This week I went to a women’s forum about gender stereotypes and success in the workplace. I heard three amazing women tell their stories about their career path and how they thrived in typical male roles. It wasn’t easy, but each had found success although they’d made several mistakes along the way.

All of the stories were different, but they all gave the same advice:

– ŸŸIf yŸou do what you love, it isn’t work (I am still not sure I buy that 100% of the time, sometimes you just want your jammies and a good movie).

– Always go after your dreams and follow your instincts.

– Find a mentor, be a mentor. Don’t underestimate the value of learning from the experience of those that have gone before you and be sure to share what you know.

– It’s ok to show emotion in the workplace, women are built differently than men. It happens, don’t make a big deal out of it and move on.

– Women have to take better care of themselves.

It is all good advice, but as it’s been a common theme in this blog, the last one stood out to me. I can’t remember who quoted the Arianna Huffington and her commencement speech at Smith College on getting enough sleep, but it started a long discussion. Every woman seemed to echo the sentiment, especially for moms. They talked about consequences from making bad decisions at work to falling asleep behind the wheel. Someone pointed out that Bill Clinton has admitted that most of the mistakes that he made were because he was too tired.

For some reason, lack of sleep seems to be a bragging point. “I only slept for 4 hours last night” or “I never need to sleep”. I am an 8-hours-a-night kind of girl. I can’t always get what I need, but I function best on 8 hours. The question is – why is surviving on less, taking advantage of our body’s good nature and generally abusing ourselves considered a good thing? Why doesn’t our society reward the person who says “my body is all I have, so I’m going to take the best care possible, eat the best, get annual checkups and sleep”. Instead, I find that these people are looked on as “babies” who can’t “tough it out”, as if functioning with (unnecessary) added stress makes someone a better person. Blechhh.

Someday I want to reach the levels of these women – at the top of my game in my chosen field – and I don’t want to sacrifice my health to do it. (One of the speakers was convinced that her cancer was caused by her exhausting and stressful lifestyle) So, instead of trying to add more hours into the day, I’ll try to make the hours that I’m awake more productive. And sleep my way to the top. Starting now. With nap.

How do you make sure to take care of yourself? What are you sleep habits? Would you change them if you could?

A popular response besides “HOLY CRAP THIS IS THE BEST PRODUCT EVER!” and “I MUST BUY SOME!” to The Strap Saver is “You should go on Shark Tank!”  For anyone who has been living under a rock, it’s a show where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to really really smart business people and they decide whether to invest and help take them to the next level.  It’s a great show and probably the only “reality” show I watch.  (In quotes because they’re made up, folks, and they have writers.  There’s very little that’s real about them.  Although I believe pretty strongly in Shark Tank, because the Sharks are investing real money)  I’ve learned a lot from watching the other investors win and lost deals.  Tears have no place in business, neither do excuses!  (although neither does nastiness, Mr. Wonderful!)

The Strap Saver isn’t ready for Shark Tank… yet.  They are looking for established businesses and we’ve only been around about 10 weeks.  We’re doing ok, but we still have a long way to go.  For those of you that have dealt with the dreaded marketing funnel, we’re still mostly in the “building awareness” and “cultivating interest” phases.  It’s not an easy process on a limited start-up budget although we are determined.  So far, we’ve been very fortunate to connect with Erica at A Sophisticated Pair, a store in North Carolina that specializes in hard to fit sizes. She offered to review the Strap Saver (check it out here and comment by Jan 30 to win a gift certificate!).  It even got posted to Reddit!  And not by me!  Right now, getting the word out is our main goal.

Beth and I have completed The Strap Saver Press Kit.  It has everything you ever wanted to know about the product, the process and about us and our roles in the company.  (and it’s beautifully designed and says boobs a lot, just like the site!)  They say it’s all about who you know, so we’re calling on you for help.  If you want to spread the word or know anyone that might want to tell our story, feel free to download it and share it with the world.  We are happy to send out samples, love giveaways and are more than willing to do interviews!  If you want to see us on the carpet, wheeling and dealing with Barbara Corcoran and Lori Greiner, (I’ve heard that the men are too afraid to invest in women’s products), spread the word, spread the Press Kit and help us take The Strap Saver to the next level!

 

**THIS OFFER ENDED ON 11/1  THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THOSE THAT PARTICIPATED IN OUR SURVEY!**

The results of our usability test were so good (although, despite popular request, The Strap Saver does not come with bigger boobs), we’re making a limited time offer – act fast, quantities are limited.

What is The Strap Saver, you ask? It’s a nifty little device that attaches to the part of your strap with the adjuster and breathes new life into your favorite bras. (you know, the one that made the girls look just right when it was brand new) It helps to tighten straps that have been stretched out through wear and keep bra straps from slipping.

We’re offering the remainder of the 1/2′′ test stock for $15 per pair, including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to save your favorite bras for years to come. (We will carry 3.4′′ and 1′′ when our site launches in about a month and 1/4′′ in about 6-8 weeks)

But wait! There’s more!

If you’re willing to fill out our survey, we’ll send you a set of tan Strap Savers as a thank you as soon as we have them in stock! That’s TWO for the price of ONE!

Although the official site is not open for business yet, please send $15 through Paypal to offer@thestrapsaver.com or send us an email and we’ll send you an invoice.

Here’s what some of the users are saying:

♦     “Thin, light weight, but durable”
♦     “I can get more wear from my bras.”
♦     “I no longer have to constantly adjust my straps because they are falling off my shoulders.”
♦     “Quick, easy, undetectable.”

Don’t miss out, quantities are limited and soon all you will have is regret for not being a trailblazer in saving your straps. Just use Paypal to send $15 to offer@thestrapsaver.com or send us an email and we’ll send you an invoice.
Be one of the first, we know it won’t be your last!

To measure your strap: The Strap Saver works with the part of your strap that has the adjuster, if you have one (that is the little clip on your strap that slides up and down to adjust the length). Measure the width of the strap next to the adjuster.

**THIS OFFER ENDED ON 11/1  THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO THOSE THAT PARTICIPATED IN OUR SURVEY!**

I’ve been meaning to update this blog for a while, but as I’ve noted before, starting a business takes a lot of time and energy! I figured I’d just give a straightforward update instead of a bunch of nonsense about bras and the meaning of life.
We’re ready for our beta test – the parts are on their way and I’m putting together a survey for the lucky few that get to test it out – and then get grilled by me on every aspect of the experience so that we have only the best for you. I’ve also hired JKS Web Design to supplement Beth’s creative genius with WordPress development and we have some great videos in the works. There are a lot of little odds and ends to get through – but soon!
Since I don’t have any deep thoughts to offer, instead here’s a photo of some lilies from my container garden. If you stare at it long enough maybe you can come up with some deep thoughts of your own.