Marty McDonald on Building Boss Women Media and Elle Olivia While Pregnant With Twins

From Corporate Queen to Entrepreneurial Visionary

• 👑 Marty McDonald transitioned from an 11-year corporate career in interior design and marketing to founding Boss Women Media, an empowerment community for women.
• 💡 Her journey began after realizing the limitations and lack of fulfillment in the corporate world, inspired by her mentor's unfulfilled career.
• 🚀 She left her corporate job in 2017 with a vision to create impact and has not looked back, embracing the entrepreneurial path.

Launching and Monetizing Boss Women Media

• 🤝 Marty started Boss Women Media in 2016 with a small group, driven by a desire for 'more' and connecting with like-minded individuals.
• 📈 Initially, monetization was a challenge, but she learned to strategically position events as impactful programming and secure sponsorships.
• 🌟 A pivotal moment was pitching the 'Black Girl Magic' gummy bear concept to Sugarfina, leading to a five-city tour and establishing her brand's national footprint.
• 💰 The business model evolved to include partnerships and sponsorships, enabling her to host high-caliber speakers and deliver valuable programming.

The Genesis of Elle Olivia

• 💖 Inspired by her personal experience with her daughter's NICU stay and a lack of representation in retail, Marty launched Elle Olivia, a lifestyle brand for young Black and Brown girls.
• 🎯 The brand aims to showcase diversity and affirmations, addressing a white space identified in stores like Target.
• 🛍️ Elle Olivia quickly gained traction, securing placement in over 400 Target locations within its first year of launching.
• 💸 Boss Women Media served as the financial engine for Elle Olivia, with Marty reinvesting revenue to fund the new venture.

Navigating Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

• 🤰 Marty shares her experience of launching Elle Olivia while pregnant with twins, highlighting the immense personal and professional juggling act.
• 🏥 She recounts the challenging pregnancy and NICU stay for her daughter, which deeply influenced her advocacy for representation.
• 🛠️ A small but mighty team of 1099 employees supports both businesses, with a focus on flexibility and shared vision.
• 🗓️ Strategic scheduling, including carving out specific days for family and personal well-being, is crucial for managing her demanding roles.

Key Entrepreneurial Insights

• 💡 Consistency is Marty's non-negotiable trait, emphasizing showing up even when it's difficult.
• 📈 She stresses the importance of understanding financials and utilizing resources like CFOs and startup lawyers for business sustainability.
• ✨ Marty advises entrepreneurs to allow space for miraculous works and divine timing, balancing hard work with faith.
• 🌟 Her parting advice is to embrace the journey, as success is often a decade in the making, requiring dedication and belief.