The healthy fear that drives growth

Can financial backing ever be a hindrance? Of course, says Jessica Herrin, founder and CEO of Stella + Dot, a jewelry retailer that is one of Inc 500′s fastest growing companies. Herrin shunned backing from VC firms and launched her company with a tight $2 million in resources. Today, Stella + Dot is worth $100 million and has expanded into the UK and Europe. Herrin has worked hard to keep the same scrappy energy at the heart of the brand throughout the expansion period, monitoring P&Ls closely and refusing to succumb to the leisurely spending habits that can tempt successful business owners. As a result, her firm just keeps on growing.