I discovered Jen through her writing with ThoughtCatalog.com. I quickly became a fan of her work and reached out to her asking if she could be a pseudo mentor for me as I got started with my writing career. She even let me guest blog on her site! She has since exploded into an enormous force to be reckoned with. Her writing can be seen all over the Internet, her first book “All My Friends Are Engaged” experienced wild success and she’s just launched her own business as a professional bridesmaid that, for lack of better words, is just freaking genius!
This girl gives me all the life & biz goals I need and, to top it all off, she is the sweetest person I have ever met. I managed to meet up with her last time I was in NYC and it was like we had been friends for years. If you’re not already, make sure to follow her story. Her content will give you all the motivation you’re lacking to throw your middle finger up to failure and go after all of your dreams.
Interview with Jen Glantz
What were you doing before you started your business?
I was working as a full-time copywriter for a tech start-up in NYC – while also doing a ton of freelance writing on the side. I can’t remember a time, post-college, where I didn’t have a side hustle. Where I wasn’t working less than two jobs at once.
How long did it take you to feel like you’ve got the hang of this whole entrepreneur thing? Was there a specific “aha” moment?
I always had mini punches in my gut that I needed to be my own boss. At every full-time job I had, I never felt fully satisfied. Every job was focused on doing a handful of tasks. I wanted to do everything. I wanted to dip my hands into all aspect of these companies. That’s when I started to day dream what it would be like to have my own business.
What was your biggest challenge/block in regards to launching your business?
Lack of knowledge – which isn’t an excuse! There are so many free resources for budding entrepreneurs. In my case, I launched my business without much pre-planning – which was a blessing yet also the easiest way for me to make every single mistake possible. It was the greatest and most intense learning process of my life. It made college look like a breeze.
What has been your happiest moment as a business owner?
Being able to look at myself in the mirror every morning and say “I own my life.”
What is your favorite part of being a business owner?
Getting to change gears a few times per hour. Having a job description that reads like a Playbill. Holding myself accountable and growing every single day.
Where is your favorite place to get work done?
My couch!
What does your morning ritual look like?
I open my eyes – check my email – watch an hour of the TODAY Show – put on workout clothes – head to my couch-desk – and power through the morning with the my to-do list by my side.
Do you have a mantra? What is it? Why?
Never give up.
Everything is just one or two rejections away from being yours.
What is the first thing on your to-do list for today?
Order face wash from Amazon – thank god for Amazon!
What do you do when you’re feeling unmotivated/uninspired?
I head to the gym or I eat a slice of pizza. Both are enough to wake me and shake me.
How do you wind down after a busy day?
I love chatting the night away with my roommate, Kerri. I can tell her everything and she has the patience to listen and respond with answers that make me laugh. She’s my sounding board. My soul mate. My voice of reason. My sanity.
If you can give one piece of advice to someone who wants to embark on starting their own business, what would it be?
Start right now. Yes, right this second. Or else, you may never.
Have you ever worked with a business coach? If so, why…what for…and how was it?
Not a traditional one! I have a business mentor, Ray. He’s 84. He’s become my business and life tutor. I’ve learned life’s greatest lessons because of his tough love.
>>If you know of someone whose story should be shared as a part of this series, please let me know! You can send me a direct email here: lauren@loeyllc.com. Or share in the comments below.<<