Maud Maciak on Verbalizing Your Needs in 2022
Maud Maciak
2022 is the year where I will ask for what I need from others, both in my personal life and from my community. If you don't ask, you will not get.
Maud Maciak is a mom originally from France that quit her interior design career in Washington DC, in 2019, to travel the world with her then 2.5 years old. During that trip, she had the idea to launch the Gowhee App, a mobile app to help parents find places for kids everywhere. Maud believes that through experiences and travel children learn to be open-minded, independent, and become a citizen of the world. But as a parent, she also knows first-hand how challenging it is to find places that welcome kids and have all the amenities a family needs to feel comfortable.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from 2021?
In business the message is everything! When I first started, I mistakenly thought that if "I had a good product, surely everyone will buy it!" But I learn that in today's world, where the market is saturated with "good ideas", what makes a company stand out, is the message. How you share your business is probably the most important part of your marketing strategy, therefore it needs to be carefully crafted.
How are you preparing for 2022?
As I gear up for this new year, I have to be mindful that the pandemic is still the elephant in the room for all travel-related businesses. But in an effort to make our message crystal clear (After all, we are here to help parents! Even during this Covid era), I am listening to what our community is asking for with polls and feedbacks outreach. We also planned a rebranding to target not only international travelers but parents staying locally as well.
What advice would you give other female founders that are looking to create big success in 2022?
Being in business is pretty much like parenting, you never totally master the art of it. I think that as long as you are ready to learn, make changes and verbalize what you offer and what you need, success is right around the corner. Don't let challenges stop you. For example, use the lack of funds, lack of knowledge, or even lack of support to grow at your pace and connect deeper with your community. I had none of them and I am doing it. Remember you are good enough for your idea!
What’s your 2022 mantra?
Verbalization! 2022 is the year where I will ask for what I need from others, both in my personal life and from my community. If you don't ask, you will not get.