BOSS Member Spotlight: Felicia Bradley
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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? In the initial stages of launching my business, I had lots of green lights, but I also encountered a few hurdles. One significant obstacle was the challenge of securing sufficient financial resources. As a woman entrepreneur, I faced the stark reality that businesses owned by women receive only around 4.4% of the total value of conventional small business loans, according to a report by the National Women's Business Council, and even less in venture capital funding. This statistic underscores the gender disparity in accessing financial support. Moreover, for women of color, the funding landscape presents even greater challenges. A study by the Federal Reserve found that businesses owned by women of color receive significantly less financing compared to businesses owned by white men. Additionally, navigating the landscape of resources for small business development posed another formidable challenge, where the prevalence of scams posed a significant risk. It's a complex task to discern between legitimate opportunities and those that just seek to capitalize on the needs of small business owners. As I pursue scaling by brand and business overcoming these challenges will require resilience, strategic planning, and a cautious approach to ensure that the resources I pursue are genuine and conducive to my business growth.
What inspired you to break into your industry? My inspiration to break into the pet accessory industry stemmed from my own fur family and the transformative experience when my son rescued a 4-month-old Rottweiler and gifted her to us. This prompted my husband and I to enroll in a puppy training class. Truthfully, I was concerned about walking and training another bully breed because we already had a large bully breed fur baby at home and recognized two large dogs may be a challenge. This journey highlighted the need for high-quality products that seamlessly combine comfort, style, and function to enhance the dog walking experience with our furry companions. As I explored the market for pet accessories, I observed a significant gap in the market. Recognizing this gap, I felt compelled to contribute to the industry by creating a product and brand that not only prioritizes quality and functionality but also embraces style in its offerings. Moreover, my commitment to providing products that contribute to safety and comfort was underscored by the unfortunate reality that many large breed dogs end up in shelters due to challenges in control and a general fear of these breeds. Through my venture and innovation, I aim to address these issues by offering thoughtfully designed products that enhance the bond between pets and their owners, promoting a safer and more harmonious relationship, and reducing the likelihood of large breed dogs ending up in shelters. This journey of rescuing a beloved pet and addressing these critical needs became the catalyst for my entrepreneurial venture.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? Balancing personal and professional life, especially as a startup founder, has been a challenging yet essential aspect of my journey. The reality of launching a startup often involves sacrificing personal time with family and friends, particularly during the initial stages. Juggling the demands of entrepreneurship while working full time required putting in extensive hours, leaving less availability for leisure and play. Self-care became a deliberate and crucial choice, demanding a proactive approach of literally scheduling time for it—a practice I found challenging but necessary. Acknowledging that hard work is a requirement for pursuing any goal, I realized the importance of seeking help and relying on experts where my expertise fell short. Embracing the support of others not only lightened the workload but also brought valuable insights and efficiency to aspects that I couldn't handle alone. The journey of entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process that involves recognizing one's limitations, actively seeking assistance, and understanding that achieving goals often requires a conscious effort to find and maintain balance.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by? The quote "To thine own self be true" encapsulates timeless wisdom and promotes a commitment to authenticity, urging individuals to stay true to themselves and make decisions based on that authenticity. This was not always my practice, but it is now a very important one. Success isn't solely dependent on circumstances. Success is characterized by a formula that includes elements like hard work, perseverance, continuous learning, focus sacrifice, and, above all, a sincere passion for one's endeavors. When you have that kind of focus and clear vision, distractions, varied advice, opinions, and demands on time and resources are constant. Therefore, this quote serves as a perpetual reminder for me to be true to myself, tell myself the truth, and act accordingly.
Who were some influential people or mentors who helped or encouraged you along the way? In my entrepreneurial journey, I’m grateful for the countless friends and family who showed love and support in varied ways. In addition, the mentors at the Northern California Small Business Development Center and the team at a local business accelerator, Port Labs, played pivotal roles in guiding and encouraging me. The Northern California Small Business Development Program provided invaluable training and support, offering insights into various aspects of business development. The mentors there, with their wealth of experience, shared practical advice and strategic perspectives that proved instrumental in navigating the complexities of starting and growing a business. I participated in and won a Pitch competition supported by NorCal SBDC and the Inclusivity Project. Additionally, at Port Labs, I had the advantage of connecting with individuals who had successfully launched their own businesses. Lastly, I joined SelfMade, an organization that supports female entrepreneurs and fosters a community of support and innovation. Engaging with mentors who had firsthand experience in the entrepreneurial landscape, and networking with experts in the varied industries offered a unique blend of mentorship tailored to my specific goals and challenges. Their guidance not only provided clarity in decision-making but also instilled confidence and determination in pursuing my venture.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? To keep my business on track as we grow there are several "must-haves" that I prioritize. Firstly, a clear and adaptable business strategy is essential, allowing me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a dynamic market. I am constantly refining my plan based on the needs of my business. I must have reliable and skilled partners and collaborators who share the vision and values of the business. Engaging with mentors, both experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, provides invaluable guidance and perspectives. Financial support is a critical component, enabling the implementation of strategic initiatives and ensuring the business's stability and growth. Moreover, maintaining a strong belief in myself and my capabilities fuels determination and resilience, especially on the days when it is a grind.
What is your definition of a BOSS? My definition of a BOSS extends beyond a title and embodies a multifaceted individual. A BOSS is someone who takes no nonsense, standing firm in their convictions while remaining fair and just. They possess the courage to make tough decisions, recognizing that difficult choices are often integral to progress. A BOSS is a proactive problem solver, adept at navigating challenges with resilience and creativity. Strong self-belief fuels their confidence, and their leadership abilities inspire and empower those around them. A BOSS embraces a perpetual willingness to learn, remaining coachable and open to new ideas and perspectives. This multifaceted approach to leadership encompasses assertiveness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement, defining a true BOSS in any arena.
Provide us with two words that describe you. Problem Solver
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