If Tina Hedges hadn’t relied on women’s intuition, she’d never have built a business with Beth Ann Catalano.
Two years ago, after both left the corporate side of the cosmetics industry to consult, they walked into an office within a few seconds of each other. Hedges took one look at Catalano and said, “‘Wow. I don’t know this woman, but I’m going to know her for a long time and we’re going to do business together.’ I just knew, ‘This is the perfect partner to create a business.’” Who knows what it was that prompted Hedges to think this way – she says it was a little voice inside, telling her what was right.
Although Catalano did not have the same immediate reaction, she took a chance. She’s glad she did. The pair created Twist New Brand Venture, a brand incubator that creates lifestyle, health and wellness businesses. Their first project, a hair care line called Jonathan Product, generated more than $13 million in six months.
“I defer to Tina a lot,” Catalano says. “Relationships are a key factor in any business success. When you meet an individual and get a sense of whether that individual should be a part of your business, it’s an inner voice you need to listen to.”
There’s Science Behind Intuition
If the fact that women-based startups are outpacing men 2-to-1 (according to the National Association for the Self-Employed and the Small Business Administration) is any indication, instinct seems the way to go.
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