Alisha Ramos is the founder of the weekly newsletter, Girls’ Night In. Girls’ Night In was built on the belief that as our lives get busier, it is important to take a break and cultivate friendships, a crucial part of what wellness means for people.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR STARTING YOUR COMPANY?
I started Girls’ Night In as a newsletter and as a side project. At the time, I was entering my late twenties and no longer felt the need to go out to have a good time – I wanted to create a brand and space where people could have permission to stay and take care of themselves physically and emotionally.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN COMPANY?
Know your numbers and have a real business model and path to profitability. Starting a company and sustaining a business is very different from “playing business.” Save up, gather advice, and know your financial model and key unit economics like the back of your hand.
HOW DO YOU STAY BALANCED WHEN JUGGLING BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS?
It is very tough, especially when you are starting out as a founder. For me, I fiercely protect my weekends. Sometimes I have gone so far as to delete my Slack, Email, and Instagram apps off my phone on the weekends so that I can have a clean break with no temptations.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
My motto changes constantly, but right now it is, “Many hands make light work.” I have struggled with asking for help in the past, and I’ve become much better at it.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL?
I had some incredible teachers in high school who changed my life. I think I learned the importance of education and the importance of having engaged teachers. Not every student is lucky enough to have that, especially in our country where there is so much inequality in our public education system.
WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
Books. Always at least three books. Right now, it’s The Vanishing Half, Party of Two, and the Moon Lists journal.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
COVID has really helped me reframe my definition of success. Right now, success means being financially independent, being healthy, having moments of calm in my life, and having very close relationships with friends and family.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
You can love someone from a distance. Boundaries are important.
WHAT DID YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF LOVE DOING?
Drawing and doodling. Specifically, Sailor Moon drawings.
FAVORITE WORK OF ART?
I’ve always been interested in Pre-Raphaelite artwork. They tell fantastical stories and often feature women in billowy, costume-like clothing. I had a wild imagination as a kid, and therefore these art pieces really drew me in.
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