Answers By: Terra Missildine, owner and operations manager of Beloved Earth Company, Massachusetts.
1) How long have you been in business?
8.5 years.
2) Why have you chosen to dedicate yourself to this particular business/industry?
Sustainable living and entrepreneurship have been passions of mine for over a decade and when we launched the business, we were the only cleaning company in Western Massachusetts that was offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cleaning.
3) What makes business/product unique?
We have a team of absolutely joyful people! We love what we do; we all have a true ‘service’ mentality and enjoy caring for our fellow man and planet at the same time. Anyone can do the work we do but not the way we do it, with love, commitment and compassion.
4) You could have worked for anyone and would have been successful, why become an entrepreneur?
Working for myself gives me the opportunity to expand enough to be of service to more people. The fact that I sign paychecks for a group of amazing people really turns me on. I couldn’t be as flexible or creative if I had someone else to answer to. I know that there is a remarkable path set before me and I want to be able to expand to accommodate whatever that means.
5) What was your last, “why did I go into business for myself” moment?
When I had my first daughter in February. I didn’t have to wonder if I could have the time I needed and wanted to be the mother I want to be. As an entrepreneur, I’m the one in control of my priorities, my schedule and my energy. It was a glorious feeling to welcome her into that world.
6) Every female professional should have _______?
Self love.
7) If you could steal some business mojo from another mogul, who would it be and why?
Marie Forleo. She is always herself and proud of it. Because of that, people are attracted to her and she can help a larger audience. I love authenticity.
8) What is your business motto?
Be the change you wish to see in the world – Ghandi.
9) If you could give other entrepreneurs three tips, what would they be?
First: Keep the “well” full; you can only give to others that which overflows. Second: Be flexible and adaptable. If you aren’t enjoying what you do, change it. Be prepared for the ebbs and flows and be the person who gets up one more time than the competition. Lastly: Take care of yourself – being dead is bad for business.
10) Has there been a piece of technology or software that has been a lifesaver to you?
Obviously, I don’t even remember how entrepreneurs existed without their smartphones, but I would say that the online accounting software Freshbooks really helped me get a handle on our billing and invoicing process.
11) What is your goal for the next year?
Continue refining our systems to support continued growth while enjoying my daughter’s first year. And find more ways to tell my story and help people starting out on the entrepreneurial path. I’ve been informally mentoring budding entrepreneurs for years; I’d really like to make that more official.
12) When someone is telling their friend about your business, what do you hope they say?
Whenever someone interacts with Beloved Earth, their space and their spirit feel that much sweeter afterward.
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