Lorraine Galvis, Esq. on Her Journey Growing Her Own Firm: Galvis and Company

Hello Lorraine! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I am a business and trademark attorney licensed in NY and CT. As Galvis & Company, we are 100% Latina-owned and operated and help entrepreneurs and small business owners form their businesses, navigate complex contracts and disputes, and legally protect their brands using state and national trademark registrations. I am also a military wife, 2X breast cancer survivor, and working mom to beautiful son. My husband has recorded on several GRAMMY-nominated recordings and is currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard Band as the first-ever Latino pianist. Politically, I am very vocal about student loan debt and reform and have been recently featured on TV and local papers speaking on this issue

So Lorraine, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I am thrilled to be part of such a supportive community! I look forward to not only networking or growing my business, but helping other members do the same.

Starting your own firm is not an easy decision...What made you take the leap?

I realized very early on I wanted to have my own firm and to practice law and serve client in my own style. I'm always been a go-getter and a leader. It was a natural transition. I have owned my own law firm for 9 years now.

What was your background prior to starting your own firm?

I worked in the music business. My first job in the music business was working for Sean "Diddy" Combs and Bad Boy Entertainment in the late 90's. After that, I worked for Sony Music Entertainment for 5 years. I transition to E-Commerce in 2004 and worked for Expedia and Hotels.com (before they merged). Before starting law school, I also worked for PwC and the NYC Dept. of Education.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes!

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Honestly, I had no plan. I had RELATIONSHIPS. I set up a table and chair in the middle of my living room and starting calling and emailing friends and colleagues telling them I started my own law firm. It just grew from there... I started a website and IG page as well and updated my profile on LinkedIn.

Entreprenistas overcome daily challenges. What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?

Handling and planning finances. As a lawyer, it can be tough to pull away from legal work to run your business or do what your business needs you to do for it. In our early years, we were not great with tax planning and saving for taxes. We are still learning how to plan for paying taxes on a quarterly basis, but this became very challenging after COVID. We have "wet and dry" seasons, but I have learned hiring vetted professionals is the way to go. Worth every penny and the peace of mind that a licensed professional is handling these complex areas!

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

I am proud of the fact we started managing one trademark, and today we are managing over 30 brands! I am also proud of the press coverage I have been able to get concerning student loan debt. I am joined this community with the hope of keeping this momentum going!

Do you believe in work/life balance? If so, can you share your best tips?

Yes, but I am not great at it. I recently got 2 cell phones: one for work and one for personal use. I try not to look at my work phone on weekends or when I am on vacation with my family. I also go to gym as soon as I drop off my son in the mornings and this has really helped me be consistent! I also pray a rosary while doing my warm-up in the gym, so this has really helped carve out time for faith & meditation before I start my day!

What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish someone had told me how hard it was, or that I would be spending more time running a firm/business than practicing law!

Lorraine, you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

I would love to celebrate the recent media coverage that I've received in connection with very important proposed legislation concerning student loan reform. I was on CBS CH. 3 in CT and featured in an article by CT Insider!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I am working on a new podcast channel called "the LFW Network℠", which stands for the "Legal Fitness and Wellness" Network. I am also working on developing a signature course called "Legal Tips for Entrepreneurs" and a group legal course for clients who cannot immediately afford dedicated legal services. I am also focusing on writing blog articles and posting videos to my YouTube channel about legal issues affecting entrepreneurs. student loan reform, and eventually, planning for emergencies (based on my surviving breast cancer twice and keeping my business current and open despite my disease, and teaching other women/members how I did this).

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!