Entreprenur Chat with Adriana Carrig from Little Words Project

C+L: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What did you aspire to be before starting the LWP?

AC: My name is Adriana Carrig and I am the Founder and CEO of Little Words Project. This business is my heart and soul, and I look forward to the day that Little Words Project is the staple accessory of kindness for girls across the globe. Before I started LWP, I actually thought I might go to law school! I decided to completely change my path after college, and make these bracelets instead- never knowing where it would lead but always believing it could be huge.

C+L: Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to start the Little Words Project:

AC: I realized throughout my life that girl vs. girl cruelty is a real thing and it continues at almost every single age. I was bullied throughout my entire life, and after graduating college I said to myself “this is a GIRL problem, and I need to do something to fix it.” I think that being bullied for so long actually shined light on a bigger problem that could be changed if we thought differently about the way women speak to one another, and to themselves. I did something similar in my church youth group when I was a kid, so the idea honestly stemmed from that. I wanted there to be something positive that existed in this world that could infringe on the negative territory that the “mean girls” were taking up.

C+L: How did you come up with the name "Little Words Project"?

AC: It was actually my husband Bill who came up with the name! It was pretty simple, he just thought that the bracelets are legitimately little…words. And boom! The name was born. I added “project” because I wanted something that implied “movement.” We really are a community and not just a product.  

C+L: How long have you been in business?

AC: Just about five and a half years.

C+L: What are some of the struggles that you face as a small business owner and how do you stay in a positive mindset?

AC: My biggest challenge as a small business owner has been finding the right team. No one is going to be as committed as you are to your brand’s goals and visions and it is very hard to keep employee’s happy and committed without feeling like you’re bending over backwards. And even when you do, you don’t always end up receiving the respect and loyalty you hope for in return. All you can do is keep going, trust that your vision will attract the right people, and never give up.

 
C+L: To what do you attribute your success? 

AC: I attribute much of my success to the fact that I truly believe in myself. Starting and running a business is definitely the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. Of course, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but now that my dream is becoming more of a reality each and every day, the pressure grows with it. I think it all goes back to my belief that I truly can do whatever I put my mind to.

C+L: What is the biggest lesson that you have learned from launching The Little Words Project?

AC: That’s a tough one- I learn something new every day! I am constantly growing and changing and trying to keep up with the business as it grows. You will always feel a sense of “Imposter syndrome” from the very beginning so the best thing you can do is just keep going and never let the anxiety of “not knowing how” keep you from trying.   

C+L: Any advice for other women who are looking to launch their own business?

AC: I would say to anyone looking to start a business that they should definitely follow their dream, even when it feels absolutely impossible to keep going. Never giving up and always believe that you CAN- that’s the key to starting and successfully running any business. You got this, girl!