9 Questions with Ali de Bold

by Kena Paranjape on October 14, 2010

in 9 Questions with..., Fashion and Style

Ali de Bold, Founder of chickadvisor.com

I met Ali at a networking event a few years ago and was taken by her down-to-earth charm. Her website, chickadvisor.com, which she started from scratch with her husband in 2006, is a lot like her - accessible, friendly, and fun but also highly successful. Chickadvisor is a product and services review site for women. You can find reviews on everything from cleansers to cafe's, join the product review club, or find special deals. Ali is also a local celebrity - you may find her on the streets of Toronto interviewing stylish strangers for Chick Chat TV. I was thrilled when Ali took time to chat with me about her fashion must- haves, why she is and yet isn't a morning person, and what she loves about being an entrepreneur.

1. What is your morning routine?

I wake up at around 7 and hit snooze until an hour later when I realize in a panic that I have to leave in 30 mins. I shower, forget to eat breakfast and then turn on the turbo lights in the bathroom my husband Alex installed so I can apply my makeup without making one eye darker than the other. I fully intend to walk to work every morning but end up taking the streetcar. The ChickAdvisor office is about a 30 minute walk but as you can probably tell from the above, I'm not much of a morning person.

2. What five items should every woman have in her wardrobe?

A fancy pants handbag, a well made suit, jeans that make your butt look good, a white dress shirt, a tunic dress.

3. What is your favorite part of the day and why?

Despite being the worst at waking up on time, I do love mornings. They're so beautiful and full of promise. I'm always excited to go to work.

4. What makes a woman beautiful?

Confidence. We girls are always so hard on ourselves that we have to look perfect, but if you are confident and kind to others that is sexy and that's what makes you beautiful.

5. What is the last book you read?

I'd embarrass myself to admit that. I enjoy shallow chicklit. When I read, it's for fun and to turn my brain off. I don't always want to learn something.

6. If you had an hour free, how and where would you choose to spend it?

I'd probably go to my favourite cafe and bring a book.

7. What do you love about being an entrepreneur?

I love conceptualizing something and then making it happen. There's no red tape and I don't have to ask permission. I've been really fortunate with what we've been able to achieve and it's been incredibly rewarding and fun.

8. What advice would you give to other women who are itching to start their own businesses?

If you really believe you have what it takes to make something successful, go for it. Don't listen to the doubters. Only you know what you are capable of and if you work hard and smart, you can make it! We had doubters when we started. Most people thought we were nuts and didn't understand why I'd always stay in working instead of going out with everyone. I had very clear objectives and was prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.

9. If you were not running Chick Advisor, what would you be doing?

I'd probably apply to work at a beauty or fashion brand or creative agency. I love this space.

To read 9 Questions with Joe Mimran, click here.

To read 9 Questions with Mireille Guiliano, click here.

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