Venetta Carraway–a trailblazing entrepreneur who founded Ritzy Glitzy Girlz Club–quit her full time job as healthcare administrative assistant to invest in a mobile glam spa for young girls. Â “I felt like I was suffocating at my job as a healthcare administrative assistant, and I knew I had to do something about it. I wanted more, more of everything: more time with my family, more freedom to be creative and, of course, more money. So I started brainstorming and jotting down ideas every chance I got. When I first came up with idea of the mobile spa, I was not really excited about it, but for some reason the idea would not let me rest. I decided to put more energy into the idea and it paid off,” says Carraway.
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Two years later, Carraway transitioned the The Ritzy Glitzy Girlz Club mobile glam spa to a storefront that offers everything from fun kids parties to Jell-O manicures and ice cream pedicures. She’s sought out by celebrity clients such as Chris Rock and “Cake Boss“ Buddy Valastro, to name a few. She’s currently in the process of closing a deal for her own signature line of Ritzy Glitzy/Cake Boss cakes, with Valastro. And, her business has been featured on ABC 7 News and other major publications.
So how does a small town girl go from living in South Carolina to owning a spa in New York City? BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the trailblazer to gain some insight into her journey and tips for first time business owners.
BlackEnterprise.com: When you quit your job as a healthcare administrative assistant to invest in your dream did you have a plan?
Carraway: Yes, I definitely had a business plan. Not the type that one would call a normal one. However, my plan had pages and pages of ideas with future endeavors of the business and financial projections. I scoured the Internet, day in and day out, researching similar companies for relevant information for structuring my business. I literally lived at Barnes & Noble’s reading business books and magazines, every chance I got. I visited many stores that pertained to my industry and I traveled pretty far, at times. I was obsessed with making my company one of the best out there, if not “The Best!â€
How did you get the funds to launch your dream business?
I used my personal savings, as well as, investments from supportive family members.
What fears and challenges did you face?
My biggest fear, of course, as with
many entrepreneurs was the fear of failure. I had the drive, the dedication and the passion for what I was doing, but I didn’t have a business degree. I had many naysayers doubt what I could do because I did not have this degree. It was hard in the beginning. I had to learn a lot of things through trial and error. There were many long hours, sleepless nights, and missed meals, but I plowed through. With the help of my super supportive husband by my side, working hard in the background and cheering me on every step of the way I knew I could make this dream happen.Continue reading on the next page…
What sacrifices have you made to maintain your business?
I’ve had to sacrifice a normal sleep schedule due to my long working hours (early mornings, late nights and weekends). There were many times I had to miss family events like my children’s school events. I don’t get to visit my mother in Georgia, as much as I would like too. Forget about cooking. Preparing home cooked meals for my family is something I barely have time for anymore. My husband
and I have to schedule date night sometimes, which many times turns into a business meeting. We’ll spend time together comparing ideas or redecorating the spa until wee hours in the morning. There’s never a dull moment, but the reward is worth every minute of it.How did you know you were ready to transition from a mobile business to a brick-and-mortar shop?
Finances. I wanted to start out with a physical location in the beginning, but my lack of finance hindered that. Therefore, I decided to start out with the mobile spa to build my finance in hopes of opening my physical location in the very near future. Once I met my goal, I just moved forward with my original plan.
Top 3 marketing  tips used to grow your business.
1. The Internet is your best friend as long as you use it properly. It is a major tool for growing your business. There are so many different avenues on the Internet to put your business in front of millions of customers every day. There’s social media, search engine optimization, Internet ads and press coverage to name a few.
2. Brand promotion is major, as well. You have to create brand awareness around your business structure and show off the uniqueness of your brand every chance you get. Don’t be afraid to be different. People take notice when you’re different.
3. Custom mobile marketing is a great way to advertise your business. I drive around in my Ritzy Glitzy custom wrapped pink van every day. No matter where I’m going, the supermarket, the gym, or to take my kids to school, I’m always promoting.
What tips or business advice do you have for people looking to transition from employee to entrepreneur? If you could start your business over, what would you do differently?
- Take your time and start out with definite goals in mind.
- Set your vision and put everything on paper.
- Work your business on the side for a while before leaving your job to be sure it works. As every “good idea” does not always make money.
- Put aside extra money for a rainy day.
- I wouldn’t change a thing regarding how I started my business. Every experience of this ride, good and bad, has made this journey so rewarding. I’ve learned to appreciate all aspects of it.
Describe what success means to you?
One word…Freedom.