Deborah Bilezikian at Monave.com

Name: Deborah Bilezikian

Business: Monave Mineral Make Up

Web Site:

http://www.monave.com

When did you start your business?

2000

What is the primary function of your business?

To create opportunites for women to learn about healthy beauty, as well as promote womens’ entrepreneurship through a variety of flexible wholesale programs.

How did you decide to start this kind of business?

It was pure serendipity. An opportunity was presented to me to run a small business selling mineral makeup. I had never owned a business before, and was a stay at home mom at the time. My then-husband showed me the ropes, and the business took off!

Where do you get the majority of your customers?

The majority I get from the internet. Originally, Monave was a local Baltimore business with local as well as out-of-town customers, due to the fact that my kiosk and store were located in a a tourist area on the Waterfront. After 9-11, we were hit so hard, so I dediced to expand my business by opening an internet store. I receive a number of wholesale inquiries, and over the span of several years, opened a wholesale division, which is where a good portion of my business comes from.

What kinds of advertising work best for you?

Keeping my website optimized on Google is a very important advertising tool for Monave. In addition, word-of-mouth advertising from customers who write on forums and blogs is very important. I’ve recently invested in print and online advertising. It’s very effective, but pricey.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since starting your business? How did you overcome it?

Economic downturns, from 9-11, to the recent slide, have been my biggest challenges. I took money out of my pocket, and more time out of my day, to promote, and develop my business to new areas of the world, and to new niches. I believe that there is endless opportunity, especially where the web is concerned, so I see slow-downs as opportunities to learn what I can be doing better in all areas of my company. I never see it as a permanent situation.

Do you work alone or do you have employees or contractors helping you?

I have 10-12 employees, five full time, several part-time, and several reps working with my line. I have a wonderful staff, with very little attrition and I try to keep their salaries competitive, considering the cost of living.

What other advice do you have for women wanting to start their own Indie business?

DO IT! It takes a while to learn the ropes, so dont’ quite your day job yet. Start part-time, and when the opportunity arises, make it your full-time job. It’s wonderful being in business for yourself, and if you’re adventurous and creative, it’s so much better than working for someone else. If however, you need stability and security, it may not be the right choice, since your business and income can fluctuate, depending upon so many factors, some out of your control.

Thank you Deborah!!! You are an inspiration!

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