MassChallenge

Innovation Blog

Spotlight on Female Founders: ADIFF

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Across industries, women-led businesses are addressing some of societys biggest problems and creating impact the world over.

Throughout the month of September, well be introducing you to these founders, which represent 48% of the 2017 Boston cohort! We also invite you to join us on Thursday, September 7 at our Women Founders Network Showcase as we celebrate diversity in the MassChallenge entrepreneurial community.

First up, meet Angela Luna, Founder and CEO of ADIFF, a humanitarian fashion startup that provides aid for global displacement.

Why did you apply to MC?
?I needed help turning my idea and collection into a viable business. Coming from a background in design, I knew absolutely nothing about starting and running a business. I got somewhat of a crash course from just trying to get things moving, but I realized that I needed to learn more and gather right network in order to push forward (and of course there’s no time for grad school!). Also, I was starting to meet with VCs and needed to figure out how to pitch, what they were looking for, and what was necessary to secure an investment.

What’s your personal motto or quote that keeps you pushing ahead?
“If not you, then who? If not now, then when?”

What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Since I can remember, I knew I was going to be a fashion designer. I had always dreamt of having my own line but my dream was completely different from what I’m doing now. I feel like having your own label as a designer is very ego-centric, whereas with ADIFF, it’s not about me and I don’t want it to be.

After work, where can we find you?
Either networking over drinks or at the gym! My anxiety levels have been through the roof and the only way to turn it down is to run on the elliptical for an hour.

What do you do every morning to start your day on the right track?
Listen to “Up First” on NPR! Also reading TheSkimm

Favorite place to eat in Boston?
I worked at Legal Sea Foods for 2 years during breaks in college and to this day I still love their lobster rolls.

How many cups of coffee get you through a day?
?Actually none! Coffee makes me jittery and feel like body can’t keep up with my head – I have a super low tolerance for caffeine. I’d prefer to do several 2-3 minute breathing exercises during the day.

Where do you go to get inspiration?
?I really find inspiration in problems. I’m always looking for ways to improve things.

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