Ariane Griffiths’s Words of Wisdom: Stay True to Yourself

Ariane Griffiths has a very impressive resume that includes being nominated for RBC’s Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011, nominations for 2 consecutive years as Canada’s Top Mompreneur and the winner of the Rogers Communications Celebrate Small Business Award in 2010.  These accolades come as no surprise to those who know her best—as a loyal, dependable, responsible and inquisitive friend and mentor.  We are thrilled to have Ariane as a Women in Biz member.

 1. Tell us about your business.

My business is helping other entrepreneurs present themselves in the best light. I design and develop brands, websites and social media communities. Then I help the entrepreneurs grow with their companies by providing on going support – be it, consultations on how to further market themselves, strategic growth plans or just being a brainstorming partner.

2. Other than being an entrepreneur, who are you? Tell us about yourself.  

I am a mom to two wonderfully creative (and boisterous) children and a wife to a very sporty husband.

I have a long history in small business and have a passion for creating, crafting and DIY projects. When I get a chance to "chill", I usually spend it with the kids building lego, playing pool or helping with a craft. 

I have a tendency to try to do too much at once and usually take on more than one project at a time – hence my recent (and so far very successful) part time gig as an Epicure Selections Representative.

3. What motivated you to go into business for yourself?  

When I was in grade 11 I took an Entrepreneurship class and excelled at it, I had so much fun and really enjoyed brainstorming and creating my "faux" company. I finished school and went on to get a normal every day job and never really found satisfaction. When I found out I was expecting my daughter ten years ago, I knew that no matter what, I wanted to stay home with her, so I immediately set about creating a business (at that point, it was a handcrafted soap business).

A few businesses (successes & fails) later, I am still working from home, for myself and am loving it (even though there are a few days where I question my choices).

4. How do you overcome challenges and obstacles in your business? 

I have a great Husband who has the complete opposite personality of me; he is calm and rational and if I have a tough decision or challenge, I usually turn to him and he helps me think things through and see them in a different light.

I also have a wonderful circle of friends who I turn to on a pretty regular basis. I know they genuinely care about helping me and are usually the ones to encourage me to keep pushing forward.

5. What are your greatest strengths as an entrepreneur?

I’m not sure if it is a strength or a stupidity, but I keep trying again. I have had so many failed businesses, but for some reason don’t give up. I dust myself off and try again.

My Husband always groans and goes in to hiding when I say "I had an idea".

Another strength, one that is really important as an entrepreneur is that I am positive. I always try to see the silver lining before discounting the situation. Things can get really bad when you’re in business for yourself. There are so many highs and lows that if you don’t see the positives, you’re bound to fail.

6. What are you most passionate about in your business?

Helping others. My favourite part of all is just talking on the phone; a casual conversation about how to help the entrepreneur grow and create. Brainstorming sessions are so much fun. Helping someone see their business from another viewpoint usually brings loads of revelations and new opportunities for them to succeed. 

7. What is one piece of helpful advice you would give to other entrepreneurs?

Stay true to YOURSELF and don’t worry about what the other guy is doing. I have a hard time with this one sometimes because it’s so easy to get caught up in the mish mash of competition.

Also, watch what you say, because even if you have the best intentions, someone will ALWAYS take it out of proportion. I have discovered lately that I am fiercely protective of my industry, so I tend to get a little worked up when I see someone portraying themselves as something they’re not. Unfortunately, it usually gets misconstrued and the point gets missed. Many people don’t care what the "back story" is, they just care what the "surface story" is.