Category: Business

Is Your Brand Ready for the Coming Transformative Cosmic Shift?

The stars are aligning – quite literally – to create an unprecedented opportunity for brands and businesses to grow with purpose, authenticity, and creativity. At Sacred Fire Creative, we’re inspired by a fascinating alignment of cosmic energies reshaping how we approach relationships, self-discovery, and creativity.

These shifts aren’t just esoteric ideas. They offer real, actionable insights that businesses can use to thrive in the digital age. Here, we explore three cosmic shifts and provide an action plan to help you leverage these shifts to create a brand that truly resonates with your audiences.

Quantum Relationships: Building Deeper, Purposeful Connections

By 2027, we’ll enter what’s known as the Cross of Sleeping Phoenix, a period where people will increasingly seek connections based on shared values, authenticity, and purpose rather than quick, transactional gains. This shift represents a powerful movement towards quantum relationships, where brands can create meaningful, lasting connections.

How to Leverage Quantum Relationships

  1. Identify and clarify your core values. Definite what your brand stands for – sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, or integrity. Align these values with your mission and ensure they are present in every aspect of your branding, from your messaging to customer interactions.
  2. Create purpose-driven content. Share stories and content that echo your audience’s values and demonstrate how your brand aligns with their ideals. Authentic, relatable stories highlighting your brand’s commitment to these values will attract a loyal audience.
  3. Nurture long-term relationships. Rethink your approach to customer relationships by investing in loyalty programs, personalized interactions, and follow-up engagement. Encourage long-term loyalty rather than focusing solely on immediate sales, as the power of a dedicated audience far outweighs the benefits of quick transactions.
  4. Collaborate with like-minded brands. Partner with brands and influencers who share your values to expand your reach and credibility. Look for partnerships that can create a win-win scenario where both parties enhance each other’s mission and values.

Inner Power and Self-Reliance: Trusting Your Vision for an Authentic Brand

The Age of Aquarius is more than a hippy Fifth Dimension song – it’s a call to shift inward, encouraging us to trust our intuition and allow our vision to lead us forward. This era emphasizes the importance of inner power, self-reliance, and authenticity. It’s a reminder that your brand’s unique identity should come from within.

How to Build a Brand Fueled by Inner Power and Self-Reliance

  1. Strengthen your brand story. Your brand’s story should reflect its authentic purpose and vision. Why was your business created? What impact do you aim to make? Articulate this story clearly and consistently across all your communications to foster a genuine connection with your audience.
  2. Encourage team creativity and autonomy. Empower your team members to contribute ideas, embrace creativity, and take ownership of projects. By creating an environment that values individual contributions, you’ll foster a culture of innovation and authenticity.
  3. Invest in self-discovery and growth. Just as we look inward for personal development, business leaders and teams should continuously work on developing their understanding of the brand and its purpose. Consider regular strategy sessions focused on the brand’s vision, where team members can realign with the purpose and share new insights.
  4. Be true to your unique voice. Allow your brand’s voice to reflect its true personality, whether playful, inspiring, or innovative. Consistency in your brand’s voice will attract an audience that resonates with your message and sees your business as a genuine, relatable entity.

The Age of Intuition and Technology: Balancing Strategy and Creativity.

According to Chinese feng shui, we’ve entered Period 9, or Jiu Yun, a time that values creativity, intuitive technology, and the empowerment of feminine energy. In this era, AI, cloud-based solutions, and collaborative creativity will shape the future, making it essential to balance the strategic with the intuitive for optimal growth.

How to Leverage Intuition and Technology for Your Brand

  1. Adopt AI and automation thoughtfully. Invest in AI-driven tools that free up time for creative and strategic work. Use technology to enhance customer experience, streamline processes, and provide insights, but don’t let it replace the human touch that builds connection.
  2. Embrace intuitive creativity in strategy. Go beyond data and metrics by listening to your gut when exploring new ideas. Host brainstorming sessions that allow for a mix of structured and free-flowing creativity, encouraging your team to think outside the box.
  3. Integrate empathy and feminine energy into leadership. Feminine energy in business means emphasizing collaboration, compassion, and intuitive thinking. By balancing this with strategic decision-making, you’ll foster a culture that appeals to today’s values-driven customers. This approach creates a brand that feels deeply connected to its audience.
  4. Use technology to create personalized experiences. Harness the power of AI to gather insights and deliver customized experiences to your audience. Personalized recommendations, targeted email campaigns, and tailored interactions can make your customers feel truly seen and appreciated.

