Comfortable is Sexy

Two former Anthropologie buyers have created a lingerie store that celebrates all women.  The name of their company is Hidden Intimates and it operates under the mantra that "comfortable is sexy."  Agree?  I sure do.  You have to be who you are – and always, always be comfortable.

With a mission that focuses on telling stories instead of presenting a manufactured idea of beauty, Hidden Intimates channels the current thinking around undergarment fashion.

Read how two friends turned a dream into a reality but meanwhile, check this out:

But things are going well. Since launching three months ago, Hidden Intimates has sold about 50 pieces to people from all over North America, they said. One person ordered from Texas, and another from Canada. On trend, the most popular item is the “everyday lace bralette,” which has no wires and sells for $18. Each one gets shipped by hand from [Flo] Mcilwaine [co-founder's] house in Atlanta, where she still works a day job as a buyer for Home Depot.

Join Laurel Delaney in New York 7/18 to Learn How to Export Successfully in the Digital Age

The first in New York-based NEXCO's 2019 seminar series on what you need to know to sell your products in markets worldwide, this is where to start building your export sales strategy.

Lead presenter, Chicagoan Laurel Delaney, will discuss how to use the digital tools that level the field for small and mid-size businesses, launch and scale-up export sales, and avoid the 6 mistakes new exporters most often make.

Plan on joining in on the after-seminar reception for wine-tasting and networking with the NY metro exporting community.

To learn more and to register, visit here.

Happy 15-Year Anniversary to the Escape From Corporate America Blog!

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

For all of you who have been following our Escape From Corporate America (EFCA) adventures, you know it's been quite some time since we have been blogging -- some 15 years!  For the newcomers, can you believe it?  We can't because time flies when you are having fun, living your dream, and helping others live their dream too with starting a business.

We launched Escape From Corporate America officially on July 2, 2004 and since then, we have had more than 806,000 readers (not quite a million but we'll get there thanks to you).  We average about 10,000-15,000 readers a month now!  Take a look at our second post in 2004 talking about why EFCA was established.  It reads as follows:

This blog has been set up for businesswomen to voice their experiences working in Corporate America. Many women have expressed concern that Corporate America is actively pushing out its most talented women. Have you encountered something similar? What have you done about it?

Has the glass ceiling issue been a major reason for leaving your position? Are you thinking of striking out on your own to start your own business -- as a result of job dissatisfaction?

These are some of the kinds of issues that need to be openly discussed. If we do not challenge the system, no improvements will ever be made. Feel free to weigh-in with your comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

So grab your tall glass filled with your favorite beverage and toast to the Escape From Corporate America blog:  "To many more blog posts about helping female entrepreneurs go from corporate America to starting their own business!"  And to you dear reader, I thank you for your readership and for starting a business.  Read on!

Podcasts for Female Entrepreneurs

Happy Sunday everyone!  As you kick back, soak in the sun or drive to your best secluded getaway, give these podcasts a listen.  ForbesWomen contributor Bianca Barratt says:

Podcasts, in my [Bianca Barratt's] opinion, remain one of the greatest resources for entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, guidance and expertise from successful businesswomen for free.

Learn more about some really good podcasts for female entrepreneurs.

Photo by Juja Han on Unsplash.

Follow Your Heart on Innovation

Here's an article I wrote for Thrive Global, "Creating a Culture of Innovation:  Learning From the Best."  It's about following your heart and intuition on matters of innovation.  When you run a business, you must think about innovation!

In the article I focus on three people:  Walt Disney, Samuel Palmisano and Steve Jobs.  A snippet from Walt Disney:

Lesson: To create a culture of innovation, be straightforward. Listen. Simplify. Do things. Build things. Get something going.

Sound familiar?  Read the article here.

Photo by Taylor Rogers on Unsplash.

Grit is a Mindset for Women Entrepreneurs

Natalie James is a wife, mom of three, entrepreneur, owner and CEO of Toronto’s exclusive blow dry bar — Vent Blow Dry Bar. She believes grit – courage and resolve; strength of character – is a learned behavior.

“To develop grit, look to others who have demonstrated their ability to persevere through hardship and learn from them”

She goes on to say, "Ask them how to stay positive when faced with hardship or how to maintain focus when faced with distractions?"

Life is all about learning and growing.  Find out for yourself what else Natalie has to say. 

Photo by Sammie Vasquez on Unsplash.

Women Entrepreneurs Shape Our Economy Yet Face Challenges As they Persist

Traditionally entrepreneurs have been viewed as innovators who come up with new ideas for the markets, products and various techniques. They have the capability to shape the economy by creating new wealth and jobs and inventing new products and services.

In the case of women entrepreneurs, they are no longer viewed as traditional resources confined to the household, however, despite being educated, knowledgeable and capable of contributing towards transforming economies, women face fundamental challenges trying to enter the entrepreneurial sector.  This is particularly true in India.

Read more about the fundamental challenges women entrepreneurs face and how to overcome them.

Photo courtesy CoWomen on Unsplash