THE KING’S CROWN: GINGER KING
EXELEON EXCLUSIVE TO WATCH
MIRANDA VOTH: LASHING OUT LOUD IN – FOCUS
LISA MARIE PLATSKE
DYNAMIC LEADERS 2024
Deadline: September 2024
EDITORIAL NOTE
Influence in leadership transcends mere authority; it is the subtle art of inspiring and guiding others towards a shared vision. This dynamic interplay of persuasion, empathy, and strategic thinking shapes not only the trajectory of organizations but also the broader societal fabric.
Influence is not about exerting power or enforcing decisions. It is about cultivating trust, fostering collaboration, and empowering others to realize their potential. Effective leaders leverage their influence to build cohesive teams, drive innovation, and navigate challenges with agility and foresight.
Women leaders, in particular, exemplify a distinct and transformative approach to influence. Historically underrepresented in leadership roles, women have developed unique strategies to assert their influence, often in environments where they face additional scrutiny and bias. This has honed their skills in negotiation, empathy, and resilience.
The influence wielded by women leaders is often characterized by a collaborative and inclusive style. They are adept at building strong networks and fostering a sense of community, which enhances team cohesion and performance. Research consistently shows that organizations with diverse leadership, including a significant presence of women, are more innovative and perform better financially.
The idea behind this issue is to highlight some of these Influential Women Leaders who are making an impact beyond just their workplace.
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LISA MARIE PLATSKE
DR. RANDA JAAFAR
GLORIA KOLB 44
PURPOSE AND PASSION
LISA MARIE PLATSKE LEADING WITH
PRESIDENT, CEO & FOUNDER
Meet
Lisa Marie Platske, an awardwinning leadership expert and the CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., an international leadership development company. Recognized by prestigious entities such as the White House, the United States Small Business Administration, and The International Alliance for Women, Lisa Marie has received numerous accolades for her transformative work in leadership.
As a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an international best-selling author of seven books, and a regular contributor to some of the biggest publications in the world, Lisa Marie has dedicated her life to working with leaders, so they achieve extraordinary results in both money and meaning.
An in luential woman in every right, Lisa Marie creates a culture of success by building trust, communicating effectively, and leading by example - with empathy. This philosophy is central to her work at Upside Thinking, where she walks with leaders who are often at a crossroads to take the road less traveled and become better in all
THE FOUNDATION
Raised by a single mother, Lisa Marie's upbringing was marked by resilience and determination. She learned valuable lessons from her tumultuous childhood, marked with inancial struggles and a violent family environment. "Experiencing inancial struggles taught me the value of money, while dealing with dangerous situations made me deeply value protection and justice," she re lects.
These early challenges instilled within her a deep sense of courage, a strong work ethic, and a passion for creating an inclusive world where everyone can thrive.
Talking about her early years, Lisa mentions that her journey as a leader started to take shape when she was in the Girl Scouts. By embracing outdoor activities and paying heed to her mother's encouragement, she was able to distinguish and establish herself as a leader. Soon enough, she was tasked with planning trips, organizing community projects, as well as leading group activities.
She recalls, “These experiences laid a solid foundation for my leadership path and taught me the value of serving others.”
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Prior to being a leadership coach to executives and business owners, Lisa Marie started her career in federal law enforcement. Entering law enforcement was not merely about securing a job; it was about ful illing a mission aligned with her core values.
However, she had to face multiple challenges to establish her place in law enforcement. Early in her career, she encountered resistance and isolation, with colleagues referring to her dismissively as "hair and nails."
This barrier, initially constructed for selfprotection, prevented her from forming meaningful connections with her peers. Recognizing this, she shifted her approach. "I got curious about what was important to them, stopped trying so hard to prove I was perfect, and learned three new words in my vocabulary –'I don't know,'" she re lects.
By embracing vulnerability and actively listening, she found that more doors opened for her, facilitating better relationships and teamwork.
Lisa Marie's journey through federal law enforcement had her teaching at the esteemed Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and designing educational frameworks for seasoned of icers, yet who were newly appointed leaders at the Leadership Development Center.
Her rapid ascent through the ranks underscored her leadership prowess, making her one of the fastest-promoted of icers in the agency. A unifying theme emerged from these milestones: the importance of establishing genuine human connections. "Everyone wants to be valued, respected, and loved," she emphasizes. This insight is a cornerstone of her leadership coaching at Upside Thinking.
The Power of One
Maintaining productivity and focus while managing a successful business and coaching others is a challenge Lisa Marie Platske meets with strategic intention.
Leaders often face an overwhelming list of tasks, but Lisa Marie believes only a small percentage of these tasks contribute to the long-term growth and evolution of an organization. To navigate this, she employs what she calls the “Power of One.”
"One priority. One action. One hour. Every day," she explains. This focused approach allows her to concentrate on actions that produce a return on investment (ROI) rather than merely getting things done. As
she has increased her effectiveness, her focus has shifted from completing tasks to engaging in activities that yield meaningful results.
Lisa Marie rejects the traditional concept of work-life balance, instead advocating for work-life integration. "To be balanced is to have equal magnitude in opposite direction," she asserts. For her alignment between work and life is achieved by maintaining clarity about who she is, what she wants, and why it matters at every moment. Through prayer, she brings God into every decision. This alignment ensures that her personal and professional life complement each other, creating a seamless and ful illing integration.
