Opening your own business can take many turns , some right and some wrong . How you start out isn ’ t always how you ’ ll finish , and how you finish is hardly ever what you imagined . But if your goal is to always work your tail off , success is imminent .
Here are self-made entrepreneurs at various levels of success with stories and advice to inspire you to either take the leap you ’ ve been dreaming of , or keep you steady on your own entrepreneurial path .
Starting Young “ I always knew I wanted to own a business , even as a young child ,” says Lisa M . Crary , CEO and owner of Sanitas Skincare . “ I think my desire to lead likely stems from being the oldest of a large Southern family — I have six younger siblings — and I would venture that each of them would tell you I always liked being the boss !”
Crary officially became a business owner at the age of 27 when she was made partner in an investment research and money management firm . “ Although I loved the work and the company , the drive to start my own business facilitated my move to public accounting for a couple of years to learn about other kinds of businesses ,” says Crary . “ This was one of the best things I ever did , because understanding finances and numbers is key to being a successful entrepreneur .”
After two years , she founded an accounting business management firm where she worked with other entrepreneurs to help them grow and thrive . Her clients spanned industries and included everything — from local salons and spas
“ Never look back . You will make mistakes but you can ’ t change them . Learn from them and then move on .”
— LISA M . CRARY , CEO and Owner , Sanitas Skincare
to national restaurant chains . “ The main focus of our firm was to help turn around small to mid-size companies that were struggling , and that ’ s where I first learned of Sanitas Skincare .”
Sanitas Skincare was a small , fledgling company struggling to succeed back in 2000 when they became Crary ’ s client . After a few years , she was offered the majority equity stake to become the managing partner . “ I initially declined , as on paper the likelihood of success didn ’ t appear promising . However , the formulator suggested I try the product ( I had never even used it up to that point ) and I did . I used our Topical C for one week and saw an amazing result on my skin . I was hooked ! So hooked in fact , that I sold my practice and took over the business .”
Over the past 16 years , Crary has become the sole owner of Sanitas Skincare and focused on growing the business organically from a small startup to a thriving , international brand . “ We now formulate , manufacture and build lines for other companies , including large brands such as Elizabeth Arden ’ s Eight Hour line and Sandals Resorts International ’ s Red Lane Skin Care line ,” she says .
For Crary , the hardest challenge she has faced as an entrepreneur was pulling the skin-care company from the brink of bankruptcy and turning it around into a thriving business . “ Although I had helped do that with other companies , I learned very quickly that the stakes are a lot higher when it ’ s your own !”
January / February 2017 ■ PULSE 27