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I did not realize the level of sacrifice that would be required to become not only an entrepreneur, but a successful entrepreneur. I wish I had understood the value of investing when I started out. I would done the things that I needed to do in order to “produce” and to make money very differently.

The most important rule I have learned in life is to never, ever give up, no matter how difficult the situation may be. For every situation there is a solution!

We dream and we dream big, but dreams are one thing – bringing them into reality takes a leap of faith, courage and discipline. There will always be obstacles along the way with twists and turns – but somehow as my mother always says -“once you keep putting your foot out into the universe you must move forward. With certainty somehow the universe will respond” and your goals and plans will unfold.

We all are our own success and we got a great gift – our minds to think and create and build. I truly believe that each one of us has a great mind and great minds can accomplish great things.

To succeed and to know your steps, you will have to capture the power of success, by educating yourself.

To sum up my life journey in short, I believe that life is so much more than work and success. It shows you what a difference you can make, if you keep your vision and believe in yourself. With success, you can help and support the less fortunate. I consider myself very lucky and live by the following ten personal Commandments.

  1. Always keep your goals in sight and never accept no as “the final answer”.
  2. Be passionate about your business and understand it is not only about money but long term success.
  3. There will always be doors closing, but it is up to you to open up the next one.
  4. Never stop working on your skills and expertise.
  5. Never stop learning.
  6. Each day gives you new opportunities.
  7. Don’t be afraid of asking for help – it deprives others the pleasure of helping you grow.
  8. An excellent entrepreneur never forgets the hard days and realizes to be thankful to the people who helped to become who you are today.
  9. If your mind can conceive it, you can also achieve it.
  10. If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus. Go beyond them and you will succeed!
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Armed with just a dream and $1000, Norwegian born, Geir Ness, set his sights on Los Angeles to become an actor, but fate had a different plan for him.

In a business world where only a few survive and where everyone will tell you why you cannot succeed, Geir was determined and ready to take on the challenge.

Armed with a $5 suit, a red carpet found in the trash and a photographer who could not afford film for his camera, Geir invited his fellow students from his acting school to pretend to know him as the mega celebrity from Norway and staged a publicity event at Nordstrom’s, ultimately landing him his first order of 1000 bottles. The odds of surviving were staggering; the odds of becoming successful were astronomical but Geir Ness does not know the meaning of words like “no, can’t and shouldn’t”.

From disasters in manufacturing, to an industry that wanted to see him fail, to an absolutely grueling 280-day a year travel schedule, Geir maintains the most positive upbeat and optimistic outlook on life you will ever encounter. As Norway’s first fragrance and handbag designer, Geir has made his mark in the beauty and fashion industry as an entrepreneur and humanitarian. His company, Laila, was named after his mother, a tribute to her.

Not only is he a successful designer, Geir became a motivational speaker and speaks at schools and seminars throughout the USA and Europe.

Geir donates both his time and money to a list of foundations such as the Norwegian Cancer Society, Children Medical Research Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation and “I am 4 Kids Foundation”.

In the words of Geir Ness…..”The American Dream can come true and it does not stop here, always more to come!”

For more information, please visit laila.com

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. This is really good! Thank you Geir Ness for sharing your Wisdom and Inspiration with The World! We especially need it during this time of Covid-19.

  2. Geir – your set of 10 Commandments is sensible and doable. Thanks for sharing so succinctly.

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