THE UPSIDE THINKING APPROACH
Upside Thinking was born out of a desire to change lives through leadership. Guided by the belief that mastering the art and science of leadership can change the world, the company focuses on both top-down and bottom-up approaches, making their methods accessible and useful for clients at any stage of their leadership journey.
The concept of Upside Thinking is central to Lisa Marie's coaching methodology. "The Upside in Upside Thinking isn't just the opposite of the downside. The concept of 'Upside' represents Unlimited Potential and a link to your higher consciousness or Divine wisdom," she explains. This approach ensures leaders understand they are responsible to live their lives to the fullness of their God-design - and when they don't, the world misses out on their gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences. And it takes courage to move past the status quo to achieve their highest potential.
COACHING PROGRAMS
The coaching programs at Upside Thinking are designed to take leaders on a journey of selfdiscovery. This journey requires courage because it requires stepping off the hamster wheel of life's responsibilities and into one's Divine purpose. At the heart of UPSIDE THINKING™ is a fundamental belief: leadership begins from within – not just having an improved technical skillset.
CONNECTION.
ACCOUNTABILITY. RESPONSIBILITY. EXCELLENCE.
"Far too often, folks get caught up in the pursuit of external achievements, only to be left feeling unful illed or struggling to maintain the progress they've made. This is why we focus on inner transformation rather than just technical skills," Lisa Marie emphasizes.
The UPSIDE THINKING™ approach lips this paradigm on its head. By guiding clients through a deep exploration of their innermost thoughts, beliefs, and patterns, they begin cultivating the mindset, behaviors, and habits needed to achieve their most ambitious goals.
The coaching programs include a blend of one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and immersive experiences. Clients can choose from three distinct leadership coaching programs, including how to use the Divine Operating System to create greater ease in daily life. Offerings include a "Gateway to Greatness" mastermind, weekly accountability conversations, leadership retreats, and private leadership retreat days. Additionally, the three-day Upside Summit held every January centers around the core of their curriculum – the 7 Pillars of Leadership – and gives you a look inside the upside.
"In a world that often will encourage you to conform, compete, and chase external markers of success, the UPSIDE THINKING™ body of work offers a fresh approach to leadership, guaranteeing you will achieve health, happiness, success, and
meaning," Lisa Marie notes.
By bridging business practicality and spirituality that leads to greater health and wealth, Upside Thinking provides the tools for clients to become the architects of their destinies.
A DYNAMIC FUTURE
Lisa Marie envisions a dynamic future for Upside Thinking, marked by both growth and strategic evolution. "I seek massive growth for Upside Thinking, and I also pray about every decision I make," she explains.
As new programs and initiatives
continue to evolve, Lisa Marie has recently focused on restructuring the infrastructure of her business.
Re lecting on the early days of Upside Thinking, she notes, "When I started the company 19 years ago, I had different personal responsibilities – and my main focus was to deliver leadership training programs on topics like change management, dealing with dif icult people, and communication dynamics."
Today, much of her effort is centered around leadership coaching and consulting programs, along with speaking engagements at larger conferences. This evolution necessitates an internal
shift as well. While she continues to externally focus on three key performance indicators—scalability, iscal responsibility, and innovation— as they are essential for sustainable success, she also invests in internal personal development and spiritual mentorship while continuing to let God lead. This is leading with purpose and passion.
Exeleon Shorts
One Book Entrepreneurs must read – Leadership and SelfDeception
One Tool / App that you would Recommend – GCode
One Quote that Motivates you the most – The world is full of people who will go their whole lives and not live a single day. She did not intend on being one of them.
One Advice for Women
Entrepreneurs – Be honest about what you want and why it matters – and have the courage to ask for help when needed.
One Movie / Podcast / Show you recommend – The Kid
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The King’s Crown
An Interview with Award-Winning Cosmetic Chemist –Ginger King
As an award-winning cosmetic chemist and the founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty, a New Jerseybased cosmetic product development irm, Ginger King has dedicated her career to creating beauty brands from concept to launch, including formulation.
With multiple patents and awards to her name, King's expertise and contributions to the beauty industry have been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations and publications.
She has served as Allure magazine's Beauty Judge for Breakthrough Products since 2017, received Yahoo's Diversity In Beauty Award in 2018, and judged the Beauty Packaging Award in 2019. Her
insights are valued in New Beauty Magazine's Brain Trust since 2020, and she has been an Iconic Fragrance Judge for Elle Magazine and an Iconic Skin Product Judge for Shape Magazine in 2023. Additionally, she is a NEXT Beauty Award Judge for Beauty Matter in 2023.
What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the beauty space?
I was born into beauty, as my mom was the irst woman to bring a Shiseido boutique from Japan to Taiwan. I never realized those early in luences until later.
I came to America when I was 16 years old and started wearing makeup. Originally, I
wanted to be a makeup artist, but being Asian, I was expected to have a PhD or at least a master's degree. So, I decided to major in chemistry and eventually became a cosmetic chemist.
You emphasize a 360 approach to beauty business. Could you elaborate on what this approach entails and how it sets you apart in the industry?
