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Marianne Aleardi

Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, SJ Magazine

What inspired you to join/start your business?

I didn't start SJ Magazine, I acquired it. Being able to tell stories about the community I live in and promote the women who live here - that's a dream job.

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

I think the challenges I've faced are similar to any entrepreneur. I've certainly had my share of sexist experiences, like when a man reached across me to shake Joe's hand because he was being introduced to the publisher of SJ Magazine. But you have to just keep going. Those men are becoming less and less powerful, and women are becoming more and more powerful. You focus on that.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

Probably seeing the Women's Empowerment Series continue, and having women tell me what they've learned when they attended. I've had young women email me about a specific thing a panelist said and how that inspired them in some way. There's no better compliment.

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

Keep going. Persevere.

What women inspire you and why?

I've had the opportunity and privilege to interview so many South Jersey women - from CEOs to moms trying to advocate for their kids. They always blow me away - and I always wish I could spend more time with them. There is so much to learn if you just ask a woman to tell her story. It's usually pretty fascinating.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

People will tell you to go for your dreams, and yes, you should. But first recognize that it's really hard and the amount of time you have to give (and the amount of sacrifice) is really, really big. So just be sure it's what you want to do. Then, yeah, go all in.

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... take time to think. Sometimes I tell people we aren't going to do anything until the universe reveals what we should do. And that usually happens.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… Everything is going to be ok. It all works out.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… Torn between Joe Aleardi and apple pancakes.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… hopefully hosting in-person events.

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… I hung upside down at Pilates. Totally amazed myself.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… go sit somewhere other than my desk. 
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