Q: What is your name & how many children do you have?
A: My name is Kelly Elizondo and I have one daughter.
Q: What is the name of your company and when did you start it?
A: The name of my company is Sara Langley Designs, named after my great-great grandmother. I started the company in December 2004 after leaving my job as a lawyer to pursue this creative endeavor. I have met so many wonderful people during this remarkable adventure.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your company?
A: Starting a brand from scratch has been a huge challenge, but is also very rewarding. I love learning new things, and the fact that everyday is different. I am inspired by the people I work with and the partnerships and relationships that I have formed along the way.
Q: How long did it take you to earn a profit from your business?
A: We had large start-up costs in the beginning, so we are just now realizing a profit. Everyone told me to wait it out five years before I judged the strength of our business. Easier said then done, but I am glad I listened. Here we are in our fifth year!
Q: What obstacles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
A: Starting a new brand from the ground up is a huge challenge, but surrounding yourself with smart people who will cheer you on (thanks family and friends!) helps immensely! I still struggle with letting go and outsourcing things that I believe I can do myself (an entrepreneurial hazard) but then I realize that there are only 24 hours in a day and I should leave some things to the professionals!
Q: Did you ever feel like quitting? What kept you going?
A: I would be lying if I said that I NEVER felt like giving up. But it is in those moments that you realize how strong you really are- and how committed! True story- during the first year we were in business, a former manufacturer of ours went bankrupt overnight and refused to finish producing our order in time for holiday delivery. I was devastated because my company is predicated upon providing great customer service to our boutique partners, and I had given my word that our products would arrive on time. Needless to say, we were on a shoestring budget so my brother (who I owe big time!!!) and I rented a car and drove overnight twelve hours to the manufacturer. We literally sat there for two days watching our items be made and then drove them back home to ship out..by the deadline! My determination, and my brother’s support, kept me going! Thanks bro!
Q: What quality/qualities (i.e., tenacity, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a mom entrepreneur?
A: Wow- all of the above! I also think it is important to forgive yourself. If your “To do” list does not get completed that day- it was probably an unrealistic list anyway!
Q: What one thing (book, website, coach, tool, blog, service, etc) was VERY INSTRUMENTAL in your success?
A: Developing a partnership with a GREAT graphic designer. She has helped with our note paper line, our catalog, our website- you name it! And we have a similar design aesthetic so she can read my mind! I am not formally trained in design so the help of a great designer has been key!
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: I have a few- my husband reminds me that “If it were easy, everyone would do it…”; my brother describes the daily life of being an entrepreneur as having to “learn to drink from a fire hose…” and of course the classic quote that keeps me going is from my Nana who reminds me that “You can do anything you put your mind to!”
Q: What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
A: Be kind to yourself. It may not happen overnight, but the energy and compromises you make on a daily basis in order to reach your goals, will be well worth it!
Q: How can we connect with you? (Website, Twitter, blog, etc.)
A: I love hearing from other entrepreneurs because I always learn something new! I can be reached via email at kelly[at] saralangley[dot]com or on twitter @saralangley. Also I invite your readers to view our product line at www.saralangley.com.
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Great Interview! It is great to read other entrepreneur’s stories about starting up and working through issues. My favorite part was the quote from her brother “the daily life of being an entrepreneur as having to “learn to drink from a fire hose…” As always another great blog post!
Thanks Heather!
Jennifer
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