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| The James Sisters (photo credit: Drought) |
The Midwest has consistently provided opportunity for talented entrepreneurs. A recent visit with Jessie James at the
Drought headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan provided an insider's view of how a successful business is developed with creative financial support, positive health focused goals and a strong work ethic shared by five sisters. The James sisters – who are Michigan natives – tested their ideas and leadership outside of their Midwestern comfort zone in New York. With that experience and exposure, they returned to reinvest in the economic development of their home state to create Drought, an organic, cold-pressed raw juice business. Drought is now a rapidly
growing Michigan business.
Cait James shared some of her reflections and advice with the Joyce Ivy Foundation. She and her sisters hope to inspire talented young Midwestern women to stretch and set high goals throughout high school, college and early career choices.
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| Drought Juice (photo credit: Drought) |
How did you decide that Drought was an investment and risk worth taking in Michigan?
My sisters and I came up with the idea to start our own business while we were living in New York City. We had left Michigan for a few years, for various personal reasons, to explore what the world outside of the Midwest had to offer. From a business perspective, Michigan is a very strategic and economically reasonable location for a start up – not to mention, our home. We shared our idea with friends and family and put our idea online. When the local community validated our ideas with overwhelming support, we knew we had a great thing going. Additionally, support from friends and family as well as other local business owners is the best kind of non-monetary investment your business can receive!
Is your leadership style related to your Midwestern upbringing? What Midwestern values define your leadership?
I love to work. My sisters love to work. We've found the Midwestern hard-work ethic stereotypes to be true! I think that when your work is meaningful, it is never cumbersome. My work days are much longer than the traditional 9 to 5, but I surround myself with individuals and organizations that are like-minded. When we are presented with new opportunities and paths that appear to lead to success, we always ask ourselves, "At what expense?" We tend to choose to follow through only with those that support the health and well-being of ourselves, our family and friends above all else. Decision making that way is pretty effortless!
How would you advise aspiring entrepreneurs?
Share your ideas. Develop a positive attitude and speak affirmatively about your hopes and dreams – it's not "if," it's "when!" Empower yourself through knowledge to help your self-confidence. And most importantly, be flexible! Entrepreneurship is about taking chances and seeing what sticks!
Check out more about
Drought on their website and on
Facebook. You can also take a virtual look inside Drought through this Crain's Detroit
video.
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