Life Lessons:
Hilary Genga
*Are you happy at the moment?
Yes I am. Even though it can be super hectic and sometimes stressful being a wife, mother and owning my own business, I realize these are the best times of my life. The fact that I have goals and dreams I am pursuing for my family and myself, makes every day exciting with the hope that anything is possible. Also, not taking yourself too seriously, and learning to laugh at your mistakes is a key to being happy.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
I would say to just go for it. I have had ideas swimming in my head since before I was sixteen. I feel that I could have pursued these ideas much sooner than I have. Don’t let anything hold you back. If you have a good idea, go out there and make it happen.
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
Do your research. Whether it’s adding a new product to your business, hiring a new person or creating a new branding strategy, you must thoroughly do your research. If it’s hiring, do your background checks; if it’s a new product, do your test marketing; and if it’s branding, make sure it’s creative and original.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I would like to see my swimwear line in a major department store.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Not taking yourself too seriously and not beating yourself up if you make a mistake. If I forget about a birthday party I was supposed to take my kids to, or am the last mom to get in the field trip slip, or order in pizza for dinner two nights in a row, I just have a good laugh about it with my kids and assure them it won’t be the last time it happens.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
I like to read about other entrepreneurs and how they got started in their business. It’s amazing how many tips you can get from the people who went before you.
*What’s your biggest regret?
I have no regrets. Yes, I have made lots of mistakes but I have learned and grown from every one of them.
*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
I have taught my kids to be spontaneous, go with your gut and not to take life too seriously. If you forget a homework assignment or don’t get a perfect score on a test, nothing bad will happen. You will be just fine. Learning is about the journey and the fun, not about the grade.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I don’t make the best boss because I am too nice. I need to learn to take charge better and be very direct with my team.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I am most proud of starting Trunkettes. I took an idea that didn’t exist (swim trunks for women with mix-match tops) and made it happen. I feel I was part of paving the road for a new way to look at womens’ swimwear.
*When were you happiest?
Right now
*What ten words best describe you?
Dreamer, optimist, compassionate, fun, adventurous, mother, entrepreneur, funny, smart, disorganized
Hilary Genga is a housewife who is redefining the very concept of domestic housework in the form of a at home business that was conceived while at a swim party with her kids. Hilary took notice that all the kids and dads were in the pool, but none of the moms were swimming. She knew it was due to the fact that traditional swimsuits are not made to cover the areas that most women find problematic. From that day on Trunkettes would be the female answer to guys’ swim trunks.
