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30 Hudson Valley Parent n October 2019 O wner of Floor 13 Textiles, a wholesale distributor of high-end decorative fabrics, and mother of three daughters, Kathleen Bennett Marold's "typical days" are never typical! The Fishkill momtrepreneur balances a growing business in the hospitality industry and an unrelenting busy schedule with the help and support of her family and network. Check out this Boss Lady's business at Floor13Textiles.com HVP: What does a typical day in your life look like? Kathleen: No day is typical! I wake up at 5:45am and have 30 minutes of quiet before I walk the dog, make coffee and see my oldest off to school. Then I take care of any work from the day before as well as any communications with my vendors in Asia and Europe. HVP: What is the biggest challenge of having your own business? K: Starting a national business with large accounts like Marriott, Hilton and Disney out of my dining room has been quite a roller coaster. The entire six years have been funded mostly myself. It's challenging to not let the ebbs and flows of the company's cash flow impact my family. HVP: How did you grow your company? K: It's all about the people that believed in me. It also comes from a place of having the confidence to know that what you are providing is needed. HVP: What is the biggest reward of having your own business? K: Freedom! My office is wherever I need it to be. HVP: What is the best business advice you've ever received? K: Contact SCORE first and hire a business coach. SCORE is a nonprofit association that helps small businesses get off the ground and was really key for me. The free resource with access to mentors, webinars, seminars and extensive advice has helped me every step of the way. HVP: What advice would you give to women who aspire to be a boss lady? K: Have a support group intact before you start. I suggest finding groups of entrepreneurial women with similar goals. Most friends and family will tell you to pack it in when things get dire because they are more comfortable in safe situa- tions. Locally, I have found Hudson Valley Women in Business valuable. HVP: What is your mantra? K: "Seize the Day!" To me it means I must make the most of the day- for my family, my business, and myself. Sponsored by with Kathleen Bennett Marold Starting an international business means that no day is exactly the same.