REAL LIFE ROSIE

www.bahiastyle.com

Tell us about yourself
I’m the owner and designer at “Bahia Style” – a new brand of contemporary cocktail tables that are “French Designed. Made in Brooklyn”. I was born in Paris, but have spent most of my life in New York. After having worked ten years for a furniture design and home decoration agency, where I was traveling constantly to India and France, I decided to create my own brand and wanted the products to be made in the USA. So I wrote a 40-page business plan, received an SBA backed loan, designed my products, got into my car and searched for a good factory, and did everything else needed to start off the brand (hosted a launch party, built a website, found customers, marketing, etc.).

What inspires you?
A lot – mainly people. I’m inspired by creative people because they create something from nothing – risking rejection and being vulnerable. I’m also inspired by people who live life simply, like a farmer. Or those who lose everything and constantly rebuild.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes, I have two (though it might change in a few years). “Find a way” – by Dianna Nyad. This woman became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida, after 5 failed attempts and at age 64, and all the while surrounded by sharks and the extremely dangerous box jelly fishes.My other favorite quote, which is more geared towards design is from Leonardo de Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. I agree with him and also think that it is the most difficult to achieve.

What are the most pressing issues facing women today?
Despite some gender inequality, I’m still thankful to be living in the US. It is much much harder for women to start a business and be independent in most other places in the world.

What are the biggest keys to your success?
Difficult to pinpoint because success is not clearly defined. But so far what has worked for me was my creativity, risk-taking and being ok with making mistakes while learning from them. And there have been a lot of those mistakes! Oh and also having a sense of humor goes a long way.

About Your Business
Where did the inspiration for your business come from?
The inspiration came very organically – and there were a few reasons. One, I was traveling internationally constantly (almost every month), and thought that I couldn’t do it forever if I wanted to have a family and children (which I do). Two, I was designing furniture for others – loved it – but was not getting any credit for it. And finally and most importantly, I really believe in the “Made in the USA” dream, despite the added hurdles and price increase.

Where is your product sold?
The cocktail tables are sold on my website, www.bahiastyle.com, as well as at a few stores in Manhattan, NY such as www.maison24.com, and www.1stdibs.com.

What advice do you have for a woman who is considering starting a business?
Besides being really organized, be absolutely sure you want to do this and know what you’re getting into. Have stamina from head to toe. I thought that I had both, and I did and do, but still it was not enough and at times, very tough. Besides this, my biggest piece of advice is don’t do it alone, but if you are going to do it alone, have a strong support group.

What are the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in starting or growing your business? How did you overcome these?
Facing the unknown. Out of the 40 pages of my business plan, (which impressed my bankers since I received the loan immediately) only maybe 3 pages ended up being real-life accurate. My biggest obstacle was thinking that I could do everything alone. That’s simply impossible. So I learned and got some support. And all of that taught me not to give up.

Are there any additional thoughts or questions that you have?
It is a roller-coaster ride but it’s your roller-coaster! You are the producer, actor, director, web developer, creator, marketer, lawyer, accountant, and secretary of YOUR own roller coaster!