Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheilisa McNeal-Burgess, founder and CEO of Fria LLC., located in Avenel, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fria Jewelry™ is a revolutionizing, fem-tech beauty innovation created by women for women who are suffering from the discomfort of hot flashes. Our current collection, designed and manufactured by the top crystal jeweler in the world, features our patented, proprietary nano-thermal cooling technology to provide easy, on-demand relief with no charging required and no adverse side effects. Our bracelets are a beautiful way to beat the heat so you can Keep Your Cool!
Tell us about yourself
In 2016, I literally woke up one morning in September with two words in mind, "cooling jewels!" I had no idea what it would become or how I would bring words to fruition. But I have a passion for solving problems. My belief is that they only need solutions, so I approach every challenge with that mindset. No, I've never had a background in jewelry or mechanical engineering, but I didn't let what I didn't have or what I didn't know stop me. I knew this life challenge needed new options to address the discomfort. And, I believe women are so dynamic that we deserve anything and everything that will be beneficial to enhancing our quality of life. That's what motivates me. Watching beautiful women handle their business with confidence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have two. Launching my MVP (Most viable product) to market, receiving positive feedback from verified customers, and successfully obtaining a patent for the tech innovation we developed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This journey is not for the faint of heart. It's not fun or easy. But, I wouldn't change even one of the most difficult challenges I've faced. You asked about the most debilitating obstacle I've experienced? Dealing with the isolation of being a women-led startup after 50! And... having limited financial resources, which has required creative ways to get things done. But I'm relentless, and nothing stops me. I am committed to helping women learn more about the milestones in their health trajectory so they can make informed decisions. And to create products that honor who they are.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your business, inside and out!
- Don't be afraid to move forward with your idea (even if you don't have money).
- Gain all the knowledge you can from people who are working in the field you're pursuing - be prepared to learn as much as possible. Knowledge truly is power.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.myfria.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friakeepyourcool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fria_jewelry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriaJewelry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilisa-mcneal-1705/
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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