These cosmic shifts we’re experiencing are more than just trends – they signal a new way of doing business. Embracing them can transform your brand from just another business into an impactful entity that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. Brands emphasizing purpose-driven relationships, authentic identity, and intuition balanced with tech will thrive and stand out as leaders in this new era.

Ready to make the shift? Sacred Fire Creative supports entrepreneurs with a clear vision they want to translate into reality. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.


Community Catalyst: How Kate Schwarzler Fires Up Innovation in Independence

All across the US, we tend to hear stories of small rural towns shrinking and fading away. There are few opportunities to grow, so residents often move to bigger cities for better jobs and better ways to live.

That’s not the story of Independence in Polk County, Oregon. Far from being a quiet little spot amid the state’s wine country, Independence is buzzing – with thriving small businesses and a lot of exciting things for residents to get into.

Independence is a city where innovation is alive, thanks to its tight-knit community and dynamic, forward-thinking leaders.

Kate Schwarzler is one of these leaders who keep Independence moving forward. The owner of the co-working space Indy Commons, Kate’s had a direct hand in the vitality the city is enjoying.

On its homepage, Indy Commons describes itself as “not just a workspace; it’s a community, a catalyst for change, and a celebration of rural innovation.” Kate started this business as a way for Independence residents to create opportunities for themselves. That way, they don’t have to leave just so they can find better jobs or opportunities elsewhere.

Through Indy Commons, Kate has created a space for people to work remotely, build businesses, collaborate with like-minded partners, and be one with community. Aside from desks and work areas, the facility boasts a kitchen, an events space, a marketplace showcasing local products, and even a podcast studio.

Kate’s community contributions extend beyond Indy Commons. She’s also the executive director of Indy Idea Hub, a non-profit organization that provides support to entrepreneurs, individuals, and communities in Polk County.

Indy Idea Hub’s projects include technical assistance to tribal and Latinx small businesses, digital skills training for remote workers, and training for individuals looking to start a food business. The goal is to empower rural communities through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Kate is also on the Advisory Board for Launch Mid Valley (LMV), the Regional Innovation Hub for Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties. Part of her work for LMV is leading the Indy Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs at Indy Commons. Through the Coffee Club, Kate extends her passion for building community and facilitating connections that can lead to resource sharing and fruitful collaborations. If you’re in Independence, you can join by RSVP’ing here

Kate Schwarzler believes that people can create opportunities where they are. The passion for empowering rural communities through innovation that she shares with other community leaders makes the future exciting for Independence.


Empowering Rural Communities: The Inspiring Journey of MEDP’s Patty Herzog in Economic Development

Sacred Fire Creative is proud to support and highlight women founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are making a profound impact on their respective communities.

In this edition, we focus the spotlight on Patty Herzog, Executive Director of the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership.

Patty’s story is one of passion and dedication to rural economic development. With over 20 years of hands-on experience across both public and private sectors, she spent her career building up communities and creating opportunities in often overlooked areas. From her early days as a small business owner to her current role leading MEDP, Patty strives to make an impact with her work.

Today, Patty guides MEDP as the organization focuses on building up and supporting McMinnville’s manufacturing sector. More than 100 manufacturing companies call McMinnville home and contribute significantly to the local economy. By creating more than 2,200 individual jobs and generating $338 million in revenue, McMinnville manufacturing adds substantially to Oregon’s GDP.

MEDP’s efforts to boost local manufacturing are highly visible in the ongoing “Coolest Thing Made in Yamhill County,” a competition designed to showcase the industry’s vibrancy. Of the 32 entries, homegrown companies Applied Physics Technologies and Blue Raeven Pies rise up as finalists.

MEDP also recently hosted its annual awards, where they honored bespoke bar manufacturer EMPWR Nutrition for expanding their facility and creating 200 new jobs, Phenix Solutions for developing their Ultra 2XL aircraft, and HelloCare for building a 100-strong team providing much-needed caregiving services in the region.

To further boost and support McMinnville’s labor force, MEDP is hard at work completing its Sustainable Workforce Training and Resources project. A collaboration with the local government, the project provides skills training and resources, as well as hosts hiring, internship, and training programs.

