Cary Williams is empowering brand for fearless women & girls
I created a female empowerment brand called Too Pretty. As a former competitive boxer I was told that I was “too pretty” to be a fighter. I became an Olympic level boxing coach, trained aspiring Olympians and trained thousands of individuals all while growing a chain of boxing clubs in CA.
I was in the thick of one of the most male dominated sports around!
I knew that there were other girls out there in other male dominated sports and professions who may be hearing the same remarks. Our apparel embodies the girl and the woman who is Never Too Pretty to do or be anything!
What is failure? Do you think it’s a crucial step to success?
Failure to me is not reaching a goal you set out to accomplish. But, failure is something that is necessary. We all need to fail to feel humble and to feel hungry. We learn from our failures and either make adjustments or change the game completely!
What are some pros and cons of having (OR not having) entrepreneurial parents?
My father did not have the luxury of being an entrepreneur because I was born when he was 19 and raised me on his own. He had to get a job with security. I think the con to not having an entrepreneurial parent was that I didn’t get to see the scary side of being an entrepreneur. The hard work that goes into it, the time it takes and the uncertainty. There is a reason they say that ignorance is bliss.
Are there difficult times you go through? What helps/inspires you?
There are more difficult times than I anticipated with creating and growing a brand. I have been an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years, but my first company was a service business. I learned how to slay it! I grew a chain of boxing clubs across Northern CA and even franchised the company.
This is like starting from scratch all over again. So much I am learning along the way and I feel like I don’t have the luxury of time to learn. I have to constantly remind myself that the brand has meaning, it is growing organically with purpose and it may take a lot longer than I want. But in the end, it will mean more. I get a daily reminder from girls who love the brand and the message.
What does it mean to have competition/competitors?
Having competition is healthy. I use to be nervous about my competition and now I try to embrace it. I have even started collaborating with companies who may be looked at as competition. I feel we all still have something unique to offer and can build each other up equally.