We recently caught up with one of our Members We LOVE, Chantal Wall, Independent Stylist with Stella & Dot, and all around beauty. We asked her some questions, tried on some jewels, and recorded it all too (video below)! Check out this inspiring gal as she rocks a part-time business while working a full-time job and doing all things that bring her the most joy!
1. Describe your business/career/what you do in a few sentences.
I bring a little sparkle into people's lives... and i don't just mean the jewels. :) Stella & Dot allows me to connect with women on a regular basis and gives them an excuse to have some time to themselves or just a night in with the girls. As a stylist I help women discover what will make them look and feel fabulous.
Personalized Accessories are all the rage right now! We LOVE the Fearless Necklace!
2. What ignited the spark in you to start your business venture?
I didn't think of it as starting a business when I signed up. I fully intended to take the discounted jewelry and run!... but I was going through a lot of tough life changes at the time and found that everything about it filled my cup. It helped me to regain confidence and live a joyful life again. There is a strong, supportive community of stylists in this business, as one of my team members always says, "I came for the jewels, but I stayed for the women."
3. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur/business?
Organization, Authenticity and Joy 4. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My perseverance in this business is something I'm really proud of. I am a stylist, as well as being employed in a 9-5 job. It would have been easier numerous times to give up on this and just quit. But I've maintained regular sales, and started growing a team when I was ready and on my own terms. My business is successful in a way, I would have never though possible when I first started.
5. What kind of culture exists in your organization?
Stella & Dot has a really positive vibe. Our mission is to provide every woman with the means to style her own life. It's about expressing oneself and defining one's own success. It's a very celebratory and supportive culture. 6. How have you changed since becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I said it in one of the earlier answers, but I am certainly more confident. I'm also more realistic about what I have and am willing to give. It has also encouraged me to reflect more and take stock of how I'm feeling and what path I want to be on.
7. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
The first thing that came to mind was Free the Children. I'm about the same age as Craig Kielburger. Even as a child I was in awe of his determination and ability to make things happen. It is still amazing to me that something that started as a 12 year old's idea became such a huge force for spreading awareness and social justice. It reinforces for me, how powerful just one person can be and how the limits we face are largely just those we impose on ourselves. 8. Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
This is an interesting question for me, given that 5 years ago, i would never have thought I would be doing it this long. I know that in 10 years, 20 years, I will be doing the things that bring me joy. Whether that is this or a whole new venture altogether. I'm not sure exactly what that will all look like, but I'm excited to find out.
Chantal also happened to let us in on some secret sales that she's having right now - grab these beauties here while you still can!
Many thanks to Chantal for the fun visit and the sparkly joy she continues to bring to Happy Healthy Women! Want to see her Jewels in person? You'll have your chance on December 15th at our 4th Annual Sparkle & Shine Holiday Cocktail Party and Pop-Up Boutique! - Grab Tix Here!
In Happiness & Health,
Natalie Colalillo
