After Being Told She Wasn't 'Entrepreneurial,' This Woman's Startup Is on Track to Hit $40 Million in Sales This Year The co-founder of sheet company Brooklinen learned to stay focused, determined and motivated.

I can't say I saw it coming, but I can't say it was totally unfair, either. I was sitting in a meeting at my previous job as a beauty publicist, and after some exchange, a supervisor turned to me and declared, "Well, maybe this environment is just too entrepreneurial for you."

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I have found myself on the receiving end of comments like that a lot over the years. When I first came to this country from the Soviet Union, at age 7, the school I entered wanted to hold me back because I didn't speak English. I ended up being one of their best students. My guidance counselor in high school told me he thought NYU was a reach. I got in early decision.