The HipRap is in the Top 100 and in the Top 10 of the “Most Innovative and Most Glamorous” Categories
Congratulations to The HipRap, located in Annapolis, Maryland, for being named in the Top 100 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and in the Top 10 of the “Most Innovative and Most Glamorous” Categories. We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Mary Jane Griffiths and asked her to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Mary Jane: I have learned so much. I had an idea and from that idea, I have learned about marketing, sales, patents and everything it takes to run a small business.
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Mary Jane: Determination and perseverance. So many times I wanted to quit but I still kept going. Something inside me would not let me give up on what I thought was a good idea.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Mary Jane: It was an idea that I had.
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Mary Jane:
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Determination
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Mary Jane: Don’t give up on your dream. You can make it happen!
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Mary Jane: Working hard for my family. My family has always been my inspiration.
StartupNation: What is your favorite motivational/business quote as an entrepreneur?
Mary Jane: Many of life’s failure are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Mary Jane: Believe in yourself and don’t let anybody tell you what is right for you. Follow what is in your heart.
Tell Us About Your Business, Experiences, & Funding Your Startup
StartupNation: How did you get funding for your startup?
Mary Jane: Myself
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Mary Jane: Get funding!
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Mary Jane: Tradeshows
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Mary Jane: Be patient with yourself!
Changes in the Business Market
StartupNation: What changes have you seen in your business market since starting?
Mary Jane: How important social media can be.
StartupNation: What do you see coming that will impact your business?
Mary Jane: Exposure
StartupNation: Have a funny story about a client or business transaction that you want to share along with a key lesson learned?
Mary Jane: When I first started this process, I went to a LADY that made pillows for me to make my first prototype. Her sewing machine wasn’t working, so I drove 15 miles to her friend’s house to get her sewing machine. I got my not so good prototype from the seamstress that made pillows for me. I have learned so much along the way and the HIPRAP is now being manufactured overseas.
Learn more about Mary Jane’s business and view other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
