This story is about…
Name: Marlo Wright
Location: USA
Company: WIDCO
Industry: Wine/Desserts/Speaking
What motivated you to start your business?
I love helping people. After certain experiences I encountered in my early twenties, I began helping others avoid some of the mistakes in relationships that I made. Looking for love in the wrong place resulted in me being robbed of the opportunity of becoming a champion in my life. I started writing books and speaking. As a compliment to one of my books, I launched a wine line. They are healthy wines and I promote that healthy living starts with a choice. When you read, you like to relax with a glass of wine. When you share the book with a book club, you share with your friends. When you apply the engaging qualities to share with your mate, wine is the perfect conversational drink. Being that the wine industry is so flooded, I thought of a by-product I could use the wine in and still feature the wine.
Tell us about your business…
Wine – We start with grapes flown in from California, and infuse them with all natural flavors.
Frozen Yogurt- We have a food truck that is launching in a couple weeks in South Florida.
Speaking/Books – I am a certified holistic life coach. I am currently working on my stress management coaching certification and my next book. The overall result in these three entities is one complete movement: The Power of 1 – Understanding, Forgiving and Loving yourself.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
For writing and speaking, I just started putting thoughts on paper. After I knew what I wanted to say, I needed an audience in which to say it to. I found my audience through social media, networking, speaking at churches, youth organizations, women’s conferences, etc.
Getting a wine company started began with a conversation with my wine maker. I wanted to create something unique and different, because that’s how I view myself.
Building a name with a small budget isn’t easy. It honestly was all about timing. I found the right people who believed in the yogurt idea and not just believed but invested.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
We are currently in a rebranding phase. My website, www.itsmarlowright.com, is just about complete, as well as the wine company. Therefore, we rely heavily on the connections we make in our current community and through social media sites. We currently just booked several interviews and jobs through Facebook.
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
Cash flow…getting to a place where we have the pieces in place to increase cash flow.
How did you overcome these challenges?
We got investors. That additional money will help us become more visible when before we didn’t have the funds to afford SEO and other avenues to gain more customers.
What do you love about running your own business?
It’s my business. I have been an entrepreneur for years, but this is on a different level. We already have plans for expansion and growth – something I haven’t done or thought about before. Having my own business allows me to do what I love – help people champion their own lives.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
Nothing comes overnight! You have to do the work. Stay positive and you will attract the right people to you that will make all the difference in the world. It’s all about timing. Recognize your timing.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I reread my goal list and check off all I have accomplished. I reflect on where we started and how far we have come. I have great supporters and people who encourage me and I let them know how I feel. I always feel like I have to help everyone else and being transparent allows others to HELP me. It’s nice.
What’s your favourite quote?
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.”
{Napoleon Hill}
Who inspires you?
Women who have it all…career, family, and balance. My mom is an amazing woman.
Do you have a business philosophy?
Consider the needs of others first above what great product or thought you have to share.
