Spotlight On: Leslie Fishlock

Name of Business: Geek Girl / Geek Girl Camp
Type of Business: Computer technology education and empowerment for girls/women of all ages. With fun!
Web Site: http://www.geekgirlcamp.com
Email: leslie@geekgirlcamp.com
Twitter: @GeekGirlCamp

Tell us more about your woman-owned business.

Geek Girl and Geek Girl Camps are all about computer technology education and empowerment for girls/women of all ages, all skill levels, and all income levels. We hold tech boot camp "unconferences" on everything from Photoshop, PC, Mac, Social Media, QuickBooks, Websites, blogging, video, Twitter and so much more. We also conduct our own in-house training for companies and organizations as well as present at events. These are truly for the women "left behind" by computer technology, those who are out of the loop and a lot who just do not have the opportunity and want to learn. We also empower women speakers buy having them teach the classes or present.

Why did you decide to start this type of business?

I started Geek Girl Camp a year ago as a result of being very frustrated that there were so many women who were “left behind” by computer technology. While there were many opportunities for those with advanced computer skills to expand their knowledge, there was a huge void for the beginners. So I decided that I wanted to be able to offer basic computer skills.

What makes your business unique?

There are plenty of computer technology conferences out there for more advanced people but none for "beginners". We also want to help the lowest common denominator and keep it at a price point that everyone can afford.

We chose to develop these programs specifically for women as we felt that it was important to provide a nurturing environment that encouraged participants to speak up and ask questions.

Can you share with us the challenges that you have encountered related to starting a business?

The biggest challenge came from the realities of being the CEO of a successful web applications company, working 80 hours a week, plus trying to start-up this new adventure. So, time was a huge challenge. A smaller challenge was identifying enough startup money. I used my own money or just called in favors. We also have phenomenal sponsors at our events that help us time and again to keep the admission costs super low!

How did you overcome these challenges?

It was never "work" so when it is a passion, you find the time!

What has been your biggest success thus far?

We have had some great press and praise but the biggest success comes from knowing that there are hundreds of women out there who just feel so much more confident with computer technology and whenever they see me, they say, “I’m a Geek Girl!”. That is the best feeling in the world!

Can you share with us something that very few people know as it relates to your business?

We offer free scholarships to high school girls who want to come to see if IT, design, programming and computers is something they would like to pursue. STEM education is extremely important and we need to get girls involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We provide free admission to women who are unemployed or cannot afford the fee. Sponsorship has helped us do this and we do give when we can.

We also raise money for scholarships to women who are in transition, out of work and who need assistance in getting a better job. We even give women who are out of work free passes to attend the boot camps to get a leg up on what they need to know for a new job. It certainly is very important in this economy.

What words of advice would you provide to others who are considering starting a business?

Do what you love, and the money will follow! Everything else just follows in place. Be bold. Take chances if you believe in yourself and your service/product. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Stop fighting the universe and find something you enjoy where you don’t need to yell, swear or get angry every day. If you are not passionate about what you are doing, you will never fully evolve the business and enjoy yourself. And people. Surround yourself with the best people. I would rather have a B product with A people than an A product with B people. A people are always going to give the A product anyway by just believing in them. And try to work in a place where you can have your dogs laying on your feet under your desk. That’s the best stress-buster.

Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?

There are always event discounts for our biggest fans who follow our email updates, so I would definitely say to sign up online for that at http://geekgirlcamp.com/newsletter. We are also offering everyone on this blog 25% off any Geek Girl Camp wear if they enter pinkheels for the discount code!

Would you like to be considered for an upcoming "Spotlight On" post? If you have a web site and a business Up & Running story, please email Jennifer Moore at Jennifer@Pink-Heels.com. You can be located anywhere in the world as we are creating a global network of fabulous women!