Walk us through your journey to success. How did you get to this point?
I was a former educator who was pretty unhappy with my job. I knew that I wanted something different but wasn’t quite sure what that looked like. My husband simultaneously was disappointed with his job and had a desire to run his own business. We took the plunge together and honestly I loved the freedom. There were certainly highs and lows but collectively entrepreneurship was an amazing blessing to me and my family. My husband and I started a software development company called Marcole Design Group. I worked the back end of the company. It was just the two of us starting out and several contractors. We grew exponentially but I wasn’t really happy about working in the background of a tech company. I did, however, love working with women and I had lots of friends and family who were asking me about how we started our business. I was eager to give them the information and realized I was on to something. I invested in a coaching program to help me brand my business and starting working with women entrepreneurs and speaking all over the nation about the beauty and benefits of entrepreneurship. I love it every single day, even on the really hard days.
What do you do to stay on top of your game professionally?
I am constantly learning. I spend time with people who are smarter and more polished than I am. I invest in mentorship and coaching and I am always reading. I remember reading a quote by Mark Cuban. He said, “It’s not about money or connections, it’s about the ability to outwork and outlearn the competition.” That has stuck with me.
How do you balance your personal life with your career?
I am big believer that all of this works together. I have a lot of roles I play on a daily basis. I own several companies. I have three kids, I am married, I am an aunt, friend, and daughter. Everyday comes with a lot of responsibility. I don’t make it a point to segment myself into different people. I am whoever I need to be for the day. Sometimes I am more mommy than entrepreneur; sometimes I am more wife than I am business partner and sometimes I just need a me day. I don’t make it a point to feel guilty about being the person I am for that day. I don’t compete against differing parts of myself. I wake daily with intention but I am also very present. It’s a delicate balance but with God I am able to be the woman he has created me to be. I am thankful for his grace and I certainly don’t take it for granted.
What advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur or career woman?
Don’t quit. There were so many times when I wanted to give in because things didn’t happen after being in business like five minutes. I had to learn the hard way that perseverance will keep you in business longer than anything else. People who started with you won’t last as long as you will if you just keep going. There’s a true benefit to being the last woman standing. When you find what works rinse and repeat, don’t get fancy until much later in the game. Simple works and it pays.
What does being a BOSS mean to you?
Being a boss means being in charge and handling your business no matter what happens or is thrown your way. Boss women are everything they are called to be and more; they have fear but they do it anyway, they fail but they get back up, they doubt themselves but they step over doubt and walk in confidence, they are prayer warriors, leaders, givers and nurturers. They lead with love.
For more information about Tiffany Fulcher, please visit ww.tiffanyfulcher.co or follow her on Twitter at @TifFulcher
The BOSS Network is a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and event-based networking. Their mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. For more information on The BOSS Network, please visit www.thebossnetwork.org.
