Liliana Paez – Unlocking Female Power

In today’s world, women continue to face the challenge of having to choose between a family life and a professional life. Even though women work outside the home, they are still responsible for managing a house, the children and nurturing their families. This dilemma has been the base of many studies and discussions around the world. Miami-based Liliana Paez, CEO of ‘Global Smart Products’, not only has an incredible story, but it is the epitome of “having it all”.

Through her own efforts and in many industries, Liliana started building her empire at the age of 12 and now she embodies the term “momtrepreneur.” Liliana has built an impressive sales empire from scratch through her own efforts (with a portfolio of over $5 billion dollars in sales) while balancing motherhood and a fantastic family life. With an innate ability to identify business opportunities, Liliana is committed to her family as well as her career as she tirelessly works on being the best mother, wife and businesswoman she can be.

This February Liliana launched her first book—“Female Power A Women’s Guide to Becoming A Millionaire.” The book features specific strategies and techniques for women to channel their inner energy and intellect, and set out on the path of success. It focuses on today’s technology and the advantages it presents to women that are looking to start their own businesses and being their own boss thus finding the flexibility they so desire. Liliana hopes to motivate other women to believe in themselves through her moving story of how she became a successful businesswoman through her hard work and believing in herself.

Lata Tokhi met up with Liliana to talk to her about her incredible success story and share it with Dot Com Women readers who dream of having their own successful venture someday. Here are excerpts from the interview:

1. My first question is about your childhood. You started building your business at the age of 12. How was life before you came to America and how exactly did you get started working at such a young age?

I had a very nice childhood. I was raised in a middle class family were both my mother and father worked to support us. We lived a very simple life and was always taught good values and a good work ethic. Growing up, I was always encouraged to dream big and work hard. I started working from a young age because I wanted to have money to buy my own things.

2. You have successfully launched several business ventures before you finally founded Global Smart Products. Tell us about your tryst with the previous ventures, how they came to be, and what they contributed to your present success?

I started in 1992 with Loop Loop and Co. This company sold stylish hair supplies that I created. Eventually we had presence in kiosks in 5 prestigious malls in the city and generated $700 K. This project was the beginning of my career. I took an idea, developed it, patented, looked for manufacturers and sold it. These were the early stages the Global Smart Product’s model.

3. How did you come upon the idea for Global Smart Products?

I love the marketing and branding process. Global Smart Products was born at the same time as the StepGym idea. I created a product, its logo, its marketing strategy, its infomercials, its packaging. We then moved forward to other products.

4. How was the idea received? There must have been many challenges.

The idea was received wonderfully. I first launched in Mexico and sold 1 million pairs within a few months. The biggest challenge was to coordinate the manufacturing and delivery because I did all that process online.

5. How did being a woman affect your growth and success? Please recount some experiences with us on being a woman entrepreneur.

Yes. I think it affected it in a positive way. I honestly think that being a woman facilitates the process when dealing with male executives. When a man negotiates with a man, sometimes the “clash of egos” get in the way. That is not an issue when a woman is negotiates with a man. Man tend to be kinder, more respectful to women.

6. You have conducted numerous seminars and launched a program to help women succeed in their own business endeavors. Tell us more about it. What do you emphasize upon in this program and how can the readers of Dot Com Women who dream of starting or expanding their dream business benefit from it?

The one thing I try to impress upon women is that everything is possible. It might sound like a cliché, but I guarantee you is true. Perseverance and today’s technology are your best friends. Do not fear, because if you fail, you can always learn from the experience and start over.

7. Who are/were the people who are/were instrumental in your success?

My parents who always encourage me and believe in me. My husband who supports me every step of the way. My brother who started Global Smart Products with me and, most importantly, my team.

8.What would be your advice to other enterprising women reading this?

Do not be scared! Everything is an opportunity. If someone say no, try again the next day. Use today’s technology to research and be educated on whatever industry you want to break through. Knowledge is your best tool.

9.The one question that every woman reading this and who aims to own a business someday, is thinking of – How do you manage your family, personal and professional life? How do you strike the perfect balance between them?

The best part about having your own business is to have the flexibility to spend time and take care of my family. Technology is my best friend. I work while my children are in pre-school or summer camp, and then I use my phone to stay connected while I attend to their activities. We go to the park, eat together and go on vacation. My husband is a great support for me and together we dedicate time to our family.

10. What is the real Liliana like when she is not a ‘business woman’ and is with her family? What do you like to do when you are not working?

I like playing with my kids and do everything they like to do. If they want to go to the movies, we go. If they want to the park, we go. I like seeing them having fun.

11. What lies ahead? We would love to hear of any future plans with regards to your business or family.

I am working on launching my book in new countries, in helping women realize their true potential. I am going on vacation with my family for about 2 weeks. I am also planning the launch of three new products: Lunapets, Simple Press and SlimFreezer. I am also working on my second book about teaching children the value of money.