Today I got to meet Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, who together with a college friend Alexis Maybank, founded Gilt in 2007. As a part of their book launch - "By Invitaton Only - How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop" (a story of how their uber-successful site was started) - she is visiting our corner of the world. The room at MAKERS in downtown Seattle was packed with stylish female entrepreneurs; we were invited by CRAVE, all curious to listen to Alexandra's success story. Hearing it confirmed what I already knew, made me feel stronger about some decisions I had to make, and I also learned a thing or two.
Success doesn't happen overnight. It is hard, hard work, and only few succeed so fabulously like the founders of Gilt. There is no recipe for it, but a handful of truths that may make it easier. Like having a (good and like-minded) partner - you can go it alone, but it's more fun to have a shoulder to cry on, and share your dreams with. Ideally they will provide another point of view, another perspective, fill in the gaps.
There is a long way from a concept, an idea, to making it work, living through the first years of implementing it, creating a working entity, and then the stage of running a mature business. There will be scary times - but understanding your fears will make it easier to move past them. Also, when you're in business for yourself, you never stop. Weekends, holidays, there's no 9 to 5. Finding a balance early on is what will keep you from burning out!
Kudos to the gutsy ladies who had the chutzpah to make their dream a reality, even if it seemed an outrageous idea. I wonder how many naysayers they had to listen to (I should have asked that question!). Fast forward five years, they have a billion dollar business, three kids between them, a book, and - I am certain - more ideas to build on. Way to go!
I forgot to add I had a minor panic attack deciding what to wear to the event - after all it was with a GILT founder!
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