Most careers in beauty involve working in silos. If you are a chemist, you may not be familiar with marketing, and vice versa. Since my early interest in beauty, I have worked in every single aspect of the industry, starting from being a beauty consultant at a cosmetic counter where I learned what consumers want, to R&D in formulation and marketing on how to promote the products. I even worked as a cosmetic raw material salesperson, so I understand where innovation comes from.
You can dream big, but if you do not have the raw materials to support it, it will not happen. I also worked in manufacturing, so I am one of the very few who have 360degree experience in beauty. That is what I bring to my clients, where I create their beauty brand from concept to launch, including a formulation they can own.
Tell us about your latest venture, FanLoveBeauty, a clean vegan beauty brand. How did the inspiration from mentor Daymond John of Shark Tank shape this venture, and what
goals do you aim to achieve with it?
I was with Daymond John at an event. He took out a lip balm and used it in front of me. I thought, if it's something that close to him, in his pocket, on his lips, it must be mine.
He had some health issues previously, and what he was using, I actually frowned upon. So, I created a vegan lip balm with him in mind.
He's a business mogul who inspires people, so I dedicate my line to entrepreneurs who want to be as great as him. If you use my lip balm, you can speak like a shark.
As a mentor and inspiration to others, what advice would you give to aspiring cosmetic chemists, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to make their mark in the beauty industry?
If you really want to be in beauty, take whatever job you can get, because eventually, you will realize how everything is connected. Only when you truly embrace every aspect of the beauty industry can you be more ef icient and creative in creating the next best thing.
What emerging technologies or trends in skin treatment, color cosmetics, fragrance, hair, and personal care excite you the most, and how do you stay ahead in incorporating them into your work?
There are more and more talks about linking wellness and beauty to be holistic, and there are also scienti ic advances in new peptides that target speci ic concerns. I go to a lot of trade shows and am also a speaker at several beauty conferences, as I believe the day you stop learning is the day you fall behind.
What are your future goals for Grace Kingdom Beauty and FanLoveBeauty, and how do you envision your impact on the beauty industry evolving in the coming years?
For Grace Kingdom Beauty, I really enjoy working with indie beauty brands that have a purposeful mission, and seeing their success is my success.
For FanLoveBeauty, it started as a pet project, but I want to have a stronger impact on aspirational beauty, as beauty should not be just on the surface. FanLoveBeauty is obsessed with inspirations from our daily lives and creating meaningful products that bene it mankind.
INTERVIEW WITH
President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services
eet Melanie Powers, a trailblazer in the home services space and the dynamic President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services. With a background that bridges interior design and technical sales, Melanie's journey from Columbia College to the helm of a leading home services company is as inspiring as it is unique.
In this exclusive interview, Melanie shares the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated ield, her strategic vision that fueled Goodberlet Home Services' exponential growth, and her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Can you share your journey from studying Interior Design at Columbia College to becoming the President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services?
The careers offered to people starting out in design, at that time, were low paid with no bene its. I needed to be able to support myself and I wanted bene its like health
insurance. So, I set off on a different course and went into sales and ended up in software and hardware sales. I enjoyed the technical side of the products I was working with, but still wanted to do something in the building trades, so I took a position as an HVAC project manager.
As a female leader in a predominantly male industry, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
The irst challenge I faced was getting a path into the building trades. As young women being presented with career options, these types of trade jobs are only offered to men. Luckily, I interviewed someone in HVAC that saw my technical sales skills as an asset.
Once I began the position as a HVAC project manager, I faced male customers that would refuse to deal with a woman, or other men working in the industry that would ask me why they would send the secretary to a boiler installation class, or they would assume that my dad or husband owned the company, because they couldn't imagine a world where a woman could earn the position on her own merit. I just kept pushing forward, working and taking as many classes as I could to improve my knowledge.
Under your leadership, Goodberlet Home Services experienced a 600% growth in revenue. What strategies did you implement to achieve this growth?
When I assumed the position as president at Goodberlet Home Services, I saw a gap in the services we were providing. Many of our HVAC customers also had plumbing and electrical needs. We began illing in and providing those services. We also expanded our territory to cover all of Chicagoland and just recently into Indianapolis.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the home services industry?
I see the role of women expanding in HVAC with groups like www.womeninhbacr.org. There is still a long way to go as only 1.5% of HVAC jobs are held by women according to the U.S Bureau of Labor.
In what ways do you foster a culture of excellence and innovation at Goodberlet Home Services?
Our company culture is family oriented. We want our people to provide exceptional service to our clients, but to do that, they need to feel that they have work/life balance. We offer lexible schedules so that our employees
can take time out for their families when needed. We want them to be able to coach their child's baseball team or attend a school play. Working in home services can be a demanding career, as you are always responding to emergencies, and we want to make sure our employees have time to also take care of themselves when needed.
What are your long-term goals for Goodberlet Home Services, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Our long-term goals are to continue to grow our market share in greater Chicagoland and Indianapolis. We offer a solid solution to home mechanical needs. Our staff consists of knowledgeable professionals with decades of experience in plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and electrical services. We intend to facilitate that growth by continuing on our path of excellent customer service, staying at the forefront of new technologies and providing our employees with the tools to succeed.
A Pioneer in Aesthetic Innovation
Interview with Dr. Randa Jaafar
Can you share more about your journey from specializing in pain management to founding FILD Studio in the heart of New York?
