7.7 million of the 27-million small businesses in the United States are women-owned.
In 2013 there are 20.1% more women owned businesses than there were in 2002.
In 2018, the Center for Women’s Business Research projects that women owned businesses will account for one-third of all new jobs created.
The National Women’s Business Council stats are encouraging!
As part of Women’s Small Business Month, and to encourage this continued growth of women-owned small business, we celebrate the women who have made a plan, strategized and achieved a goal, by opening, running and growing successful small businesses.
As part of our celebration, we shout out about Cera Wax Studio, a business based in The Greater Washington, D.C. Area. Founded by two sisters, Monica Gomez and Anna Gomez Akers, the “Cera Sisters” run the studio from two quadrants – Monica “on location” in Bethesda, Maryland and Anna from San Diego, California. Strategic plans are already in the works for an expansion to the west coast.
Monica’s and Anna’s business acumen and direction are a clip from the 1980s cult movie, Karate Kid. With great drive, determination and focus they have done, and continue to do, what Mr. Miyagi instructed: “wax on, wax off.”
1) Why did you decide to start/purchase your business? Owning our own business has been a dream and goal since our teenage years. We felt confident at this point that our passion, drive, and experience in the beauty industry would enable us to open and operate a successful business. Not to mention… We loved being our “Own Boss.”
2) What has the experience been like? Have you ever owned a business before? Our experience thus far from conception to execution has been a wild ride. We have had goals, expectations, and visions when we began our journey. Some evolved as planned; others had to be revised along the way. There have been celebrations, struggles, fears and champagne. We would not have traded the highs and lows for anything. It’s been amazing to share these experiences not only as sisters but as business Partners. For each of us, Cera Wax Studio is our first business.
3) Do you have any advice for women who may want to own their own business one day? Choose to do something that you are not only an expert in but also a product or service about which you are passionate. On the flip side, if you’re passionate about something, but not an expert, engage a partner who completes your vision. It will come through in your overall finished product. Gain as much hands on experience in all facets of the business you plan to open. As you begin your journey, be patient yet driven; have a plan but be flexible; be fearless yet reasonable. Always take a moment to stop and enjoy the ride!
4) What does being an American Business Woman mean to you? We are just happy to have the opportunity to be “businesswomen.” We created opportunities for ourselves when doors were “left open” just enough for us to push our way through, persevere and create success.
5) Do you believe that you are setting an example for your daughter/girls? Though neither of us have children of our own, we certainly believe that every move, every decision, every word we “speak” has the potential to influence the next generation of girls. It is important to us that we are healthy, strong, intelligent role models for young girls. The truth is, with hard work and passion dreams really can come true!
6) Has owning your own business enabled you to “have it all,” a family and work? We are bi-coastal business partners. One of us lives in Bethesda and the other in San Diego, where we were born and raised. Owning our own business has provided a measure of flexibility to “be there” for our families when the need arises, whether it’s in Maryland or California. As busy as we are now, we actually see each other and our parents even more than before, and for that we are grateful.
8) Can you give some details about the path that led you to business ownership? It’s starts with a dream, then a realistic vision, next is research and gained experience, a solid plan and finally execution.
