Week 3 - Very Short Interview No. 1

Jenny Buendia, Owner and CEO of Zoe & J

Zoe & J is a unique brand that specializes in handmade trendy jewelry for women and children. Expanding her brand to the children's market recently, she has found that her up and coming ideas for her business has kick started in a new and positive way. Over the years her true passion for fashion has shown through her work. After her daughters birth, she began experimenting with crafts for young girls. So far so good! Her network has expanded to great lengths. She hopes to continue her empire, having her children keep her up with inspiring ideas for future success.

• What should my expectations be in this course?
• "Well, I would assume that taking an introduction course about entrepreneurship would open your mind to more than just principles and strategies. I would expect for your mindset about being an entrepreneur to expand and for the information you grasp to show you angles and perspectives of greater positioning for your line of work."
• What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
• "An entrepreneur is a lot of different things. I feel that becoming an entrepreneur is much greater than partaking in a business position holding authority. You are your own boss, accountant, marketing specialist, product manager, and your own cheerleader. It is a tough job, however, so very rewarding."
• What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?
• "The most important lessons I can hold to my current position in my business would be time and patience. It would be great if the course you are in really instills in your  mindset that being an entrepreneur takes time. Creating a line with a quality product that is reputable is not to be taken lightly. It has taken me over 10 years to build my brand and I still have a long road ahead of me."
• What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur? 
• "I studied Fashion Merchandising. What I went to school for was not all based on building an entrepreneurship mindset. Although since I have stayed in the fashion industry, my education has made my business more consistent with following trends, staying up with quality and customer preferences as well as high end brand recognition and mottos."
• What are the most difficult challenges you face as an entrepreneur?
• "I would have to say that my most difficult challenges have been catering to customers expectation and preferences. Women in general is a big market in itself, staying up to date with new style trends. seasonal changes and colors is a job in itself. Also, time, I need to risk hiring help so that I can grow at the rate I would like too. I am intimidated by that decision, we'll see what 2016 has in store for Zoe&J."

I have spoken to Jenny for years about her business ventures. I have seen her business grow from the moment it began. I can say that having a relationship with her has given me an insight on hard work, perseverance, and continuous persistence. I see how much dedication and time she has invested in Zoe&J and it truly is inspiring. It is an honor to have been able to interview a business minded person that has built a brand by herself in an honorable and respectful way. 

*pictures have been taken from the instagram of Zoe&J,  zoeandj.com