A popular question among academics is: Can entrepreneurship be taught? Of course, like most things, the answer is yes and no. There are skills that are taught, but the “how to” booklet on the insanity and drive that it actually takes to birth a business as far as I know does not exist. The statistics will show that you have to be even more insane to start a business if you are a woman. I laugh at how the media defines female businesses as “hobbies.” My response to this: some hobby! If only men could have such amazing hobbies…

So what is this insanity about? Well, firstly its about living to defy the odds. As I encounter people who ask me questions like, well, how old are you? And what work experience do you have? I have to laugh. The truth is, perhaps still young enough to go after my dream and to live my life the way I want to. ..and young enough to have the confidence to believe that I in fact, can defy the odds. Besides, high risk, high return- right?

Three days ago I went for an interview at the office of Eillen Fisher. For anyone attempting to launch a business the concept of brand will haunt your thoughts and dreams. For me, creating the brand is the most exciting part of this process. I mean, how amazing to invent a brand? A brand that stands for something? That speaks to people? That’s says- buy me, I represent you? There is something unique embedded in the DNA of the Eileen Fisher brand: and that is the concept of wellness: wellness for its employees worldwide as well as its customers. This will become immediately obvious the second you enter an EF store: the clothing looks as if it will float along the top of your skin. But the office! The interview was held in a small glass room referred to as “the greenhouse (the interview couldn’t be held in the main conference room due to reflexology in session….). The walls of the office are sparse, with corners adorned with white rock gardens. There is soon to be an organic snack and lunch bar, located close by to the yoga room. I mean imagine? One could assume that the “wellness” of the EF surroundings has a profound effect on employees, eventually impacting the bottom line.

After 18 months of MBA drudgery, I am ready to be “well.”