2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run.
As we approach the September 25 final entry deadline for the 2013 competition we'll look back at some of the women who have won Stevie Awards over the past decade. We'll catch up with them on their current activities, and learn what their Stevie win meant to them and their careers.
Today's Q&A is with 2004 Stevie winner Madolyn Johnson. Johnson won the Stevie Award for Women Helping Women in the 2004 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Now the founder and CEO of Signature HomeStyles (formerly The HomeMaker's Idea Company), Johnson has seen the company grow over the past 10 years.
As one of the first winners in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and subsequently also in The American Business Awards, what has winning a Stevie Award meant to you?
It shone a bright light on Signature HomeStyles’ mission to make a difference … one home at time. The Stevie Awards helped create more awareness about our company with articles appearing in the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Daily Herald, and other news outlets.
As a successful business owner, what advice do you have for women starting their own businesses?
Do it now! If you wait, it might be too late. You must be passionate about what you do. Believe in yourself and keep at it no matter the challenges or obstacles put in your way.
Signature HomeStyles must be something of a bellweather for the economy in the United States and Canada. What do you see shaping businesses in the next three years?
Perseverance! I started my company in 1971 when the country was in a recession. You’re going to hit a few bumpy patches, but if you follow your mission and passion, make smart business decisions, and persevere, you can weather any storm.
Do you have a favorite business app?
Yes, SHS Everywhere! We introduced this app to our team of Signature HomeStyles representatives a year ago. This app allows them to do their Signature HomeStyles business on the go. They can access important news and product-training videos, and show their customers our catalogs everywhere they go!
As someone at the top of your profession, what keeps you inspired or makes you hit the ground running in the morning?
The stories of success I hear from our Signature HomeStyles representatives. Whether it is someone who is a more confident person because she presents our products at Signature HomeStyles Shows, or has gotten rid of credit card debt thanks to her Signature HomeStyles business—that’s all the motivation I need to keep going! I love helping women who can then help other women start their own Signature HomeStyles businesses, too.
The final entry deadline for the 2013 edition of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business is September 25. Complete entry detail are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women.
About Madolyn Johnson
Madolyn Johnson is the founder and CEO of Signature HomeStyles. She celebrates more than four decades at the helm of this one-stop home organizing and decorating resource, which has also become a catalyst for thousands of successful female entrepreneurs. Madolyn Johnson is frequently recognized as one of the top woman business owners in the nation.
About Signature HomeStyles
Signature HomeStyles offers an exclusive line of hundreds of versatile and beautiful organizing and decorating essentials including baskets, linens, pottery, wall decor, and holiday decorations. The products are available throughout the U.S. and Canada exclusively through thousands of trusted sales representatives who have built successful businesses.
