Getting Real with a Real Housewife: Cindy Barshop talks about Business, Family, and being an Entrepreneur

You might recognize Cindy Barshop from her appearance on Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of New York, but in elite business circles, she’s celebrated as a groundbreaking (and hair removing!) businesswoman.

Recently honored at the Goldman Sachs Builders & Innovators Summit as one of the “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of Our Time,” Cindy owns four Completely Bare luxury spas. With her new CEO, she is now bringing do-it-yourself waxing kits to pharmacy shelves, a move she expects will turbocharge company growth.

The irreverent, happily single mother of twin toddlers sat down with GoGirl Finance to talk about the importance of valuing your own voice and silencing naysayers.

How did you get started as a businesswoman?

Every time I needed money in college, I made those Flashdance sweatshirts. I cut the shoulders off sweatshirts, bought a stud machine and decorated them. I sold them to Lonny’s Wardrobe, a ritzy kid boutique in Long Island.

I also worked for my parents in the old Roosevelt Raceway flea market but they didn’t really pay me. They sold designer handbags.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, Completely Bare?

I always had entrepreneurial ideas. I also always had a hair problem. I found a new technology in the 1990s and there was only one place in New York City doing it at the time. So I opened one of New York’s first mini-spas.

I was working for IBM Rome Software Lab in sales. I hated it. I could only sell to law firms which was so limited. But I did fairly well at a young age so I could fund the first spa myself. I opened the spa in 1998 and still had my day job income at first.

What was the biggest risk you took founding the company?

At the time, it didn’t feel like a risk at all. I was risking my savings account for my happiness. You can always make money. And if you don’t try, you’re already failing.

You have two three-year-old girls. How do you balance motherhood with business?

It’s great. I brought in a CEO and partner, Elan Ben-Avi, so I have more time for my kids. I mostly handle brand management instead of every single thing in the universe for the company. I had to delegate and give up a lot of control.

I always make things really simple. I ask, “What did I gain?” I’m giving up control so I can spend more time with my kids.

Why did you go on the “Real Housewives of New York”?

I went on the show for business reasons. I realized reality TV would give me more national exposure than the beauty-focused TV I had been doing.

When I started in business, you had to be in magazines, then you had to go on all the talk shows. Now it’s reality TV.

Was there anything surprising about the experience?

I did not realize how time consuming it would be. I also didn’t think people like that (the other housewives) existed.

What’s your advice to other entrepreneurs seeking to build a great company?

The first thing: make sure you don’t feel others’ negativity. Everyone will tell you why it will fail. Let that roll off your back.

People were like, “Completely Bare on Madison Avenue? That’s way too risqué!”

I went into something I believed in because I did have a hair problem and knew what was needed. I also remember when I opened the first spa in 1998 – that’s when snotty was in. I’d go into Bergdorf’s on Madison Avenue and felt insecure for no reason. I said, “I want everyone to be super nice when customers walk in.” You have to stay true to yourself.

If you knew earlier in your life what you know now, what would you have done differently?

I like where I am right now so I wouldn’t have done anything different.

For my children, I would definitely push school more. If they’re capable, I’d want them to go to an Ivy League school. I would also advise them to have a skill, to be an expert in something.

I’m an entrepreneur and a marketer, but I’m lacking in schooling. When you have postgraduate education, you’re more well-rounded on the business side of things.

At the Goldman Sachs event, I was honored with the people who started DropBox and JetBlue. I’m looking at their backgrounds, they have MBAs, went to Harvard…

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t go into business with your friends.

Also, get everything in writing. If the question enters your mind, “Do I need this in writing?” the answer is yes. I’ve had so many inconsistencies and problems because deals weren’t in writing. You don’t want to deal with that.

What is your advice to younger women in the workplace?

When you align yourself with positive people and people who excel, you will also. Those are the people who will help you. Stay with the stars in the workplace.

Also, have confidence in yourself. You’re not going to figure out every nook and cranny. Just start doing it.

What is your personal financial advice to younger women?

You need a lot of money keeping up with the Joneses in the city–Gucci shoes, Chanel handbags–but I never spent beyond my means and I always had enough security in bank. I was always happy with what I had. Even now I have a Jeep. I’m able to park in the corner.

When it comes to buying a home, that’s where to push yourself. If you’re living in it you’re not going to lose, you’re building something. Of course, you have to be able to afford the mortgage.

What inspires you?

It’s so cliché but, my kids. They inspire me to work out and eat healthy and make more money. I’ve become such a mush.