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Writer's pictureMeghan Alfonso

GAT Boss Babe: Risa Kostis + Jess Zeldner

Every month we’re featuring one of the incredible Boss Babes that we know. This month we have two boss babes! Risa and Jess are sisters and co-founder’s of The Rescue Kit Company, which is a kit with 20+ items to help brides in the event of a wardrobe malfunction on their wedding day. Learn more about them and their company below!


COMPANY NAME:


INSTAGRAM HANDLE:


WHEN DID YOU START YOUR COMPANY?

April 2018


WHAT WAS THE BEST COCKTAIL YOU'VE EVER HAD AND WHERE WAS IT?

RISA: The Omaha Nebraska. It's Reyka vodka, caperetif, Giffard pampelmousse-rose, acidified green apple juice, lime juice, and basil from Century Grand in Phoenix, AZ.

JESS: 10th mountain. It's zero-waste mell vodka, kahlua, raspberry brandy, milk, and aztec bitters. It is so crazy good, like dessert- from The Kitchen Upstairs in Boulder, CO.


WHY DID YOU WANT TO WORK/START AT THIS COMPANY?

We spent years seeing brides struggle with style mishaps and wardrobe malfunctions on their wedding day, and the resulting stress that it caused. We decided to take matters into our own hands to perfect the process of solving their problems. We knew the best way to do that was to create something that we could get in the hands of every bride-to-be. We love the wedding industry and we wanted to be part of the process of relieving stress and providing peace of mind so brides can walk confidently down the aisle, and feel ready and taken care of on their big day. We can't be at every wedding so we wanted to create something that could!


HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF QUITTING? WHAT DID YOU DO TO GET YOU BACK ON TRACK?

No way! On the contrary, we are constantly thinking about all the different directions we want to take our business, and all of the new products that we want to create. We are totally obsessed and love what we do.


WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO IN YOUR CAR? (PODCASTS, MUSIC, AUDIOBOOKS, ETC.)

RISA: Podcasts and music. How I Built This, GOOP, and Powerhouse Women are my current go-to's. Taylor Swift or Arizona for music!

JESS: Mostly podcasts in the car- that's the only uninterrupted time I have! GOOP and Armchair Expert for fun, and Where Should We Begin? for my daily dose of therapy.


WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO? (CAN BE FAMOUS, FAMILY… OR FAMOUS FAMILY.)

RISA: Sarah Blakely. Owner and founder of Spanx. I love that she still owns 100% of her business today and started with $5000 and a great idea.

JESS: Can I pick two?? Glennon Doyle has been an inspiration for me for so many years- I love everything about what she stands for. Gwyneth Paltrow is a female entrepreneur that I love for her willingness to push the boundaries of what is acceptable for women to openly talk about.


WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?

RISA: Hang out with my dog, play golf when I have the chance, and I love to go out to try new restaurants.

JESS: I love to trail run- it's where I do my best thinking!- and read. I also love to hang with my family.


WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

RISA: My journey hasn’t exactly been an easy one, and I’ve definitely taken the road less traveled to get to where I’m at now. I’d have to say I’m the most proud of my two businesses and the work that I’ve put in not only professionally, but personally as well.

JESS: This probably sounds cliche, but I'm proud of my dedication to my work and family! I am constantly trying my hardest to maintain balance and even though I really don't nail it ever, I am dedicated to the process. I'll probably get it right just as my kids head off to college.


IF YOU COULD GIVE ANY ADVICE TO YOURSELF 10 YEARS AGO WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

RISA: I would tell myself not to worry about doing what’s expected of me, or following the ‘traditional steps’ of life. I’d also tell myself not to compare my story to others’ and to always feel empowered to stay in my own lane.

JESS: My advice to myself 10 years ago would be to chill out and stay in the moment a little more. I spent a lot of unnecessary time and energy trying to make everyone happy and everything perfect- in hindsight I was worried about everything that didn't matter!

*If know a really awesome Boss Babe, or you are a really awesome Boss Babe, and want to be featured on our blog, we want to hear from you! Shoot us an email: media@girlabouttown.org.




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