If the Women on "The View" Are Arguing About Your Startup, You've Done Something Right

Craig and Eva were walking past the red carpet premiere of a movie at the Ziegfeld in Manhattan when an idea grabbed hold of them and slowly but surely became a reality. What if a family or a group of friends could make a movie together and then attend a red carpet premiere for that movie? What became a phenomenal idea for families, birthday parties, tourists, and bachelor/bachelorette parties became a source of controversy on The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and People Magazine. Business began to boom when their company was named "Best in New York" by New York Magazine.

This interview really explores the trials and tribulations of dreaming up a creative startup business and growing into a money-making enterprise. Craig and Eva have cautionary tales and concrete advice from their experiences that can be very helpful for the budding startup founder. 

Eva Shure grew up between Manhattan and South Florida. She was a Theater Major at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. While in college, she completed her training at the Second City Improvisation Training Center right outside of Chicago. After finishing at Northwestern, she went on to complete a three-year Masters degree from The Actors Studio. After graduating from school, she starred in the national tour of the Broadway Biopic ”Love, Janis”, portraying the life and career of the singer/icon, Janis Joplin. Eva has also starred on several TV Shows and off-Broadway Productions in New York City. Eva is the Co-Founder of Red Carpet Kids and Red Carpet Improv, an experiential event and interactive education company with its flagship in New York and opening Miami and Beverly Hills this year.

Craig Saslow is originally from Long Island, NY and attended the Cornell Hotel School. After graduating from school, Craig started working in the Hospitality Industry in Los Angeles - learning every facet of operations and service. After moving back to NY to work with Todd English and several prestigious restaurant groups, Craig leveraged his acumen and knowledge to co-found Red Carpet Kids. He brings his 15+ years of experience in the Hospitality world into the realm of experiential entertainment.

Notes from the show:

After being rejected by banks, they found help through the Small Business Development Center at CUNY Baruch College.

They received a loan from Renaissance Economic Development Corporation.

"It's a blessing in disguise not to know everything that will go wrong. Sometimes it's better to jump in and learn on the fly."

Vetting vendors, such as publicists and general contractors, by calling references is not necessarily enough.

"Improvisation is a life skill."

"Don't cheap out on hiring."

"CraigsList is a lot like Loehmann's: you really have to look, but at the end of the day, you find something spectacular."

The press always needs stories; use "Help a Reporter Out (HARO)."

The low-tech secret to partnering with luxury brands such as the Four Seasons, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lincoln Center. Hint: anyone can do this.

Book Recommendation from Michael Prywes: Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne

This podcast hosted by New York attorney Michael Prywes was sponsored by Prywes Schwartz, PLLC, a law firm devoted to artists and entrepreneurs.

This podcast may contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.