawyer and now she can add entrepreneur to her running list of professions. In her 55-year history, Barbie has held more than 55 careers. Can we say Renaissance woman?
This Mother Daughter Business Bridges Gen Y Gap
What do health, wellness, philanthropy and professional and personal development have in common? They are all the foundation of Elevate Gen Y, a company that offers live events and programming to millennials. Elevate Gen Y is run by mother/daughter duo Sharon Ufberg and Alexis Sclamberg.
After graduating from college, Sclamberg (like many young women) was clueless about what she wanted and went to law school by default. She earned her law degree and found herself in the same unsure situation -- now with a ton of debt.
After reading self-help books, listening to personal development webinars and finding nothing relating to her quarter-life crisis, she talked to her mom about the generational issue of finding life direction at a particular phase of life.
"It was immediately obvious that this was our chance to work with one another to put our hearts and passions together to create something amazing," Sclamberg says. Her mom spent over 30 years as a health care practitioner guiding people to live more empowered and healthier lives.
"I wanted to learn how to make wise decisions (not just practical ones)," Sclamberg adds. "My generation needs community, inspiration, empowerment. We need to feel like we're not alone in this crazy time that is your 20's and 30's."
So Elevate Gen Y was born.
The company creates live events and online programming for women in their 20s and 30s to inspire and empower them to live happy, healthy, meaningful lives and back to their community and the world. They, in term, are inspired by the email they receive from women about connections they've made and how the program has changed their lives.
The mother and daughter seem to enjoy their work together and are ready to embark on "The Borrowed Wisdom World Summit, a 12-week interview series featuring self-help experts, world-renowned doctors, celebrities and more. "We've spent years searching and have found the very best experts to help listeners get a life they love," says Sclamberg
What's the biggest piece of wisdom they've borrowed so far?
"People are very generous and willing to help you if you are brave enough to ask for what you need," says her mom.
Are You an Entrepreneur?
Some are born as one; others grow into it. While their backgrounds vary, these risk takers share certain characteristics. If you relate to many or all of the following characteristics, and you have an idea you really believe in, consider yourself ready to join the entrepreneurial ranks.
Optimistic. The entrepreneurial road isn’t an easy one to travel. From a lack of funds to a small client list, new business owners face many challenges. Yet they tackle these obstacles and turn them into opportunities. Rather than moping over problems, they’ll find the silver lining and work hard to find solutions.
Independent. Starting a business is a huge responsibility. Those who do it successfully have the ability to work on their own, day after day. While they may be able to work within a corporate structure, they take pride in being their own boss.
Driven. Entrepreneurs want to succeed. They feel a strong need to achieve, and set goals to track their progress. Watching the business grow is rewarding; the profits that follow are a bonus.
Self-confident. Henry Ford, an accomplished entrepreneur, once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” High levels of self-confidence go a long way when asking for a bank loan, sending out advertisements, or officially opening doors for business. When owners believe in themselves and their business, others take notice and react positively.
Disciplined. Entrepreneurs recognize the need to be on top of their game, 24/7. They regularly take time for exercise and eat healthy. They understand the importance of getting away and spending time with family and friends. Setting up a schedule puts them at their best, both personally and professionally.
Visionary. They carry out the daily tasks to run a business, but they don’t let the small things smother their dream. New business owners think about where they’ll be in the future. Setting five-year and ten-year goals helps them stay focused and ride out the bumps along the way.
Competitive. Whether they shot hoops or aced tests in school, entrepreneurs are often competitive in some areas of life. This nature flows into their business endeavors. It pushes them to do better each year and beat personal records.
Persistent. They don’t take no for an answer. Entrepreneurs don’t throw in the towel when problems arise. They work through the trouble spots and persist until they reach the level of success they’re satisfied with.
Risk Taker. Not everyone wants to leave the security of a monthly paycheck, benefits, and a Christmas bonus. Entrepreneurs are willing to take the leap out of their comfort zone. They’d rather seize they opportunity than wonder “What if?”
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t need to excel in all of these areas to be a successful entrepreneur. Everyone, even entrepreneurs, has strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your strong points, and look for ways to work with your idiosyncrasies. When breaking out on your own, the most important thing to have is the determination to turn a dream into a reality. You’ll learn the rest as you go.