MEDP is also on the Advisory Board of Launch Mid Valley (LMV), the regional innovation hub for the counties of Polk, Yamhill, and Marion. Through LMV, Patty and MEDP lend their expertise and experience in supporting the region’s startups and entrepreneurs.

Patty extends her dedication to serving the community outside of her professional roles. She is a member of the Chemeketa College Foundation Board and the McMinnville Public Arts Commission. She also recently joined the Willamette Workforce Partnership.

Patty Herzog’s and MEDP’s journey is an inspiring reminder of the power of targeted economic development in building stronger, more connected communities. Her work paves the way for growth, and we’re excited to see how her vision will continue to influence the shaping of McMinnville’s future through MEDP.


Launch Mid Valley PubTalk: A Venue for Entrepreneurs and Investors to Thrive with Local Venture Capital

Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? Or perhaps you’re interested in investing in the future of local startups?

Whether you’re on the founder’s path or looking to become an investor, understanding the world of venture capital is key to unlocking new opportunities.

Why Venture Capital Matters for Entrepreneurs and Investors?

As a founder, scaling a business often requires significant financial resources. Venture capital (VC) can provide that much-needed boost, offering funding in exchange for equity in the company.

But accessing venture capital isn’t just about finding money. It’s about preparing your business to meet investors’ expectations – becoming “investment-ready” and demonstrating a clear path to growth.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in becoming an investor, VC can also be an exciting avenue. Investors provide early-stage funding for startups, often playing a vital role in helping innovative companies get off the ground.

Investing locally adds an extra layer of impact, allowing you to support businesses in your community while potentially reaping financial returns.

A Unique Opportunity to Learn from Local VC Leaders

If you’ve been curious about either side of the VC equation, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Launch Mid Valley has partnered with Oregon Entrepreneurs Network to host a special event at the Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry in Salem on Wednesday, October 30th.

Dubbed “Launch Mid Valley PubTalk: How to Access Venture Capital,” the event will bring together leaders from local venture funds so they can offer insights tailored to specific goals for both entrepreneurs and aspiring investors. 

For Entrepreneurs: The Path to Venture Capital

As a founder, you’ll learn critical strategies to position your business for investment at this Launch Mid Valley PubTalk. From understanding what venture capitalists are looking for to identifying the path to your company’s investability, you’ll gain actionable advice on preparing for and securing funding. Local VC leaders will share their perspectives on why they invest in certain startups and the key factors that drive their decisions.

For Investors: Community-Focused Investment Strategies

If you’re looking to invest in local businesses, this PubTalk offers valuable insights into the mindsets of Oregon-based venture capitalists. You’ll learn how they assess startups, the types of companies they prioritize, and how their investment strategies align with the local economy’s needs. More importantly, you’ll understand how to think about community-centric investing so you can make a positive impact while supporting innovation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore the VC world and learn from the top local experts, don’t miss Launch Mid Valley PubTalk on October 30th.

Gain the tools, insights, and connections you need to succeed as a founder or investor.

Register here: https://www.oen.org/calendar-events/launch-mid-valley-pubtalk-how-to-access-venture-capital.


Oregon Is the Top State for Growing Businesses in 2024

Digital agency directory DesignRush recently released a report revealing that Oregon has overtaken other US states as a top breeding ground for businesses in 2024.

The report covers September 2022 and 2023 and uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to this report, Oregon showed a 9.9% rise in new business, meaning 18,273 new entrepreneurs opened shop within that time.

What makes Oregon great for business?

It’s not at all hard to see why Oregon is a great state for growing businesses. Oregon offers a unique blend of factors that make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Here are some key elements that contribute to the state’s business-friendly environment.

A robust technology sector

Oregon boasts of a strong pool of tech talent that includes engineers, software developers, and data scientists. The state supports research and development initiatives that foster innovation and technological advancements. Portland, in particular, is emerging as a thriving tech hub, attracting startups and established companies alike – which has earned it the nickname “Silicon Forest.”

Outdoor industry and manufacturing

The state has abundant natural resources that provide opportunities for industries like timber, outdoor gear, agriculture, and food processing. This is complemented by Oregon’s solid manufacturing base, which focuses on sectors like aerospace, clean technology, and consumer goods.

Access to infrastructure

The growth of any business is highly dependent on the available infrastructure that allows it to move its products. Oregon has a developed transportation infrastructure for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, from highways and railways to ports and airports. Moreover, the state’s location on the West Coast provides easy access to Asian markets, making it an attractive destination for international trade.

