American Business Women’s Day

Today is American Business Women’s Day. It’s an annual event held every September 22 and was first celebrated in 1982. The day was recognized by congressional proclamation in 1983 and again in 1986.

American Business Women’s Day is a day set aside to honor and reflect upon the contributions of the millions of U.S. women in the workforce and women business owners. As a women-owned and operated company, it’s a special day for us.

Our owner, Kelly Carroll Burgin founded K. Carroll Accessories in 2002. Sixteen years ago, she couldn’t have imagined where we’d be today. From literally starting the business in her garage to currently being featured on national television shows such as “Good Morning America” and “The View” and, in 2016, being one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”, it’s been quite the ride!

Another important aspect of American Business Women’s Day is supporting other women in the workplace. We asked Kelly to share some of the lessons she’s learned along the way to help other budding entrepreneurs.

Here’s what Kelly has to say:

• Always keep thinking ahead. The best selling product you have today may be your worst selling product tomorrow. Always have a bank of new ideas and remember it’s never too early to start bringing them to fruition!
  
  
• Listen to your gut but also ask for other’s opinions. Being women-owned and operated gives me the luxury of having other women in the office to run my ideas by. There have been times that I thought a bag was perfect the way it was but received feedback that made the bag even better!
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to be bold. After being in business for 14 years, we decided to change our company name. We took that leap because as scary as it was, it was the right thing for the business at the time. It worked out for the best, but even if it hadn’t, I wouldn’t have regretted making the change.
  
  
• As cliché as it sounds, don’t give up. There have been times where I thought it might be my last year in business. Don’t give into pessimism and fear - “feel the fear and do it anyway”. Keep moving forward.

We celebrate American Business Women’s Day and all the successful women who have come before us and all the women who will follow us. We’ve come a long way but there are not limits to where we can go!