554. Start your passion business - with Dianna Cohen
Jun 22, 2020
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Dianna Cohen, founder of Crown Affair, talks about making luxury haircare products accessible, finding your why, raising capital versus building community, and getting in front of influential people. Other topics include the importance of pivoting in business, exploring creativity and learning new skills with Skillshare, and heartwarming stories of connecting nursing homes and schools. The podcast also highlights the benefits of community texting to connect with your audience.
Building a community around your idea creates a strong foundation for your business by understanding customers' needs.
Taking time for decision-making helps avoid impulsive choices and ensures alignment with your vision.
Nurturing a healthy team environment through work-life balance and empowerment fosters collaboration and motivation.
Deep dives
Building a Community and Audience
One of the important lessons is to build a community and audience around your idea to create a strong foundation for your business. Engage with potential customers, gather feedback, and establish a connection beyond just the product. This allows for a deeper understanding of your target audience and their needs, which can shape your product development and overall business strategy.
Taking Time in Decision Making
When making important decisions, it is crucial to take your time and not rush into them. Whether it's hiring team members or making strategic choices, allowing yourself to pause and reflect helps in avoiding impulsive decisions. Taking that needed time also ensures you are confident and aligned with your vision before making a final call.
Creating a Healthy Team Environment
Nurturing a healthy team environment involves providing work-life balance, empowering team members, and avoiding hierarchical structures. Building a sense of community, where everyone feels heard and supported, fosters collaboration and open communication. Recognizing individuals' contributions and valuing their growth within the company helps to create a positive and motivated team dynamic.
Launching a business and the importance of knowing why
When launching a business, it is important to know the underlying reason behind it. Understanding your why helps you stay focused and motivated in the long run. It can be as simple as realizing that there is no other product like yours that will change people's lives. Knowing your purpose and mission will give you a sense of fulfillment and impact, even if the business doesn't last forever.
Building teams and the power of digital connection
Finding the right team members is crucial for the success of your business. It's important to hire people who align with your vision and can contribute to the growth and creation of the company. In today's digital age, connecting with potential partners or mentors through online platforms and social media is easier than ever. More people are spending time online and looking for connections, making it an opportune moment to reach out and build relationships. Whether it's reaching out to distribution partners or learning from others in your industry, digital connections can bring purpose and help you navigate through the challenges of entrepreneurship.
I first met Dianna Cohen at a Create & Cultivate dinner and I was immediately drawn to her energy. She’s the founder of luxury haircare brand Crown Affair, and before that, she founded the brand marketing agency Levitate. She’s so incredibly generous and willing to jump on a phone to help you, whether you’re looking to grow as a business or as a human being.
Question Highlights:
What were you thinking when you were first choosing what your career would look like?
If you were launching your product now, what are the most important lessons you would want to know?
What’s one of the toughest lessons you’ve had to learn?
How did you go about raising money for your business?
What is a question you wish more people who wanted to start a business would ask you?
What’s the toughest thing about having a team?
How do you connect with the people you need to if you aren’t even on their radar?
Guest Bio:
Dianna Cohen is the Founder of Crown Affair, a haircare brand empowering people to redefine their relationship with their hair through accessible luxury products, guidance, and community. Prior to Crown Affair, Dianna founded Levitate, a brand marketing agency, where she led initiatives for brands including The Wing, Harry's, Flamingo, Outdoor Voices, etc. Dianna is part of Forbes' 30 Under 20 for the Class of 2019. She currently resides in New York with her fiancé Alexander.
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