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Name: Alexa Carlin

Business: Hello Perfect, a movement to empower people to redefine perfection and accomplish their dreams

Industry: Health & Beauty

Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. 

Reason for starting: I started Hello Perfect after noticing the pressure society puts on us to live up to this unrealistic ideal of perfection. After seeing how many people criticize themselves and speak negatively about the way they look, I knew something needed to be changed. Individuals of every age and gender are not going after their dreams because they don’t believe they’re good enough or even worthy enough. This is why I started Hello Perfect, to empower people to love themselves and chase after their dreams!

How do you define success? Success is when you wake up every day with a smile on your face and are excited to live.

Related: Read about another female entrepreneur inspiring women to lead with confidence here. 

Biggest Success: My biggest success was when I was asked to speak at the University of Florida’s National Eating Disorder Association Walk. This was an amazing experience because I was given the platform to inspire students with my personal story of how I overcame low self-esteem and gained confidence in myself. I was able to make an impact in peoples lives who are struggling with a horrible illness created by society’s portrayal of beauty and empower them with the hope and knowledge of what truly matters.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My top challenge was bringing my best friend into the business. A year after I started Hello Perfect my best friend, and roommate at the time, wanted to be part of it. I thought it would be awesome to work together so I brought her on board. After a while, our roles in the business began affecting our friendship. I addressed it by discussing with her the challenges and how our friendship meant too much to me to jeopardize it by working together. She agreed and we decided to go our separate ways in our careers.

Related: Should Partners split a business 50-50? 

On a personal level, in January 2013 I went into septic shock. I was induced into a medical-coma for 6 days. The doctors told my family they didn’t think I would survive. With the power of positive thinking, I healed my body. My body really took a beating during this and I now have a compromised immune system. I am working to heal myself through food and have found a new passion in the wellness industry. This has led me to change the direction of Hello Perfect away from the fashion industry and into the wellness world.

Who is your most important role model? My most important role model is my mom. She has taught me how to be selfless, confident and courageous. She continues to inspire me every day to be a better person and always encourages me to chase after my dreams.

[box_light]Website   www.helloperfect.com
Twitter   @helloperfect
Facebook   www.facebook.com/HelloPerfect
Tumblr   helloperfect.tumblr.com
Pinterest   www.pinterest.com/helloperfect[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange