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Andrea Kelliher

President/CEO, Positive Solutions LLC

What inspired you to join/start your business?

I started Positive Solutions, because I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with others while helping them to grow their brand/organization. If I was going to work 40+ hours a week, I wanted it to be for myself not someone else. And, I wanted to give back to the community where I grew up. I started working with non-profits and small businesses, and now ten years later, Positive Solutions is an award-winning agency. Our team has a reputation for providing cost-effective solutions for marketing, public relations, and website design. We have worked with a variety of industries including higher education, professional services, non-profit, healthcare, state and local government, and more. We are proud of the successful campaigns we have executed, relationships we have built, and collaborations we’ve established with our clients.

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

The challenges that face small business owners are universal in my opinion. The highs and lows of the economy, challenges related to COVID-19, and the need to predict what’s next all have an impact on my business.

What was your most satisfying moment in your career?

Being asked to bring my knowledge and expertise to the Board of Trustees of my alma mater, Cabrini University, was a true honor.

How do you define success?

Success, to me, is found in the multi-year, long-term relationships we have built with our clients. Earning the trust of your client base is priceless for a business like mine. The awards we have received are great and much appreciated, but hearing “so and so recommended I reach out to you” is the true mark of success.

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

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, because they will ultimately make you look even smarter.

What women inspire you and why?

My mom is truly inspiring. She instilled in me work ethic and empathy. She has always made sure growing up we had what we need, and looking back now, I am amazed at what she was able to do for our family. She never complained, and you didn't see the worry. She was always happy.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Find someone who can be your mentor - but don't select someone just because they will always agree with you. Find that person who will challenge you. Create a plan and a budget - then believe in yourself. We are harder on ourselves than anyone else will ever be. Believe that you can do it, and even if you fail, find the lesson so that you can learn from the challenge. You won’t regret trying and failing. What you’ll regret is not trying at all.

Describe yourself in three words.

Hardworking. Loyal. Passionate.

Fill in the Blank:

  • If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… Save more money...

 

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

 

  • The best thing that happened to me last week was… seeing my kids happy.

 

  • To get my creative juices flowing, I… find a quiet place and focus on the task at hand.
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