Career Confidential: Sharon Bui

Full name?: Sharon Bui

Position/Job title?: Co-Owner of Frill and Head of Marketing

1. Did you have to take on internships to get there? How important in general, do you think, are internships?

Yes, my first internship, which I had as a freshman in college, with a local fashion brand established where I wanted to be in the fashion world. Internships can be everything.

2. What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to other career-minded women?

Don’t trust anyone but yourself. Most of the time your instinct is correct!

3. Let’s talk about work/life balance. What does that mean to you? Is it important?

As an entrepreneur, it is easy to be consumed by emails, texts, business calls and social media. One thing I am attempting to master this year, is to make sure I still have a social life and enjoying my twenties. It is important for me to be involved in the lives of my friends and family, and make time to enjoy their company!

4. If you could look into a crystal ball and see 20 years into your future, what would you want to see?

My dream has always been to teach Entrepreneurship and Fashion Marketing classes at my alma mater! Go Pack!

5. Do you have any career role models? Who are they?

I have a few. Kate Spade and Tory Burch’s entrepreneurship stories inspire me the most. When anyone asks me about entrepreneurship, I always tell their story. My biggest role model is my business mentor, Anthony Pompliano. He has supported me from the beginning and has made big moves for himself since I’ve known him. He has sold two companies and now works at Facebook.

6. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received – career-related or otherwise?

Put everything in writing. This piece of advice is so important that I pass it along to every entrepreneur that I mentor.

7. Should you work for the money, or do what you love?

I believe in doing what you love. Last year, I lost a few people in my life and learned how precious life really is. I would rather be incredibly happy doing what I love without the material wealth to show for it.

8. If you married a millionaire husband and didn’t have to work, would you? (Be honest.)

Honestly, I will never stop working. I started working at the age of twelve, and have not stopped. I cannot even count how many jobs I have had. I love meeting people, being active, and keeping busy. I like to feel like I am contributing, so to imagine not sharing in the responsibility of bills or finances, would make me uncomfortable.