99% of the time, when I tell someone that I run a beverage company alongside my husband, they are taken aback. They either laugh or bulge their eyes or are just plain shocked. After 8 years, I’ve gotten somewhat used to this reaction. Not many women today work in such a male dominated industry like beverage, and even fewer juggle a company with the same partner for both marriage and business.

When I first thought of the idea for HINT, many people said it just would not work. They warned me that I would never be able to make a successful company in such a broad category, especially with the little to no experience under my belt.

I, of course, didn’t listen. This idea was one that I didn’t want to let slip through my fingers. I packed up my desk at AOL to do something that I believed in — to make a product that helped people drink more water.

My husband, who also had left a technology role as an attorney at Netscape, saw what I was doing to change the beverage industry. He, who also had no background with beverages, was equally as passionate as I was in making a difference and decided to join in. Within the next few months, HINT was born.

Looking back, if I had listened to every person who doubted me, I would not have the wonderful world that is mine today. I chose a life and career that to me felt important and, more importantly, made me happy. I can say with complete confidence that if I had kept my job in technology, I would have been fine, but I would have missed out on all of the great experiences that have happened to me since I started my company. You have to do what’s right for you, and if you do that, I guarantee that you’ll be glad you did.

Posted on 12/2/2013

Written by Kara Goldin

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