Sky's the Limit 16 Mar 2023

Sky’s the Limit’s LIMITLESS! Spotlights Founder Tiffany Shelly

 

Limitless! featuring Tiffany Shelly

Welcome to Sky’s the Limit’s Limitless! Blog Series.

Read exclusive interviews with some of the most inspirational and motivating entrepreneurs around, featuring the stories of people who inspire us and encourage us to think differently and #BeLimitless every day. We're spotlighting Founder Tiffany Shelly — we hope you enjoy her story.

And, if you’d like to hear more from Tiffany, be sure to watch Episode 3 of Season Two of the Limitless! web series. Watch it today!

Q: What inspired you to start your own business?

A: I started Last Minute Hair to revolutionize the beauty industry. I wanted to build a legacy for my children, while improving the lives of others simultaneously.

Q: What keeps you motivated day-to-day to keep working on your business?

A: Outside of my children, my vision is what keeps me motivated. I visualized my endgame, and I am determined to materialize it. I would characterize myself as someone with high endurance, and I understand this journey is a marathon not a sprint. Everyday I get better and wiser in my business as well as the business space, and I have been able to pour into others because of it. Being able to help build those around me keeps me going.

Q: How have mentors and other entrepreneurs played a role in moving your business forward?

A: As a collective the Sky's the Limit mentors have helped me strategize to develop a marketing plan, finalize the version one flow of my product and add 50 new users to my waitlist.

I am extremely happy that I was able to cross paths with Kelley Eckmayer and Carol Petti. Kelley really helped me ground myself. I habitually pushed my business ahead of me, but she helped me realize my story was equally important. Through meeting with her, I was able to find my story. Carol helped me restructure my financial model. After meeting with her, I was able to refine my financial needs to go to market and to not be so capital intensive.

Q: What’s the #1 challenge you’ve faced, and how’d you overcome it?

A: My biggest challenge, outside of raising capital, was not being a barrier to myself. Having those internal dialogues of doubt and being overly obsessed with being "perfect" and getting everything right. After paying attention to how many long standing, huge corporations get it wrong everyday, but still press forward, I realized I didn't need to be perfect. I needed to learn how to course correct in the moments things did go wrong, because they will.

Q: How did you approach funding for your business?

A:  I approached funding for my business in a few ways. I initially started with bootstrapping, then moved into pitch competition and grassroots campaigns. From there I managed to raise capital through Greenwood Archer Capital and Sunshine Enterprises. I am currently looking to raise capital from angel investors.

Q: How do you manage your time between working on your business and other aspects of your life?

A: I haven't found an ideal balance, and after listening to insights from successful business owners, it seems like an ongoing feat I will experience as I grow. However, I prioritize as needed. I take time to breathe and be present through meditation when I first wake up and before I go to bed. I create time slots and set a timer for tasks to be done and give myself five minute breaks in between to allow my mind to wander or simply be still. Another thing I do is schedule days throughout the month where it's "kids' choice" and allow my girls to let loose and put work aside.

Q: Any words of wisdom or inspiration you’d give someone just starting out?

A: Understanding where you want to go with your business is so important, but understanding your market is even better. Don't be afraid to acknowledge your competitors. We all have them. Just make sure your differentiators are significant enough to give you a fighting chance. Know your numbers. They hold more weight than your feelings. Lastly, you miss every shot you don't take. Nos are a part of the game. You only need one yes, so keep going.