Patty Brisben of Pure Romance
When and why did you start your business?
In 1983, I watched a segment on "The Phil Donahue Show," which featured women working as in-home direct-sales consultants. It completely changed my life and prompted me to start working as an in-home consultant. The company later folded, but as soon as I hosted my first party, I knew that I had found the right path for me. I founded Pure Romance in 1993 because I wanted to empower women the way that I had been empowered. My life has never been the same since that day in 1983, and because of that I wanted to pay it forward.
Did you consider yourself an entrepreneur before that?
Thirty years ago, I considered myself a mother who needed to pay her bills and keep her children fed. I just wanted to make ends meet. I have done what I have needed to do to reach my goals and I suppose, in essence, that is the nature of being an entrepreneur.
Where did you find your first employee?
My first employee was my former babysitter; I had known her for years. It goes to show how we should never take for granted just how much of our journeys are to be shared with the world.
What¹s the most difficult thing about running your own business?
There is great power in running your own business and with that there is great responsibility. If my business fails I know that an innumerous amount of people will suffer. I push myself the hardest when I know that it is for the sake of other people's happiness.
What¹s the best thing?
Sometimes you own a business and lose your shirt; other times you own a business and can afford to give your shirt to those who need it more. I have been blessed with the latter and I can say wholeheartedly that being able to give back is the very best thing not just in business, but in life.
What has contributed most to your growth?
I once heard someone say, "change is inevitable but growth is optional," and I truly believe that. The trick is figuring out how to use your circumstances as opportunities for growth and this realization has changed me.
What companies or founders do you admire and why?
Truthfully, I admire my consultants the most. I see how their motivation and drive has helped them to progress in their own journeys and I watch as they share their own lessons with other people and it fills me with gratitude.