Enterprenuer
Kristen Carbone is dedicated to making people’s lives more enjoyable, fulfilling, and beautiful.
After a decade of experience in New York’s Museums, she created Brilliantly.
This platform is dedicated to addressing the quality-of-life issues that women who have had breast cancer experiences face.
Kristen is a writer, speaker, and problem solver.
She serves on the Advisory Council for the Breasties and is a Dreamers & Doers and The Fourth Floor member.
In addition to her work with Brilliantly, Kristen is a keen jigsaw puzzler and gardener, and list maker.
She currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her two children.
What is the story of the idea for Brilliantly?
Brilliantly, I started by trying to solve a problem myself.
One of my biggest problems after my mastectomy and subsequent implant reconstruction was the constant cold.
After many failed attempts to jerry-rig things, I decided to design a sustainable solution that would help women like me feel better.
I started a portrait project and a corrective exercise program.
Also, I hosted numerous events on quality of life issues facing this community.
After many conversations, I realized that there was more to helping women feel better.
I wanted to expand the range of options available for women who have experienced breast cancer.
How do you stay productive?
My day begins with breakfast for my two children. After that, I make sure to have plenty of coffee before we start doing anything that looks like work.
It takes discipline to be productive, as I have found.
I list all the things I need to do each day before I begin any task.
I use a time block to ensure that I have enough time for my family, work, and myself every day.
I do a block in the morning, then take a break for lunch with my children or to go to yoga.
How do you bring ideas to life?
My background is in arts and collaboration, so it is essential to find the right people to bring your ideas to life.
Brilliantly Warm was my first product. I compiled a list from my network of professionals familiar with the areas I needed.
These people were invited to join me for a dinner brainstorming session.
This was the first meeting that became my advisory board. It was a key reason this business came to life.
However, it is common to say that “it takes a village,” creating Brilliantly required an entire city.
What’s your favorite trend?
It is a joy to be a part of the positive changes in women’s health.
Women are no longer stoic about their health and well-being.
Women are becoming more open about their fertility, breast health, and body image.
Innovators and changemakers are improving these experiences. It’s pretty incredible.
What habits make you productive?
My most important habit is to get enough sleep. I get at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night.
I get tired and can’t concentrate or do my best work when I’m exhausted.
Another habit I have is an almost religious devotion to my Google Calendar.
What’s your advice for the Noob?
Have fun. Since I was a child, I have been striving to achieve something.
Sometimes I forget that it’s the journey that is my life.
It’s only once I get to do it all, so slowing down and enjoying it is okay.
What is one thing we can all agree on?
Multitasking is my favorite thing. Multitasking is something I love.
Although I know that research has shown otherwise, I’m afraid I entirely have to disagree.
What do you recommend as an entrepreneur?
Did I mention my Google calendar? Other than that, I tell every new or struggling entrepreneur to create a little accountability/support and advisory group.
It is vital to surround yourself with people who understand your situation so that you don’t feel isolated or alone when things get complicated.
Diversity in thinking is key to overcoming challenges, and sharing victories will help you achieve your goals.
What’s your rich strategy?
Because I am often stuck doing tactical work, I schedule a time to zoom in.
It is essential to create space and allow time for strategic thinking.
Regular meetings with advisors and other founders are a great way to discuss how to stay on track toward my most important goals.
How do you overcome Failure?
I failed to take care of myself was my biggest mistake.
In the beginning days of Brilliantly, I still had a job.
I would get up at 4 am to work until the kids were ready for school.
After picking up the children, I would go to work and make dinner.
Then, I would return to work once they were asleep. I fell apart.
I was tired, sick, and miserable. It was only after I believed in myself and in my ideas that I was able to quit my job and regain my time that I decided to leave my day job.
I felt much better, despite the added financial stress.
My 9-5 job was not enough to keep me occupied, but I could do yoga, go for a walk or prepare a decent dinner in between calls.
My health was my number one priority, or I wouldn’t be able to continue to work.
Can you share a business idea?
I would like to see a new tool for the sharing economy that can be used for kids’ items.
What’s your recent best buy?
Just recently, I renewed my yoga membership. Since COVID began, I haven’t been to yoga in a while, so I’m excited to get back on the mat.
Since 2003, it has been my favorite way of keeping my mind and body in control.
What are your favorite Softwares or Apps?
It is becoming my love letter to google calendar. It tracks everything, from visitors to my kids’ schedules to birthdays to work calls.
It’s indispensable. It is color-coded, and each calendar has a different schedule reminder.
I get a ping ten min before a call, but one week before birthdays.
It allows me to manage my professional and personal commitments.
Which book would you recommend?
Haven Kimmel’s A Boy Named Zippy is a book everyone should read. It’s funny.
I have read it at least 12 times. Although many experts can offer business advice to founders, it is not enough to have a positive outlook.
To me, laughing is the best way to stay sane.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Everything doesn’t happen for a purpose, but we can find meaning and beauty in all things.”
This statement is complex for me to believe as someone who has suffered significant loss and worked with people affected by cancer.
If you look for meaning, I’ve found it. Even the most difficult experiences can be used to teach us lessons.
TL;DR by Kristen Carbone
It is essential to stay healthy and happy to be productive.
Find a cause you are passionate about.
Establish a trusted group of advisors that can provide strategic and critical feedback.