My roots in pain management have catapulted my career in aesthetics and given me a deeper and multifaceted approach to treating patients with injectables that have multiple uses. Botox is used for pain and for aesthetics. So, if I can get rid of my patients' pain and give them a beautiful cosmetic effect, I think I bene itted them much more than the average "cosmetic injector".
Pain management is also why I started treating patients for weight loss, because a lot of painful conditions come from being overweight or obese. If I can decrease someone's weight, they will have less pain and feel more beautiful.
FILD Studio emphasizes a premium client experience free from misconceptions about injectables. How do you educate your clients about the safety and ef icacy of these treatments?
At FILD, our utmost priority is ensuring a premium client experience that is rooted in transparency and education regarding injectable
treatments. Safety and assurance are extremely important to me. Our procedures are conducted with care and expertise by our skilled injectors. I always like to emphasize the minimal risk that is involved with the injectables – there's less than 1% chance a patient will experience complications such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. The most common potential risks are bruising or swelling, which typically diminish within a week post-treatment.
Prior to any procedure, each client undergoes a thorough consultation session. We discuss the bene its of the treatment and carefully review the individual medical history and whether they have any health issues including thinning blood, pregnancies, or allergic reactions to other injections they may have previously had. If this is the case, they are not deemed eligible to proceed with the treatment.
A question I typically get among our patients pertains to the duration of the results. I like to inform them that illers typically last around 6 months, while Botox lasts approximately 3 months. Also, the body gradually breaks these substances over time. By educating clients about the natural breakdown process, it allows them to understand that it's not an abrupt cessation of
effects but rather a gradual decline:
Ÿ 1 month: 30% decrease
Ÿ 2 months: 60% decrease
Ÿ 3 months: 90% decrease
Lastly, we always address concerns regarding the quality of the products used in our procedures. It's important to reassure patients that our Botox is not diluted; rather, its breakdown is a natural process that occurs within the body daily.
Injectable treatments for wrinkle prevention can vary widely in approach. How do you personalize treatments to meet individual client needs and expectations?
I always like to start with understanding previous experiences and preferences with my patients. We initiate the consultation process by delving into the patients past experiences with injectable treatments.
Rather than rely solely on external reference like a photo of someone else, I prefer to understand what the patient loved and what they disliked from their previous treatments. This involves them showing pictures of themselves rather than other people or celebrities. This type of insight allows me to tailor the current treatment plan to align with their preferences and goals.
Also, it's important to recognize
that each individual has unique aesthetic preferences. Whether it's achieving a more natural appearance or opting for a more dramatic transformation, I take the time to understand their expectations. We often ind that men tend to prefer a neutral outcome, while women often seek a lifted appearance, particularly around the eyes.
For clients considering iller treatments, I prefer to employ a hands-on approach for visualization. I let them hold a mirror to watch every single step and demonstrate the effects of iller. I start with one side of the face irst, allowing the patients to witness the immediate results. This provides an interactive experience and allows the patient to provide feedback in real-time, indicating whether they want more or less iller to achieve their desired look.
Unlike iller treatments, the effects of Botox injections may take 7-10 days to fully manifest. We let our patients know about this timeframe by emphasizing the importance of patience in observing the inal result. It's critical to set realistic expectations with Botox and that if they do want more, it's a gradual enhancement. Also, I always emphasize that Botox wears off naturally over time, whereas illers can be dissolved at any time if needed. This reassurance is important to me and shows that the treatments we are provided are unique to each patient and their evolving needs.
A Day in My Life
A day in my life is often a whirlwind of activity, with work taking center stage most of the time. Sometimes it feels like all work and no life! Especially, with the constant stream of calls and emails that demand my attention. I've found myself relying on Uber recently to get around, using those moments to catch up on emails and texts.
My schedule varies day by day, but on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, I head into the of ice after 2 PM. The other days, I kick off my mornings at a cozy coffee shop, armed with my computer to tackle meetings over the phone and sift through various documents like reports and patient lists.
I make it a point to prioritize spending time with friends, especially since I don't have family nearby. Whether it's grabbing dinner or a quick drink after work, these moments of connection are essential to me.
I recognize that my life currently leans heavily towards work, with only a fraction left for personal activities. But I try to make the most of those moments, whether it's indulging in some retail therapy or hitting the gym. Whenever New York has a sunny day, I love to sit outside at a nearby park and just take in the sun. It's all about inding those small moments of joy amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As a leader in cosmetic medicine, what advice would you give to young physicians interested in entering this ield?
As a leader in cosmetic medicine, the most valuable advice I can offer to young physicians aspiring to enter this ield is to prioritize the happiness of your patients above all else. Each patient is unique, with individual desires and expectations, and it's crucial to tailor every single treatment to meet their speci ic needs and goals.
Mastering the technical aspects of cosmetic procedures is undoubtedly important, but the true skill lies in understanding how to make each individual patient happy. This means actively listening to their concerns, preferences, and desires. I've realized with my years of experience that it's not just about the inal outcome of the procedure, it's about the overall experience and how you make them feel throughout the process.
If you want to be successful, put the patient irst and ensure that their
wants and needs are at the forefront of every treatment plan. By focusing on what they want and actively listening to their feedback, you can create personalized treatment plans that truly make a difference in their lives and how they feel.
