Articles Tagged with: women owned businesses

Doris Towery and Culinary Collective: Stirring Community Spirit through Shared Passion for Food

When Doris Towery stepped into the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, she brought more than a business idea. She brought a vision rooted in community, connection, and the power of food.

Out of 21 startups, her team, Culinary Collective LLC, rose to the top ten, winning over judges with its objective to blend a high-end kitchen retail experience with a welcoming teaching space.

For Doris, this isn’t just about selling saucepans. It’s about creating a place where people come together, learn from one another, and give back to the communities they love.

A Vision Beyond Retail

Doris is a seasoned nonprofit executive and community advocate. She has always been driven by the desire to make a positive impact.

It’s a desire instilled in her early in life. After experiencing the loss of her mother at a young age, Doris witnessed how the community rallied around her family and supported her father in raising their family. It inspired her to form a deep commitment to service.

This commitment has been evident throughout her career, from raising over $60 million for community causes to leading organizations recognized among Oregon’s top nonprofits to work for.

With Culinary Collective, Doris aims to create more than just a retail space offering top-of-the-line kitchen products. The store will feature a teaching kitchen designed to foster a community gathering space for food enthusiasts. Here, individuals can come together to learn new cooking techniques, share recipes, and celebrate their love for food.

But the mission goes deeper. Culinary Collective is committed to giving back, with a strong focus on supporting important organizations and causes within the community.

Why Culinary Collective Matters

In an age where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, Culinary Collective seeks to reignite the communal aspect of cooking and dining.

By providing a physical place for people to gather, the venture addresses a growing need for community engagement and personal interaction. Workshops and classes will not only teach culinary skills but also promote healthy eating habits and cultural appreciation through diverse cuisines.

The Launch Mid-Valley Experience

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last February 2025 provided Doris and Culinary Collective with invaluable resources and mentorship. The event, which brought together 21 startup teams, offered participants hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and the chance to refine their business models.

Emerging as one of the top ten winners among such a competitive field is a testament to the strength of Doris’ vision and the potential impact of Culinary Collective.

An Invitation to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Doris’ journey with Culinary Collective underscores the importance of community-focused entrepreneurship and the impact of supportive systems like Launch Mid-Valley.

If you’re a non-tech founder looking to leverage technology for your venture, opportunities abound. One such opportunity is the upcoming LaunchPad for Non-Techies, a virtual bootcamp scheduled for April 11-12, 2025.

This bootcamp is designed to empower entrepreneurs without a tech background to build AI-powered apps and integrate technology into their businesses effectively.

Participating in programs like LaunchPad can provide the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to bring innovative ideas to fruition. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or enhance an existing one, embracing technology can be a game-changer.

Don’t miss this chance to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Register here.

At Sacred Fire Creative, we help founders and entrepreneurs connect meaningfully with their audience through authentic brand storytelling. Let’s talk and see how we can collaborate.

Caitlin Grey of Pure Light Botanical Beauty

Radiant Rebellion: Caitlin Grey’s Bold Leap from Eczema to Eco-Beauty Icon

In the ever-evolving landscape of the beauty industry, a McMinnville local entrepreneur stands out for her commitment to holistic wellness and environmental sustainability.

Caitlin Grey, the visionary behind Pure Light Botanical Beauty, has transformed her personal adversity into a thriving business that champions natural beauty and eco-conscious practices.

A Personal Quest for Healing

Caitlin’s journey began at 17. At that age, she faced persistent struggles with eczema. This personal challenge ignited her passion for natural healing and holistic wellness.

Dissatisfied with conventional treatments, she delved into extensive research on botanical oils and their therapeutic properties. Her dedication led to the development of her first product, the Nourishing Lipstick, in 2022. It’s a blend of organic oils designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the lips.

This initial success laid the foundation for the official launch of Pure Light Botanical Beauty in October 2023.

A Brand Rooted in Nature and Sustainability

Pure Light Botanical Beauty is more than a cosmetic line. It’s a demonstration of Caitlin’s commitment to enhancing natural beauty through eco-friendly, botanical-based products.

The brand meticulously selects ingredients known for their skin-enriching properties. This ensures that they are organic, pure, clean, and ethically sourced. Products like the Petal Perfect Lip Oil exemplify this philosophy, combining nourishing botanical oils with luxurious skincare benefits.

