Do you have the right tools to be an entrepreneur? by Renee Pedro of @crashpaddesigns

by Renee Pedro | Featured Contributor 

Have you been thinking about starting your own business? How many times have you heard, “Just do it!”,” Go for it!” If you’re like me, those words aren’t inspirational they’re scary.

I’ve put lots of thought into why those are the wrong words to inspire women. A phrase like “just do it”, presupposes that you already know what to do and are sitting on your hands. For me, nothing was farther from the truth. When I started my home textile design company Crash Pad Designs 7 years ago, I wasn’t even a textile designer. Now I design, manufacture and sell my home textiles all over the world.

People say perspective is everything, In my life, it’s been 80% of everything. Action has been the other 20%. I have always known I could do whatever I wanted despite my less than prosperous background. My perspective is guided by the simple phrase, ” I’ll figure it out”. It’s my mantra. It’s confident and proactive. “I’ll figure it out” is also relatable and familiar. That’s why it can be especially inspirational for women. Because women figure it out every day.

Think about how many things you figure out in your daily life. If you’re a  mom who also works outside of your home, you’re getting everyone dressed and ready to leave the house on time every morning. You’re responsible for how everyone gets to where they need to be. You work at whatever your job is all day. Then you orchestrate getting everyone home, fed and in bed, so you can do it all again the tomorrow. Suppose tomorrow is a snow day or someone wakes up with a fever, or you get a flat? That’s life, and you figure it out.

The experience of your everyday life as a woman makes you a great candidate for an entrepreneur. Being able to think on your feet and to think outside the box makes entrepreneurship a perfect fit. Figuring things out is an inherent female quality, it’s a tool,  it’s in our DNA. Far too often we fail to celebrate and capitalize on this quality.

My business started with a list of things that I needed to figure out. Designing, licensing, manufacturing, distribution, web design, branding, marketing, sales and 900 other things. I had no idea what I was doing or how to do it.

One step at a time I conquered my list. If you ask questions someone will answer them. You’re reading this, so you know how many resources there are available to you. One email, or one phone call at a time I found people who could answer my questions and point me in the right direction. Remember there are no stupid questions and people are usually happy to help. Of course, it was still overwhelming and scary, but trusting I could figure it out, made it easier. I don’t want to sugar coat how difficult it is because sometimes it is very difficult. What’s important though, is how you think about it. That change of perspective can change your life.

Yes, that first step requires more than a step, it requires a leap, a leap of faith, and trust in yourself. So take a deep breath, get ready, set. Jump!  And you’ll figure it out. #Illfigureitout

Renee Pedro

I’m Renee Pedro, Owner /Creative Director of Crash Pad Designs a made in America modern home textiles company in Philadelphia, PA.

I am a self taught textile designer and entrepreneur.

It all started because of a vintage stove, I had been house hunting for a year and had seen over 100 houses. I was worried I’d never find my perfect house. At that time, I worked nights and slept until noon except on Wednesdays. Wednesdays my friend who was my realtor, picked me up at 9am, before we spoke a word to each other I had to have a sip of the 16 oz black coffee she bought for me. One Wednesday morning we entered a house through the kitchen door. First thing I saw was a beautiful yellow & white 1963 Philco electric stove. Because of that stove I bought that house, and started my business. I didn’t know anything about designing fabric, starting a business, or running a business. The one thing I knew was, “I could figure it out”, and I did. Seven years later , I still say to myself at least 4 times a day, “I’ll figure it out”and I usually do.

See a picture of my stove at https://crashpaddesigns.com.