Fairygodboss of the Week: Danielle Tate
Danielle Tate calls herself an "accidental entrepreneur." After getting married, she realized how time-consuming it was for newlyweds to change their name. She turned the fix she was looking for — a streamlined name-changing process — into a multi-million dollar company called MissNowMrs that she's still passionate about 13 years later.
But Tate's journey hasn't been one without challenges and major lessons. Recently, she shared the hurdles she jumped to see success with MissNowMrs. She also shared the female entrepreneurs who inspire her, the self-care routine that always cools her down and her best career advice.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Danielle Tate
Founder and CEO, MissNowMrs
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get where you are now?
I'm an accidental entrepreneur. After three failed trips to the DMV to change my name on my driver's license, I was so frustrated I ended up building the solution I had been searching for. I founded MissNowMrs at age 25, and grew up with my startup. The goal? To streamline the 13-hour name change hassle for other newlyweds. Thirteen years later, having built a multi-million dollar company, become a mother, authored a book to help other women turn their ideas into successful businesses and launched an app, I still love what I do.
What's an accomplishment that you are proud of?
I am very proud and honored to be the spokeswoman for Empowered Women International. EWI is a nonprofit that uses entrepreneurship training to give immigrant, refugee and at-risk women financial and social independence.
What's a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
Intellectual property theft was a huge challenge when I first launched MissNowMrs. Competitors stole our data and processes (and even our story.) I had to make the decision to stand up for my company's legal rights, or just hope the competitor would go away. I decided to fight, an ended up testifying in court 9 months pregnant to save MissNowMrs. Fortunately, the court ruled in our favor. This gave me the opportunity to build our brand and revolutionize the name change niche.
What's the No. 1 career tip that you'd like to share with other women?
She who dares, wins. The women who dare to do things they're not sure they can do always end up winning at life. Dare yourself to follow your dream, ask for the promotion, start the company, whatever. I promise you won't regret it.
Why do you love where you work?
I love being surrounded by creative, "can-do" people. Our team can go from idea to reality in less than 24 hours sometimes. It's exhilarating!
Who is your Fairygodboss? Why?
Estée Lauder is totally my Fairygodboss! I recently read Estee's autobiography and loved her story, her vision and her tenacity. Talk about a fearless woman entrepreneur who followed her dreams, built an empire and threw amazing cocktail parties while she was at it.
What do you do when you're not working?
I love to horseback ride, ski, scuba dive and travel with my family. I'm doing this interview from Greece!
If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Veuve Cliquot. She was an iconic young female founder, innovative, incredibly gutsy and hopefully she'd bring some of her best vintages to share at dinner! I'm a champagne enthusiast.
What's your karaoke song?
"This Girl Is On Fire" by Rihanna.
What's your favorite movie?
"Breakfast at Tiffany's."
What book would you bring with you on a deserted island?
The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. I love her characters and getting swept away into the history and exotic locations woven into this book.
What's your go-to self care activity?
Megaformer classes. I love that they're so hard that I can't think about anything else except my next breath for 50 minutes.
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