Caitlin also understands the environmental impact of the beauty industry. That’s why she prioritizes sustainability in her business model. She implements innovative packaging solutions, such as reusable bamboo lipstick tubes and eco-conscious glass containers, to reduce plastic waste by over 70%.

This approach reflects her dedication to preserving the planet for future generations.

Beyond product offerings, Caitlin extends her expertise through beauty, wellness, and lifestyle coaching. She aims to help women adopt a holistic approach to health, emphasizing that true beauty begins from within. Her coaching services are designed to guide women in embracing natural beauty and maintaining a healthier mindset and lifestyle.

Strategic Growth Through Entrepreneurial Engagement

Recognizing the need for strategic growth, Caitlin embraces opportunities that will catalyze her company’s evolution and catapult it to new heights. The most recent of these opportunities was the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, held at the end of January 2025 at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

This immersive three-day event was designed to provide entrepreneurs with insights, connections, and hands-on learning experiences essential for business success. Caitlin’s dedication and innovative approach earned her a spot among the top ten participants, highlighting her potential to make significant strides in the beauty industry.

Looking Ahead

As Pure Light Botanical Beauty continues to grow, Caitlin remains steadfast in her mission to provide clean, eco-friendly cosmetics that celebrate natural beauty.

Her journey from personal health struggles to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration, exemplifying how passion and perseverance can lead to meaningful change in both personal lives and broader industries.

Looking to elevate your business? Launch Mid-Valley provides the tools and resources to help you grow and scale. Take the first step and fill out the form today.

Build a stronger, more authentic brand that resonates with your audience. Contact Sacred Fire Creative today, and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Megan Ujakovich and Jacob Morton of Heretics & Hedonists

From Pop-Up Taverns to a Brick-and-Mortar Dream: Heretics & Hedonists Community Kitchen Steps into Its Next Chapter

A deep love of food, fermentation, and community led Megan Ujakovich and Jacob Morton to create immersive pop-up taverns at Renaissance Fairs and similar events. Fueled by their passion for historical brews, handcrafted foods, and the art of gathering, the duo has been making waves with their Heretics & Hedonists Community Kitchen.

Now, after a successful run at the recent Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, Megan and Jacob are now ready to face the next steps that will allow them to open a permanent home for their unique culinary experience.

Their journey isn’t just about opening a business. It’s about crafting a space where people can slow down, connect, and experience food and drink in a way that blends history, sustainability, and playfulness.

A Business Born from Curiosity and Craft

Megan and Jacob are self-proclaimed hobby food scientists – tinkering, experimenting, and learning about traditional and historical food and drink techniques. Jacob specializes in unique, old-world brews that are rarely found in modern breweries, while Megan has a deep-rooted love for kombucha brewing, slow foods, and sustainability.

Together, they’ve brought their love for craft and community to life through Heretics & Hedonists, a name that captures their adventurous, unconventional approach to food and drink.

The foundation of Heretics & Hedonists is engagement. Their pop-up events have been more than just places to eat and drink. They have been designed as immersive experiences where guests can slow down, be present, and connect with others over games and unique beverages.

Their first pop-up season included an appearance at Realms Unknown, a historic-themed event in Washington. Such events provided them with valuable experience in creating a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for diners.

But Megan and Jacob knew that in order to turn their passion into something lasting, they needed guidance and resources. That’s where Launch Mid-Valley came in.

Learning the Business of Passion

The Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend, held from January 31 to February 2, 2025, was a transformative experience for Megan and Jacob.

Competing alongside 20 other entrepreneurs, they placed in the top ten, an achievement that underscored the potential of their vision. More importantly, the Bootcamp gave them the knowledge, mentorship, and network they needed to turn their passion project into a sustainable business model.

The weekend-long event also connected them with business coaches, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs who helped refine their strategy, from financial planning to customer engagement and scaling their concept beyond pop-up events.

The Road to a Brick-and-Mortar Tavern

With renewed confidence and a solid plan, Megan and Jacob are now closer to the dream of opening their first physical tavern, where they’ll serve craft brews, small-batch wines, and handcrafted foods in a space designed for connection and play.

Their mission remains the same: creating a space where people can slow down, savor flavors, and immerse themselves in an experience that’s both historic and innovative.

As they make their progress toward opening their doors, Megan and Jacob are embracing the next phase of their journey with the same spirit that started it all: a love for food, a passion for experimentation, and a deep belief in the power of community.