What are your future aspirations for FILD Studio? Are there new technologies or treatment methods you are excited to explore or introduce to your clients?
My future aspirations involve expanding to multiple locations and re ining our business model to better serve our patients. I'm particularly passionate about enhancing our marketing efforts to reach a wider audience and make our services more accessible.
One area I'm especially passionate about exploring is the integration of weight loss drugs into our offerings. I've seen irsthand how much joy and con idence cosmetic treatments and injectables can bring to our clients, but I truly
believe beauty is about feeling comfortable and con ident in your own skin, regardless of size or shape. I want to help our clients achieve their desired weight goals and feel empowered in their bodies.
There's still a lot of stigma surrounding weight loss injections. Many people have feelings of shame or fear of the potential risks and side effects. I really want to break those barriers and reduce the labels associated with seeking help to look and feel your best. It's essential to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their options and making informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Ultimately, my goal for FILD Studio is to be a trusted partner in helping my patients look and feel their best, inside and out. It's important to continue embracing new technologies and treatment methods, while also prioritizing compassion and understanding.
Lashing Out Loud
For Miranda Voth, her journey began with a passion for creativity and an analytical mind, but it was her desire for freedom and expression that led her into the world of beauty.
Miranda Voth is a dynamic entrepreneur and a visionary in the beauty space. In 2015, she took the leap to pursue a Medical Aesthetics diploma and quickly found her niche in lash extensions, a service that has remained a core part of her service till today.
In this Interview with Exeleon Magazine, Miranda Voth talks about her journey, starting her own business, and her ight against stigma.
Can you share your story of transitioning from a background in marketing to becoming a certi ied lash technician and medical aesthetician?
I started working in advertising when I was 22, in social media for brands. It was a job that required creativity but also an analytical mind to igure out what content worked best for our clients online. But it was also a very tough industry that changed fast and often. I was working evenings and weekends; it was creatively draining and came with a lot of feedback without the autonomy to ix the problems. I felt like I was giving away so much of myself and not seeing the returns I wanted for my work. I would come home from stressful days at work and look up “best careers for women” or “what industries are up and coming” to see if I could transition my skills to something that it me better.
Then in 2014 I was laid off from a company I absolutely loved working for and felt like no matter how much I gave to this company, I was just disposable to them.
One night in my Google search, I saw an article about a team of Toronto girls who
were offering laser hair removal, and it piqued my interest.
In June 2015, I went to college to get my Medical Aesthetics diploma. While in school, I took a lash extension course so I would have a job on the sides. To this day, lash extension has remained as my most popular service among customers.
I offered beauty services from my home as a side hustle for years and in 2020, I inally quit my corporate job to open a full-time skin, lash, and laser business.
What inspired you to enter this industry and become a beauty entrepreneur?
I had always loved beauty treatments and was an early adopter of lash extensions, having my irst set done in 2011. So, I knew I could have some in luence with my friends and family to try my treatments.
I think when I was younger, I didn't
know the power a beauty entrepreneur could have. But once I realized how much freedom, money, and peace it could bring to my life, I wish I had taken the leap sooner.
The one aspect I love the most is that when there's a problem in my business, I have the ability and power to ix it myself.
Can you discuss the process of launching your own line of beauty products? What was the inspiration behind it, and what
steps did you take to bring it to market?
When I irst launched our Lash Extension Cleanser, there was really nothing on the market that was client-facing. Lash supply companies sold lash cleansers for technicians to retail, but it wasn't common.
I was noticing my clients leave their lash extension appointments and instead ask me on how to take care of their lashes, considering there was nothing in the drugstores for their aid.
Lash extensions require specialty products to cleanse them as the glue doesn't hold up well with the use of oil or glycerin. So, I hired a cosmetic chemist who helped me create the formula. We then found a lab that was willing to take my small quantity order and we of icially launched the cleanser in 2016! I have been selling it to salons, spas, and customers online and in my shop. But my big goal is to have it in a Shoppers, Rexall, or Sephora one day!
Balancing work and personal life is crucial yet challenging. How do you manage this balance, and what advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Having your own business means working never stops. Even when I am on my days off, I am always answering direct messages from clients, creating marketing content, and thinking of ways to expand my business.
But one thing that helps is that I try to schedule my down time and stick to it. I try to plan out what needs to get done when I get to work so that the list is available when I have down time. If I don't, I tend to waste precious time in my workday and the consequence of that is I end up working on my days off. Sticking to the plan, and having one in general, always makes me more productive.
I also think having a supportive partner helps so much. My partner gives me the freedom to get things done and doesn't take it personal that I work 6 days a week because she knows everything I put in, we see the returns of it.
How do you use your platform and business to promote diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry?
This has always been something that was a priority for me. Part of my story about working in advertising was how I always felt men were awarded the exciting projects, promotions, and given the opportunities, even though I had the same experience or work ethic as them.
This was a driving factor in why I
wanted to be my own boss one day. I am a woman who identi ies as queer and Indigenous, so I have seen how the business world favors particular groups above others.
In my business, I strive to offer aesthetic services for all skin types, and I actively stock products that are made by people of color for people of color. For instance, many of my lash supplies are from an AsianFemale owned Canadian Company and one of the skincare lines I offer is owned and formulated by a South Asian owner.
