20 Founders on How They Are Finishing the Year Strong

Once again, I find myself writing about the tremendously talented entrepreneurs I have had the opportunity to connect with throughout the last year. Even as the pandemic complicated face-to-face networking, I was thrilled and amazed at the men and women who offered up their insights and experiences and at the relationships we’ve had the chance to form.?

With a plethora of skilled and seasoned professionals ready to impart their unique wisdom, I asked 12 incredible founders to share their learning experiences as they wrap up 2021 and to answer this question: What advice do you have for other humans as they wrap up the year?

Here is their guide:?

Be intentional with your time

Aubrey Hubbell, co-founder of Hazel, a company dedicated to providing modern solutions to the menopause market, is gearing up for the upcoming launch of her brand. To prepare herself for success, Hubbell focuses on keeping her creative spark alive. “Creativity and inspiration keep me from experiencing burnout,” Hubbell shared with Forbes Women. “So making sure I’m intentionally creating space for inspiration is important, whether visiting an art museum, scrolling through Pinterest, flipping through a well-designed magazine, or eating at a new restaurant.”?

Kerrigan Behrens, co-CEO and co-founder of plant-based wellness company Sagely Naturals, is using what remains of the year to actively reinvest in her team. “This time of year inevitably gets crazy as we’re all pushing to finish the year strong,” Behren acknowledges, “So we go through our priorities as a whole company on a weekly basis to examine that we’re all spending time on what actually counts.”?

Ashley Thompson is CEO and co-founder of MUSH, a company revolutionizing America’s breakfast sphere with nutrient-packed overnight oats. As she continues to chart her company’s climb to the top, Thompson is also prioritizing time for her own creative process. “Great thinking requires time,” Thompson says, and in the new year she recommends being intentional about setting time aside for those great thoughts to manifest themselves and blossom.???

Set attainable goals?

For Lacy Gadegaard-West, founder of Laced Hair, the massive shift to online platforms during the pandemic allowed her company to experience consistent growth over the course of a year. For the year to come, West is most excited to launch the company’s mobile app and grow closer to fulfilling her goal of creating a more enjoyable experience for the mobile shoppers who account for 80% of Laced Hair’s online sales.?

Steven Borden, Sports Scientist and General Manager of SAGA Fitness, announced that the company’s goals for the following year include “laying the groundwork to become a global fitness technology leader.” With great success in sports technology, such as SAGA’s wireless Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs, as well as a variety of training programs, SAGA Fitness is well-positioned to make the most of 2022 and reach their goals.?

Invest in your community

For Jess Toolson, CEO of female-focused supplement and wellness company Mixhers, the past year has strengthened her company’s commitment to its communities. “Mixhers is all about loving yourself and those around you,” Toolson explains. Coming out of 2021, Toolson is eagerly anticipating new campaigns that work to bring communities closer together.?

Christina Carbonel and Galyn Bernard, co-CEOs and co-founders of the sustainable children’s clothes brand Primary, are sharing their insights into what really matters at the year’s end for companies and communities alike: “More than ever, focus not just on results and outcomes, but how you want to get there, including taking care of yourselves, your families, and your teams.”?

Open yourself up to trying something new

With the new year on the horizon, L.A.-based designer and entrepreneur Myles Price is ready to try a technology-free approach to regaining a lifestyle of clarity. When asked if he could change one thing about his productivity to improve the next year, Price replied, “I need to unplug more. Apps, emails, and calls are integral to staying connected to our business and customers, but taking time to unplug resets and clears my mind.”?

Sasha Plavsic, founder of clean cosmetic company ILIA beauty, plans on trying something new in the coming year as her schedule opens up to allow her more flexibility. “Now, with more time at home,”says Plavsic, “I have a chance to celebrate successes at work, of which this past year we have had many, and enjoy more hours in the day with my kids.”

Celebrate your wins

As Anastasia Soare, founder of cosmetic company Anastasia Beverly Hills, reminds us, each year that passes is an opportunity to celebrate the old and embrace the new. “I like to take stock, categorizing professional and personal goals,” Soare explains. “I find that this perspective not only helps me finish the year strong, but feel organized and prepared for what’s next.” As we linger on the final months of 2021, consider following the Eyebrow Queen’s lead and taking stock of your own achievements and opportunities for growth.

