The story of the unconventional success of 25-year-old American: from a porn star to the management company
'07.03.2018'
Source: Forbes
Jesse Andrews, in her 25 years, has achieved more than many people in her whole life. Successful on her own, the founder of many fashion brands did not graduate from high school, made a career as a porn star, toured as an international DJ and producer and studied all the details of the fashion industry - all this before 21. Her jewelry line Bagatiba became very popular with individuals like Hadid, Jenner and Kardashian, right after she launched two more brands: Basic swim и Jeu illimité.
During our interview for The Failure Factor I was struck by her wisdom and demeanor - she was far from the “diva” that I imagined, and I quietly scolded myself that I perceived her as stereotypical. She warmly commented on my “energy” before telling me what brought her into the adult film industry, how she “had a head on her shoulders”, when “other girls took drugs and came off at parties,” and how she rediscovered herself. I felt humility when she described how she created her brands, how under her leadership this business developed, from design, marketing, web page development to production, social media and customer service.
As a psychotherapist, I was especially interested in her resilience, given that she needed to make important decisions every day. In the course of the conversation, she reveals her views and strategies that led her to success in business, including 2017 year - her first million dollars through Bagatiba.
1. If possible, create a company on your own
Andrews supports the idea of creating and developing a business from scratch and does not advise raising capital if this is not absolutely necessary. “I still invest my own money, which, in my opinion, slowly but surely leads to success. Of course, companies can succeed if they have a ton of money, but when you really spend the time to distribute the money properly, it gives you a real return. ”
Silent spending, low responsibility for the implementation of the concept and poor relations with investors - these are just a few of the risk factors in raising funds. Depending on your expenses, it may be enough to get a loan to get started.
2. If you don’t know something, google
In my experience, aspiring entrepreneurs feel that they are treading water, having the firm conviction that they should “know everything”. Andrews calls for autodidactics, and she learns everything herself, from working as a DJ to brand design.
“I would say that I am doing well,” says Andrews. - Google - this is truly the greatest tool. If I don't know how to do something, I'm looking for it in Google. You should not just sit still and ask yourself questions that you do not have an answer to. It will not come to you in a dream - ask Google! "
3. Be prepared to "get your hands dirty"
Andrews understands that with the growing glory of the company's founder, there are also stresses in solving less glamorous tasks related to the creation of a company.
Many people want to use everything cool and new. They want brand development and success without much effort. They want to launch a brand, but they don’t want to work hard on it. They do not want to create a website themselves. I have friends who want to create a brand, I tell them, "if you really want it, you have to devote yourself to this entirely ... you have to work well on it."
Having conducted dozens of interviews with successful founders of companies, I believe that a breakthrough to success due to hard work is closely related to the goal. Be honest with yourself - why you start your business, whether your motives are organic and long-term, or whether they are superficial and fleeting.
4. Surround yourself with the right people.
The problems that entrepreneurs often talk about, mostly individual entrepreneurs, are related to the importance of the support network. Only selfless love helps to cope with the discomfort that arises in connection with the inevitable uncertainties, difficult tasks and frustrations. “Surround yourself with the right people who will support you and love you, no matter what, during periods of success and trouble, ups and downs. I think this is very important, ”emphasizes Andrews.
5. Do not forget about the prospects
Wise beyond his years, Andrews is filled with a sense of gratitude - it allows her not to pay attention to talk and talk and concentrate on what is important.
“At this stage of my life, I'm just happy that I live. I am happy with all that I have - business, life, creativity, those things that I know, those people I know - I’m just happy to be here. ”
