Stations
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves on trains headed towards our dreams, yet sometimes we disembark at unexpected stations. For me, one such station became the starting point of my fifth entrepreneurial venture, a journey fueled by vision and resilience.
In January 2020, as the term "social distance" reverberated through the world, I stood at a an unknown station. Despite the allure of my dream career at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago, I couldn't ignore the stirring of entrepreneurial visions within me. I've always been a visionary, inherently an entrepreneur, and this moment demanded action.
With just $100 in my business bank account and a boat as my unconventional residence in Michigan, I launched my tile installation company. While my expertise in the tile trade was lacking, I brought to the table a deep understanding of lighting, project management, and the intricacies of running a company.
Driven by an insatiable desire to innovate, I envisioned a fusion of lighting and tile that would revolutionize the industry. Through collaborations with manufacturers, tile installers, and electricians, we breathed new life into spaces with illuminated shower niches, pans, grout joints, and curbs.
From humble beginnings to becoming a national installer for commercial accounts across the USA, my business has evolved into a beacon of innovation. Beyond products, I've prioritized education, offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through a concept called Designer Dopamine.
In recent years, my company has launched Market LED as Lighting by Cameo, with a mission to redefine luxury in lighting. As I embark on public speaking engagements, my focus is on championing the journey of "Badass women pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams."
Through my involvement in Women in Lighting and Women in Flooring mentoring programs, I've gleaned invaluable lessons. Sometimes, being on the right train but getting off at the wrong station can lead to unexpected destinations, where opportunities for growth and reinvention abound.
While my ultimate aspiration is to grace the cover of Forbes magazine, for now, I remain steadfast in catching the next train. Each stop along this entrepreneurial journey offers lessons to be learned, connections to be made, and visions to be realized. As we navigate the stations of life, let us embrace the twists and turns with unwavering determination and boundless creativity.
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