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Carla Fynan

Owner, Boulder Designs by Fynan and Sons

What inspired you to join/start your business?

We create custom boulders that are designed by the customer, any shape, any size. Boulder designs are perfect to highlight your business or home. At the end of my dad's life he said 'if you dream of a career where you can be and do exactly what you want-go for it!' . He was a wise and successful businessman but never took his own advice. I have worked for many great leaders and business men and women. All of the years of working have shown me that the path to success is to believe in yourself, work hard, treat your customers as your family and take risks. I am a maker and creator. What I understand is that we have one life and I do not want to look back and say 'I should have'.

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

I would say that my biggest challenge is to be taken seriously and to take myself seriously, especially in a niche business that is dominated by men. If I don't stand in front of an audience or customer and speak with confidence, I will not get the deal. In order to overcome my fears I focus on the big picture and recite my goals-which I review and revise weekly.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

Pulling into my building with my equipment and hanging my sign on the door!

How do you define success?

To take all that is in your history and be able to live gracefully in the present and embrace the future!

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

Become a good story teller.

What women inspire you and why?

I am always inspired by The First Ladies. What amazing strength they have. I am inspired by Brene Brown; she is great to listen to before the sun comes up with a cup of coffee!

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Listen well and help others achieve their goals and dreams but always express yours! If you do not ask for it, you will not get it. Seems simple but I know too many times I was afraid to step into the ring and walked away realizing I did not even try. Never doubt your own ability to go far beyond what you envision for yourself. There is always a fork in the road and you need to take it!

Describe yourself in three words.

Faithful, honest, giving

Fill in the Blank:

  • When I face a challenge, I... take it head on and look for any opportunity to learn.

 

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to honor and listen to my parents.

 

  • The one thing I couldn’t live without is… community.

 

  • By this time next year, I will be… living my dream for another year!

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… I put a bid on my forever home home and it was accepted!

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… listen to the Rolling Stones.
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