I also do my best to feature diversity in my marketing by displaying different beauty ideals, celebrating different cultures with my posting strategy, and of course supporting causes I believe in such as Every Child Matters and sharing other Indigenous entrepreneurs' work.
Looking to the future, what are your aspirations for My Beauty Lab? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions you can share?
My goal was always to get my Lash Extension Cleanser into a larger retailer since they don't carry anything like it yet! So, I will be working towards that this year.
I am also slowly building clients in Toronto. Hopefully I can open a second location for our service business in Toronto soon!
Gloria Kolb
Pioneering Non-Invasive Solutions in Women’s Health
Gloria Kolb, the co-founder of ELITONE®, is not just an inventor but a visionary in the realm of women's health. With an impressive portfolio of 30 patents to her name, Gloria has dedicated her career to addressing some of the most intimate and overlooked issues in women's health.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the inspiration behind her groundbreaking invention, ELITONE®, a non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence, and delve into her journey of innovation and perseverance.
Can you share the inspiration behind co-founding ELITONE® and developing a non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence?
I knew bladder leakage was a common issue, but it wasn't until I was trying to treat myself that I became dismayed at and alerted to how poor the treatments were. “Poor” means that they may have worked but had no concern with how a
woman would it the treatment into her life. All the vaginal devices meant that she had to ind time to lock herself in her bedroom to be lat on her back and wait 20 minutes. The vaginal devices were hard to hold, hard to keep using, and just made me feel icky. I thought there had to be a better (easier) way!
With 30 patents to your name, what drives your passion for invention and innovation in women's health?
I love creating and designing, and that was how I was made. Put that together with the real need in women's health, where there hasn't been a lot of innovation, and that sets the platform. Then keep it fueled with the feedback from women that Elitone is changing their lives, and that all keeps us going.
ELITONE® has been recognized as a breakthrough solution for incontinence. Can you discuss the challenges you faced during its development and how you overcame them?
With my cofounder and my 50+ combined years in medical device development, we didn't ind a lot of challenges during Elitone's development. Our planning and experience got us through prototype development, clinical studies, and only a few minor
hiccups with regulatory approvals. It does take time though, unlike the array of non-medical kegel devices that lood the market making any sort of claims they want. However, our challenges (and I can't say we overcame them - we are still going through them), come in the
commercialization of the products. For example, it was pretty impossible to get funding due to the embarrassing nature of the issue, a product for women's health, by a female founder, that male investors don't necessarily understand. But even female investors have told me,
“I love Elitone, and I will keep using your product, but I am going to fund your competitor because it's a better inancial deal that I cannot pass up.”
Secondly, we are highly regulated but are selling Direct to Consumer,
so we don't it the life science nor CPG (consumer product goods) buckets that venture capital investors typically are in.
Finally, we sell directly to consumers to make Elitone as accessible as possible (since most
women do not talk to their doctors about incontinence), yet the consumers expect lower pricing as an electronic and will compare Elitone to the cheaper devices that have no FDA approvals! It is a tough area to be in, but we stick it out because we know in the end we are serving women the best.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to careers in technology and innovation, particularly in the femtech space?
I previously had a job early in my career where I just analyzed foreign missiles. Although it used my engineering degrees, it felt empty and unsustainable. When you create a product that other people bene it from, it is so rewarding. One thing about serving women is that they are very vocal, both when they have their complaints, and also so appreciative when you help them. I would tell women who are interested in this career to go for it. I enjoy my work and it is not a “job”. Isn't that what we want out of life, to be ful illed?
How do you plan to continue driving innovation and addressing unmet needs in women's health through your work?
We have quite a large list of women now. I plan to keep asking them questions and listening to them.
Fiserv Releases June 2024 Small Business Index Report
Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a
leading global provider of payments and inancial services technology, has released its Fiserv Small Business Index™ for June 2024. This index serves as a key indicator of the performance of small businesses across the United States at national, state, and industry levels.
The latest data shows a mixed picture for small businesses, with both positive and negative trends emerging. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted Fiserv Small Business Index for June declined to 140. Despite this drop, there was growth
on a year-over-year basis, with small business sales increasing by 1.6% and transactions up by 4.4% compared to June 2023. However, the pace of growth has slowed, as evidenced by a 2.9% decline in sales and a 1.5% decrease in transactions from May to June.
Jennifer LaClair, Head of Merchant Solutions at Fiserv, highlighted the importance of the index, stating, "The Fiserv Small Business Index provides timely insight into small business performance well ahead of other economic indicators. As consumers adjust their spending patterns, our ability to understand the impact on small businesses
helps us work across our ecosystem to better support clients through a changing economic landscape."
Retail Sector Performance
In the retail sector, small business sales indexed at 142 in June, showing year-over-year sales growth of 2.4% and a 7.0% increase in transactions. General Merchandise outperformed all retail subsectors with an 8.5% growth in sales, followed by Gasoline Stations and Health and Personal Care, both at 2.8%.
However, Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers and
Furniture/Electronics/Appliance Retailers experienced declines of 4.1% and 1.2%, respectively.
On a monthly basis, retail faced more signi icant challenges, with sales dropping by 3.3% and transactions by 0.8%. General Merchandise was the only category to see growth from May to June, while Gasoline Stations, Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers, and Health and Personal Care saw the sharpest declines.
