Heather Dziedzic is the founder of Bergy Bag.
“I was tired of borrowing my daughter’s emoji-insulated lunchbox to keep my expensive cosmetics cool and safe from meltdowns,” says Dziedzic. “Bergy Bag was created because I needed a stylish solution to keep my meltables intact while I was on the go in the hot, hot AZ sun.”
AZF: Tell us about your business.
HD: I made this cooling cosmetic bag out of beautiful scratch and water-resistant Saffiano leather to give it a high-quality, elevated look and also made it functional inside with engineer-designed insulated layers. I like to say it’s where Prada meets Yeti. We have a patent pending and have been officially open for business since November 2022. We are a local Scottsdale, woman-owned company. Currently, we have three colors; black with a white zipper, pink with a red zipper and white with a yellow zipper. Bergy comes from the phrase “Bergy Bit” which is a chunk of an iceberg.
AZF: What is your life motto?
HD: “Is everyone having a good time?” Something that Benjamin Franklin said is like a motto for me. “Well done is better than well said.” Now not to be forgotten is everyone’s boyfriend Dwayne Johnson who says something that really resonates with me. “Be humble, be hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room.” I’ll just add add “have fun while doing it!”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize it was the right path for you?
HD: No. The opposite, I wanted to climb the corporate ladder. I worked for large corporations for the first 10 years of my career. Eventually, I learned that I was terrible at playing politics and grew tired of the constant travel. In the years that followed, I owned and operated a Property Management company. It was the day I sold that company that I realized I was on the right path. I created something that someone purchased. I had done it, I built a company that was so successful that someone wanted to buy it. That was very validating.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
HD: The Foundress is a perfect example of how I feel best supported. They have done such an amazing job of bringing rock-star ladies into the room to connect. You can see how everyone is eager to share what they know and cheer each other on whether or not they personally need your good or service. I love that, I love being a contributing member to that kind of rock star lady support.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going?
HD: I visualize that day. That day when I put together the popular “How it started and How it’s going” photo. I have the photo taken today with all the boxes stacked up in my garage grinning proudly at my first pop-up. I am working towards taking the next photo with all the boxes stacked up in a warehouse and me grinning proudly in front of my sign on the side of the building.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday.
HD: I wake up having slept the best I have in a long time. The weather is a perfect 76 degrees and the house is brightly lit. The coffee is made and it’s quiet as I walk to grab my first cup. CBS Sunday Morning Show is on Saturday and it’s a broadcast all about travel. My favorite. I get to see the entire episode with no commercials or other interruptions. I get to practice pilates and crush it. Mind, body and soul are all connected and my hamstrings are exceptionally loose making the practice all that much better. I take the dog for a walk with my husband and get back to a long connecting talk with my daughter that leaves me feeling like I’m crushing being a mom. Nothing is on the schedule but a big casual dinner with friends and family. We are going to the best Mexican place imaginable, they are known for their hand-crafted margaritas—the kind that is beyond delicious and doesn’t cause hangovers. There is laughing and of course, everyone is having fun. Memories are made to share for years to come. I kiss my family goodnight and smile. Oh, and the dog is extra cuddly.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
HD: You have to be good at math. Basic math, like elementary school math so I know everyone can do it. At its core entrepreneurship is defined as generating a profit. It’s not hobbypreneurship or projectpreneurship it’s entrepreneurship, which involves making a profit. Along these lines make your first activities of the day your direct income-generating activities. Do those before you do anything else. It’s like working out first thing in the morning. Done and over with. I know lots of things have to get done like picking up the kids or doing the dishes or ordering printer paper, but all that comes together if we have income. So I say before you do anything else create the invoice, make the next email campaign, schedule the next appointment or push along the next event. Days can easily get away from us or get overtaken with all these other things we need to check off the list. But first deposits.
AZF: What excited you most about being an entrepreneur?
HD: The promise of it all. The idea is that it will all come together.
Follow Heather on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
