The CEO and founder of Uncommon James talks about what it takes to launch.<br /><br />Kristin Cavallari is a best-selling author, TV personality and CEO and founder of Uncommon James, a Nashville-based jewelry and apparel brand. She is no stranger to the risk-taking and the hard work it takes to find success. When asked if now was a good time for startup entrepreneurs to take a chance on a new endeavor, she didn't hesitate to answer: "You should go for it!" <br /><br />"Fear is the biggest thing that stands in everybody's way," Cavallari says, adding, "but I think there is a way to go for it and also be smart."<br /><br />She believes the first thing you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. Do you truly have the time, passion and tolerance for pain that launching a startup requires? "Because if you don't, being an entrepreneur will eat you alive," Cavallari says. "This is not a 9-to-5 job. It is very, very difficult and so you have to be willing to put in the hours, go above and beyond, and give it your all." <br /><br />Her second big piece of advice: be careful with your cash. "You shouldn't put all of your eggs in one basket," she says. "You can't just throw all of your money into a startup — you have to have a safety net."<br /><br />But if your heart and funding are in the right place? "Once you make up your mind, go for it," says Cavallari. "Don't let anybody or anything stop you."<br /><br />Presented by Mastercard. Learn how Mastercard is helping bring local businesses into the digital economy at Mastercard.us/digitaldoors.
