“I am a hard worker. Sometimes too hard. I have grown my business from a 3 person operation to a 14 person operation. I love what I do, and can easily put in 60+ hours of work each week. My biggest challenge is delegating responsibilities to other people. I have a huge fear of change, and am afraid if I pass work responsibilities on to others they won’t get them done right, and things will start to crumble. That is by far the biggest challenge I need to overcome.

I am running a growing business and raising 2 kiddos. It is completely exhausting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love what I do. I just wish there was more time in the day. My kids are my world. The unconditional love and bond I have with them almost feels surreal. Their happiness and joy is what makes my heart sing.

My passion in life is to be the best that I can be. To not be afraid of failure. To know that my personal best may not be as good as someone else’s personal best. To be honest and treat people with respect and dignity.

Be good to others. Treat people the way you like to be treated. Challenge yourself from time to time. Set goals and push to achieve them. And most of all, have fun.”

Julie Lopes is the owner of Shirts Illustrated in Salem, Massachusetts. For more info: www.shirtsillustratedsalem.com/