Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Celeste Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Celeste, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Learning to be effective/successful even when I am the only person in the room is something that I am learning to do, and become better at, each and every time that I am in that environment.
It has been a process of finding my voice, and being confident in knowing my ideas, thoughts, wants and needs are all valuable; just as needed and valuable as anyone else’s. I have also learned to trust my instincts and gut feelings in situations, and I make a conscious effort to gravitate towards the people who I feel are genuine individuals with good intentions.
I also realize that no one knows better than me what it is that I do, and because I am so passionate about it, I find confidence in talking about it, Even If I am the only person in the room that looks like me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Defining Enterprises is multi-faceted business, but our main endeavor is in the automated retail industry with our Defining Essentials™ automated retail machines. “We are not your average vending machine. Defining Essentials™ automated retail machines are the premier machines in the vending industry with digital advertising capabilities.”
When you think about the vending machine business, you probably think of chips, snacks and soda., but did you know the earliest reference of vending machines was in the first century in Roman Egypt dispensing holy water. In the 1880’s vending machines dispensed post cards, stamps and books in England, and the first modern vending machines were on a train platform in New York. Today, most vending machines are associated with food.
The way people shop has evolved over the years and automated retail is a part of that evolution. The industry is expected to reach $9 billion by 2024. Defining Essentials™ automated retail machines are unique from other machines in the industry. Other machines are product specific. Defining Essentials™ automated retail machines are sleek looking, high-end automated machines that monitor inventory levels and track sales. They are equipped with an elevator lift that goes up and down to gently retrieve the item you selected. Gone are the days that you push A1 and your chips fall to the bottom of the machine. You swipe left and right to see the selection of items in the machines, just like you would on your cell phone or tablet. The digital advertising capabilities makes them the new innovative advertising space for businesses. A business advertisement stands out more than on a traditional digital billboard. These ads are in full color and include sound. You can run a TV commercial in this space.
We currently have 2 machines located in the Akron – Canton Airport. We sell travel sized accessories, beauty products, over-the-counter items, hygiene products, electronics, items for children and more. The world is rebounding from the pandemic and people are returning to their daily lives, but they are also looking for more ways to have contactless, frictionless, convenient retail experiences. That is what Defining Essentials™ offers.
The automated retail industry is still a relatively new concept, but we are becoming a leader in the industry. Part of what we do is simply educating people on the difference between vending (dispensing snacks, candy and soda), and automated retail (an autonomous retail experience). People, near and far, have asked for consultations and advice on how to navigate through this space. We love being on the edge of a rapidly changing industry.
Also, it has been suggested that we not only expand in other airports, but also on college campuses, in high-end hotels, resorts, and hospitals. We are “Defining Essentials™”, and we can essentially equip the machine to sell to the unique needs of the location.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important skills that have been most impactful on my journey are 1. Perseverance, Keep going every single day, even when you do not want to. 2. Believe in you, 1000%. You have to believe it, as if it has already happened, even when no one else does. 3. Have a good work ethic. Someone once said hard work will take you a lot further than just talent.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I am feeling overwhelmed, it is usually due to me being focused on too many tasks at once. I have learned to take a deep breath, slow down and refocus on what is of greatest importance in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.definingenterprises.com
- Instagram: _youdefineyou_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-brown-a8267141/