Restaurant and Food Categories
The restaurant sector showed continued year-over-year growth, with sales up by 3.6% and transactions by 2.3%. Average ticket sizes at small restaurants increased by 1.3%. Food and Beverage stores, including grocery, saw a 4.6% rise in sales and an 8.1% increase in transactions.
Month-over-month data indicated a slowdown, with restaurant sales
and transactions declining by 1.2% and 1.9%, respectively. Rising food prices contributed to a slight increase in average ticket sizes, up by 0.7% from May. Unlike May, there was no signi icant shift in consumer spending from restaurants to other food categories, as grocery sales also softened by 0.3%.
Other Industry Movements
Professional, Scienti ic, and Technical Services exhibited strong year-over-year growth, with sales up by 9.0% and transactions by 7.7%. However, sales declined by 2.9% from May, while transactions remained relatively lat.
Specialty Trade Contractors saw a 1.6% increase in sales and a 3.8% rise in transactions year-over-year, but both metrics tapered off monthover-month. Other notable yearover-year growth sectors included Web Search Portals, Libraries and Related Services (+22.9%) and
Amusement/Gambling/Recreation (+13.4%). Conversely, Real Estate and Transportation Equipment Manufacturing faced the steepest declines.
Methodology and Access
The Fiserv Small Business Index is published monthly and is derived from direct consumer spending activity within the U.S. small business ecosystem. It aggregates point-of-sale transaction data, including card, cash, and check transactions in-store and online across approximately 2 million U.S. small businesses. The index, benchmarked to 2019, provides a numeric measure of consumer spending and customer traf ic, offering a reliable gauge of small business performance.
For more detailed information and to access the full Fiserv Small Business Index, visit iserv.com/FiservSmallBusinessInd ex.
Women-Owned Businesses Propel Economic Growth Amid Challenges
Women-owned
businesses are making a signi icant impact on the U.S. economy, representing 39.1% of all businesses, employing 12.2 million workers, and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue. This data is highlighted in the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report, created in collaboration with Ventureneer, CoreWoman, and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP).
From 2019 to 2023, the number of women-owned businesses grew at nearly double the rate of those owned by men. Notably, the growth rate accelerated to 4.5 times that of men-owned businesses between 2022 and 2023. This trend underscores the resilience and dynamism of women entrepreneurs, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent
economic disruptions.
Resilience During the Pandemic
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, women launched more businesses than they closed, in contrast to the decline in men-owned businesses. Women-owned businesses not only increased their workforces but also boosted their revenues, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. From 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of women-owned businesses outpaced that of men-owned businesses by 94.3% in terms of the number of irms, 252.8% in employment, and 82.0% in revenue. During the pandemic, these businesses added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy.
Val Jones,
Wells Fargo Women's Segment Lead for Small Business,
commented on this trend, saying, “The impact that women-owned businesses make on the economy is undeniable. Even more impressive is that growth in women entrepreneurship – whether it was their workforce or revenue – grew during an extremely dif icult time. From the trillions in revenue they contribute to the economy to the millions in jobs, women-owned businesses are coming out of the pandemic stronger than they went into the pandemic and many are thriving. It's a testament to their resiliency and the breadth and depth of support they've received from government entities, banks, corporations, and philanthropic organizations that must be sustained.”
Growth Among Diverse Demographics
The report also highlights signi icant growth among
Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino women-owned businesses. Between 2019 and 2023, average revenues for Black/African American womenowned businesses increased by 32.7%, while Hispanic/Latino women-owned businesses saw a 17.1% rise. This growth surpasses the 12.1% increase for all womenowned businesses.
Women-owned businesses with 50 or more employees account for nearly half of the employment and revenue generated by womenowned businesses. These larger irms average $31.8 million in revenue, collectively generating $1.3 trillion. If these businesses matched the average revenue of similarly sized men-owned businesses, they could add an additional $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy.
Judith Goldkrand, Wells Fargo Women's Segment Lead for Commercial Banking, emphasized the importance of supporting these businesses, stating, “The surge in growth rates of women-owned irms with more than 50 employees proves their strength and adaptability during and post the pandemic era. To sustain the growth and close the gaps, it's important that we continue to create opportunities that help these businesses lourish, including removing barriers to capital, providing technical assistance, and offering support with business certi ication.”
Industry Trends and Regional Impact
Women-owned businesses are increasingly diverse in their industry representation. As of 2023,
half of all women-owned businesses are concentrated in the following sectors:
Ÿ Other services (16.2%)
Ÿ Professional, scienti ic, and technical services (14.4%)
Ÿ Administrative, support, and waste management services (11.9%)
Ÿ Healthcare and social assistance (11.3%)
Between 2019 and 2023, the fastest-growing sectors for womenowned businesses included inance, insurance, real estate, transportation, and warehousing, with growth rates of 50%.
Geographically, the impact of women-owned businesses varies, in luenced by local economic conditions and support programs. The states with the highest economic clout for women-owned businesses, characterized by strong economies and supportive environments, include New York, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and California. Top metropolitan areas for women-owned business growth are Miami-Fort LauderdaleWest Palm Beach (Florida), DallasFort Worth-Arlington (Texas), Boston-Cambridge-Newton (Massachusetts and New Hampshire), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim (California), and Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale (Arizona).
