Hello: An engagement agency made up of all women.

Michelle Venorsky

I've turned my career, a job I genuinely love, into a lifestyle business that allows women -- especially working moms -- thrive at their career but also not suck at being a parent (or having a personal life). I'm not sure work/life balance exists, but we're pretty damn close.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

I was fired (and I have thanked the person who did many times). I wasn't a fit for the culture I was at previously, and I'm not sure I ever wanted to. Even before this experience, at my previous employer I was taken off a loved account, something I brought in, because I was absent (I was on maternity leave).

While I didn't know it at the time, all of these experiences, and many more along the way (like getting grief if I left early for something for my daughter but if a male coworker did, he was a flipping' hero), were infighting a fire in me.

A desire to create something of my own. A different way to do business. I had no idea what I was doing, and was pretty sure I'd fail, but at least it would be my own failure and I'd never really know unless I tried.

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

Yes and now. I could picture it, the way I can also picture somehow miraculously getting hole-in-one on a first-ever golf attempt, or being the person who wins the Mega Millions even though I don't play. It's got to happen to someone, right?

But in my heart of hearts, I figured I'd end up being a glorified freelancer (which I would have been perfectly content with). It's not that I didn't believe in myself. At the risk of tooting my own horn, I'm a damn good marketer. But I never set out to own anything and I don't have the first clue about running a business (still don't!). I don't know how long this ride is going to last, but I am enjoying every day of it while it does.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get passed it and grow from the experience?

Yes! Constantly. I was too trusting in the beginning and often did things on a handshake versus a contract. I had a minority partner (although I treater her as if we were 50/50) whom I loved, respected and genuinely enjoyed working with and being around, decided to leave. While I was happy for her and wanted her to be happy in whatever she wanted in life, even if it meant she was moving on, I was terrified of what would happen next. Could we make it? Would clients leave? Would some of the team? Could I do this 100% on my own?

This was 3 years ago. I saw a fire in the team that inspired me. I uncovered some things that needed to change. Even our clients rallied and the work increased. We ended up having the best year. We learned so much about each our, who we want to be and continue to learn from that experience and evolve. Even this year with COVID-19. I mean, when times are tough, marketing is always the first thing to get cut. It was (is!) scary as hell. I did everything possible to not have to lay anyone off and support clients. Even if it meant we couldn't get paid (because they were hurting, too). We had to dig deep, get creative and error on the side of humanity. None of us our out of the woods where the pandemic is concerned, but i am proud of how our team is rallying and navigating these uncertain times.

We used the advice of Cindy Eckert, from the Pink Ceiling, to look for angel investors. As soon as we began talking to friends and family about the need to raise money, we had 5 angel investors lined up. This gave us the runway to take the business to the next level. It took focus, determination, and an even stronger belief in what we were building.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

I never understand the phrase: It's not personal, it's business. I call BS when I hear this. If it's not personal, isn't something off? To us, it works because it's personal. But with that, comes challenges. Not everyone feels that way... whether it's employees and also clients.

I still get surprised by actions people make and decisions but then I am quickly reminder we're all different. And if this is going to be my mentality, then I have to learn to be more accepting of what comes with it... that people will disappoint you. But to them, it's not personal, It's business.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Pour yourself a drink and find someone you trust to talk to. And keep talking. You will struggle. You will make mistakes. TONS of them! That's how we grow. There is good in every situation, even the darkest ones.

Find the good and remember that. Talk to people you trust and ask for advice. You may not take it, but everyone has something to teach. I am constantly asking for help. Learning from others. It's the only way to get by. But do not give up. Call me if you want! I am always happy to chat with anyone. Trust that you are onto something and the road is never easy. But it is so wroth it! There is nothing like building your own thing, I promise.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

Our team and our clients. I am surrounded by amazing, smart, thoughtful, badass women that make up Hello. I learn so much from them and am in awe of them. And our clients, wow do we have amazing clients. They trust us. We are partners. It's such an ideal relationship which is hard to come by in this business. We have learned to walk away from clients who don't share our views or send our red flags.

We decided awhile ago that we will not be an agency driven by the bottom line, but by doing good work with good people. And this promise to ourselves has allowed us to thrive and work with some really amazing brands and people.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

Intelligent risks are always worth it. I know what it's like to ask, 'what if?' What an awful feeling to look back and wonder what would have happened if you tried XY&Z. So eliminate the wonder and just do it. You may fail. You may screw up. Who cares. At least you tried. And no one can take that away from you.

To connect: www.hellocle.com Instagram @Hello_LLC,

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