An exclusive interview with Patrice Bisiot
What inspired you to pursue a career in entrepreneurship/business?
-My Childhood dream. It was clear as long as I can remember.
What were the key factors that contributed to your success?
One factor in particular was accepting who I am. You see I was very shy and I was extremely introverted as a kid. I would be scared to ask a stranger in the street what time it was. It was literally that bad. When I moved to the US, I understood intuitively. If I wasn’t myself, how can I create success? So I started my journey of self Discovery. Although society encourages you to be who you are, when you are yourself, you get criticized and bashed for it. When I finally realized I was going to be myself, the only way to become successful, I started hearing a lot of – You have a big mouth. You are very loud. You always have an opinion. The world made it sound like I was a problem to society, when in fact, I was becoming my own being, who I truly was and owning my space entirely in every way. The more out there, on social media or the red carpet, the more I accepted me,. Game changer, a great place to be. I started not caring anymore about what other people had to say about my thoughts or my actions. I realized the more successful you become, the more out there you promote yourself, the more you will have the trolls who have nothing better to do than spending their time and wasting it on criticism and nasty comments. It allowed me to realize the more unhappy people are around you and the more they will try to get you down. Now? I absolutely love who I am. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Can you share your proudest achievements or milestones in your career or business?
Probably the first one, 21 years old, is when I met with my CPA and did my tax return, the moment my business turned out to show $1,200,000 worth of sales. This was my childhood goal. The world millionaire, from the moment I could remember while reading celebrity magazines , kings and queens ‘ lifestyle, my dream. While looking at that number on paper, it became real. This is when I was able to realize I came to America to achieve such sensation. And then, of course, it fueled me, making more and more, to a fault, which explains why it crushed me when I lost it all, motivated by Money so Much, I thought my worth was attached to the balance of my bank account. Nonetheless, I was so proud of myself. Another one would be when my publicist told me I was going to be part of the Oscars, the Holy Grail of Hollywood, a dream come true. Walking on the magical red carpet, do celebrities hair, being part of an event larger than life. Started with nothing, not knowing a single person and worked my way up, being part of this incredible Award Show, what a rush! In fact, as I am answering this question, I realize it stayed with me every time I wear my tuxedo (and sometimes I wear it a lot!) I feel like this sensation, at that very moment in my life, stayed with me forever. Each time I put my tuxedo on, there is this feeling of success and Self-Empowerment. Among many more, the first time I stepped on stage to be the keynote speaker in front of 300 people, my very first large audience, where all eyes were on me. I was always used to a one-on-one experience or else talking to a camera when I would be interviewed, but this sensation was brand new. Talking about a rush mixed with fear and excitement? What an incredible memory!!! When I heard my name being called, stepping up the stairs, my heart racing, gasping for air, an unforgettable moment in time.
Write one piece of advice you would give aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals looking to succeed.
Being an entrepreneur is a big endeavor. Far beyond being free of your own schedule and carve your destiny, it takes essential traits of character. Prepare an extensive and detailed business plan. Doing business on a wing and a prayer is most likely a recipe for disaster. Be clear about your avatar. Although every entrepreneur wants to make money with the entire world, it does NOT work that way. Be precise on who is your audience. not everybody is your client. Identify your passion. It is NOT because there is a trend and seems to be a successful stream of income that it is yours. Love what you chose to do. Remember, you are going to spend many hours of many days in your business, do it with your heart. Be financially sound. I know the moment you open your enterprise your goal is to generate immediate revenue but reality can be otherwise. The golden rule is to have a year worth of treasury ahead of you as if the business was not going to make a single dollar so you can concentrate on marketing, strategy and organization instead of stressing about tomorrow. Be ready for a rollercoaster ride. The entrepreneurial journey is CRA-ZY. Ups, downs and around. Money comes in gulps, disappears instantly, comes back in. When you think you found the recipe to success, you will have to re-assess everything. Be open minded. You are the boss, ok, but it does NOT make you right all the time. Listen to your employees, interns, successful entrepreneurs around you. Be a great listener. Observe the world, watch the streets, sit at terraces, it helps for your evolution, it gives you the current tempo and allows you to be fresh and current. In short, love yourself, before you leave your house in the morning, connect with your own reflection in the mirror and be in peace with it, love others so they can help you to build your dream, stay passionate so when the going gets tough, it will support you to move forward and keep positive. Treat each day like the first day, so you won’t become arrogant about your success. Stay humble and kind, you never know when you are going to need help. Believe in your dreams. Everything is possible. Go for it!
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is about self-love, kindness, evolution, open mind, knowledge.
