A trait that many entrepreneurs have in common is that they use the observations and events from their own lives to create their businesses.
Today’s guest talks about how powerful events in her own life helped her find hers.
Please introduce yourself to our readers…
I’m Adrienne Mazzone, a widow, mother of two and now a President of one of the largest independent public relations firms in southern Florida.
You once started your own business – what was it?
The business I had was Stained Glass Memorials, LLC. which was to give some comfort and personalization for loved ones headstones. The memorial stone had a cut-out completely through the stone so that the encased stained glass art design can be seen from both sides and a solar-powered light that shined on it to illuminate it.
What made you decide to go out on your own vs work for someone else?
I created a stained glass cross for the headstone of my late husband and when the sun shined on the glass it cast a reflection on the ground. Many came to admire this vision. That’s what made me decide to start the business.
Did you take any outside funding?
Although I was seeking funding, I did not and used my money to get everything together.
Did you have any partners?
I did not have any partners.
What was your vision/goal for the company? (Did you meet that?)
My goal was to comfort those that also had a loss and wanted to have a special touch in their honor.
What was your company culture like? Did it ever change?
I operated out of my, upstate Cornwall, NY then home.
Why are you not with that business anymore?
Once I relocated and began to work, I decided to “shelf” the entire idea, business and move to working with people in other areas such as listening to their goals and trying to aid in achieving those goals.
Would you do it again?
I would certainly love to see Stained Glass Memorials active again someday.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently the President of TransMedia Group, a full service multi-lingual public relations firm in Boca Raton serving clients worldwide. I keep both people and companies in the news and ease relationships that help brands grow.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business?
Give yourself a goal and a cut-off point. If you have not met your goals and you’re not getting that feeling or accomplishment or making the money you had hoped, be ready to move on to something else and consider it another chapter in your book…and make sure you come to me to promote that book!
What is your favorite song?
Skid Row – I remember you!
Thank you for that Adrienne! You can reach her on Twitter @AdrienneMazzone