Molly Robbins, CEO www.licenzing.comWhat do you need to be an entrepreneur?
To face your fear and “go for it”; be prepared and get as much knowledge about the business you are going into; surround yourself with people you can rely on for support and sound advise.
What did inspire you to start your business?
I feel we are defined by the experiences and actions of our lifetime. After 15 years I felt I had the experience and network to start a branding agency on my own.
How did you finance it?
I had an angel investor.
Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
Yes of course. I launched my apparel brands Chucho™ and Palomita™ because of my being Hispanic. Additionally with the support of our community I am now dedicated to giving back through the Palomita™ education fund. A foundation I established to provide scholarships for Latinos in high school who want to further their education.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
As an entrepreneur I am always looking for opportunity while accepting/facing the associated risk
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
Receiving payment in a timely fashion.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
We would like more clients.
What was your childhood ambition?
To become a corporate attorney.
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?
Maria Sobrino/Lulu desserts: she has been in business now for over 20 years. She started her “gelatina” company from her desire to make something that was nostalgic from her home Mexico. She is a very well respected business woman and one of the classiest ladies i have had the pleasure to meet.
Alex Lopez Negrete/ Lopez Negrete Communications : a childhood friend that started his Hispanic marketing agency in 1985 and is now one of the country’s most influential marketing consulting firms.
Steve Jobs/ Apple: he is amazing!
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Any time, any where, I am there and on time!
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
It is very stressful to start your own business venture: I have sacrificed much needed sleep and “down time” with family and friends.
What is your favorite quote?
“Every brand has at its core a substance that gives it strength. You have to understand it before you can grow it.” Scott bedbury
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
If I were any different people wouldn’t recognize me.
Biggest mistake made?
Not starting my company a few years earlier.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
I do. I am creative and i have introduced change within my business scope.
Licenzing llc, my brand building agency, is unique in that we offer not only the traditional pr and marketing services of an ad agency, but also brand licensing support.
The palomita™ and chucho™ hispanic fashion brands i developed and launched are using creative elements of our hispanic culture’s “branded” nostalgia.
I established the palomita™ education fund to support and encourage future generations of latinos to become innovators!!
About the Company
Headquartered in suburban San Francisco, LicenZing LLC, has quickly and quietly become THE boutique shop for lifestyle brand building through PR, marketing and licensing. LicenZing works with a select range of clients in areas such as fashion, fitness, innovative design and technology in consumer goods. The company provides a range of brand building services from strategic planning, creative services, media buying, merchandising and licensing.
Most recently its founder launched two apparel lines into the market: Palomita™ and Chucho™. “Esta marca es para ti” This brand is for you, is the tagline for these brands, focusing on Latino male and female consumers. Robbins has secured exclusive rights to use trademarks and vintage art from an array of Latino companies. The Chucho™ and Palomita™ brands incorporate these colorful graphics providing a platform for individual style. Robbins has also established an education foundation the Palomita Education Fund to empower Latinos by supporting their educational advancement. The Foundation receives funds through the sale of the branded Palomita™ and Chucho™ tops as well as through its annual Piensa Mas Alla charity event.
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