Anjuli Marshall
Founder & CEO of Clear Calendars
What inspired you to start your business?
I have a love for organization, however I have never liked that key organizational products seem to all fit inside the lines of the “decor coloring book.” I wanted to push the boundaries and create a product that allowed me to stay organized, maintain my calendar, projects, goals and objectives and I wanted to look good while doing it. That’s when I came up with Clear Calendars - acrylic boards that are pretemplated to allow for all of these to happen at once. Acrylic is one of my favorite products to work with because its chic, goes with any decor for your home or office, and is more durable that glass or synthetic white boards. One board can last you a lifetime and once you go acrylic, you’ll never go back!
What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
There are times when I’m in a meeting with all male entrepreneurs. For some reason, they don’t always take me seriously until they see that I know my business better than most. I am very involved in the day-to-day operations of my company and am passionate about my products and my clients.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
The biggest challenge that female entrepreneurs can face is having those in leadership positions taking us seriously. But if we know our craft, there is no other choice but to pay attention and listen to us. And if that’s not the outcome, its not the right opportunity. My advice: don’t settle because of desperation. Keep at it. The right opportunity could be right around the corner.
What three traits define you?
Integrity, Tenacity, Ability to prioritize
What women inspire you?
My best friend and sister, Viergeni White. She’s phenomenal at keeping the main thing, the main thing. She’s a bad-ass wife, mommy, Doula and business owner. Her accomplishments aren’t focused on money or how many clients she has, but how her gifts and talents can benefit those around her. And somehow, keeping this priority she’s always been very successful.
How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?
I’m still very newly certified, so I haven’t had many opportunities to tap into the resources that WBENC can offer. But I am open to working more with WBENC and gaining any wisdom, insight and resources that come along with this network.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
Acrylic isn’t going anywhere. Its here to stay because its a cool and reusable product. It has a high-end look and yet is so underused.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love watching the hard work and passion that my team and I have invested come to life. I love knowing that I can create a lifestyle that works for me and my family.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
My brain! Haha. I have so many ideas and dreams that I want to accomplish. I am always aspiring to do more, be better, serve more people. I don’t think that will ever stop.
What are the biggest obstacles you see for young female entrepreneurs?
Speaking generally, it seems that the younger generation of female entrepreneurs have lost sight of the importance of face-to-face interaction and customization with customers. Customer service is invaluable and no amount of technology or social media can counter act that.
What do you love about being a business owner?
The autonomy that it offers. I’m a wife, a new mom, and I have a large team of people that I am responsible for. Being a business owner offers me the opportunity to schedule my days in a way that blesses me, my family and my priorities. I also love that my products are a benefit to my clients. That makes my company relevant and that gives me confidence to continue creating.
What's the hardest part about being a business owner?
The hardest part I’ve experience so far is having patience to walk out my journey one day at a time. When you’re pregnant with amazing ideas and dreams, you want to accomplish them NOW! Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. Its a process. And often times, its a slow process. I am learning to pace myself and be present. Its not an easy task for me, but I’m working on it.
How do you define success?
Success (for me) is the ability to THRIVE and not settle in all that I do. Success means that I am living the life that I desire and deserve. That I have well-being, wisdom, am living in a constant state of wonder, and am always giving to others.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
God is the ultimate entrepreneur. He is and always has been the CEO. Stay in constant contact with Him and you’ll never steer your company, employees, or yourself wrong.
What’s your favorite career moment?
My favorite career moment hasn’t happened yet. I have a dream to create such a sustainable company that encompasses multiple genres of business and the ultimate goal is to partner with other like-minded entrepreneurs and enrich our community: employing the homeless, restoring their dignity, giving them an opportunity to work for decent wages and become homeowners and pillars of their community.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Travel to the most beautiful parts of the world, swim in the warmest ocean waters, shop for some of the most uniquely beautiful objects and cook new foods — eating them without consequence of calories or carbohydrates. #Dreams
What’s the best way to start your day?
With prayer and affirmations to prepare for my day.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I.. go through possible scenarios and remember the goal. This helps me to stay focused and not lose my composure.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself ... “don’t sweat the small stuff”
The one thing I couldn’t live without is…my husband. He’s my rock. He keeps me focused, centered and challenges me to do more than I think I can do.
By this time next year, I will be… closer to having learned the art of being content with where I am.
The best thing that happened to me last week was…I took time to get away. Taking vacation time with my family helps me to unplug and recalibrate. So that when I return to work, I’m refreshed, rejuvenated and can revisit projects with new and fresh eyes.
To get my creative juices flowing, I…visit model homes to check out the decor and read Architectural Digest and Dwell magazines.
Clear Calendars
Clear Calendars creates beautiful acrylic wall calendars to accentuate any home or office.
