Ever wondered how someone makes it as their own boss? What it takes to run your own business? Here at VIP we exclusively speak to some of Ireland’s top businesswomen to find out the secret to their success.
This week we’ve been chatting to Lisa and Vanessa Creaven from Spotlight Oral Care on everything from managing the work/life balance to who inspires them most.
Have you always dreamed of owning your own business?
Vanessa: When you decide to become a dentist you know that you’ll be self employed so you start your career with that in mind. I don’t think we thought that we would be entrepreneurs per say, but we were inspired by the dental needs of our patents. We really wanted to create something different that would revolutionise the dental industry. So we started Spotlight Oral Care and here we are!
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced?
Lisa: Spotlight is constantly expanding and at a very fast pace. We’re still practising dentists and that’s where our expertise lies. We have experienced so much over the past three years and we are still learning daily so it’s all a learning curve! You have to surround yourself with great people who have relevant experience and then absorb their knowledge. It’s a challenge but also really exciting.
How do you balance work/home lives as a business owner?
Vanessa: It’s definitely hectic. When you own your own business it’s 24/7. We’re a young company with big ambitions and launching into new markets all the time. It can be tough to juggle travel, work and having a life but we really enjoy what we do so that makes it easier.
Lisa: Yes, it can be tough to juggle it all, I have three kids under 4 years, so I make sure that when I’m not travelling that I spend time with the family. We’re obviously still practising dentists and that’s a great way to keep up to date with the dental concerns of our patients and it inspires our new products for Spotlight Oral Care. It’s a long process from planning a product to it’s launch. It’s really exciting to be at this stage of our business so that’s very motivating.
Do you find that you often bring your work home?
Vanessa: I often work from home in the evenings. I think a lot of business owners would admit that they’re guilty of that. I don’t mind pulling the laptop out for 30 minutes if it means that I can start the next day with a clean inbox!
Lisa: We’re launching into the US market at the moment. There’s a five hour time difference so we need to be flexible to facilitate that. I do try to enjoy the time with my girls before they go to bed and then limit the amount of time on my phone though in the evenings where possible.
What advice would you give a young woman who wants to be her own boss?
Vanessa: Go for it! If you have an idea that you are passionate about and work well off your own initiative then just start. Trust yourself. Gut instinct is so important! Work hard and enjoy the process.
How important of a role do your team play in your business?
Lisa: So important! We have grown from a team of 4 to 10 people in the past year. We have a great group of people that we can really trust. We have tried to build a work environment that allows people to work to their strengths and to grow within the business.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started out?
Vanessa: To trust your gut and expertise. It’s almost always right. The scariest part of this was starting the business and then after that we really focused on who our brand is and our goals. Our clinical experience helps to formulate our products so they’re really something that we can stand over.
What has been your biggest business mistake? What lessons did it teach you?
Lisa: I think sometimes not trusting your gut enough in terms of advice that you’re given. Its hard because I really believe in working with experienced people but no one knows your brand and your products as well as you do.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Vanessa: Our products! In a plastic littered dental industry we have developed toothpaste tubes that are fully recyclable. Not only are our products clean and harm free but they’re also clinically proven. We know that the active ingredients in each product will work for the oral care concern that they were designed for. We are so proud to be market leaders in sustainable dentistry.
What woman in business inspires you the most?
Sarah Blakely is amazing. She is incredibly successful, is so authentic has made truly brilliant products and has 4 children! I think she really did it on your own terms- shes so impressive and looks like great fun too.
How do you find it working with family?
Lisa: Great. We have worked together for so long and really know how the other one works. We divide and conquer the workload based on our strengths.
What are your plans for the next five years?
Our focus is continuing to innovate and revolutionise oral care! We want to create the worlds best in class oral care products that are clinically effective and sustainable for the environment. We are launching in the Us market in over 2500 stores this year so its a really exciting time for the company.
Spotlight have just released their latest product which is a children’s toothpaste. It’s just €5.95 and helps protect against cavities, strengthen enamel and ensure gentle cleaning for your little ones! It is available online and in selected stores now.