Q: What kind of support system do you have in place personally and professionally?
A: My husband and my family are just amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.
I also work with people who I trust—we’re always there for each other. They are my family, too. They believe in tarte and that’s what makes us such a great team.
Q: How did you finance your business (personal contributions, loans from friends & family, loans from bank, credit cards, outside investors?)
A: I self-financed tarte with my savings and some credit cards—thank you AMEX. I put $20,000 on it and never looked back.
Q: What is your company’s current financial picture and what are your projections?
A: We’re estimated to make $20 million in retail sales this year.
Q: What has been your greatest success or “high point” in the process?
A: I never sit back and say this is it, this is a great success. I’m always trying to raise the bar and push things to the next level. With all of the wonderful new natural offerings and advanced technology, there is always room for improvement. It did help, however, when Oprah Winfrey chose our lip-gloss for “the O list”—I’d be lying if I said I didn’t do a little dance when that issue came out!
Q: Have you experienced a “low point” and if so, how did you rally yourself to get back on track?
A: Everyone experiences low points along the way. The key is to only let yourself indulge for an hour or so and then move on. I personally believe that every mistake we make teaches us something in the long run, so basically mistakes are essential.
Q: Did anyone in particular help you along the way?
A: My friends and family have helped me every step of the way. In the beginning I needed them to help with actual pack-outs and filling orders. Now I rely on them to help me keep things in perspective and pat me on the back when I’ve had a particularly rough week.
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