Boss of You, Take Two!
Here’s another winning entry we received as part of our Boss of You book giveaway. Thanks, Marie!
Dear Lunagals,
I am currently starting my own business (as you know since I want to sell your products!)
It all started when I found out, at 21, that I had Asperger Syndrome (a distant relative of autism). I was studying international development and wanted to carry on to do my masters in gender or women’s studies, but from the moment I started being “looked after” by a psychiatrist, I had to change my plans.
I tried a few things but came to the conclusion that, although I got along well with customers, I just couldn’t deal with colleagues, bosses, and social interactions, and I really couldn’t cope with the stress. 
This meant that I had to find a job where I could work alone.
I came to the Lunapads website through my sensitivity to issues facing women and the earth. I fell in love with the products and decided I wanted other women to know about them too.
At the time, my mum, step dad and I were trying to figure out a way to help me work in the fields that are most important to me - environmental protection and the respect of people.
One day, it suddenly came to me. Why not do an online website selling products that are good for both women and the environment? I am quite competent with computers, and thought this arrangement would allow me to work in a way that would best suit my needs and desires.
Here’s what I’m planning to do: I will sell products from Canada (Lunapads), Britain and France. I can use my knowledge of English (I studied 5 years in Britain), my sensitivity (to look for environmentally friendly products) and, because my mum will be working alongside me, this will help me cope with any stress that should arise.
Success, for me, will be when I am able to live off of this business, which I am confident will eventually be the case. But success will also be when women will use environmentally friendly products daily, not just as a “one-off to try”. I am going to have a blog as well, where I will do my best to educate women about this because, in my opinion, respecting the earth also means respecting yourself.
I hope to open in June.
Blessings,
Marie
July 18th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Dear all,
I have received the book today, the day after the catastrophic informal opening of my shop… I broke down out of too much stress and tiredness and decided I was taking a few days out.
This book was a godsend!
Even though I have been through the first part of the process already, it has enable me to correct a few ideas, expand some, and tackle the wonderful world of marketing from a new angle.
It has also made into a reality (almost at least) the possibility of this business working out.
Thank you Luna gals for making winning this book possible, and thank you Lauren and Emira, your book is a women’s business bible!