From Side Hustle to Success: The Journey of Cathryn Lavery and the Rise of BestSelf Co.** **
July 26, 2024, 8:50 am
Location: United States, New York
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2009
Total raised: $103.71M
**
In the bustling streets of New York City, where dreams collide with reality, Cathryn Lavery found herself at a crossroads. With less than $800 to her name and a visa that limited her employment options, she faced a daunting challenge. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she transformed her precarious situation into a thriving business.
Lavery’s journey began in 2011 when she moved to New York for an architecture internship. By 2012, a salary cut and delayed start date left her scrambling. With no safety net, she tapped into her design skills. Graphic design, logo creation, and Kindle book formatting became her lifelines. She embraced the hustle, taking on any project that came her way. This experience was her launchpad, igniting a passion for entrepreneurship that would soon lead to the creation of BestSelf Co.
The idea for her flagship product, the Self Journal, was born from personal necessity. Struggling with ADHD, Lavery needed a tool to help her stay organized. Drawing inspiration from various personal development frameworks, she crafted a journal that not only addressed her challenges but also resonated with others. Her background in architecture proved invaluable, equipping her with the skills to design and layout the journal effectively.
Lavery’s leap into entrepreneurship was not without its fears. She initially believed her lack of formal business education would hinder her. However, she quickly learned that business acumen could be cultivated through reading and hands-on experience. Her design skills allowed her to move swiftly, avoiding the delays that often plague new ventures.
The turning point came with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $326,000. This financial boost catapulted BestSelf Co. into the spotlight. Winning the Shopify Build a Business Award opened doors to new opportunities, including a chance encounter with Daymond John, a prominent figure from the television show "Shark Tank." Their meeting during a game of Monopoly led to a strategic partnership that further elevated Lavery’s brand.
But it was her connection with Tony Robbins that truly transformed her perspective. Having admired Robbins for years, Lavery found herself receiving personal mentorship from him after winning the Build a Bigger Business Award. His guidance prompted her to shift her focus from merely loving her product to genuinely loving her customers. This pivotal change in mindset allowed her to explore new avenues for growth and innovation.
After seven years of relentless work, Lavery made the difficult decision to sell BestSelf Co. in 2022. The challenges of running a business during a pandemic, coupled with personal changes in her life, led her to seek a break. However, the story didn’t end there. In December 2023, she was approached by the CEO of the company that acquired BestSelf, who was facing financial difficulties.
With a unique opportunity to buy back her brand, Lavery stepped into negotiations with confidence. Her familiarity with the business and its operations gave her an edge. The deal was favorable, allowing her to apply new skills in coding and automation to revitalize the company.
Lavery’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. She learned that every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to a larger narrative. The skills she acquired along the way became her toolkit, enabling her to navigate the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship.
As she reflects on her journey, Lavery emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving. She advocates for a sustainable business model that balances ambition with well-being. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that success is not merely about the destination but the lessons learned along the way.
In a world where many seek quick success, Lavery’s path reminds us that true achievement often requires grit and determination. She encourages others to embrace diverse experiences, as they may lead to unexpected opportunities.
BestSelf Co. is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of Lavery’s journey. It embodies the spirit of innovation and the power of perseverance. As she embarks on this new chapter, Lavery is excited to prove that she can do things even better this time around.
In the end, her story is not just about building a successful business. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities, embracing change, and nurturing a vision that resonates with others. Cathryn Lavery’s journey from a side hustle to a multimillion-dollar enterprise is a reminder that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.
As the world continues to evolve, so too will Lavery and BestSelf Co. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. In the realm of entrepreneurship, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering belief in one’s vision.
In the bustling streets of New York City, where dreams collide with reality, Cathryn Lavery found herself at a crossroads. With less than $800 to her name and a visa that limited her employment options, she faced a daunting challenge. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she transformed her precarious situation into a thriving business.
Lavery’s journey began in 2011 when she moved to New York for an architecture internship. By 2012, a salary cut and delayed start date left her scrambling. With no safety net, she tapped into her design skills. Graphic design, logo creation, and Kindle book formatting became her lifelines. She embraced the hustle, taking on any project that came her way. This experience was her launchpad, igniting a passion for entrepreneurship that would soon lead to the creation of BestSelf Co.
The idea for her flagship product, the Self Journal, was born from personal necessity. Struggling with ADHD, Lavery needed a tool to help her stay organized. Drawing inspiration from various personal development frameworks, she crafted a journal that not only addressed her challenges but also resonated with others. Her background in architecture proved invaluable, equipping her with the skills to design and layout the journal effectively.
Lavery’s leap into entrepreneurship was not without its fears. She initially believed her lack of formal business education would hinder her. However, she quickly learned that business acumen could be cultivated through reading and hands-on experience. Her design skills allowed her to move swiftly, avoiding the delays that often plague new ventures.
The turning point came with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $326,000. This financial boost catapulted BestSelf Co. into the spotlight. Winning the Shopify Build a Business Award opened doors to new opportunities, including a chance encounter with Daymond John, a prominent figure from the television show "Shark Tank." Their meeting during a game of Monopoly led to a strategic partnership that further elevated Lavery’s brand.
But it was her connection with Tony Robbins that truly transformed her perspective. Having admired Robbins for years, Lavery found herself receiving personal mentorship from him after winning the Build a Bigger Business Award. His guidance prompted her to shift her focus from merely loving her product to genuinely loving her customers. This pivotal change in mindset allowed her to explore new avenues for growth and innovation.
After seven years of relentless work, Lavery made the difficult decision to sell BestSelf Co. in 2022. The challenges of running a business during a pandemic, coupled with personal changes in her life, led her to seek a break. However, the story didn’t end there. In December 2023, she was approached by the CEO of the company that acquired BestSelf, who was facing financial difficulties.
With a unique opportunity to buy back her brand, Lavery stepped into negotiations with confidence. Her familiarity with the business and its operations gave her an edge. The deal was favorable, allowing her to apply new skills in coding and automation to revitalize the company.
Lavery’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. She learned that every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to a larger narrative. The skills she acquired along the way became her toolkit, enabling her to navigate the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship.
As she reflects on her journey, Lavery emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving. She advocates for a sustainable business model that balances ambition with well-being. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that success is not merely about the destination but the lessons learned along the way.
In a world where many seek quick success, Lavery’s path reminds us that true achievement often requires grit and determination. She encourages others to embrace diverse experiences, as they may lead to unexpected opportunities.
BestSelf Co. is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of Lavery’s journey. It embodies the spirit of innovation and the power of perseverance. As she embarks on this new chapter, Lavery is excited to prove that she can do things even better this time around.
In the end, her story is not just about building a successful business. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities, embracing change, and nurturing a vision that resonates with others. Cathryn Lavery’s journey from a side hustle to a multimillion-dollar enterprise is a reminder that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.
As the world continues to evolve, so too will Lavery and BestSelf Co. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. In the realm of entrepreneurship, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering belief in one’s vision.