"COMPETING WITH THE BIG DOGS-BEST OF" Show #480

Maria de Lourdes Sobrina, also known as “Lulu” of Lulu’s Desserts (www.lulusdessert.com) quickly acted out her dream of living in the U.S. when she moved to L.A., expanding her Mexican travel and convention company. Unfortunately, that business failed and Lulu was left with almost nothing. At 30 years of age, Lulu decided with only a few dollars in saving, to begin making and selling ready-to-eat gelatin. Today, Lulu’s company is grossing $11 million and has one hundred employees.

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"COMPETING WITH THE BIG DOGS-BEST OF" Show #480

Lavetta Willis went to law school to become a sports agent. However, an interview for any internship changed her life. She was told that women often encounter many difficulties breaking into the sports industry, and she should explore athletic apparel. She was shocked and reluctant to give up her dream. But a few days later, she began remembering her days playing basketball at Notre Dame, and not being happy with the uniforms.

"IN-SOURCING: QUALITY AND STYLE" Show #506

Karl Kani (323-466-3779) got his start in the Brooklyn projects, peddling logo-emblazoned tees and baggy linen suits sewn by his father’s tailor. In 1999, he developed a business plan with his accountants to start his own urban sportswear company, Karl Kani, which currently has revenues of $65 million worldwide. He left the urban market to start a contemporary denim line, LIVE LIFE LOVE DENIM.

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"IN-SOURCING: QUALITY AND STYLE" Show #506

At age fifteen, Calleen Cordero (818-764-0715) began working in a high-end boutique in northern California, igniting her passion for footwear. By age sixteen, she was traveling to Europe, working full time as a buyer. She moved to marketing and sales, helping to create markets for well-known American designers. There was no southern California infrastructure for shoe making, but Calleen strove to realize her passion.