Monica Dean

I think my mom is the biggest factor in my success. She immigrated here from Italy in the 70s and became an entrepreneur herself. She's probably my biggest role model. She's taught me so much through watching her work, her interactions with customers, her work ethic, and her drive. She's given me all the advice I'd ever need in life, whether professionally or personally. She always says, if there's something that you really want to do and you're passionate about it, just do it. What's the worst that could happen? Don't settle. If there's something you can do today, get it done today, because tomorrow's not promised to anyone. She also taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. It might be silly to somebody else, but you're never gonna learn unless you ask. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. Beyond that, I think it's really about common sense and hard work. I genuinely have fun with what I'm doing. I'm connecting with people, learning about them, and seeing if I can help them and be a resource. I think having goals, setting up realistic and measurable goals, and taking time to reflect on what you could have changed is important. Self-reflection is always great. And honestly, I also had personal motivation. I was a single mom at the time, and failure was not an option. I wanted to prove something to myself and to others, especially my son's father who doubted me. That was my driver, my motivator.

The best advice I've ever received came from my mom, who immigrated here from Italy in the 70s through an arranged marriage. She worked for an aerospace company designing and manufacturing airplane seats, and one day she got so sick and tired of her manager that she quit on the spot. She had seen a sign for a little brick building for rent during her lunch break, and she opened up her own tailoring business. She grew it to the point where she was able to purchase a large commercial space the size of JCPenney, which we still have to this day. She's given me all the advice I'd ever need in life. She always tells me, if there's something that you really want to do and you're passionate about it, just do it. What's the worst that could happen? Don't settle. What you can do today, do today, because tomorrow's not promised to anyone. She also taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. You're never gonna learn unless you ask. It might be silly to somebody else, but the worst thing that can happen is they say no. That advice has shaped everything I do, both professionally and personally.