In a world where women are know to be feisty and competitive, Jenny Ortiz is looking to share the love. After a successful career as an executive recruiter, Ortiz found the most rewarding part of her job to be the time spent listening to her clients’ stories. Unfortunately, not everyone got the job, which left Ortiz with many stories untold. After dancing around the idea for a couple of years, Ortiz thought, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a place to feature the hottest spots and the women who started them?!”
In 2010, Ortiz launched InterviewHer.com in an effort to tell the stories of countless women entrepreneurs—many of which who are Ortiz’s colleagues from her days as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. In just eight months since the site launched, everyone from photographers and bakers to doggie couturiers have been vying for a spot on the platform. We sat down with the site’s brainchild to talk about InterviewHer.com’s future and the things that inspire her.
What inspired you start InterviewHer.com?
I used to be an Executive Recruiter where I ran a full desk. To be specific, my responsibilities included finding the clients and the candidates for each position, but obviously only one person got the job. For each position I needed to thoroughly get to know each candidate over the phone, and in person if they were local. This process allowed me to connect with many clients and companies. I really enjoyed helping these people in their careers and professional goals, but had an ever growing desire to do more for them, and not have to turn anyone down.
Honestly, my favorite part of the whole thing was the interview process, as everyone had a unique and interesting story.
It took me about 2 years to come up with the exact concept and final thought: “Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a place to feature the hottest spots and the women who started them?!” This would be a win/win for everyone.
I was previously a cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, this is why I chose to gear it towards women. Many of the women that I cheered with had drive, passion and intelligence. I saw these qualities, but not everyone did. Many of the women I cheered with are now successful entrepreneurs, and this got me thinking more. While many of these female-owned companies are successful and we frequent them often, what do we know about the women who started them? I think these ladies deserve more recognition.
For me, it’s always been so interesting to learn exactly how a person started something incredible from scratch, and my company makes sure to expose these ladies to the max.
What do you hope to accomplish with InterviewHer.com?
It’s not really what I want to accomplish, it’s what I hope others will accomplish through interviewher.com. Currently, with just our articles we help motivate women to follow their dreams while showcasing the hottest spots in each city. Soon, we are taking this to a whole new level.
What can we expect to see from InterviewHer.com within the next five years?
Five years from now… I have learned to try not to have any major expectations in life because I think this ensures a reason to be let down, and no ones likes that feeling. It all started with my desire to help female entrepreneurs. Now, on March 15th this idea will turn into something I never thought would come to fruition. I can give you a few hints as to what’s to come; you will be able to log in, connect with your favorite companies for special promotions and get the inside scoop on other opportunities within these companies. This will also be a place where companies are able to network with one another.
To answer the question, in five years I cannot tell what exactly the site will evolve into, it’s really up to the ladies that join the network, they will determine the direction we go once the addition to the site launches.
Can you name one of the most inspiring women in Miami you’ve met through Interviewher.com?
I interview women for the site every day, nationally and internationally, all of them inspire me. From Miami, one of the women who made an impression and definitely inspired me was Alina Villasante, owner of the company Peace, Love, World. A lot of the interviews I conduct are over the phone, and some are in person if they are local, hers was in person.
When I went in to interview Alina, I had to get through crowds of people in her store to speak with her. I finally got to her and she was all smiles. This woman was warm, sweet and an open book. She shared so much information and didn’t hold back. She started her interview by talking about her kids, and had set time out for a pretty lengthy interview with me while chaos (the good kind of chaos) was going on in her store. Alina has created a very successful company. Sometimes I come across women who seem to have magic in their fingertips, and Alina is definitely one of them.
Favorite dish in Miami?
The Fillet Mignon from Prime 112
What are you currently reading?
Is it wrong to admit I don’t really read too many books? When I do pick up a book, it usually has something to do with success. I love “The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey.
What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have an iPod! I know, it’s weird, but I do have iTunes. I like playing songs while I work: alternative, hip-hop, Spanish rock, reggae and 80’s.
Best advice anyone has ever given you?
My dad always told me, and still tells me: “”You can do anything you want, if you put your mind to it.”