Oregon has plenty of organizations that support entrepreneurs.

Perhaps the biggest thing that Oregon has that makes it an excellent breeding ground for businesses is the support it provides – both from the government and from nonprofits.

On the government side, Oregon offers various tax incentives and programs, including research and development credits and exemptions, through Business Oregon. In addition to these incentives, the state provides resources and assistance to help enterprises start, grow, and succeed.

There’s also the education sector. Oregon has a strong education system and various workforce development programs to ensure a skilled local labor force.

And then, we have nonprofit organizations designed to help small businesses succeed. Here are some of them:

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments

The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (MWVCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments in the counties of Polk, Marion, and Yamhill. It assists these LGUs with community planning and development projects to cultivate economic development in the region.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is dedicated to developing a strong and collaborative business community in Oregon and SW Washington. It focuses on entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey through funding, education, networking, and mentoring. 

SEDCOR

Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) is committed to building up Willamette Valley as a thriving business hub. SEDCOR gives entrepreneurs opportunities to expand and create more jobs for the community by connecting them to funding, education, networks, and resources. Access to these opportunities is as simple as filling out an intake form.

Oregon is a fertile ground for growing businesses, whether they’re new or established. In this state, anyone who aspires to entrepreneurship has the means to turn that dream into reality.

Sacred Fire Creative helps startups and small businesses launch to greatness by building authentic branding and strong connections with audiences. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.


SFC Congratulates Pallavi Pande of Dtocs LLC for Placing in SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator

Green, sustainable, environment-friendly – these are just some buzzwords that brands often use to market their products to eco-conscious consumers.

Unfortunately, the reality is that not all brands that spout these words actually walk their talk.

Not Pallavi Pande, though – she’s an entrepreneur who really walks her talk. As the founder of Dtocs LLC, she produces disposable tableware that is 100% safe for the environment. The production process itself is sustainable and supports communities in the US and India, Pallavi’s home country. 

So, it’s not surprising that Pallavi has secured a place in SEED SPOT’s Retail Brand Accelerator. It’s training that will take her brand far and strengthen Dtocs LLC’s community impact even more.

Congratulations, Pallavi!

SEED SPOT empowers founders to succeed in the mass retail market.

The SEED SPOT Retail Brand Accelerator is a dynamic program designed to nurture established founders looking to scale their business in mass retail. The program focuses on founders in the consumer-packaged goods market and provides them with an intensive 10-week training.

This training helps participants refine their sales approach, expand their supply chain and inventory capacities, comply with regulations, and build a standout brand. Virtual workshops and personalized one-to-one mentorship make up the bulk of this training.

The Retail Brand Accelerator is funded by the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, Walmart’s philanthropic endeavor to uplift BIPOC communities in education, finance, health, and criminal justice.

Dtocs LLC offers more than just sustainable tableware.

With Pallavi joining the SEED SPOT Retail Brand Accelerator, it’s clear that her Dtocs LLC brand is headed for growth. And if there’s a company that should grow as big as it can and gain as much attention as possible, it’s Dtocs LLC.

Why? It’s because the company greatly impacts the community it serves.

Dtocs LLC manufactures single-use tableware. But they’re nothing like the disposable tableware we see in supermarkets, typically made with plastics and other toxic materials.

Here’s why they’re different:

  1. They’re made using the fallen leaves and shed sheaths of Areca palms. These are usually considered waste materials. Instead, the local farmers in India with whom Dtocs works collect them to be processed into tableware. No part of the living Areca palm is harmed or cut during the process.

  2. They’re processed using an eco-friendly system. From drying to shaping to packaging, the process that these Areca shedding goes through to become single-use tableware poses no harm to the environment. Renewable energy sources power the machines used. The raw materials are cleaned with fresh water. The products are packed with sustainable cardboard.

  3. They’re durable and stylish. Many factors prevent the typical consumer from using eco-friendly disposable tableware. Many consider them not as durable as plastics. People who are conscious of plating and dining table aesthetics may not like how these disposables look. Because they’re made with Areca palms, Dtocs tableware doesn’t crumble easily, even when holding liquids. They also come in stylish shapes and forms.

  4. They’re biodegradable. After you’ve used these palm-leaf dinnerware, you can safely throw them in the bin or even add them to your compost. They will degrade in a few days. So they won’t contribute to the growing garbage problem that the world is facing today.

