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Name: Holly Green

Business: Norabloom Botanicals & Beauty Lounge , all natural beauty services

Industry: Health & Beauty 

Location: Ithaca, New York, U.S.

Reason for starting: In 1997, I wanted to create a flexible schedule so I could stay home with my daughter, who is now almost 17. I moved to Ithaca in 2011 and I fell in love with this charming little town – yoga on every corner, organic foods were easy to come by. I knew right away my holistic organic approach would be embraced here. At that time, there was only one other Esthetician (skin care expert). She used heavy chemicals and had a completely different approach. I used southern charm and had a holistic vibe. At that time there were plenty of faces for both of our practices. I’ve since started my own line of skincare products as well. 

How do you define success? This is cultivated by your personal vision and led by a compassionate heart. You can’t be “unsuccessful” when you follow your intuition and heart. 

Related: Read about another Health & Beauty entrepreneur here.

Biggest Success: My biggest success is being a strong female role model for my daughter. I was able to be honest about my strengths and weaknesses all while creating a clear, open vision of what I wanted for my life and family. I want it all and I have thus far accomplished that. 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? As a woman, the trickiest part is having enough hours in the day to make sure my daughter, clients, employees and myself have everything they need. There isn’t a lack of energy on my part, just a lack of hours. My second challenge was relocating my business to a downtown location that is being renovated. I was really worried about construction, the noise and the unclear traffic patterns. As it turns our, we do not depend on walk-ins, because we are on the second floor. I was pleasantly surprised that the Downtown Ithaca Alliance was so supportive as well as the other shop owners and the community as a whole. This was the best business decision I could have made. 

Related: Tips for Running a Lean Business 

Who is your most important role model? All strong women – there isn’t just one. I am often amazed at women who cross my path. I continue to meet strong, independent women who possess an uncanny ability to rise above and conquer almost any obstacle and then make cupcakes out of it. 

[box_light]Website   www.norabloom.com
Twitter   @LoveNorabloom
Facebook   www.facebook.com/Norabloom-Botanicals-Beauty-Lounge
Pinterest   www.pinterest.com/hollylgreen[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange