International Women's Day Q&A with Alexandra

 Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Alexandra, and I am the co-founder & Chief Marketing Officer here at August+Monroe.

 

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate IWD?

International Women’s Day is extremely important as it’s a global celebration of the economic, cultural, political and social achievements of women. Only 100 years ago women received rights… isn’t that crazy to think about?! Think about this, with 100 years time… look at what women have built… look at all the barriers we’ve broken, and it’s only going to grow from here on. I can’t wait to see the next generation of women, and what they will achieve. 

 

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?

I have faced critics on how I conduct myself, my personality and my age… Maybe I was saying “like” too much in a meeting, or acted like a ‘girl’ , or the fact I look too young to be running a company, how do I have enough experience to do so?. Sometimes it can get me down, but then I raise my head up high and look around and say to myself “look what I have achieved… look at where I started and where I’m at. I am my own superpower, use it.” 

How do you feel about being a woman and owning your own company?

It makes me feel even more powerful. Women can achieve anything men can… just put your mind to it, be yourself and don’t let anyone tear you down. As I mentioned above, you are your own superpower, being a woman is a superpower… use it! 

 

What is the most important piece of advice someone has given you? (Work or life)

I have 2:

Drop the ego, it will break you.

Failure is the road to success.

I would go into more detail, but I was told this with having to interpret it. I suggest you do the same! 

What would you tell a younger woman or woman in general about starting your own business or career life?

Be true to yourself. Don’t focus on trying to create something that isn’t you, or be something that isn’t you. It probably won’t pan out anyways. If you have the passion, you stay true to yourself and believe in it, you will succeed. 

Also, keep in mind that with fast success, you start to experience more challenges that maybe you weren’t ready for at the time. But that is what business is all about: problems and solutions. That doesn't just go for the day to day business activities, but for any product you are thinking of creating. You need to have solutions for problems, those will lead you to a new to market idea and success will follow.  

If you could have dinner with a women, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Great question! Sara Blakely. She is my inspiration, in business and her character. She’s a brilliant entrepreneur, marketer, and wears her heart on her sleeve. I don’t know her personally, but the way she conducts herself in life & business is someone I strive to be.