Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I do agree that 1 key to success lies within my daily routine because it practices responsibility, consistency and accountability. I like to wake up at 6:07AM every morning (not sure why I pick that obscure time, but it works for me), regardless of what I have going on. It helps me carve time in the morning for myself. On Mondays and Fridays, because we have a hybrid schedule, I am able to work out before logging on to start my work day. I then spend the first hour reading the business performance and reviewing emails. That allows me to then structure my day around where the priorities are. At the end of the day, I like to review what I accomplished and what still needs to be addressed the following day.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
I did. My father is an entrepreneur. He immigrated to the US from the Philippines in 1965 with the dream of starting his own Gold Plating company. I grew up watching the struggle and eventually, the success. I think a lot of my work ethic today comes from seeing how hard my parents worked to make that dream a reality. I have always had a passion for beauty and fashion and love start-up culture. I love that beginning stage of a company where you identify a need, create a solution and then get to build it from scratch and nurture it.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
First thing in the morning. That’s when my mind feels sharpest and my energy is highest.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Yes, DRIVE. Entrepreneurs are self starters who typically have to bet on themselves.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Being a woman has made me stronger because there were definitely challenges. I grew up in a generation where the double standard was prevalent and women weren’t as empowered or celebrated as they are today. I’ve evolved a lot since the beginning of my career. I now understand my value and what I am worth…..and that I have a voice. That wasn’t always the case.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I want to retire in my early 50’s and be able to invest in and advise other companies (start-ups) that I am passionate about, especially female led companies.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
This could be perceived wrong, but I am my biggest influence. I want to continue to grow and be a better version of myself every day. We tend to get in our heads and get in our own way, limiting our potential and what we can achieve. So I spend a lot of time working on myself.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Rihanna – her authenticity is unmatched. She doesn’t conform, doesn’t settle and doesn’t let anything get in her way.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
Your ego is your enemy because of how much control it can have over how you think, especially about yourself, and how you live.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
“How did you get here?” I love hearing people’s stories of how they achieved their goals and overcame obstacles. I’ve learned to appreciate the journey more as I’ve gotten older, and everyone has their own journey/story to tell no matter where they started.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have 2 older half sisters, one is a School Principal, the other a Cardiac Nurse and 2 brothers, the eldest one is an engineer and the youngest one runs operations for my father’s gold plating business. I think all of them followed their own path for their own reasons. All of them have that drive though. My family values working hard.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it’s learned. My drive has its own personal motivation which came from very personal life experiences. Some was born from feeling the need to prove myself based on the dynamic I was raised in; some from seeing what my father went through to make his dream come true for himself and his family.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA President, CMO & Board Member at Savage X Fenty website: http://Savagex.com Forbes Interview:https://www.forbes.com/sites/sethmatlins/2022/04/26/marketing-when-the-eyes-of-the-world-are-on-you/?sh=8f42c69fde96