Forty Over 40

Forty Women to Watch Over 40

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40 Over 40 Asks: 10Qs for Naama Bloom, Founder & CEO of HelloFlo

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

This week’s Q & A is with Naama Bloom, Founder & CEO of HelloFlo, an online subscription service which provides feminine care products.

1. What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?

I had my second child right around my 9 year mark at American Express. I knew it was time for a change so I decided to see if I could use my maternity leave to change things up. I got a part time babysitter and spent those 4 months meeting people, interviewing for jobs and just basically understanding what was possible. Most people thought I was nuts for “wasting” my maternity leave but I was finally feeling re-energized about the prospect of returning to work.

2. Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?

It may sound corny but my husband has provided more guidance and support than I could have ever dreamed. Since he’s an entrepreneur himself, he can really empathize with the struggles and provide great counsel. As well, he’s an unbelievable strategist so I know I can always use him as a sounding board when I’m feeling stuck. Lastly, I tend to denigrate my accomplishments and he never lets me get away with that.

 3. What is your biggest goal right now?

I started my company because I want to help women and girls recognize and celebrate themselves and the special moments that shape our lives – from birth to puberty and beyond.

4. How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?

My first job was as a Production Assistant on a low budget movie. I moved to LA after college without knowing anyone and I spent my days faxing resumes and calling people practically begging them to hire me. It was a freelance job that lead to others. My first salaried job came because I never stopped hustling and when I heard there was a Producer’s Assistant position on a TV sitcom that I liked, I basically beat down their door so that they would interview me.

 5. How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?

I take long walks while listening to The Moth, This American Life or RadioLab. I try at least once a week but it’s not always easy to find the time.

6. What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?

I left American Express after being passed over for two digital marketing jobs. In the last year I’ve released two videos generating 30m views on YouTube without a single paid ad. The lesson: Don’t let other people define what you can do.

 7. What was the last business book you read?

I don’t read very many business books – I use reading as an escape. However I really did enjoy Lean In [Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg] – I recognized so many of my own behaviors and experiences in that book.

8. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Things end the way they begin. When you’re working on a partnership or hiring, you need to take the early cues. If something doesn’t feel right, or is overly adversarial, chances are it will end that way. On the flip side, if things are smooth sailing from the beginning, they generally stay that way.

9. What is your secret indulgence?

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzel Slims – impossible not to eat the whole bag.

 10. Who on the list of 2013 Honorees would you like to meet?

Anne-Marie Slaughter

Check out Naama Bloom‘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