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Denise Wieand

Owner/Chief Executive Officer
Allegra Marketing, Print and Mail of Marmora, NJ

What inspired you to join/start your business?

I worked in the corporate world for many years as an executive and business consultant and learned that my colleagues, that were mostly men, doing the same job and with less than stellar results compared to me were making a significantly higher compensation. I also traveled Mon. through Fri. and wanted to have more flexibility to spend time participating in my children's activities. I could never do this with the demanding travel that my position required.

 

We work hard for our customers and are very passionate about helping businesses grow by providing solutions; learning about our customers, what they need, their struggles, goals and doing the right thing! Our entire team seeks to do this! Are we perfect, who is, but we certainly don't lack the effort.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Many times passed over for promotions and raises while working for large corporations that paid their executives very well. These offers came when I mentioned that I was leaving for other positions, found out only then, what I was really worth. It happened time and time again - one time my employer offered $20K more per year for me to stay, which I did and then again another promotion when I finally decided that it was time to leave.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

Working in NYC and being recognized as an expert in my field; leading a team and teaching them.

How do you define success?

Work, Life Balance (still working on this) and building a team to work more on the business and not so much in the business

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Don't be so black and white - it's okay to see more variables and options. Be a good listener.

What women inspire you and why?

Justice Ruth Bader - her statement that she explained her mother taught her, "be someone who holds fast to her convictions and her self-respect, someone who is a good teacher, but doesn't snap back in anger. Recriminations do no good."

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Don't give up your compassion to feel for and help others but seek to be straightforward and respected.

Describe yourself in three words.

Straight Forward, Competitive and Sincere

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... pull up my boots and go for it!

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… pick a career that provides a great living, diversity and laughter everyday!

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… wine... and my family and dear friends that get me through the exhausting days.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… hopefully headed on vacation to a warm and happy place.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… realizing that even with some challenges ahead, we will get through it!

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… dance or sing when noone is looking 🙂 
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