Their products are not the only things that set Dtocs LLC apart. The company employs women artisans in India to manufacture their products, empowering them to provide for their families and live better lives.

Additionally, Dtocs LLC uses a portion of its earnings to give back to its communities. They’ve partnered with non-profits in India to provide livelihood for women and fund the education of underprivileged children. They also contribute towards equal education opportunities for underrepresented students in Portland. 

Pallavi Pande is an inspiration to women entrepreneurs.

Without a doubt, Pallavi embodies the definition of a successful business owner. Her company is thriving and scaling for further growth. Her brand is solid and gaining recognition. And she fulfills her role as a leader by giving back to her communities.

Pallavi’s achievements are more remarkable because she did all of these as a woman from a minority group. While much has been accomplished to secure women’s place in business in the last few decades, it goes without saying that women entrepreneurs still face challenges that men don’t. The stakes get even higher when she is also a woman of color.

Pallavi overcame these challenges. A self-described mompreneur, she also found a way to balance building a successful company and nurturing a family. That’s not an easy feat.

We salute and congratulate Pallavi Pande of Dtocs LLC for her current and future successes. She’s someone we can all admire and emulate, no matter what stage we are in our respective entrepreneurial journeys.

Sacred Fire Creative helps women business owners maximize their entrepreneurial potential through innovative digital marketing strategies and authentic relationship-building with their audiences. Contact us today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

 


SFC Congratulates 2024 SEDCOR Annual Awards Winners

At Sacred Fire Creative, we’re all about community over competition. So, we’re always thrilled to see other businesses in the community be recognized for their achievements.

With that, we extend our hearty congratulations to the winners of the 2024 SEDCOR Annual Awards:

These businesses and individuals are more than achievers – they are an inspiration to the community. They’re a testament to what can happen when dreams are combined with intention, hard work, and passion.

Congratulations to these winners!

About the SEDCOR Annual Awards

The SEDCOR Annual Awards is an initiative by the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) to recognize outstanding efforts that impact economic growth in Willamette Valley. 

The initiative is part of SEDCOR’s mandate to build and strengthen partnerships with industry leaders, nonprofits, local governments, state and federal agencies, educational institutions, and other parties to create and cultivate economic opportunities within the region.

The 2024 iteration of the SEDCOR Annual Awards is sponsored by Saalfeld Griggs and Business Oregon. The awards given to the winners are a collaboration between Maganda Glassworks and Zena Forest Products.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help entrepreneurs step up to their greatness through authentic branding, creative storytelling, and building solid relationships with their audience. Contact us today and let’s see how we can collaborate.


Little Nestlings Early Learning Center: A Shining Light in Oregon’s Childcare Landscape

We are excited to share that our client, Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, has been prominently featured in Cascade Hasson – Sotheby’s International Realty’s “Living in Lake Oswego,” celebrating their significant role in addressing West Linn childcare desert. This recognition highlights their dedication to providing exceptional early education and their innovative approach to nurturing young minds.

Addressing the Childcare Desert

Little Nestlings Preschool has stepped up to fill this critical gap, offering a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Their commitment to solving this issue is more than just a service—it’s a mission to support families and empower the next generation.

Introducing the Reggio Emilia Approach

One of the standout aspects of Little Nestlings Early Learning Center is its implementation of the Reggio Emilia approach. Originating in Italy, this educational philosophy emphasizes child-led learning, creativity, and exploration. It recognizes that children are active participants in their learning journey, and it values the role of educators as facilitators of this process.

At Little Nestlings, children are encouraged to express themselves through various forms of communication—whether it’s art, language, or play. The environment is designed to be a dynamic and interactive space where children can engage with their surroundings and explore their interests.

Making a Difference

The feature in Cascade Hasson – Sotheby’s International Realty is a testament to the impact that Little Nestlings Early Learning Center is making in the community. By addressing the need for quality childcare and embracing a forward-thinking educational approach, they are not only supporting families but also setting a new standard for early education.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Little Nestlings Early Learning Center for this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to improving childcare accessibility and implementing the Reggio Emilia approach is truly inspiring. As they continue to make waves in the education sector, we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on countless young lives.


