We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Bradley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
How Did I Develop Confidence and Self-Esteem?
I grew up as an energetic, happy, and optimistic kid. My parents were entrepreneurs, and from an early age, I saw the ups and downs of running your own business—the long hours, the sacrifices, and the rewards. They raised my sister and me to be self-sufficient and resourceful, instilling in us a sense of independence and determination. I always knew deep down that I wanted to start my own business, but life had other plans. When I met my husband, and we began the pattern of frequent military moves, I started to question if that dream would even be possible, but with the right attitude and perseverance I found a way to make a business work around frequent moves.
One word that encapsulates my Montana upbringing is resourceful. Growing up in a rural area taught me the importance of adaptability and self-reliance, though I didn’t fully appreciate this until later in life. Montana was a place where people made things work with what they had. Eventually you develop confidence that comes from being resourceful and independent, you learn to trust your instincts because you’ve put them to the test time and time again. This environment taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of showing up for others. Watching and learning from those around me helped me build my own confidence and self-esteem. I realized that success wasn’t just about talent but about effort, determination, and resourcefulness, values that shaped who I am today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I graduated from Columbus High School in Montana in 2003 and went on to attend the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, on a track scholarship. While in college, I decided to study business after winning an entrepreneurship competition as the first woman and freshman to take the top spot. At the time, I had no idea that experience would prepare me for something much bigger—competing on Shark Tank in 2016.
R.Riveter was born out of a desire to create handbags and accessories that empower women and make their lives easier, while also serving as a reminder to stand for what they believe in. At our core, we’re about supporting military families by providing flexible, mobile income opportunities through our innovative manufacturing model.
Our signature handbags are made by military spouses from across the country. Each “Riveter” works from home—in spaces like a basement, attic, home office, or even their kids’ playroom—creating components of our bags. Once finished, they stamp their unique R.Riveter ID number on their parts and ship them to our finishing facility, where another Riveter fully constructs the bag. After passing quality control, the finished bags are sent to customers nationwide or to one of our two storefronts.
We also believe in giving back. A portion of the profits from our other product lines is donated to programs that help military spouses start and grow their own businesses. At R.Riveter, we’re not just making bags—we’re creating opportunities, supporting families, and building a community rooted in resilience and empowerment.
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 three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge I’ve relied on throughout my journey are:
1. Data-Driven Decision Making
Having a structured approach to decision-making has been crucial. I created my own guide to risk management, which I adapted depending on the company’s circumstances. Over time, I realized that the more I relied on well-structured tools to provide data, the less I needed to depend on gut instinct. Even when the data isn’t readily available, building the systems to generate it is invaluable. For example, by creating processes to track sales and analyze what worked, we’ve gained insights that allow us to make more informed decisions year after year. Without this, we’d essentially be guessing. My advice? Invest early in systems and tools that enable you to collect, analyze, and use data effectively.
2. Humility in Seeking Advice and Help
As an entrepreneur, there’s no universal guidebook for running a business, and you won’t be an expert in every area. I’ve had to learn a surprising amount about commercial leasing, contract law, accounting, and taxes, but I didn’t do it alone. I leaned on other business owners who had faced similar challenges and sought out advisors or experts when needed. The key is being willing to ask questions and acknowledge when you don’t know something. If you’re not ready to hire experts for every situation, you need to get comfortable seeking guidance and building relationships with those who can help fill your knowledge gaps.
3. Simplicity in Decision-Making and Communication
One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is breaking down complex problems into simple questions and answers. As a leader, simplifying things helps you make better decisions and clearly communicate your vision to your team. When everyone understands the direction, they’re more aligned, and progress happens more smoothly. Some of the most overwhelming moments in my journey came when I unnecessarily overcomplicated situations. My advice? Focus on simplifying issues, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring clarity in your communication. Simplicity leads to better focus and stronger results.
For those early in their journey, these three principles—leveraging data, seeking guidance with humility, and simplifying complexity—will set a strong foundation for growth and success.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
R. Riveter is seeking partnerships with like-minded companies that share our commitment to supporting the military community. Through collaborative product initiatives, we combine efforts to highlight the importance of honoring and appreciating our military members and their families.
We are dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of past generations, ensuring their sacrifices remain at the forefront of our daily lives. If your company is interested in offering thoughtful gift options for clients or collaborating with our talented military spouse makers, we would be honored to help share this meaningful story together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rriveter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RRIVETERBAGS/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RRiveterBags/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
