The Unexpected Entrepreneur | Alli Webb | TEDxIndianaUniversity

Summary

In this inspiring narrative, the speaker recounts her journey from a lost high school graduate to the founder of Drybar, a company she sold for $255 million. Initially unsure of her path, she found her passion in cosmetology and started a mobile blowout business, which evolved into the successful Drybar brand. Despite feeling like an impostor in various roles, she embraced new challenges, leading to growth and success. The speaker also discusses overcoming personal struggles and shares her story in 'The Messy Truth,' encouraging others to pursue their dreams despite fear and self-doubt.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker sold her company, Drybar, for $255 million, a success she never anticipated when she started at 35 years old.
• 🏫 She felt lost after high school and decided against going to college, as she wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life.
• 💇‍♀️ The speaker had a passion for hair and decided to attend cosmetology school in New York City, which was a pivotal moment in her career.
• 🤱 After becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started a mobile blowout business to maintain flexibility and pursue her passion for hair styling.
• 📈 The mobile business was so successful that she decided to open a brick and mortar store, which led to the creation of Drybar.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 With the support of her brother and ex-husband, she turned her mobile business into a successful chain with 150 locations across the country.
• 💡 The success of Drybar was attributed not just to the blowouts, but also to the happiness and confidence it provided to women.
• 🚀 The company expanded by launching a product line, which was sold exclusively with Sephora and contributed to the company's high valuation.
• 📚 The speaker wrote a book called 'The Messy Truth' to share her personal journey, mistakes, and lessons learned as an entrepreneur.
• 🦈 She appeared as a guest judge on 'Shark Tank', showcasing her growth and experience in the business world.
• 🔄 After selling Drybar, the speaker is now focused on building the next chapter of her life, embracing new challenges and opportunities.

Q & A

At what age did the speaker sell her company for $255 million?

The speaker sold her company when she was 48 years old, 13 years after being 35.

What was the speaker's initial career path after high school?

The speaker did not go to college and was initially lost, not knowing what to do with her life.

What was the speaker's passion that led her to cosmetology school?

The speaker had a lifelong love for doing hair and struggled with her own naturally curly and frizzy hair, which led her to cosmetology school.

Why did the speaker move to New York City?

The speaker moved to New York City to start her career, as she was unsure about her path and wanted to explore different opportunities.

What prompted the speaker to start a mobile blowout business?

After being a stay-at-home mom for five years and wanting to do something for herself without a college degree, she decided to start a mobile blowout business to serve her mommy friends and still be able to pick up her kids from preschool.

What was the initial charge for the speaker's mobile blowout service in LA?

The initial charge for the mobile blowout service was $40.

Who were the speaker's partners in starting the brick and mortar business?

The speaker's brother and ex-husband were her partners in starting the brick and mortar business.

How many dry bars were there across the country when the speaker sold the business?

There were 150 dry bars across the country when the speaker sold the business.

What product line did the speaker's company start three years into the business?

The company started a product line that was launched exclusively with Sephora.

What is the title of the book the speaker wrote after selling her business?

The title of the book is 'The Messy Truth'.

What does the speaker believe about the 'impostor syndrome'?

The speaker believes that feeling like an impostor is not negative, but rather a sign that one is doing something right and stepping into new and exciting roles.