Jordana Guimaraes created a platform for disruptors in entrepreneurship, technology, fashion & entertainment
Interview with Jordana & Marcelo Guimaraes
I stay motivated by… *Jordana* the changes & adaptions via technology, which make the fashion industry more & more exciting by the day. It never stays the same as it's always adapting to its surroundings. We as a couple also stay motivated in growing as entrepreneurs, due to our two little princesses Ariana & Isabel (2 yrs old and 8 months old).
Three adjectives that describe me are… *Jordana* ambitious, passionate & an avid adventurer.
If I could have dinner with one person it would be… Beyonce because she is the definition of a #bossbabe. For my husband, Marcelo, it would be Jorge Paulo Lemann as he is a family man and an entrepreneurship icon.
The most exciting innovation to me is… social media - it's incredible how much it's grown and what one is able to accomplish via the outlets, if used properly!
FASHINNOVATION is "Where Fashion & Technology Connect", while sparking the entrepreneurial mindset. Recently launched at New York Fashion Week with tremendous success, with additional upcoming events taking place at Art Basel, Miami as well as the next edition of NYFW (Feb. 2019), this is all just the beginning. FASHINNOVATION intermixes the industry disruptors with decision makers in the entrepreneurship, technology, fashion & entertainment industries via conversations through our platform (currently building a multi-media fashion tech platform) as well as various panel events we will host worldwide (starting with every NYFW season).
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?
Marcelo's answer: I've also had a thirst for knowledge when it came to entrepreneurs, and emerged myself into the entrepreneurial eco-system straight out of college, when I first joined Endeavor, Brazil. Since then, it's not only something I love - entrepreneurship - but something I've always aspired for. Today, I am happy to be an entrepreneur & although it's only the start of my journey, I am excited to be on this rollercoaster - I want it all... the bad, the good, the great. After all, that's what the entrepreneurial journey is all about - learning & growing!
How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?
Marcelo's answer: I came from Brazil to the US 3 years ago and have been working with helping entrepreneurs who have innovative aspects to their business via technology, come into the US market via strategies, investments, etc. I wanted to create a platform/events with day 1 talks of entrepeneurship, etc. My wife - Jordana - whom has been in the fashion eco-system for 15 years, when I shared my idea with her, became inspired in mixing our two worlds and creating an event where they'd be merged. This is how FASHINNOVATION came about.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle for female founders? How can we overcome it?
Jordana's answer: I believe my biggest obstacle, is being taken seriously. I am someone - like many other #bossbabes - who enjoys to get dolled up, wear dresses/heels, smile a lot and be girlie in my ways. I am allowed to be this way and shouldn't be taken as less of an entrepreneur because of it. At first older women and men, made me feel bad for being the way that I am... however, I eventually learned to let it slide and not affect me, by everytime it happens, thinking to myself... "what good does this feeling they're trying to portray upon me do for me?"... as soon as that thought comes to my mind, I don't pay attention and keep serving my purpose and being the best version of myself. To all of the women reading this, WE ARE STRONG, WE ARE BRILLIANT, WE ARE WORTH IT!
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Jordana's answer: To be a successful entrepreneur, I have had to put me 2nd. When you start a business, it must always come first in order for it to be successful! You have to put your heart, soul and everything into it. Treat it as your baby... I have two babies and when people ask me: "how many kids do you have?", my answer is always "3 - 2 little girls and a business" :)
How far are you willing to go to succeed?
Marcelo & Jordana's answer combined: We will do whatever it takes to make sure that FASHINNOVATION becomes THE reference in Fashion Tech. We will be the biggest multimedia fashion tech platform internationally. We believe with the changes facing the fashion/entrepreneurship industries, this is a necessary platform for everyone to keep their finger on the pulse as it happens - in real time. Also, every event we host will give back to a cause, which is super important as being a social company is at the core of everything we do.