An amazing experience recently happened to me in my entrepreneurial journey. Even though I've had quite a few since I decided to launch my business I have to say, to date, this one takes the cake.
From the beginning, I had this fascination that someday my Wristlets would be shown on National TV. I would watch daytime shows like Oprah, Good Day LA, and the Today show and daydream that someday my products will be seen in one of these well-known TV programs. I still can't believe it but my dream of having my Wristlets featured in the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda finally came true!
As most start-up entrepreneurs know, the first couple, even several years of starting your own business is rife with hard and unglamorous work. My experience these past few years as an entrepreneur has been demanding and continuously challenging. And the only thing that would keep me going is the glimmer of hope when a goal has been accomplished, no matter how small the win may be.
Being mentioned on a television show was a feat I had no clue how to achieve. I knew how hard it is for new and upcoming brands to pitch their product to large reputable institutions. In addition, competing with hundreds of brands and designers to get a spot on a show makes it even more difficult. But I never lost hope that maybe, just maybe, someday I would have my chance.
I took that chance when the opportunity presented itself to me. A friend of mine had informed me that the Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda was taping a few episodes in Los Angeles. I knew right away that this was something I couldn't shy away from. I looked up their taping schedule and went on location with Wristlet in hand, or in this case worn on my wrist, and sat in the audience. My goal was to get the Wristlet to someone who could possibly get me to the person who oversees their new product segment. All I wanted was some kind of consideration, someone to just look at the Wristlet with the hopes that it would make an impression.
During one of the breaks I had the chance to meet Sara Haines and she was absolutely sweet and charming. I casually mentioned possibly having a chance to meet Bobbie Thomas and maybe get her feedback about the Wristlet. But our chat was cut short when taping resumed and the cameras were rolling. I sat and watched them prep for the next show but little did I know what was about to happen.
Bobbie was prepping for her segment on stage when I saw Sara approach her. Next thing I know I was being introduced to Bobbie to show her my Wristlet. I couldn't believe this was actually happening! I don't even recall what I said to Bobbie because I was in a state of shock. Then she asked if she could mention my Wristlet during her segment and suddenly the whole world felt like it was in slow motion and that any minute I was about to wake up from this dream. Lo and behold, during the end of her segment, she called me out of the audience and asked me to show her my invention. It was a surreal and exciting experience that I will never forget.
It was the best morality boost to have people inquire and rave about my product right after the show. And to top it off, I saw my sales increase. The hard work and sacrifice all these years was worth it. I am very thankful to the Today Show especially to Sara Haines and Bobbie Thomas for helping me cross off another goal in my entrepreneurial bucket list.
Click on the video link below to check out my impromptu appearance on the Today show.
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