Economic times are hard now. However, in the midst of all the bad financial news an uplifting study released by the Center for Women’s Business Research caught my attention. The following statement was simply very exciting: “As of 2008, there are a total of 10.1 million firms owned by women, employing 13 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in revenues.” (Source: http://www.womensbusinessresearch.org/assets/1059_pressreleasewomenown20per.doc)

I am proud to be part of that statistic. I was born an entrepreneur. I have worked for myself since 1980. A potent mix of genetics and personality has shaped my career as far back as I can remember.

In essence, I’ve just always wanted to be the boss. Just ask my family. Just ask my boyfriend. Just ask my employees.

Tedious rules and onerous work environments have always fit me like a pair of one-size-fits-all panty hose, and let me tell you, those only go up to my knees.

There are three phenomenal things about being a business owner. The first is being able to steadfastly adhere to my philosophy about skin care without having to compromise my values, integrity, or ethics.

The second is that I can create the kind of office environment I want to work in. I treat all my employees as valued partners and everyone else must do the same with their coworkers. No job is trivial and no job is more important than someone else’s.

And last, I have the freedom to create a dog-friendly office. There are eight dogs who come to work every day with their owners. While some companies have coffee breaks we have doggie breaks with our coffee. It’s spectacular fun and always a breath of fresh air when we need it most.

Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t easy being an entrepreneur. It has been quite a journey, with ups and downs, successes and failures. But beyond any shadow of a doubt, it has always been worth every minute of the effort it takes to keep going. Being a woman business owner is my identity and for the years that I have been able to stay doing it, I am truly, truly blessed.