We recently connected with Cynthia S. and have shared our conversation below.
Cynthia , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I deeply admire my mom’s incredible work ethic and determination. She, as the sole provider, came to America with nothing from Poland in the 90s and built her own successful business from scratch. Her inspiring journey has always guided me, and I knew the entrepreneurial road was the path I wanted to take. Her resilience continues to fuel my determination and passion for what I do.
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?
The joy of helping moms and families capture the precious moments of pregnancy served as the powerful driving force behind the inception of my elective ultrasound business. Experiencing the excitement from ultrasounds as an expectant mother inspired me to create a space where these magical moments could be cherished forever. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about preserving the bond between parents and their unborn child, frozen in time through the lens of ultrasound. The sheer happiness I see on their faces when they glimpse their baby for the first time fuels my passion for this service. Making people happy, especially during such a special time in their lives, brings me immense fulfillment. It’s not just a business for me; it’s a deeply rewarding experience.
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?
Resilience: Resilience is a fundamental life skill for entrepreneurs as it enables them to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with building a business. Entrepreneurs who possess resilience are better equipped to handle rejection, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a positive attitude, essential qualities for long-term success in the unpredictable world of business.
Adaptability: Entrepreneurs who can quickly pivot and align their businesses with emerging opportunities are more likely to stay ahead of the competition. Adaptability also fosters innovation, enabling entrepreneurs to create unique solutions to emerging problems and stay relevant in ever-changing industries.
Effective Communication: Strong communication skills are vital for entrepreneurs to convey their ideas, vision, and value proposition effectively. Entrepreneurs need to articulate their thoughts clearly to investors, customers, employees, and partners. Additionally, active listening skills are crucial for understanding market needs and customer feedback, enabling entrepreneurs to refine their products or services. Effective communication also facilitates building a supportive network, fostering collaborations, and negotiating deals, all of which are essential for entrepreneurial growth and sustainability.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a transformative journey that involved shifting my mindset from a focus on lack to embracing abundance. Imposter syndrome often stems from self-doubt and the fear of not being worthy or capable enough, despite evident achievements. To conquer this pervasive feeling, I needed to recognize my accomplishments, internalize my worth, and acknowledge that I am not alone in my struggles. I had to shift my perspective from worry & “lack of” to Embracing an abundant mindset. This involves cultivating self-compassion, celebrating small victories, and reframing negative thoughts into positive affirmations. By changing the focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, people can unleash their full potential, build confidence, and achieve remarkable success, free from the constraints of imposter syndrome.
