Abby Jean Leadon is the co-founder of The Emerald, a new creative workspace and community for the multi-faceted woman. We love Abby’s support of fellow female entrepreneurs and are excited for this new women’s co-working space. Read more about Abby Jean Leadon…
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
First job: My first job was at a 5 star restaurant when I was 17. I worked first as a hostess, then as a server and made great money in tips. I think everyone should be required to wait tables at some point in life, it teaches more that you know!
Favorite AZ restaurant: Steak 44… I met my husband there! I was with a friend at the bar and he was actually there on a date. He knew the friend I was with, came over to say hello and we were introduced. We started off as friends first, but after a few months that changed and 5 months later we were engaged in Italy! And as the saying goes “the rest is history.” I also love Steak 44’s food and their light pink cosmopolitans (my favorite)! ?
Person who has impacted your life the most: My mom, Gail Traister, has been a source of great inspiration, support and love throughout my life. She has been my best friend, she’s always believed in me and she is the sweetest, yet strongest women I know. Some of the advice she’s given that hashelped shape me into who I am today: “you can do anything you put your mind to; travel as much and as often as you can; remember to have a sense of humor; don’t give up on your dreams; be grateful; be honest and be kind to animals.”
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: I feel like I have had a fair share of accomplishments in life, but I think my biggest are still yet to come. My husband and I are expecting our first child early next year and I believe having a family will be the greatest accomplishment of my life. In addition, my business partner and I are launching a women’s co-working space called The Emerald this fall. This creative workspace is a revolutionary concept that will help women find success, balance and happiness in their personal and professional lives.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: In my life, there have been many times where I have gone after and gotten what I want (in a very mathematical fashion). But there are definitely instances where that formula doesn’t work, where I haven’t had control over the outcome. I’ve had to learn to keep my dream, but also to let go, trust the process and realize that sometimes what you think you want isn’t really what you want at all, or it can come in a very different way than you originally imagined. Some of the best things in my life have happened this way.
Someone who inspires you: Women who have found mainstream success in business fascinate me. Women like Tory Burch, Sara Blakely (founder of Spanx), and Diane Von Furstenburg have all become household names in their own lifetime. Pretty amazing!
Favorite quote: “The best is yet to be”
I love this quote because I believe in the hope of the future.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Surround yourself with positive, smart people who believe in you and want you to succeed. Have passion for what you do, it helps if you have a personal connection as to why you do what you do. Don’t wait to follow your dreams, it’s never the “right time”…start before you are ready! Do your homework, study everything you can in your area of interest – become an expert. Know your business better than anyone else.
What you think makes someone fabulous: A positive attitude, genuine smile/sense of humor, a big heart and class.
Learn more about Abby’s business The Emerald at theemeraldaz.com.
