This is the sixth post in a new weekly series called “10 Questions with” that will feature creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories and advice to share. It’s the perfect series to follow for budding entrepreneurs and creative people who want to know more about other people’s creative processes. Check back here every Wednesday to see who will be profiled next.. The interview is below the images.

On Isabella: Romper: Cuteheads (no longer available online, please email if interested) // Shoes: Freshly Picked

On Kate: Dress: AG Jeans // Belt: B-Low the Belt // Shoes: Stuart Weitzman // Lip: Laura Mercier // Sunglasses: Finlay & Co. and less expensive option here

On Kendra: Denim: Blank  // Shirt: Rails // Tee: J.Crew // Heels: Vince & Vince

 

Meet the Ladies of Dress Your Guests

I spend a lot of time online (shocker!) and every once in awhile, you come across a person who not only exemplifies what it means to “do it all,” but is as supportive of others as anything. That’s pretty rare. I first was virtually introduced to the ladies of Dress Your Guests through Carrie Colbert of Wear + Where + Well, and I’ve been following their story and business ever since. I’ve seen it grow in incredible ways, and I’ve seen their content and offering mature over time into what I’d say is their signature style: a mix of fashion, festivities and fitness that doesn’t seem show off-y or in your face in any way. Now THAT’S hard to do. Believe me, when I’m ready to get back into my regular size jeans, I will be shopping their Instagram feed for the cutest workout clothes around.

About Dress Your Guests

Dress Your Guests allows you to register your party, send invitations to your friends and share ideas about what you are wearing to that particular event. It allows the hostess to seamlessly communicate the dress code to her guests and it allows the guests to feel confident that they will be wearing the right attire to their upcoming soiree. I LOVE this idea for a bridal party, bachelorette, gala and really any event that you find yourself asking, “what the heck am I supposed to wear to that?” It’s brilliant, really. So I sat down with the ladies of Dress Your Guests to talk challenges, business growth, and of course, what inspires them.

The Interview

Glad to chat with you! First, tell us where we can find you online and in stores.

Hi! Kate Brennan and Kendra Slisz here. The name of our business is Dress Your Guests Blog. People have started calling us the DYG Girls and we kind of like it. You can find us on social @dressyourguests and you can find us online at www.dressyourguests.com/blog.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always had a desire to inspire women to be confident in themselves and while I am true believer in inner beauty being more important than outer beauty, we can all agree that we have a better day when we look good. So I set out to show women how to look good on the outside and therefore feel better on the inside. As the blog evolved and grew I knew there was a need for someone to help me create a lifestyle brand which is how I connected with Kendra. She is our style contributor who has helped me grow the blog as inspirational source for inspiring you to be chic every day of the week.

What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?

We are a place of positivity and happiness. My mother was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s when she was 59 years old. Since dealing with this experience I have realized that everyday is a gift and that you have to live your life that way and this is the common thread that ties our blog together. Put in the extra effort everyday whether it be setting the table or getting dressed because you should make the most out of your time each and every day. So we dedicate ourselves to making people look good and feel their best and we aim to show them how to do it in every facet of their daily life.

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?

I have a diverse background but I can say there are three items that have really shaped my voice on the blog and who I am today. Being a college athlete taught me how to motivate and inspire and how to work hard – really, really hard. I also worked  as a buyer at Ralph Lauren. There were so many incredibly stylish women in the office. I learned how to put together an outfit — RL style — and how to market and develop a business strategy. I then became a fitness instructor at HSM Core. I have had to go above and beyond to try and inspire people to work out and push themselves. It has been challenging and rewarding. Talk about putting myself outside of my comfort zone.

What has been your biggest success to date?

Being a working mother. There were so many times when I left my daughter at home with my nanny and I thought what am I doing?! At the end of the day I know I am a better mom, a better person and am setting a better example for my daughter because of my choice to continue working.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Finding the balance and saying no. When I first started the blog I thought I had to take on every project and attend every event. One of the biggest things that I learned in college is know your worth. That has helped me pick and choose my projects wisely and learning that when one door closes another is waiting to be opened. Working out has also helped me stay grounded and reduce the stress of feeling overwhelmed. Exercise is just as much about physical as it is mental for me.

Describe your typical work day.

I am up early if I am teaching – 4:15 am! I head to the studio and teach two classes and then come home get my daughter ready for school and drop her off. I drop her off then go workout myself and then head home to shower and answer emails and create at least one blog post. While she naps I either attend meetings or try to network in some form. I try to connect with at least one new person a week. My goal is 5 but it has been harder than I thought to develop these relationships. My evenings are spent preparing blog posts, attending meet-ups or preparing for class if I teach the next morning.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

Obviously, cuteheads (aw, thanks guys!). Your work ethic and kind spirit has inspired me to keep going and keep pushing. It really isn’t one single business its anytime, I see a mom who is trying to find the balance of working and being a mom I am inspired. Ivanka Trump has to be one of my role models in life. She is intelligent, business savvy, stylish and makes running an empire and being a mom look easy.

If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

Managed my time better. I think all of the experiences leading up to now have shaped me and made me into who I am today but I would have said no more and devoted more time to the projects that were a better return on my investment.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?

Do it! Just do it! Go for it and dream big. Have a clear vision which will help you develop your brand and allow you to develop a following. Think about yourself as a clothing line. If you one day walked into J.Crew and the first you picked up was 2000 dollars you would be confused and would most likely leave. Find your voice and stay true to it. Its okay for it to evolve but have faith and confidence in yourself and your vision. Align yourself with positive people who build you up – you will need them. And honestly, exercise! It helps the mind and body and is a stress reliever which you will need if you are starting your own business.