In celebration of Women's History Month, hear from two local women entrepreneurs as they share their experience and knowledge in a one-on-one setting during our Borrow an Entrepreneur events.
The events take place March 14 at Brighton Park Branch and March 15 at Harold Washington Library Center. The events feature Rebecca Wu, a self-published children's author, and Christen Carter, owner and president of Busy Beaver Button Company.
Here’s a brief Q&A with Rebecca and Christen:
Q: How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you believe you were born with it or you developed it?
Rebecca: I think I had it in me as a child. I also grew up in my parent’s small restaurant, and my maternal grandparents were entrepreneurs in Hong Kong as well… I always loved building and creating with my own hands; building an organization is very similar to that.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Christen: The ability to create a culture that I’d like to see more in the world—in my life and the lives of people I work with and customers. That human connection is really what makes my world go around.
Q: What is the one word of advice that you would give to others when it comes to succeeding as an entrepreneur?
Rebecca: Be flexible, work hard, stay true to your passion, and include the community in your life as an entrepreneur.
Q: Which book(s) motivated you to be an entrepreneur?
Christen: Small Giants by Bo Burlingham still motivates me. The idea of being small but community-minded and focused is so important to me because I want to be able to proudly stand behind what we do. I also like Strength Finders—life is so much easier when you know what you’re working with!
Q: In one word, describe your life as an entrepreneur.
Christen: Exhausting (but getting better!)
Rebecca: Roller-coaster
