This would be the first of I hope many inspiring interviews of women whom I have been honored to know, like and been inspired by.   My goal is to feature not only women in business, but also women who make a difference in our community.  We all need a little boost of inspiration now and again.

This  week I am featuring Sheri Brunnquell.  Sheri is a good friend of mine. We’ve known each other for years from attending various women entrepreneurial networking groups.   Sheri has the sweetest personality and always has a warm smile.   I recently had the honor to photograph her for her business headshot as well as a glamour session.  We had such a great time.  She is a Silpada Design Jewelry Representative.  She is so successful that the company recently sent her and several reps to Paris, France for a week.  Way to go Sheri.  Many wonder how can someone sustain a business this long and many others have not.  Well, Sheri is a woman who has a warm heart and charming personality but most importantly, she is dedicated to the success of her business by making sure she is always connected to her clients.  She is focused on her mission to make women feel good.  And, the beautiful jewelry sure make her clients sparkle with joy.  Here are some amazing photos from our Glam photo shoot.

Let’s get started with our interview.

Name: Sheri Brunnquell

Business: Silpada Designs Jewelry Representative

Please tell us a little bit about your business.

I bring my sterling silver boutique to women’s homes or businesses. It’s no secret that the right jewelry helps you feel polished and pulled together. I help women find the look they feel stylish in and have a fun night out with their friends at the same time.

 

Why do you do it?

I do it because it I love feeling like I’m good at something. In my former career as a French teacher, I never felt like my job offered any practical application. Now I help women feel great and have fun…and I can teach others how to do it too!

 

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee!! I worked in a donut shop in high school—you can’t do that job without the help of coffee!

 

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

See above– It’s coffee. Really. That’s all.

 

Favorite City

Paris

 

Style Icon

Audrey Hepburn-she is the perfect example of casual, classic style!

 

How do you balance work and home life?

I don’t know if balance is the right word—it’s more a pendulum. One week it’s more work and then I make up for it with my family the next week. I’ve gotten very good at listening to my heart though. If I’m going to feel guilty about missing something because of work, I really try to assess if I’ve made the right choice and adjust when necessary.

 

Favorite season?

Fall!! Maybe we’ll see it sometime this year!

 

What’s your biggest success so far?

My daughter is my biggest success. She has watched me make goals, achieve many but also have disappointments. The fact that she believes that anything is possible if you work hard and want it enough and her knowledge that it may not happen on the first try is my greatest achievement.

 

If you can sing one song in American idol, what would it be?

Midnight Train to Georgia—Gladys Knight is amazing!!

 

Tell us why your business is amazing in a one sentence.

My business is about helping women feeling strong, confident, fashionable and connected.

 

What do you love most about your business?

I love being my own boss! I get to make the rules and take care of my customers they way I would want to be treated. I don’t have to ask anyone else for permission to do it the way I think it should be done!

 

Can you share one quote or saying you love, that keeps you going in life?

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail” To me, that says it all—it takes the fear out of the equation and helps you decide what you really want to do.

 

Advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs

Surround yourself with people you admire. Don’t be afraid to expand your comfort level and don’t take rejection personally. Lose the “employee mentality” of getting paid hour for hour and realize that the rewards will be greater when you invest your energy and nurture strong business relationships.