Notable Entrepreneur: Caroline Neron. A Dragon and A Designer.

Meet Caroline Neron. She is a successful Montreal based jewelry and accessories designer with 20 boutiques across Canada and several hundred distributors worldwide. Caroline is well-known in Quebec for her previous career as a singer and actress AND because she is a Dragon on the Quebecois version of Dragon’s Den.

Who are you and what do you do?
I like to describe myself as an entrepreneur, artist and a very passionate person. I am the Founder and CEO of Néron Inc. a jewelry and accessories company specializing in the retail and fashion industry for 13 years now.

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Where do you get your drive from?
I have had this drive since as long as I can remember. I’ve always had big ambitions and dreams that I wanted to accomplish which keeps me motivated and driven.

How do you stay self-motivated?
Passion and taking action. It’s hard to be motivated if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing. I also believe that if you want to make something happen that you need to put in the work.

What would you say is your preferred way to network?
Traveling and meeting face to face; dinner, lunch, meetings. I do not hesitate to initiate new encounters. Everyone is so wrapped up in technology and social media, meeting in person is so much more refreshing and effective – we need to learn to put our phones away!

How would you describe your process for deepening relationships?
Honesty and authenticity. I believe that being frank and direct with the people you rub shoulders with and learning their strengths and understanding their weaknesses will teach you how to deal with them and will result in healthier and more authentic relationships.

What are your preferred tools for keeping organized?
First and foremost, my written agenda is with me at all times as is my phone. I take notes and write everything down so I can train my brain and I can focus on what’s important right now and live in the present moment without the stress of forgetting anything.

What is your favorite way to market your product or services?
Social Media, especially with Instagram but also through fashion shows and TV commercials; I like a mix of both modern and traditional communication. But, what matters the most to me is that every communication tool expresses the spirit and soul of my company and myself and also reflects the atmosphere of my office. The millennial buying instincts are based on feelings and personality more than the products themselves and I think it’s a good thing because they are buying things that encourage the values they share.

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Who has been your mentor in helping you find success?
In a way, I’ve always been my own mentor in the sense that I’ve always had this innate drive and understanding that I’m the only one who can create my own success. I think I was five years old when I first asked my mom for my own agent! I’ve always been very curious on my own. I ask a lot of questions to as many people as I can – other fellow entrepreneurs and so on. I am an autodidact!

What social issues does your organization raise funds and/or awareness for?
Women’s issues are very important to me, especially since my daughter was born; I’m more interested in any cause that relates to children. I actively support the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation and the Club des petits-déjeuners du Québec, which helps ensure that no child goes to school hungry.

How and where do you continue to learn?
By traveling, meeting new people, reading on the internet. My iPad has become one of my best friends!

Personal:

Do you have a fitness ritual that you live by?
Yes, I wake up every morning at 5 am and I train 5 times a week for a minimum of 35 minutes to one hour. I have a trainer when I go to my condo in Florida and that helps a lot too.

How do you feed your soul?
With relationships. My friends are very important to me. I never let the time pass too much before seeing them again. There is nothing like a glass of wine and food with good company!

How would you describe the eating ritual that makes you feel most powerful?
I eat a lot for breakfast – it’s important for me to start my day that way. Not much for dinner. I eat mostly organic foods.

Who is your favorite personality to follow on YouTube?
I’m not crazy about YouTube. I do not follow any YouTubers. The only moment I’m looking on YouTube is to watch music videos when I’m training. I see beautiful girls in the video clips and that motivates me to keep training! I’m much more active on Instagram.

What type of content do you find most compelling on Instagram?
I follow fashion designers, professional models and a few brands in general. That keeps me aware of the trends and keeps me inspired.

What lifestyle brand would you say shares your values most?
There is no specific brand that reflects my values more than my own company. I built my business all around my values and I believe in everything that we’re doing. However, I do like young brands such as The Kooples as I feel they really embody the values and soul of this generation – the brand has a very care-free attitude which I admire.

Who is your favorite artist?
I don’t think I have a favorite artist – but, however, right at this very moment I would probably have to say Rihanna. I love her music and she has great style and energy.

What is your favorite meal?
Anything that is sweet! I love Thai and Italian food too.

What is your favorite sport to watch?
Tennis.

Where is your favorite place to unwind?
Any place where I’m traveling on my own: Paris, my chalet or my condo in South Beach which I try to visit at least once every month. I enjoy having alone time!