Bicoastal MGMT founder and CEO, Malissa Young, was interviewed for a “Spotlight on Mompreneur” on kristenmarieperez.com. Here she talks about her business ventures, work/life balance, and the fun story behind the creating of Bicoastal! Malissa is loved by her models, employees and many in the industry-and for great reason! Read below to learn more…
1. How many kids do you have?
I have three! Ages are 11, 6 and 5…they keep me super busy outside of work-but it is worth it ; )
2. What service or product do you offer?
I represent models and actors. We offer our talent castings and auditions for everything from fit modeling (that is the body behind the creation of garments-clients include high end designers like Alexander Wang and mass market brands like Macys) to commercials and even sometimes fun projects like finding the next Kids Bop kids tour singer and dancer!
3. How did you get your idea or concept for your business?
I worked as a fit model (sort of fell into it) since I was a new college grad who modeled here and there for extra money during college. My first account was Tommy Hilfiger. After that was on my resume, my client list grew to include some really exciting and fun clients like Marc Jacobs that I traveled around the globe with to factories to help perfect their fit. When I was pregnant with my second child I started measuring people to find my clients a replacement. Then referrals started happening very organically, and my very first bookings were with plus and petite models. After a couple of years of building up a fit client base, I had all of these people who were not great for fit, but great for runway, commercial, showroom… so we expanded our reach! Things continue to snowball-every day is still exciting for me!
4. Were you always an entrepreneur?
Yes-somewhat… I left college with an idea to start a Women Owned Business Guide (basically a yellow pages of women owned businesses so we could support each other). That didn’t really get off the ground… next I joined a children’s sneaker start up-and ran sales. Three years later we were not profiting to the extent we wanted to be and it was time to move on. I was also running my own business to a degree as an independent contractor/fit model for many brands. After my first child, I created a yoga dvd (I am also a yoga teacher) called Toning With Tots and Toddlers -link here- which I hoped could spiral into other things but it really didn’t. Finally, I started Bicoastal Mgmt! So, technically this is my 4th business venture.
5. Whats your mission?
My mission, in general, is to have fun, be happy, be honorable and have balance between work, family and maybe myself if I can squeeze it in.
6. How do you find inspiration?
Inspiration comes somewhat naturally. I love seeing things grow. I love helping people achieve their goals or dreams. I want to make people happy-so connecting people as a line of work is pretty natural. When I feel in a rut I think it is a sign to mix up the routine. Take a break. Do something different. As a boss, I hope I can also be open to my employees and what they need to work to their best ability, because everyone may feel this way! As an owner, you are privileged to make your own schedule. But part of managing a growing business is making sure your team also feels inspired.
7. What do you love best about being a mompreneur?
I love having the flexibility to deal with all of the things that come up for my and most families-and I greatly respect moms who have to juggle it all and a job where they are not as in control of their schedule. It is nice to know I can juggle things to make the many things that come up during business hours from Family Fridays to Doctor’s appointments.
8. Biggest challenge you face as an entrepreneur?
Biggest challenge is probably not throwing in the towel to live in the woods and do yoga and garden and cook and become class mom ; ). City momprenuer live is exhausting!
9. How do you use social media?
Personally, I use my Facebook to see what friends are up to and share family photos and some business news and castings. Professionally we use Instagram (@BICOASTALMGMT) and our Bicoastal Mgmt Facebook to post cool pictures, inspirations, and castings (Family castings come up all the time so check it out!)!
10. If you had just one piece of advice to a mom just starting out, what would it be?
Hard work and just taking one step at a time helped me be successful thus far and finding great people to work with, always being grateful, and staying positive. For moms looking to start a business, if you look too far ahead it can be overwhelming to reach your goals. Just take the initial step and keep working toward your goals. If it is meant to be, things will fall into place.
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From the Mouths of Babes! 