The Right Stuff An entrepreneur is an innovator, someone who recognizes opportunities and takes risks to take advantage of them. Some people think entrepreneurs are born, not made. Others argue that the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur can be learned and practiced. Nonetheless, studies have shown that entrepreneurs seem to have certain characteristics in common. Do you have what it takes? • Leadership • Lots of energy • Self confidence • Organizational skills • Competitive spirit • Willingness to work hard • Ability to take risks • Great communication skills There is nothing on this list that can't be learned, but all of these characteristics are vital to becoming an entrepreneur. So, if you want to be an entrepreneur, be honest with yourself and then get to work!

Entrepreneurship:
It's in the Bag!

By Ruthe Farmer, staff writer

Imagine taking a chance and risking everything for that one big idea. That's what it means to be an entrepreneur. Girl Scout alumna Kerry Syzmanski, owner of SassyBB, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., custom handbag studio, did just that. Now she's living her passion—helping others express their creative spirit through the creation of personalized custom handbags.

Start with a Unique Concept

SassyBB is a design studio where customers create one-of-a-kind handbags that represent their personal style. Styles include: beach bags, totes, yoga bags, wine bags, pet carriers, diaper bags, evening bags, cosmetic bags, and wallets. "Women are always searching for outlets to express themselves and be creative, and we always want to do it in a very unique way," says designer and owner Kerry Szymanski. Customers choose their style of bag, the interior and exterior fabrics, and other accessories and options. SassyBB assembles the components into a bag that's literally like no other.

Get the Skills

Though she was a Girl Scout growing up, Kerry only recently learned to sew. She started by taking a class just three years ago. "I signed up for a sewing class at a local fabric store and made a skirt. After that, I hired a private tutor, and spent a ton of time reading books and browsing through fabric stores," explained Kerry. A former marketing executive for companies like Bally Total Fitness and Harry & David, Kerry also drew on her experience in public relations and marketing to promote SassyBB. The store has recently been featured in Lucky magazine and was voted the Best Custom Handbag store in Fort Lauderdale by CityLink magazine.

Taking the Leap

Initially, SassyBB was an online business operated out of Kerry's home. In order to open her first retail store, Kerry sold her Chicago waterfront condo and moved herself and SassyBB to sunny, touristy Florida. She has recently added home-based "purse parties," sewing classes, and Girl Scout badge workshops to the SassyBB line of services. "It has always been my dream to have my own business. SassyBB came about at the right time, fusing my love of fabrics, design, and sewing into a design-your-own-bag boutique."