Closing the Revenue Gap
Despite their substantial contributions, women-owned businesses represent only 9.2% of the workforce and 5.8% of revenue. Closing the revenue gap between
women-owned and men-owned businesses has the potential to generate an additional $7.9 trillion for the U.S. economy. Addressing disparities for racially and ethnically diverse women-owned businesses could add $667 billion in revenue.
Angela Dingle, President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy, called for continued support for women entrepreneurs, stating, “It's incredible to see how women are strengthening the post-COVID economy, but their impact can be even greater with additional support, tailored to the needs of speci ic demographic segments. While we've seen new mentorship and networking programs emerge, specialized grants, and other services to help support the growth of women-owned businesses, we must continue to do more. By working together, we can create an environment where women can make an even greater impact on the economy and for themselves.”
About the Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report
The Wells Fargo Impact of WomenOwned Business Report is an inaugural publication that examines the effects of COVID-19 on U.S. businesses, highlighting the growth of women-owned businesses from 2019 to 2023, with a particular focus on those owned by women of color. The report includes projections based on U.S. Census Bureau data and insights from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Current Population Survey.
For more information and to explore the full report, visit Wells Fargo's website.
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Growth and Defying Challenges
Women-owned businesses
are a powerful force in today's global economy, demonstrating remarkable growth and resilience over the decades. With 12.3 million women-owned businesses today compared to just 402,000 in 1972, the landscape has signi icantly transformed. This exponential rise highlights the increasing role of women entrepreneurs, who now constitute 43% of the total number of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Key Statistics on Women Entrepreneurs
Growth and Representation
1. Explosive Growth : The number of women-owned businesses has surged from 402,000 in 1972 to 12.3 million today in the United States alone. This trend is expected to continue, re lecting the persistent rise in female entrepreneurship.
2. Global Presence : Women make up 43% of entrepreneurs worldwide, underscoring their substantial contribution to the global business landscape.
3. Age Demographics : Women between 40 and 59 years of age comprise the highest percentage of female business owners, accounting for 62% of the total. This age group bene its from extensive experience and established networks, crucial for business success.
Achievements and Challenges
4. Unicorn Success : In the irst half of 2019, ten women-owned businesses achieved unicorn status, a testament to their innovative capabilities and market impact.
5. Gender Bias : Over 35% of female entrepreneurs have encountered gender bias, affecting their ability to secure conventional loans and other inancial resources.
6. Startups : Women owned and operated about 31% of startups in the United States as of 2021, showcasing their growing in luence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Financial Independence and Business Financing
7. Self-Reliance : More than 50% of female entrepreneurs depend solely on their businesses for their inancial needs, highlighting their reliance on the success of their ventures.
8. Financing Challenges : Only a quarter of female entrepreneurs request business inancing at the inception of their businesses, often due to barriers in accessing capital. Women typically seek $35,000 less in funding than their male counterparts.
9. Revenue Disparity : A staggering 88% of women-owned businesses generate below $100,000 in annual revenue, illustrating the inancial
challenges many female entrepreneurs face.
Industry Representation and Impact
10. Underrepresented Sectors : Women own just 13% of irms in the construction, administration support, industrial, and waste management sectors. However, their presence in these traditionally male-dominated industries is gradually increasing.
11. Business Ownership : One in every three businesses globally has a woman as the principal owner, re lecting a signi icant yet uneven distribution across different regions and industries.
Comparative Insights: Male vs. Female Entrepreneurs
12. Entrepreneurial Spirit : Both genders show an equal likelihood (32%) of starting and running a business, indicating a shared entrepreneurial drive.
13. Crowdsourcing Success : Women have a higher success rate (69.5%) in crowdsourcing compared to men (61.4%), suggesting effective community support for female-led ventures.
14. Loan Disparities : On average, women received $39,000 in business loans in 2020, compared to $44,000 for men, highlighting persistent funding inequities.
15. Stress and Pessimism : Female entrepreneurs report higher stress levels and pessimism about business growth, with 26% feeling more stressed than their male counterparts.
16. Investment Returns : Investors receive 63% more returns from women-led startups than from male-led ones, demonstrating the inancial viability of investing in women entrepreneurs.
The Impact of COVID-19
revenue, highlighting their growing economic in luence.
17. Resilience : During the pandemic, 70% of female entrepreneurs worried about their businesses' survival. Despite these challenges, many women-owned businesses adapted and thrived.
18. Government Support : In Canada, the government allocated $15 million to support female entrepreneurs affected by the pandemic, illustrating the importance of institutional backing.
19. Saudi Arabia : Arabian women account for 33% of businesses in Saudi Arabia, and they are projected to signi icantly boost
Employment and Economic Contributions
20. Employment : Female entrepreneurs employ over 9 million workers, contributing signi icantly to the labor market and economic growth.
21. Minority-Owned Businesses : Women of color, particularly African-American and Hispanic women, own a rapidly growing number of businesses, providing millions of jobs and generating substantial revenue.
Conclusion
The narrative that men dominate the business world is increasingly becoming outdated. Women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers, driving economic growth, and creating employment opportunities across various industries. Their perseverance, innovative spirit, and resilience are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. As women continue to rise in the business world, their impact on the global economy is set to grow even more profound.
