Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rosie Mangiarotti, Founder of Perkies, located in Locust Valley, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Perkies creates innovative undergarments for women to wear.
Tell us about yourself
With my own frustrating experiences with sticky bras, and after watching my friends and sisters have similar frustrating experiences, I thought there must be a solution to this, and if there isn't, I am going to create one. Sticky bras lose adhesion easily, get dirty, and fall off when you least expect it. To combat these issues, I thought to create a sticky bra with replaceable adhesives. I thought of this idea in High School, and it wasn't until my junior year in college (Spring of 2017) that it resurfaced. I studied Business & Entrepreneurship at Brown and took a class called "The Entrepreneurial Process." Through this class, we learned all about starting a company by doing close readings on entrepreneurial case studies. As part of the class, we were split into teams to come up with an idea- a product or service that solves a customer pain point- and to create a full-fledged business plan. I pitched this idea, and my team was on board. I worked alongside my classmates in a business team of six to transform the idea of the "Reliabra" (now, Perkies) into an opportunity, an opportunity that is now a commercial reality. After I graduated, with some wind behind my back through pitch competition success, I decided to bring this idea to life!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Developing a product that solves a customer's pain point and hearing amazing reviews from several women bring me SO much joy! Not to mention, the willpower to spend a full three years creating this without the thought of ever giving up is something I am proud of!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the start is the hardest part. It's difficult to create a product without money and more difficult to raise money without a product.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," so START!
- Network; this is your job. Say "yes" to every opportunity!
- You'll hear it from every successful person... never, ever, ever give up! Don't let the tough days get you down; better days are ahead!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://perkies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myperkies/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/myperkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perkies/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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