Her Story
About Simi
Simi Landay serves as co-owner of Coffee Vibes, a mobile coffee shop she has run in Virginia for two and a half years after transitioning from a decade in finance. She worked at Wells Fargo for five years spanning California to Virginia and then at Langley Federal Credit Union on the East Coast for four to five years. Landay left college after pursuing an art major and credits her entrepreneurial success to her faith in God along with the guidance of her brother who encouraged her to drive the mobile unit and persist through challenges. Her business provides coffee service at locations including Langley Air Force Base, farmer markets, schools, and private events across areas from Williamsburg to Chesapeake, Virginia. Landay values family in her personal life and invests time, thought, and care into her team professionally. She supports the military community through events for spouses and initiatives raising awareness about suicide in the military. Landay advises young women that there is nothing they cannot do and emphasizes taking action without overthinking.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Simi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say what really made me successful is God and the support of my brother. He put a lot of pressure on me and also a lot of belief on me. He was the one who put me in the truck and said I know you can drive this thing. He didn't let me quit.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is don't think about it, just do it. There's so many things and I'm an over-thinker... If something is placed on your heart... put your action first and then you can think about it later.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to younger women is there's nothing you cannot do. Society already places a limit on us because we're women but there is nothing you cannot do. Focus on what women can do. Do it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is overcoming stress. You can get a flat tire at 6 AM and have to tell the person you have an event in an hour. Managing stress can definitely either make or break a business. The greatest opportunity is sky's the limit. You place your success in your hands. I can go anywhere in this country.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life family. I value my family anything. Professionally my values are within your team. It's like a professional family. I pour a lot of time a lot of thought and a lot of love into my team and the girls that I work with.
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