Now, some fitness advice from the founders of Brrrn, FlexIt, and SAGA Fitness on keeping fitness first in the New Year

?What type of feedback have you gotten that lit up your life from customers?

“The pandemic presented us with a lot of opportunity as a business, but we are most excited that we have been able to help many people across the world to get healthier, destress, and to improve their lives over the last 18 months,” says Austin Cohen, CEO and founder of the virtual fitness training app, FlexIt. “These stories are rewarding and keep us excited and inspired to continue to build out incredible experiences every day,” Cohen continues, adding that “Some of the most awesome feedback that we have received has come from users who were? initially hesitant to try Virtual Personal Training due to a number of reasons, from lack of time to not knowing where to start, and everything in between the two. With Virtual Personal Training . . . consumers have been able to realize that the product is maximally equipped to prioritize personalization, motivation, accountability, and results.”

What inspired you to create your platform/product??

“Brrrn for me is my contribution to society to help people aspire to be better versions of themselves through fitness,” says Brrrn Co-Founder and Managing Director Jimmy Martin. “Our Brrrn Board and On-Demand platform/subscription is the medium through which we can connect with our community and make this betterment journey happen for them.”?

How did YOU move today?

Brrrn Co-Founder and Managing Director Johnny Adamic shares how his workouts have adapted to in-home sessions with his company’s targeted workouts and equipment. “I did a 20 Minute Brrrn Board Cardio Sculpt Class today with Becca Pace on our Brrrn At-Home Platform,” Adamic explains.? “High planks, single leg lunges, and sliding! Amazing workout. If I’m not Brrrning, I really want to get into cross country skiing this season!? It’s on my bucket list!”?

What are you hoping your platform/product will inspire others to do?

We just want to move people into forward action,” says SAGA Fitness General Manager Steven Borden. “Many times, it's easy to get caught in a rut or stay stagnant. We think our product allows people to add a new dimension to their training - to evolve and adapt to new challenges.” As for Borden’s personal training efforts, he most recently completed a well-rounded workout routine of an upper-body workout, two 10-minute walks, and a Muay Thai sparring session. While SAGA Fitness is still expanding their training products, there is content available to introduce workouts at varying degrees of intensity for newcomers looking to add physical fitness to their daily routines.?

Final words of wisdom

What advice do you have for other humans as they wrap up the year?

“I am still thinking a lot about what women and especially mothers experienced in 2020,” says Marion Parke, founder and CEO of MARION PARKE luxury footwear company. “Let’s not forget how important they and also all of our frontline workers are and the sacrifices that were made to get us through 2021.” Take time today to sow seeds of gratitude as you make your way into the upcoming year.?

Kim Ross, CEO and founder of ORA, is encouraging us all to stay focused as 2021? draws to a close: “Make sure you’re keeping yourself in check - it can be easy to get distracted with everything going on in the world, but it’s important to take the time to balance, relax and reset to ensure you’re always putting your best foot forward, no matter where your own personal journey takes you.”

Siffat Haider, co-founder of Arrae, is sharing her secret to starting the year off right. After reading The Power of When by Dr. Michael Breus, Haider realized that prioritizing sleep made a powerful impact on her ability to power through the end-of-year rush. To get the most out of your nightly routine, she recommends reading Dr. Breus’ work and learning how to implement principles of better rest in your own life to empower a stronger version of yourself tomorrow.?

Erica Huss and Zoe Sakoutis, co-founders of Earth & Star, advises us against waiting for the “perfect moment” to begin a new adventure. “If we’ve learned anything through this 2020/2021 experience,” Huss shares, “it’s that you can’t wait to start things once X or Y happens--the time is NOW.”

Jim DeCiccio, CEO and co-founder of Super Coffee, advises fellow entrepreneurs to be kind and patient with ourselves as we leave the results and curveballs of 2021 behind. His advice to himself and others is to keep looking forward and? “use the rest of this year to sharpen your tools for what will be a massive 2022.”?

That’s it for advice, ladies and gentlemen! As we carry on throughout the last few months of 2021, let’s keep these words of wisdom in mind and hold tight to the opportunities of a new year.

PS: Wanting to make this the year you start your book, refresh your media game, or website copy? Let's chat: [email protected]