Forty Over 40

Forty Women to Watch Over 40

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Forty Over 40 Asks: 10Qs for Vanessa Quigley, Co-founder of Chatbooks

aaWelcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.

This Q & A is with Vanessa Quigley, Co-founder and Chatbooker-in-Chief of Chatbooks. Vanessa is innovating her field of work with Chatbooks and its design to break the digital-only mentality. Chatbooks prints from social media and camera roll favorites to create hard copy photo and memory books.

1)  What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?  

I was a cheerleader for my husband throughout his entrepreneurial career as I worked as a stay at home mom and a part time singer/actress. It wasn’t until he started to build a business around one of my ideas that I decided that I didn’t just want to watch from the sidelines this time. I wanted to be part of the founding team that would bring my idea to life! My youngest child had just started full time school and the time was right to reinvent myself as a tech entrepreneur.

2)  Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

After 20 years of supporting my husband in his career, he is now cheering me on. It didn’t matter to him that I didn’t  have any business experience. He knew my strengths and abilities, believed in me and has encouraged me stretch myself in ways I didn’t know possible. I am so grateful for the new dynamic this has brought to our relationship.

3)  What is your biggest goal right now?

More than anything I want to grow our company into a billion dollar business while continuing to help people hold on to what matters. I see a world where Chatbooks is helping people all over the world safeguard, organize, and enjoy all their memories without adding any additional work or stress to their lives.

4)  What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?

During the school year I usually wake up at 5:40 to exercise before helping kids get out the door to school. Exercise is how I stay sane and that early morning hour is the only “me time” I seem to have. By 9 am I’m showered and dressed and the kids are all off to school and I head into the office to work until school is over.

5)  How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?

On my 30th bday I felt relieved! I had 4 children by then and thought that being 30 with 4 kids seemed less crazy than 29! I was a stay at home mom at that time of life and my oldest was only 7. My life was busy with playdates, cooking, cleaning, and shuttling my little ones all over town for errands and activities. My outlet at that time was scrapbooking and after putting the kids to bed I’d stay up late working on my beloved books.

6)  How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

Honestly I hardly ever completely unplug. Even when I’m not working I’m usually listening to a podcast or audiobook while running errands or cleaning up around the house. But I love to recharge mentally by going outside and up into the mountains in my backyard with friends or family. Nature and great conversation are always a winning combination for me!

7)  What was the last business book you read?

I’ve most recently finished reading The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni. It was recommended to me by a very successful entrepreneur as mandatory reading. I learned so many fascinating things that are guiding our leadership team as our company continues to grow.

8)  What song can’t you get out of your head?

Honestly the entire soundtrack of the Broadway musical Hamilton is on constant repeat in my head and in my home. My whole family is obsessed! Who knew the founding fathers could be so hip and cool?

9)  What is your “keep me going” quote?  

“Fake it ‘til you make it!”. I know lots of people hate that quote but it’s what got me through high school and more recently, my entrepreneurial debut. There are so many things that I still don’t know but there’s nothing wrong with feigning confidence while I figure it out, right?

10) What is your secret indulgence?

First thing that comes to mind–chocolate. But that’s not really a secret. However, I”m pretty sure no one know that I sometimes watch Keeping up with the Kardashians late at night.

Check out Vanessa Quigley’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!

Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson

Whitney is the author of the acclaimed Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream. She has been named on numerous Smart Thinkers and People to Follow lists by major media such as Inc. Magazine, Business Insider and Huffington Post and is quoted in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fast Company, Forbes and more.
Whitney Johnson