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From high-heel shoe protectors to a resort in India, Stacey interviewed almost 100 women entrepreneurs who started companies from scratch— with an idea and a dream. She asked each of them how they turned their passion into profit and escaped the Lipstick Ghetto (LG). Here’s Beth Shaw’s Interview. |
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Former occupation in the LG: Advertising and Sales Why did you decide to leave the LG?: In the late eighties the job market in NY was gloomy. Taking and failing several typing tests left me working as an assistant in a media buying firm. I developed great envy for the women who were in their thirties and had successful careers – I wanted to be just like them. However I also wanted to excel a quicker pace than the company had a need for. I soon found myself out of a job. FIRED ! I then moved to California where I worked in advertising sales for many years. First for a militant company that had me there from 6:45 am to 5pm – I got written up every time I was late and tapped on the shoulder every time I was not on a sales call…. Yes once again I found myself out of a job. How did you plan your escape from the LG?: I was then offered the position of Western Advertising Manager for a trade magazine based of out Ohio. My discipline was then tested, as I became MY OWN BOSS. Of course I had to answer to a manager in Ohio, but like any salesperson, my income and my job depended on my productivity and my sales. I became very thankful that I developed the tenacity from my first sales jobs when the beach and a lawn chair called my name every day. It was during this time I got more into my yoga practice, taking certifications, and teaching and began working on YOGAFIT. When did you leave?: I founded YogaFit in 1994.YogaFit started to grow and I gave up my 6-figure salary, medical benefits and expense account. Why did you select this particular business?: I did not love advertising sales, I loved yoga and it is my passion. I wanted to make a career out of what I loved to do the most. YogaFit has grown into a multi-million dollar business and I enjoy what I do every day. One sentence to describe what your business does:YogaFit overcomes the mystery of yoga by delivering a practical, user-friendly style, which is accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any level of fitness. The best thing about being a business owner: Being my own boss and being able to bring the power of yoga to the masses. The hardest thing about being a business owner:Constantly working to better my business. It’s hard to disconnect from work. Advice you would give to women wanting to leave their 9-to-5: Work to live, don’t live to work. Do what makes you happy or you won’t be happy in life. |
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Beth Shaw - YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide |
