"I discovered that I could lead a life of independence!"

The Fearless program taught me that I wasn't alone.  I discovered that I could lead a life of independence and carve out my own career path and business and that there are other women out there doing it every day.  In my classmates I found both inspiration and a peer support group of like minded women.  In the Fearless network, I found guidance and resources.

It was this less tangible side of running your own business that sets the Fearless program apart.  The mindset of being responsible for your own bottom line, and the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. When you enroll in the class you become part of a network of talent and resources that will stay with you and challenge you start, build and grow your business.

Bridgett Shank -- Building Bridges

"My business idea moved from being a concept in my head to something I could see as real."

From the program, I learned some of the practical steps involved in starting - and running - a business, including elements of marketing, financial statements and planning, and social networking, as well as where to go to develop these skills further. Just as important was the internal shift I experienced. By being together with other women entrepreneurs who inspired me with their creativity and courage, I came to see the same in myself. My business idea moved from being a concept in my head to something I see as real and feasible.

This program was an important step along the way.

I would recommend this program to women who are feeling stuck and alone with their business idea, and are ready to commit to moving forward with it.

Dunya Nuaimi

"Join the Fearless family!"

Through the Become a Fearless Woman Entrepreneur Program, I received informative business development training, which has provided me with a solid foundation to continue developing my fearless business. I would recommend that any women interested in becoming a fearless business owner sign up to participate in the FWEN program.

By the conclusion of the program, you will have a clear understanding of the fundamental aspects of Marketing, Finance, Proper Staffing & Communications, and their roles in developing successful and sustainable small business.

Join the Fearless family!

Shani Blevins -- Shani Shania & Associates

"I learned to think bigger."

I learned that fearlessness is not about not being afraid.  It is accepting that fear is part of being an entrepreneur and walking through it.  The other side of fear is faith that I can do it.

I learned to think bigger than I was originally thinking and to clarify my vision.

I learned to be specific.  My original Mission Statement was ambiguous, speaking to intrinsic values.  My final mission statement was much more to the point.

This program allows a safe environment for women to create their business vision, take risks doing things they never did before and also provides important factual information for starting a business.

Maria Barron -- Claims Plus Consultants

“I feel like I've joined a new family."

The Become a Fearless Entrepreneur Program has been such an inspiring class.  It has given me the courage to associate myself with my business.

I want my name to be my brand and to create a great reputation.  I especially appreciated the detailed lists of everything that needs to happen to of ficially be in business.  I feel like I've joined a new family.  I will forever be a Fearless sister!

Martha Edith Hernandez, Founder -- Martha Edith Marketing

“Fear is a road block — let go!”

I already had my business up and running, my vision was clear, my passion hatched, but something was missing.  I never had a business plan or marketing plan.  As 2009 wreaked havoc on the economy & my business, I realized I needed to step up to the plate. In January of 2010 a dear friend and mentor nominated me for a scholarship to “Become a Fearless Entrepreneur”.

The program motivated me to get the business and marketing plan complete, to share my successes and failures and encourage those just starting out.  Not to mention cultivating a community and culture!

What I got out of the program helped me understand the “power” of women in business with inspirational and motivating monthly meetings to tell you “You Can Do It!” Fear is a road-block, let go!  I learned the art of creativity, the power of mentorship.  Women are the back-bone of turning this economy around and we can only do it with the support of programs like “Become a Fearless Entrepreneur”.

Fear breeds courage – shed your fear and join this incredible program!  My successes in 2010 I owe to Starla and the amazing ladies that support “Become A Fearless Entrepreneur Program”, not to mention my peer group: S.A.G.E. (Savvy. Artistic. Girly, Entrepreneurs)!

Kim A. Daly, Founder – Urbane Concierge

“I learned how to allow uncertainty, tap into intuition and leverage improvisation along the entrepreneurial journey."

Before: Newly an entrepreneur; launching health coaching practice and unsure of priorities, direction, and level of commitment given existing day job and ideas for other businesses. Eager, restless, enthusiastic, and scattered.

After: Focused, confident, calm businesswoman with clear direction, realistic (more relaxed!) time frame for development of Zest for Life Today practice, and a new ability to allow uncertainty, tap into intuition, and leverage improvisation alongside more logical planning efforts.

What she learned:  ”I learned to slow down and focus on one business plan at a time. I also learned that the most important success metric is whether I’m enjoying life as an entrepreneur. My satisfaction and fulfillment is the cornerstone to happy clients and a thriving business. And sometime that means doing less, not more!

E. Chloe Lauer, Founder -- Zest for Life Today

“I’m full of energy, passion and hope, ready to incorporate my first start-up company.”

Even though it is only half way through, 2010 has already been such an amazing year for me.  In January, with some vague ideas and a belief that I shall be part of something bigger, I signed up for the Fearless Women Entrepreneur program orchestrated by Starla.  Now six months later, I’m full of energy, passion and hope, ready to incorporate my first start-up company.

There are so many great values that I got out of the class.  On the top of the list is conquering the fear of failure.  “Being mediocre by default is a failure.”   It happened like an epiphany, right after a gathering of many of the fearless women in San Francisco.   I cannot tell you how excited I was, sitting on the train on the way back, so emotional, knowing that I have just crossed one of the biggest chasms  of entrepreneurship.  My future suddenly opens up in front of me, with so many unknowns, and endless possibilities.

Another great thing out of the class is the support from the whole fearless family.  At the info session of the class, Starla talked about how much support the group provided.  Back then, I was incredulous —  “I am strong.  I do not need support.  What I need is knowledge”.   But boy, how wrong I was!  The ups and downs of entrepreneurship are magnitudes more than I had expected.  With the support and help of like-minded people who truly understand you, life is just so much brighter.

During the semester, Starla also took time to meet with each of us on our current dilemmas and progress.  Her advice was always spot on.  Her encouragement carried me forward.  In addition, she also gave us many precious resources on different subjects.

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster.  It is also tremendously exciting and rewarding.  One of the best things I’ve done is to have join the program and started my journey with the help of Starla, the cooperative team, and my peers.

Q Zhao, Founder -- The Perfect Orange

“I’m redirecting my life towards my dream and my goal.  Thank you, Starla!”

Before: A passionate, driven, 10-year marketing veteran with an MBA.

After: I now know that I’m going to open up a complete Marketing Agency.

What she learned: After having done extensive research – I realized how much I loved Marketing. It was a real awakening.

“Working with Starla is like having your own personal guide to entrepreneurship. With her roadmap, you can avoid the perils and pitfalls that sideline others and pursue your passion armed with the skills, advice and encouragement to succeed!

My advice to any entrepreneur: You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Starla Sireno can help the budding entrepreneur take small, sure steps to success. I can think of no other expert who is better equipped to guidefuture CEOs and Founders through one of the most emotional events of their lives – fearlessly.”

Sweta Duseja

“It feels so true to be myself and to believe in myself as a leader” ~Preethy

“I launched GloSmart.com during the Become a Fearless Entrepreneur class.  This is hard for even me to believe since I joined the program not knowing what type of business I wanted to start — only knowing that I had the desire to begin.  But I learned how to take baby steps, to take on new challenges and to constantly align my actions towards my goals.  Fearless sisters, I could not have done it without you!”

Preethy Padmanabhan -- Founder, GloSmart