Designing Women: Female Entrepreneurs

This post requires no special occasion, no party, or grand event. While Palmer Todd’s success speaks for itself, we want to take a moment to recognize the women who make it possible. I sat down with Founder and President, Christi Palmer, as well as Co-Owner, Lynley Bravo, to highlight Palmer Todd as a company built by women.

How do you feel about Palmer Todd being a women-owned and women-run company?

Christi: I’ve never really thought about it. To me, we have this efficiently run company by women who take the emotion out of things and we have a “get it done” kind of environment. I am not saying any of this to insult men either. Most, not all but most, of the companies I love happen to be run by women.

As women, it can be difficult because we face this juggling factor. There’s family, a household to take care of, not to mention the societal pressures that women are confronted with on a daily basis. It’s true that some men tend to think of women as not being as knowledgeable and the younger you are in business, the harder it is. For that reason, there’s also a respect factor that plays into this. As a woman in business, you want respect for the work that you’re doing, not just because you are a woman. There’s an unfortunate stereotype that a youthful appearance equates to naivety and a lack of knowledge. But that’s changed a lot in the past 15-20 years. Physical appearance is a distinguishing factor that women deal with in a different way than men do. The idea that an overweight, unkempt man can be successful, but an overweight, unkempt woman can’t. Unfortunately, that is how society has been for a long time; I don’t say it for pity, but to shed light an important issue.

Although there is pressure in being a woman, there is also power. 

Lynley: I am proud that Palmer Todd is a women-owned company. When I was first looking for a job, it was not a determining factor. I would’ve worked for a company run by a man as well. That being said, working at a company run by women is definitely cool. Plain and simple.

Lynley in our tile showroom.

Has being part of a women-led business empowered you?

Christi: Yes. In so many ways. Being successful and knowing you can survive ...there’s a pride that comes with that. I can say I’m a woman and I did it. And I am doing it. I overcame the obstacles. However, I never used being a woman as a crutch, like I said I never really thought about it. It’s just business.

Lynley: Yes. If anything, it challenged me to make sure that I have an overabundance of info. A large part of our business is in the construction field, which tends to be a man’s world. As a woman, you have to earn the respect. I always have to be at the top of my game. 

Christi working on design plans.

Do you ever find it intimidating to be in a female-founded company?

Christi: No. The only thing I find intimidating is being in a room full of extremely intelligent people who are incredibly specialized in their field. Those are places where I have to step up and prove myself more.

Lynley: It can be. More so in the beginning of my career than now. I don’t feel that pressure anymore because experience has dissipated it. Being in a female-founded company does not intimidate me. What does intimidate me, is when I’m working with large companies who have extensive contracts; I make sure I know what I need to know.

What would you say to not only other women, but men, regarding this topic?

Christi: To the women- you can do it. All things are possible. Don’t let your sex deter you from what your dreams are.

To the men- I don’t think men should judge women because they are women. Women should be judged by the job they do.

Lynley: When I think about my daughter, I hope this business shows her that she can do anything she wants to. I would never want her to be slowed down because she’s not a man. Success is a unit of measurement. We have been in business for 25 years; that’s a testament to what we do. If you do what you say you’re going to do, you take care of your people and your clients, whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn’t really matter. Anything is possible.