Business Advice From Television Personality Jill Martin and OVC’s Jennifer Miller

After spoiling guests with nibbles and bubbles, the group moved to outdoor stage area, propped just steps away from the beach. Until now, all the panel events had been held inside, but this evening’s chat was surrounded by WET’s palm trees, flowers, and elegant awning stripe lounge seats.

Petrillo eased the crowd into the conversation with lighthearted chatter before delving into the two women’s notable careers. The takeaway: Throw as many darts as you possible can.

Lisa Patrillo: What is the key to be a strong woman in today’s world?

Jill Martin: Don’t kill yourself in trying to have it all at once: It’s a numbers game with life.  Expect the “no’s” and eventually you’ll get a “yes.” Throw 100 darts, [and] the odds [are]10 will stick. And don’t be afraid to ask for help because that’s how you will grow in all aspects. Remove the pride; it will get you nowhere.

Jennifer Miller: Be goal-oriented, stay humble, and listen to your team as a leader.

LP: How do you feel about social media?

Jill: It’s definitely impacted my career, but I have to disconnect every now and then. Realize that some social posts are NOT real. We see the “best” version of people. There’re filters, there’s photoshop and tons of other apps that–let’s just say–exaggerate the truth. Then we’re all competing to keep up.

Jennifer: I hire people to manage my social media. I don’t even touch it!

LP: Who inspires you?

Jill: My aunt Harriet. Growing up, I remember she was a fashion designer and her clothing was sold at Saks and at Neiman Marcus. At a very young age, she exposed me to be different. When I was in my 20’s, she lent me $2,500 to start my own business. And she pushed me to follow my passion. She had a major influence on who I am today. I’m also very inspired by music. [Music] creates my mood everyday and affects my motivation and how I run my business.

Jennifer: My mom. She pushed me to be who I am today and instilled all the values that still are important to me.

LP: What are your closing remarks to our younger generation?

Jill: I have just as many failures as I have successes in my career. It’s a journey; enjoy the ups and downs. Don’t get stuck on only one dream! You need to find new dreams if one isn’t working out. Take a pause in life.  Sometimes life will force you to take one, and be ok with it.  We’re always on-the-go as women and we’re trying to have it all. It never happens exactly the way we want it to. If you don’t take a pause you will burn out; you will hit a wall and it will just set you back.

Jennifer: Take the pause and just come back when you’re ready and pick up where you left off and don’t feel guilty for taking that pause.