By Gini Dietrich
A few years ago, I received a call from a woman who told me she needed a PR firm because she was going to change the way girls feel about their bodies.
She was a real firecracker and she believed she had the answer to changing the messages that girls receive, particularly from the labels on the food they eat. We all hear we need to be skinnier and prettier and sexier, but girls—as young as 10-years-old—are dieting to keep up with society.
Her answer was to give them a protein snack bar or shake that had empowering messages on the label.
My answer was pretty much, “This is an awesome idea, but launching a consumer food business will cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
But Dana Wendt would not be dissuaded. She has figured out multiple ways to work with us (including the Spin Sucks Pro monthly coaching group) while she builds this company called JOUZGE.
And that is why I’ve asked her to sit on the Spin Sucks Inquisition hot seat. You need to know more about her and more about this company of hers that will someday be synonymous with Kind and Luna, but for teenaged girls.
What is the Biggest Mistake You’ve Made in Your Career?
The biggest mistake is thinking that my mistakes are failures.
The most challenging moments make me get back up, work harder, and figure out how to succeed.
If I did not fail I would never figure out how to win.
What is One Thing about Yourself that Would Surprise Most People?
Ok. Reminding my family, all girls…that they have JOUZGE…well that is pretty easy.
Reminding myself that I have JOUZGE?
That is hard.
I struggle regularly with believing in myself. It sucks. It is stupid. I have to remember that I have JOUZGE.
If You Could Achieve Everything You Ever Wanted in Life, but Had to Die 10 Years Sooner, Would You Make that Trade?
I already have.
A start-up is like baking a cake from scratch.
When you start your own company you do NOT get a recipe!
Be patient with yourself… there is a lot of trial and error. Sometimes you get to lick the bowl and sometimes you run out of ingredients. You work hard to get a cake that rises, looks good, and tastes good.
A lot of worry comes with that.
Would I choose that voluntarily?
No, of course not!
But I am certain that comes with running your own business, regardless of what that business is.
Gini Dietrich, always yells at me…seriously…it’s mean…she does it in capitals in Slack!
She tells me if it were easy…everyone would do it!
It is not easy…it takes its toll…but it is worth it.
You get to invest your entire life and soul into something you love and believe in.
So yes…if I gave everything I had and just ran out of gas, but got to where I wanted to get to? Then I am good. Because THIS is where I want to be.
What Industry Advice or Practice Would You Most Like to Cry Foul On?
Negative messages targeting our girls!
It makes me CRAZY! (Uh oh…I am capitalizing …like Gini.)
SERIOUSLY!!
What makes me crazier is the food that targets females capitalizes on our insecurities. This must be stopped.
My daughter will grow up knowing that when she adds herself to anything it gets so much better.
What is the Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Six Months?
Unfortunately, my reading has been lacking in the last six months.
Insert sad face here.
Of course, I read Spin Sucks and discovered that SEO is not a c-suite employee and felt sad, although I learned a lot from the book.
More importantly, I learned that I need Gini!
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is outstanding.
Did you see Neil Gaiman’s recent quote:
I like stories where women save themselves.
Enough said!
Kissing Frogs: In Search of Prince Charming by Lauren Galley is a great reminder to be patient with your girl and remember what it is like to be in high school and dating.
I read The Queen of Bedlam by Robert McCammon…and then read the rest of the series.
Just started reading Jewel of the Thames by Angela Misri and I am loving it. Can you say female heroine and mystery in one? (
I read teen books because I want to understand their world.)
Next book: The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman.
Why Does Spin Suck?
Spin sucks because it “talks at” the consumer rather than “listening to” the consumer.
Where You Can Find Dana Wendt
This is Gini…I’m back!
Listen up, part of the reason I wanted Dana to do her Inquisition today is because she just launched a Kickstarter campaign (yesterday!) to get JOUZGE out there.
She is raising $38,000 by the end of November and she needs your help. Even if you can’t donate, please spread the word. This is a business that is going to go places and you can back or support her!
You can also find her hanging out on:
- The JOUZGE website;
- Facebook; and
- Twitter.
I’m super proud of you, girlfriend! #tothepowerofgirl