Many of you know I have four children, and that my third child, Ellie, has some pretty special needs. You may have also heard me mention that Ellie, who is now six, has taught me a lot. She has taught me many life lessons, including some directly applicable to my business, Baby Be Hip. I was recently asked to share how she has influenced me as an entrepreneur, and I thought I’d share my thoughts here as well. Here goes:
- I can survive any challenge or setback. Ellie has taught me that I can get through anything. I have had many tough days and nights with my Ellie—navigating heart surgery, several hip surgeries, her non-ambulatory and non-verbal state, sleepless nights, etc.—and I have survived. That helps to keep business challenges in perspective, and it shows me I can conquer them and move forward. I know that tough times will come in business, as they will in life, but if you just hold on it will get better. Additionally, I’ve learned that I can function really well on little sleep, and work even better when I’m rested. It helps to remember that when I need to put in a late night or can get to bed early.
- I will fight for what I believe in, always. Being an advocate for Ellie has taught me to be a leader and take an active role and to speak up for what I believe in, which I’ve applied to Baby Be Hip as well. Don’t take no for an answer – keep digging, asking, and researching. I have had to fight for Ellie many, many times for medical equipment, doctor’s appointments, and therapists. Often I would insist that they see the potential in my daughter, as I do. Don’t just give up. If you care enough, you will prevail. Do not be afraid. Go for it. I learned I was never afraid to ask any doctor, any professional, anyone that I knew that could help me to help my daughter. What’s the worst they could say, “no”? Sometimes when I am doubtful or question myself in business, I tell myself to just do it, Colleen. And 95% of the time, people are awesome and willing to help if they know how. With Baby Be Hip, I’ve had my back to the wall and fought my way out a few times.
- Good help, that you trust and with whom you share the same values, is key. Ellie has taught me the importance of having good help. And it takes some time, but it is life changing when you have trusted help. When Ellie was really sick and I could not be present, it was really difficult at BBH. I overcame this challenge by finding terrific help. I had to make sure when I couldn’t be at work things were being done as if I was there; I have learned that hiring the “right” people is critical. That taught me a great business lesson and served as a test to see if my business could run on its own without me present every day. The whole experience showed me my ability to overcome setbacks and having good employees to manage the day-to-day aspects smoothly enables me to focus on the business’ bigger-picture items and balance my personal and professional commitments.
- It is so important to give back, share, and help others. You need a community and support system; you can’t do it alone. I have always been very open about my situation with Ellie; it’s therapeutic and easier when I share my highs and lows with others. I have also learned that in business, you need to have a support system; trusted advisors you can talk shop with, other entrepreneurs who are going through similar issues, mentors who can help you navigate the unchartered waters. The Make Mine a Million program has been an amazing community for me and has taught me to believe in myself, and now I feel compelled to share everything I am learning with others. I knew I always believed in my ability to do the best for Ellie (as hard as it is some days), but I also needed that reassurance from others who have faith in me from a business standpoint. Ellie has shown me the importance of giving back and helping others, because so many have helped me when I desperately needed the help. I want to mentor and support others in business and in life and let them know that they can overcome their challenges and rise to the occasion. Personally and through BBH, we also support charities that are important to me, such as Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia, etc.
- A positive attitude and environment are key to my survival and my success. After having Ellie, I made the choice that I was going to look on the bright side of life and look at the positive in the situation. So many times, I could laugh or I could cry at many situations we’ve been dealt but I try to laugh, if possible. I now only want to be surrounded by positive people, as it is such a better environment. Our motto at BBH is to “Always leave them smiling” and I tell my employees all the time that is the goal of our company. We are to be kind and positive to each other as well as our customers, and we want the recipients of the gifts to open their gift with a smile. Babies are a happy business, so what’s not to be smiling about?
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. I learned that I really can’t get upset about little things in life because I have some really big problems to worry about when it comes to Ellie. So, when it comes to business, I try to take everything in stride and not get stressed or upset about things that are relatively easy to fix. My dad once said that nothing is a problem once it is addressed, so I look at life in that regard. Address what needs to be done, and move on. We try to keep the drama to a minimum, keep things in perspective, and work toward positive, successful outcomes. Not a bad philosophy for business, and especially for life in general!
