88. Scrappy Ways To Build a Business When You’re Starting From Scratch

Want even more Cubicle to CEO insight, extra resources, and a network of growing entrepreneurs just like yourself? Join our Cubicle to CEO Community Facebook Group to get access to it all! If you’re looking for scrappy strategies to grow your business, you came to the right place. Today’s guest knows what it means to use what she has right in front of her, and turn it into something remarkable. Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope as well as Bright Pages, the creator of Mic Drop Workshop (a program for women who want to become paid keynote speakers - I’m a student and love it!), and author of Chasing the Bright Side.Headbands of Hope has been featured on national TV and worn by celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini & Khloe Kardashian, but more importantly, they’ve donated over 600,000 headbands to children with illnesses with their buy one give one model, reaching every single children's hospital in America and 22 countries.Even more impressive? Jess started this company in 2012 from her dorm room as a 19 year old college student and had to get super creative with launching a product line and spreading the word on a nonexistent budget and social presence. Now after writing a book, creating a course, and launching a new business in the midst of the pandemic, Jess is sharing how she used what she had to make what she wanted, the reasons why you should (or shouldn’t) keep trying to build your business, and why you don’t want to be a Cheesecake Factory speaker (don’t worry you’ll get what I mean after listening). By the way, Jess is generously gifting our podcast community a one month subscription to her online journaling product, Bright Pages! Use the code “ELLEN” at checkout to redeem your free month! You can pick your prompt pathway based on what you want to currently achieve and then receive daily guided journal prompts designed to help you get clarity on what you want to do! Head to brightpages.com, create a free account, pick your prompt pathway, and then use my code “ELLEN” at checkout - this isn’t a sponsored plug, just an awesome gift from Jess to our listeners!  Connect with Jess: jessekstrom.com brightpages.com IG: @jess_ekstrom Twitter: @jess_ekstrom LinkedIn Facebook If you enjoyed today's episode, please: Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @missellenyin & @cubicletoceo so I can repost you. Leave a positive review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe for new episodes every Monday  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices