Website: www.VenusVision.com
My Three Favorite VenusVision Articles:
- Could the tide be turning?
- What do your kids bring out in you?
- Turning hidden talents into a business
WIB: What type of business structure did you choose to start?
MC: I chose a limited liability corporation and formed VenusVision under Cantrell Media, LLC.
WIB: When did you start VenusVision?
MC: The idea of VenusVision was born in July 2008, and the web site officially launched in February 2009.
WIB: Tell me a little more about your wonderful project!
MC: VenusVision provides inspiration and information to women without the negative messages found in traditional women's media which thrives on women's insecurities to promote unattainable ideals in order to sell products and services. Advertising on VenusVision is available for companies whose products and/or services fit within the mission of VenusVision.
WIB: What inspired you to start Venus Vision?
MC: While I enjoy some of the information found in many women's magazines like Shape, Fitness, InStyle, etc. I got tired of having to sift through image after image of women who do not represent me in order to find the few tidbits of useful information that actually does appeal to me. My goal with VenusVision is to offer material in a variety of areas that appeals to a broad range of women without making them feel as if they should be something they are not. At the same time I want to inspire women to be the best they can be, but not at the cost of self acceptance with who they already are.
WIB: Do you think women have to have a higher education or extensive business experience to start their own company?
MC: I have always had a love for writing, and with my experience working at AOL during the dot.com boom, I gained the confidence needed to launch my own web site. That being said, I ultimately needed very little experience to do so. The tools available to the computer lay-woman so to speak are widely available and easy to use. It just takes the guts to go public with an idea and passion to stick with it.
WIB: I love the look and feel of your website. Who did your sites' design?
MC: I began by hiring a designer to develop a Drupal site for VenusVision. But was not happy with how things were going. In the end, I created the site myself in WordPress and customized my own template.
WIB: Do you have any personal wisdom to share with other women who might want to start their own businesses?
MC: As mentioned, I have always had a love for writing, but it wasn't until the launch of my web site, that I finally had the confidence to identify myself as a writer. So much of our success depends on our confidence in ourselves. When we can overcome our fears and work towards achieving our goals, sometimes the process of reaching those goals can be as rewarding as the outcome.
Interview Date: October 2, 2009
