Ros Guerrero-Ficklets

Ros's Story

1. Tell us the story of your journey. Include details about what inspired you to go into business, was this a life long dream or a newer desire. Share as many details as you are comfortable sharing.

The concept of entrepreneurship was first introduced to me in my early twenties and was intrigued from the get-go. It wasn’t until years later after learning about my daughter’s mental disability when my entrepreneurial passion soared like never before. Since then I have started a few businesses in my search for the business with the right fit – real estate investor, window drapery design and nail salon. And now Ficklets, the most inspiring and most fulfilling venture to date.   

Ficklets, the name of my busines and the product I invented in 2007, was an idea inspired by my teen special needs daughter, Gem who has worn glasses since she was 6 years old.  Ficklets are the first  interchangeable charms for eyeglasses in the marketplace and in 2009 was granted patent. I endearingly refer to my invention as my "couch potato" (instead of the proverbial “kitchen table”) idea because the idea came to me as I was literally sitting on the couch one evening watching one of my favorite business shows. My daughter walked into the room and all I could see were her eyeglasses. As I focused on her eyeglasses, it got me thinking, “Wow, we need to add some color and life to your tired, old glasses.” This, I believe, was my ‘a-ha’ moment.

2. Did you go into business before or after you had children? How do/did your children affect your decision to go into business.

I started most of my businesses after my daughter was born. Her disability was my biggest inspiration to go out on my own. I felt realistically the job opportunities for her would be limited or non-existent and wanted to provide that for her. Moreover, I wanted a business that would ensure financial security for a quality life long after I’m gone. 

3. Share your trials and triumphs. We want to hear about your highs and lows. Did you have any low points or worries as well as high points and huge shining moments?

Oh boy, the first time we received an online order was a big thrill! I think I did the “happy dance”. Another high point was the positive reception, praise and orders we received at our first industry trade show the first year we were in business. We’ve also been very grateful at the fact that the optical industry has embraced us. In 2010, we landed our first US distributor and a second distributor the following year; both reputable, long-standing companies in the optical industry. This year, we landed an optical distributor in the United Kingdom. We’ve also been featured twice in one of the top industry magazines. 

One of the lowest points was almost letting the business go as we were going into our second year. I had placed the business aside to care for my cancer-stricken sister fulltime. After several months of treatment, she lost her fight with cancer. I was devastated beyond comprehension and lost my passion and desire to continue building the business. As you know, once momentum is lost, it’s very challenging to regain that forward movement.

That is, until one day after all was calm from my sister’s passing and funeral… as if the Universe timed it perfectly, we got an online order out of nowhere. That was the little spark of inspiration that helped me get back on track.

4. Do you have any encouraging words to share with mom entrepreneurs that may help to keep their spirits up on a trying day. Not necessarily trade secrets that pertain to business but more directed toward encouraging another mom not to give up and/or to keep following a dream.

I’ll start with this quote: “pain is temporary… quitting is forever”. Truth be told… there are moments/stages the passion for my business wanes or days when it is almost non-existent, and the stress and disappointments sometimes too much to bear. To be an entrepreneur, I’ve learned and still learning, is that I have to embrace the good, the bad and the ugly of business… it’s all a part of the journey. So, in order to get through these trying times, I prepare, fortify and reignite my passion to remind myself the reason I chose this arduous path.

I think it’s so important to refill your passion cup by indulging in what feeds your spirit and engaging in “inspirational activities”. This shouldn’t be something you have to plan extensively or require too much effort. It should be simple and easy and most importantly bring you joy. You work 24/7 on your business, so the last thing you should have to do is work to get inspired, which essentially defeats the purpose. 

For me, this may be perusing interior design magazines, window-shopping at furniture stores, coffee date with a good friend, going to the movies (which I do regularly), or call a friend and chat for hours. Remember, it should be simple, easy and fun! 

Ros's website is www.Ficklets.com