Entrepreneurship that Keeps On Giving
3/31/2015I had the opportunity to interview Anna Zornosa, the founder and CEO of Ruby Ribbon, a social commerce apparel company whose clothes are designed to provide women with a unique, customized and shapely fit. The company trains women to become stylists and provides opportunities for women to host trunk shows selling these customized designs.
Anna conceptualized her business at a time in her life when she was ripe for change: she was in her 50s, her children were thriving in college, and she felt ready to take on something new. Reflecting on her years raising kids, Anna felt compelled to create something that would appeal to women - both those juggling the demands of motherhood and those looking for further personal growth. Ruby Ribbon was the perfect marriage of this aspiration: she was helping women feel good about themselves while also offering opportunities for those who wanted to participate in the business. An experienced entrepreneur, Anna found her biggest challenge in developing Ruby Ribbon to be ensuring that her company didn't just have the potential to be successful but that it had the potential to "be good." She wanted a company that "would create flexible but lucrative jobs for women" while also creating "a community for women who gave to their communities." As daunting as this seemed to many women, Anna remained focused on encouraging her clients to take a professional chance - all while looking and feeling more confident than ever. Ruby Ribbon secured funding by prominent Venture Capitalists in Silicon Valley and now operates in 48 states with approximately 500 independent stylists.
Anna is just one of example of how women are entering the entrepreneurial space in mid-life, post-childrearing, and driven by a greater social cause. Ruby Ribbon has been featured in WWD, Pure Wow, Self, The Wall Street Journal, and Woman's Day. For more information visit rubyribbon.com
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