With several years of experience in technology and over 17 years of owning a multibrand retail store, Kimberly Carney leverages her deep expertise in retail, technology, AI, and data monetization to provide real-time data and actionable insights across The Wires portfolio of three high-growth global B2B2C platform marketplaces: FashWire, GlossWire, and PawWire.

She is an entrepreneur passionate about tech, supports emerging brands, and fiercely advocates for individual and company success, leveraging deep experience in building and growing successful businesses. Kimberly launched into beauty in 2021 with GlossWire, a one-stop technology platform solution catering to emerging beauty brands. GlossWire has grown to over 475 beauty brands, boasts over 350,000 downloads, and maintains a daily active user base ranging from 30,000 to 60,000.

Kimberly is already making a significant impact in the beauty industry. She has revolutionized the way brands and consumers interact, leveraging advanced technology and AI to deliver real-time insights and personalized shopping experiences. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the retail supply chain, enabling brands to make data-driven decisions, optimize inventory, and reduce waste.

Kimberly is a rare mix of fashion, beauty, retail, and tech with an entrepreneurial spirit. She has an innate talent to identify market needs and delivers on those needs through passion, vision, drive, and authenticity. Simply put, she is a trailblazer within the retail digital sector.

We caught up with Kimberly Carney, Founder & CEO, GlossWire, and BeautyMatter 2024 NEXT Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist.

The most common trait in entrepreneurs is passion. What fuels your passion as an entrepreneur?

My passion as an entrepreneur is fueled by the drive to innovate and create technology solutions that transform industries. I am deeply motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the retail landscape. Developing technologies that not only meet market needs but also push the boundaries of what is possible in technology and consumer experience is what keeps me energized and committed to my entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, I love supporting other entrepreneurial brands within our platforms, helping them grow and succeed alongside us.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

The accomplishment I'm most proud of as an entrepreneur is building a platform that not only meets a market need but also has a meaningful impact on the industry. Seeing the platform evolve from an idea into something that truly transforms the way consumers and brands interact is incredibly rewarding. What makes me proud isn’t just the success metrics but the fact that we have created something innovative that has lasting value and has been embraced by users and partners alike. It is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and vision of the entire team.

On the flip side, failure is part of being an entrepreneur. What is the best mistake you've made?

The best mistake I made was choosing the wrong developer with the fashion platform. At the time, I was eager to move fast and did not fully vet the developer I brought on. This decision led to delays, additional costs, and a lot of frustration. However, it also taught me the invaluable lesson of due diligence. By learning from that experience, I was able to find the right developer who truly understood the vision and technical needs of the platform. That choice became a turning point and has been instrumental in our success today. Sometimes, the wrong steps can lead you to the right path, and in this case, it set the foundation for our achievements.

In the past decade, the word "entrepreneur" has been glamorized and romanticized. In reality, it's really hard and comes with a lot of ups and downs. What keeps you going?

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, and the reality is often far from the glamorized image portrayed. What keeps me going is the belief in the purpose behind my vision and work. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. Knowing that I’m building something that can make a tangible difference, whether it's revolutionizing an industry, enhancing consumer experiences, or solving a problem that hasn’t been addressed before, fuels my resilience and determination. The satisfaction of seeing ideas come to life and impact others positively is what drives me through the tough times.

Being an entrepreneur isn't something that can be taught in a classroom. What's been the biggest learning from being in the trenches and operating a business you wish you'd known?

I wish I had known from the start the importance of resilience and adaptability. In the trenches, you quickly realize that things rarely go as planned. The ability to pivot, learn from failures, and keep moving forward is vital. No amount of preparation can substitute for the real-world experience of navigating unexpected challenges and seizing opportunities in the moment. It is not just about having a great idea. It is about executing on it and staying committed through the inevitable ups and downs.

The dark side of entrepreneurship can be isolation, loneliness, and burnout. How do you take care of yourself?

Entrepreneurship does come with its challenges, including isolation and burnout. To take care of myself, I prioritize setting boundaries between work and personal life, even though it can be difficult. I make time for activities that recharge me, whether it’s spending time with family and friends, exercising, or simply disconnecting to clear my mind. I have also learned the importance of building a strong support network of people I can rely on for advice, encouragement, and perspective. By taking these steps, I can maintain my energy and focus, which ultimately helps me stay resilient and effective as an entrepreneur and business leader.

What is the best piece of advice you've received that has guided you?

The best piece of advice I have received was when I had a chance meeting with Daymond John from Shark Tank after what happened with the first developer. Daymond advised me to focus on the process, not just the outcome, and to view setbacks, such as making the wrong choice with a developer, as opportunities to learn rather than failures. In entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in chasing goals and milestones, but real growth and learning happen in the day-to-day journey. This advice has guided me to stay committed to continuous improvement, embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and maintain resilience even when things don’t go as planned. By focusing on the process, I have been able to stay grounded, adapt to changes, and keep my vision clear, no matter the obstacles.