Posted Under: Entrepreneurship, Our Heroes

Today we are talking to Sara Simmons our next guest under the “Our Heroes” series. She started her career working for a start up called CellKeeper. Sara later became the business manager of the company running everything from overseas production to administration. Her transition to entrepreneurship came by chance when the owner asked if she would like to take over. Today CellKeeper is experience a steady flow of growth.  Let’s dig deeper into her success story…

DD: Who are you and what kind of corporate job were you at?

SS: I’m a 29 year old designer with a BFA in fashion design and a MBA in international business. I started working for a start up accessory import company, CellKeeper, upon my return from my MBA studies in London. I was hired based on the fact that I was organized and from there I ended up being the business manager and running everything from overseas production to administration.

DD: What made you leave the job? When did you realize that you wanted to be an entrepreneur & why?

SS: The President of the company I was working for was hit badly in the stock market. He was over 70 and wanted to stop the hustle and bustle of the entrepreneurship roll. One day he came into my office and said, ‘Would you like to have it {the company}? I wasn’t sure what to say or if I even wanted the company. But after a little thought and deliberation, I decided to take it, after all, what did I have to lose? I asked one of my best friends whom I met in London to join me & together we took over CellKeeper. My grandfather ran his own business and my parents always said I would be better working for myself than others since I was a very independent child. I always admired the respect my grandfather received as a businessman. But I also realized that it was how he made others feel is what made him such a kind, lovable person everyone always wanted to do business with.  That’s why my personal motto and business motto is the Golden Rule, treat others as you would treat yourself.

DD: What did you do to break the corporate jail? How did you prepare for the employee to entrepreneur transition?

SS: There are many benefits to working in a corporate environment, however, you have to really weigh your pros & cons as to why you would want to start a venture. I had the experience of working for large and small companies, so I knew what I was getting into.  I decided to take the risk. I jumped head first into the entrepreneurship roll. I’m a self-starter, motivated and independent individual. I knew I could do it. I believed in myself, and had constant reiteration from family and friends that I could do it as well. I even started a second business in women’s plus size women’s wear, Courbes Sera, in conjunction with gaining the import company I worked for.

DD: What are your tips and suggestions for aspiring entrepreneurs?

SS: Believe in yourself. Set Goals & Timelines, Remember, take baby steps. Don’t get frustrated if things don’t happen overnight. Don’t let others discourage your ideas. You are your number one sales person. Network, network, network, whether it’s local organizations or national, get involved and get the word out.

DD: How are you doing and how do you feel now?

SS: My companies are doing well. Within one year, I have gained major new clients for both, CellKeeper & Courbes Sera & set up e-commerce for both the brands – CellKeeper & CourbesSera I am excited to continue growing & expanding my brands.

DD: Sara Simmons everyone! When the opportunity comes knocking, don’t take too long to open the door!! Perhaps working for a startup and taking it over could be your escape from the 9-5 jail… Think about it.

Success to all!