Jun 20 2024
110 - Fashioning Success: How Jean Criss Turned Challenges into Innovations
You have breast cancer – now what? In this episode, Jean Criss shares how she transformed her struggles with breast cancer into a thriving fashion brand and media empire. Discover the resilience and creativity that fueled her journey from corporate professional to innovative entrepreneur. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and the secrets behind her remarkable achievements."I realized that I can take some of what I learned and not just share them and learn for myself, but turn things into products and into things that can help others." - Jean CrissIn this episode of "The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Business," Catryn Becker sits down with Jean Criss, founder of Jean Criss Media and the fashion brand CrissCross Intimates. Jean shares her inspiring journey from a successful corporate career in media, publishing, and marketing to becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur. Faced with the challenges of breast cancer, Jean turned her personal struggles into an opportunity for innovation. She began designing comfortable, stylish post-surgical bras and undergarments after experiencing the discomfort of traditional options. Jean's creativity and determination led her to patent over 20 unique designs, revolutionizing post-surgical wear for breast cancer survivors.Jean's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. She recounts how her early passion for fashion and her side business in jewelry design laid the foundation for her future ventures. Despite facing setbacks, including a contentious divorce and career changes, Jean's resilience and willingness to learn propelled her forward. She emphasizes the importance of not getting overwhelmed by the complexities of starting a business and instead taking it one step at a time. Throughout the interview, Jean highlights the significance of her corporate experience in shaping her entrepreneurial journey, the influence of her father's multifaceted career, and her drive to help others through her innovative products. Her story is a testament to turning adversity into opportunity and finding success through creativity and perseverance.Connect with Catryn BeckerWebsite: www.optimizewe.comEmail: Catryn@OptimizeWe.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrynbecker/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheGoodBadAndUglyOfBusiness?si=2KYT_qpi6eOwEOQTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/relax_with_catryn Connect with Jean CrissWebsite: www.JeanCrissMedia.comBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BR2RQTH9Email: info@jeancrissmedia.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jean-criss About Catryn BeckerCatryn Becker is a keynote speaker, international best-selling author, two-time Guinness World Record holder, and respected podcast host.As the founder of Optimize We, Catryn Becker oversees the design and implementation of comprehensive wellness programs for successful women and their teams. With a background in environmental engineering, business strategy, and holistic practices, Catryn blends technical expertise with a profound understanding of human potential. Catryn challenges limiting stereotypes and encourages a re-evaluation of societal norms. Normal means average, and her clients are anything but average! She believes in thinking differently and empowering others to do the same. A key concept she champions is "pregret"—the idea that failing to learn from past regrets keeps us stuck in the present and prevents us from achieving our future potential. Through her holistic approach, which integrates cosmic elements and business strategies, Catryn has guided her clients from heartbreak to marriage, loneliness to family, scarcity to prosperity, and disease to freedom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, a Master of Science in Environmental Systems Management from Southern Methodist University, and an MBA in Strategy and Innovation from SDA Bocconi School of Management. Catryn has certifications in Life Coaching, Aromatherapy, Feng Shui, and Digital Marketing. About Jean CrissI became a woman-owned business enterprise in media| tech| fashion| startups with a passion to create content, digital media, and upskill using AI tools to share the art of storytelling. Collaborating to solve biz problems and be the "think tank" driving solutions. With diverse industry expertise I've crafted successful digital media campaigns, launched brand awareness promotions, designed creative marketing/ messaging programs, innovated fashion and mobile brands. I spent 25 years in tech and publishing, leading into the launch at Jean Criss Media. From exec leadership, media, sales, and tech expertise, I took a robust portfolio of creative media and marketing services to businesses, startups, hospitality, fashion, healthcare, e-retail, tech, . . . to new heights with proven successes. Using this expertise, CRISSCROSS Intimates and Beaded Baubles fashion brands launched. Now immersed in upskilling with Web3 and the Metaverse, testing AI tools to increase productivity, advance global learning, female empowerment, women voices, and introduce advanced digital solutions in the market, I thrive on emerging tech. A #changemaker in every sense of the word, sharing best practices, stories, tips, consultation services.