FAQs
About the Company Breakthru Unlimited
Question: How did the company get started?
Answer: Wanting to do something positive to move women and
people of color forward, Vivian Shimoyama designed a pin that symbolizes
breaking barriers…the glass ceiling! The pin soon was seen on
the lapels of Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, and
Madeleine Albright, to name a few. The product is a vehicle for a
message of promoting the advancement of women and people of color.
Breakthru Unlimited has a line of jewelry, executive gifts, custom
and limited edition pieces, and custom awards. And, the newest line
Pearls of Wisdom sends a message about mentoring and thanking!
Glass Ceilings?
Question: What is the glass ceiling? And why are people trying
to break it?
Answer: The glass ceiling is a phrase that was coined over
20 years ago as the invisible barrier that women and people of color
bump up against in their efforts to advance in their careers. It has
been said that there are glass ceilings in all industries. The statistics
show that progress is needed to move women and people of color forward
in all industries, and especially in senior levels of management and
boards of directors. Less than 20% of the boards of directors for
publicly held companies include women and people of color.
Glass Ceiling
Pin
Question: What is the glass ceiling pin made of?
Answer: The glass ceiling pin is made of broken pieces of glass
that are fused back together again. When glass is heated at very high
temperatures it becomes a liquid, thus the rounded edges and a piece
of artwork that looks like ‘shards of glass’. We use and
architectural glass for extra strength… but it is glass and
if dropped it will break.
Question: When I order a product, how long does it take until it
is on my doorstep?
Answer: Most of our products are production items and you will
receive it within 5 – 9 working days. Or we also offer overnight
delivery at an added expense.
Custom and Special Editions
Question: I want a special pin for my organization, do you make
custom pieces?
Answer: Yes, we have made custom and special edition pieces
for corporations, organizations, and government agencies. We can apply
your logo or our designers can make a special design. The process
takes 6 - 8 weeks from the time that you approve the design of the
piece. And as always each piece is hand made and a unique piece of
artwork.
Commitment to Community
Question: How does the company promote the advancement of women
and people of color?
Answer: As my niece would say, “You are passionate about
promoting women and people of color”. We do this through giving
back to our community in leading national and international efforts
in the areas of economic development for women. Also, a portion of
our profits are donated to organizations that promote the advancement
of women and people of color.
Most important is that in 2006, we are launching new functions within
our website in order to build an international community of people
who feel as we do, that it is important to purchase from and promote
small, minority, and women owned businesses.
About the Company Breakthru
Solutions, LLC
Question: I see information on a company called Breakthru Solutions,
is that a part of Breakthru Unlimited?
Answer: Through the founder, Vivian Shimoyama’s advocacy
work for small business owners and women in business, she has been
helping organizations build infrastructure and manage and grow their
businesses. In 2006, Breakthru Solutions, LLC was launched to provide
resource consulting and strategic business planning services. Breakthru
Solutions ‘teams’ with a wide national network of business
owners to provide the expertise you need, with cost effective solutions
and quality services.
Question: Should my business get certified as a woman or minority
owned business?
Answer: There are many programs available for certification
of women and minority owned businesses. The basic requirement is that
the business is at least 51% woman or minority owned. We recommend
building your strategic business plan and business model first and
through the process you will be able to segment out a target market
that is specific to programs for certified women and minority owned
businesses. The certification is only the beginning, just like any
aspect of promoting your products and services it is the marketing
and sales that will get you the results. And, typically you need the
infrastructure in order to manage contracts from large corporations,
and government agencies.
Use the certifications to enhance the reach of your market. Our website
provides recommended organizations, and conferences that will put
you on the path of expanding your outreach.
Question: How can I get more involved in the small business community?
Answer: Give us a call! The driving force of our economy is
through the work of small business owners. We will let you know more
about national organizations that have been involved in working with
and advocating for small business owners.
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