Breaking Barriers: How US Womxn Entrepreneurs Can Overcome These 4 Common Business Hurdles

Hurdles are nothing new to womxn entrepreneurs in the US. While we’ve come a long way from challenges like needing our husbands’ or fathers’ signatures for loan or credit applications thanks to the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, we still have some ways to go to secure our seats at the table. Still, with passion and determination, womxn business owners can overcome any obstacle on their path to success.

Let’s look at four common hurdles that womxn entrepreneurs typically face in the business arena. More importantly, let’s examine how we can get over them

Hurdle #1: Lack of Access to Capital

One of the biggest obstacles to any womxn entrepreneur’s success is lack of access to capital. Without funding or resources, we can’t build, much less grow, a thriving business.

As of 2019, women-owned businesses have created 10.8 million jobs in the US. They’ve also generated $1.8 trillion in earnings. And yet, in 2022, some 25% of women entrepreneurs have had their business loan applications denied compared to 19% of men. In 2023, only 28.4% of loans backed by the US Small Business Administration went to women-owned companies. As for venture capital funding, women-owned businesses received only 2% of the total capital invested by the end of 2023. 

We’re clearly looking at a considerable gap in capital access for womxn entrepreneurs here. This is why many opt to self-fund their businesses by dipping into personal savings, using their personal credit cards, or with the help of family and friends.

But self-funding isn’t a choice that everyone can make. If that’s your case, here are options you can explore to raise capital for your business:

  1. Check out resources like Access to Capital Directory for Entrepreneurs by Bank of America.
  2. Set up crowdfunding campaigns through sites like Kickstarter and IFundWomen.
  3. Find women-led investment groups like Broadway Angels and TrueWealth Ventures.
  4. See what funding avenues are available at your local SBA Women’s Business Center.

 Nina Vaca: Starting a business with $300

As the CEO of Pinnacle Group, Nina Vaca is one of the rare Latina leaders in the male-dominated IT industry. Her father’s death in the late 1980s compelled her to take over his travel agency at age 17. In 1996, when she was 25 years old, Nina started Pinnacle in her living room with only $300 in her pocket as a way to expand her family’s network. Today, Pinnacle is a billion-dollar company and one of the biggest workforce solutions providers in the world. It’s also one of the fastest-growing woman-owned businesses in the US.

 

Hurdle #2: Gender Bias and Stereotypes

Getting funding is challenging for women business owners because of two huge factors: 1) the prevailing stereotypes our society has formed for females and 2) the gender bias that grew from these stereotypes.

A 2018 study showed that white male-dominated investing companies tend to look at the applicant’s gender when considering business pitches. These investors often see women-owned businesses as riskier. They also judge female applicants based on the quality of their pitches and their confidence in delivering them.

Another 2018 study found that male investors usually perceive that the venture has a higher risk of failure if a woman’s business is in a male-dominated industry.

And then, there’s the age-old debate about women and emotional labor. Women are expected to bear the brunt of the labor at home. According to this article, traditional financiers are likely to deny loans to women business owners who are mothers and homemakers. The common belief is that CEOs who are also moms won’t be able to prioritize growing their companies. 

Lastly, we have the common gender perception that women are emotional and, therefore, lack the assertiveness necessary for leadership. While this characteristic is now seen as empathy, being more in tune with their emotions is still seen as a negative for women entrepreneurs in some circles.

Gender perceptions are learned, so it will take time for society to completely change how women are seen. We need to fight our small and personal battles in this arena. Here are some strategies we can adopt to win these battles:

  1. People don’t know what you know. Explore ways to position yourself as an expert in what you know.
  2. In a room full of colleagues and peers, don’t wait for others to introduce you as the expert in what you know. Introduce yourself.
  3. Surround yourself with a tight circle of diverse advisors and mentors, not just women. Having male advisors will give you an insight into why men in your industry behave the way they do. 
  4. Build your social capital and plug into business networks in your area, such as your city’s chamber of commerce or local NAWBO chapter. 

Mariyah Saifuddin: Setting the stage

Innovative Solution Partners CEO Mariyah Saifuddin often finds herself the only woman in the room whenever she meets with colleagues. The experience made her an expert at setting the tone whenever she enters a room. She does this by introducing herself as the owner of her company and showing what she brings to the table as an IT professional. She doesn’t wait for anyone else to make introductions for her.

