An Entrepreneur’s Journey: PLAY - Juggle by Jean Criss. February 22, 2024.
Yes, it's safe to say that I've been on an entrepreneurial journey over the past decade, connecting with a myriad of people – consumers, partners, distributors, licensees, manufacturers, sourcing companies, and various collaborators. The spectrum is vast, spanning multiple industries and market segments, including business, media, technology, healthcare, and fashion, among others. This broad reach allows me to network at various levels and explore diverse territories to move the needle forward in business.
I've never let the nature of a job, someone's position, or the size of an organization deter me from initiating conversations or doing business. Instead, I embrace new opportunities, always eager to learn and engage in open discussions to propel progress. I extract valuable insights from every interaction, consistently incorporating ideation and new business strategies into action.
So, let's talk about the concept of "PLAY" for a moment. When I penned "LIVE Your Dreams," a book focused on dreaming big, creating, and innovating, I was navigating uncharted territory. The processes of ideation, innovation, and invention were novel to me. I gradually navigated through various industries, mastering the art of juggling multiple ventures simultaneously. For instance, while deeply involved in the cable TV industry, I concurrently managed a fashion startup specializing in costume jewelry for seven years.
My foray into the fashion world began as a side business, serving as a creative outlet during a turbulent period in my personal life. Evenings were dedicated to beading while I led cable TV production teams during the day in the New York DMA market. Engaging in the innovative market of costume jewelry and accessories, I attended trade shows and expanded my reach from home shows to trunk shows and local festivals, eventually securing a POP retail display that I managed for seven consecutive years.
Discovering my "happy space," a local retailer embraced my brand, Beaded Baubles, alongside other unique offerings. This endeavor allowed me to seamlessly balance my day job, parenting responsibilities, and family time. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was testing the waters of entrepreneurship while simply enjoying the craft of beading.
Through the beading business, I acquired valuable insights into entrepreneurship. Interestingly, I made the decision to close the business just a month before being diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. In retrospect, it seemed like a sign from the universe, urging me to redirect my focus. The extra time proved crucial during my recovery in the days (and years) that followed.
Life often throws unexpected curveballs, you must deal with every turn it takes, and navigate with resilience. This is precisely how I've approached both cancer and entrepreneurship.
How do you manage the delicate balance between personal aspirations and a professional career? Are you a proficient multitasker, or do you wish to redirect your focus? Join me for a conversation over a cup of coffee, and let's explore these topics together. I look forward to hearing from you.
Until our next blog topic, savor your cup of Java with Jean.
Java with Jean – a blog series featuring storytelling articles on Entrepreneurship by award-winning author, writer, innovator, and mediapreneur, Jean Criss. Jean is Founder and CEO of multiple e-commerce companies, has published 5 books sold on Amazon, and is passionate about sharing stories from the heart. Jean utilizes her depth and breadth of digital media knowledge throughout her creativity and innovation as a global leader in tech, media, and fashion.
Contact Jean Criss at info@jeancrissmedia.com | JeanCrissMedia.com
