What do you specialize in, what are you most known for? We specialize in Girl Empowered Workshops through Chicks With Class centers, school curriculum and girls conferences. Everyone has a story about why they started, what’s your’s? I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and as a young girl I lacked confidence and overall self esteem. It wasn’t until I developed social skills and overcame my fear of speaking to people that I gained my self esteem. My social skills were developed through the training I received in the military, internships I’ve held and the time I spent obtaining my undergraduate degree at Texas Southern University. It dawned on me one day that if young girls were exposed to more of the experiences I had they too would have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Girls with low self esteem don’t realize their full potential because of fear or lack of enthusiasm to even try. This is why I created my company Chicks With Class™️ where we provide unique workshops to girls which help them reach their full potential. We are the first for profit Girls Email Company listed as a Public Benefit Corpotation in the United States. I’ve developed a way to commercialize my technique so that I am creating opportunities for both shareholders and stakeholders. Being in business can be hard and difficult sometimes, what keeps you motivated? The opportunities my company is creating duke stakeholders being the girls impacted by our programs, schools and organizations. My motivation also comes from the shareholders such as the franchisees and licensees. What can we look for ward to from you in the upcoming year? We plan to open up multiple locations in Texas and spread to surrounding cities and states. We also want our curriculum to be implemented throughout Texas schools and surrounding states. What has been the hardest thing about being in business? Access to funding for my type of entity. I am the first to market so it takes a bit more for investment and banks to understand my business model. It’s also extremely difficult to handle work/life balance. With an infant and 2 boys both in elementary school it’s been hard to manage everything while keeping the business goals met. What are the failures that you most cherish? I cherish all of my failures because they are all opportunities for me to learn. The one that sticks out the most however is my most recent failure to launch a
product on time. I learned that I didn’t have all of the pieces to the puzzle together but we went back to the drawing board. After looking at things from all angles, of the product would’ve launched we wouldn’t have been able to handle the growth which would’ve put the brand at risk. What did you want to be when you grew up? I actually wanted to be a lawyer because I was great a arguing my point and having others agree with me. What do you do in your free time? I spend my free time traveling the world with my children. How would you describe yourself in one word? Resilient What sets you apart from others who are doing the same thing? I developed a way to commercialize the girls empowerment industry providing opportunities for not only stakeholders but creating new opportunities for shareholders. What is a philosophy or quote that you live by? Stay prepared so you don’t have to get prepared. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone wanting to follow your path, what would it be? Don’t give up because every struggle you’ve endured is worth it in the end if you just keep going. I was recently selected out of 100 applicants for a 12 month fellowship with with Global Good Fund which highlights veteran entrepreneurs with social enterprises. This Fellowship will provided mentorship, leadership training and $10,000 grant to help my business grow. Margo Jordan Baines - margobaines@chickswithclass.com Chicks With Class is located at 16430 West Lake Houston Pkwy Suite 400 Houston, TX 77044 For more information on Chicks With Class visit www.chickswithclass.com or call (281) 832-3638 Be sure to follow them on social at @chicks_with_class on Instagram @Chicks With Class on Facebook and @Chickswclass
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