 

Hurdle #3: Work-Life Imbalance

Prevalent gender stereotypes also contribute to another hurdle that women business owners typically experience: the lack of work-life balance. As mentioned earlier, women are expected to shoulder the brunt of emotional labor. They’re traditionally seen as the primary caregivers for their families and households.

A San Diego, CA-based study in 2023 found that the participating women struggled to balance the demands of caring for their children and running their businesses. This was especially true during their early years of operations. Ironically, the participants shared that they started their own business to have more time for family.

Why do women business owners need to balance their personal and professional lives? For one, it helps us stay healthy physically and mentally. It’s all too easy to get caught up with the demands of running a business. If we don’t keep this balance, we’ll soon be headed for burnout.

Another is it gives us a sense of fulfillment, especially regarding relationships. Maintaining balance allows us to strengthen and enjoy our relationships with family and friends. It also makes space for us to relish the fruits of our labor.

Yet another reason is it keeps us productive and creative. Time away from work helps us relax and recharge. We can do more when rested and process information more effectively when our minds have had time to unwind.

How can we create a balance between our professional and personal lives?

  1. Build a team to support you. Having a team to whom you can delegate tasks can free up much of your time and energy. This lets you focus on what matters instead of getting tied up with the day-to-day. Even hiring a part-time virtual assistant to, say, manage your emails and phone calls can make a difference.
  2. Explore childcare options. If you need to attend to tasks without getting distracted by your kids, check out available childcare options. Your spouse or a family member can look after your kids while you work. You can also sign up for daycare or get a babysitter.
  3. Set boundaries. Setting boundaries will prevent you from getting too caught up with the demands of your business. This can be as simple as limiting your work time to certain hours. On the flip side, you may need to impress upon your family that you can’t be distracted during your work time unless necessary.
  4. Schedule some me-time. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Keep your cup refilled by setting aside time for yourself – for meditating, exercising, working on a hobby, reading a book, or even lolling in bed and doing nothing.

Queirra Fenderson: Building your business around your life

Business coach and The Ambition Studio founder Queirra Fenderson talked about building your business around what’s going on in your life. She shared that when she and her husband were trying to get pregnant through IVF, she reorganized her work around her doctors’ appointments and prioritized self-care. She stressed the importance of identifying the life you want to lead and structuring your business around it.

 

Hurdle #4: Limiting Beliefs

Perhaps the biggest hurdle that womxn business owners face is their own limiting beliefs. If you see yourself in a negative light, you’re restricting your potential.

It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to have faith in our abilities. When we have a strong self-belief, we empower ourselves to overcome the obstacles to our success. We become resilient enough to push against the challenges ahead. We can trust our judgment and decisions and take the risks we need to grow.

Plus, a strong self-belief negates the impostor syndrome that can keep you from celebrating even your smallest wins. When you believe in yourself and act on your beliefs, you win your team’s and peers’ respect, and you can inspire others with your story.

How can you overcome your limiting beliefs?

  1. Journaling. Writing your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help you identify and question your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself why you believe or feel the way you do. Analyze your behavior and what triggers them.
  2. Reframe your beliefs. Once you’ve identified your limiting beliefs, find a way to reframe them into empowering statements about yourself. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” tell yourself, “I am capable of learning how to do this.” Also, list the values you want to believe you have, visualize yourself achieving success through them, and affirm yourself daily with them.
  3. Set smaller and achievable goals. While setting big and lofty goals is exciting, you may reinforce your limiting beliefs if you don’t achieve the expected results. Set the bar within your reach. Celebrate once you’ve reached the goalpost, and then take one step out of your comfort zone and set another goal.
  4. Get support. Having someone to talk to and be accountable for your limiting beliefs helps a lot in overcoming them. That someone could be your spouse or partner, a trusted family member, a close friend, or maybe your therapist or life coach. Hearing yourself talk to someone about how you see yourself can be enlightening. You can also gain perspective when you hear someone else’s thoughts about you and how you’re doing. 

Nicole Chamblin: Knowing your worth

Leadership and productivity coach Nicole Chamblin shared that doubt is the biggest challenge she must continually go through. She said it’s easy to compare ourselves with others and allow the negative voices to creep into your head because of these comparisons. Knowing your worth and reminding yourself frequently of your worth are powerful weapons against self-doubt.

Hurdles are nothing new to womxn entrepreneurs in the US. We’ve come so far, and we still have a lot of challenges along the way. But as long as we are determined to overcome these hurdles, we can achieve our success stories.

 


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