Their story is a testament to what happens when creativity meets opportunity. And thanks to the lessons from the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp, Heretics & Hedonists is one step closer to bringing their vision to life.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Launch Mid-Valley offers the tools and resources you need to grow and scale. Get started today by filling out this form.

Launch Mid-Valley, the Mid-Willamette Valley Innovation Hub, with funding from Business Oregon, fosters an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem where local businesses can connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders in the counties of Marion, Polk, and Yamhill.

For Gen Z, By Gen Z: How Life2Launch Institute Empowers Young People to Lead Our Tomorrow

In today’s rapidly evolving world, young individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking direction amid a plethora of choices.

Enter Life2Launch Institute, a beacon for Gen Z and dedicated to providing holistic life and career-launching tools.

Life2Launch participated in the Launch Mid-Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend last January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

Competing against 20 other innovative startups, the team secured second place among the top ten teams, underscoring their commitment to empowering youth.

A vision rooted in community

Life2Launch isn’t just another organization. It’s a collaboration led by Gen Z for Gen Z.

Recognizing the unique challenges their peers face, the institute works with youth, parents, educators, workforce leaders, and community stakeholders. Together, they design, test, and innovate solutions that build confidence, provide direction, and create accessible resources for the next generation.

Life2Launch was formed in response to Oregon’s new diploma requirements for 2027, which emphasize higher education, career path skills, and personal finance education. Its main focus is expediting the development of a holistic life and career navigation platform.

This tool aims to resonate with the realities and aspirations of today’s youth, bridging the gap between education and the workforce. By empowering young individuals to actively shape their educational and career pathways, Life2Launch is setting a new standard for learner-centered, real-world applicable education.

Led by Denise Ker Waldron, Ben Franson, and Henry Ker, Life2Launch is dedicated to guiding young individuals toward successful futures, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Building bridges within the community

Life2Launch’s impact extends beyond individual development. By collaborating with various community stakeholders, it guarantees that the tools and resources they create are comprehensive and inclusive.

This collective approach not only benefits the young people they serve but also strengthens community ties, fostering a supportive environment where the next generation can thrive.

Life2Launch Institute stands at the forefront of youth empowerment, blending innovation with community collaboration. Its determination to guide Gen Z through the complexities of modern life ensures a brighter, more directed future for all.

Are you a small business owner in Marion, Polk, or Yamhill? Grow your business with Launch Mid-Valley. We’ve got tools and resources to help you grow and scale up your business. Just fill out this form to get started >>> https://tinyurl.com/mid-valley-innovation.

Building Community One T-Shirt at a Time: Roanna Gingrich and CreativiTEE’s Story

In today’s fast-paced, technology-dependent world, taking the time to put down our phones, slow down, and bond with loved ones through creative activities sounds like a luxury.

But that’s exactly the kind of luxury that CreativiTEE in Downtown Salem, OR, offers.

Founded by Roanna Gingrich, CreativiTEE is a store where you can design your own T-shirts using professional materials. But it’s more than just a T-shirt store.

It’s where stories are shared, bonds are forged, and imagination takes center stage.

Step inside, and you’ll quickly see that CreativiTEE is a safe and inspiring space for building community.

Telling Stories through T-Shirts

The process of designing your own T-shirts at CreativiTEE is simple, fun, and unique.

First, you pick out your canvas – a T-shirt in your favorite color or style.

Then comes the exciting part: designing. With a wide array of materials at your fingertips, you can let your imagination run wild. Whether a bold statement, a delicate pattern, or a fun doodle, your design is your T-shirt’s centerpiece.

Once your design is ready, the friendly CreativiTEE staff brings it to life using professional screen printing.

Finally, you’ll don your custom creation, strike a pose, and capture the moment as a memory in ink and fabric.

Where Creativity Meets Community

CreativiTEE founder Roanna Gingrich has envisioned her store as a space that inspires connection.

Roanna’s dedication to community shines through in every aspect of her work. She’s a proud Latina with roots that span from Portland to Peru. Sharing her heritage is essential to her mission, reminding us of the importance of getting to know each other beyond surface impressions.

Above all, Roanna has made CreativiTEE a safe space for the community. Everyone is welcome here, no matter who they are, whether they’ve come to buy or design a shirt, attend an event, or simply stop by for a chat.

She especially loves seeing families gathering at her store to create and bond together in ways that can’t be replicated with mobile devices or computer screens. In a world where technology often pulls us apart, CreativiTEE strives to bring us back together.

CreativiTEE is also becoming a hub for Downtown Salem’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit. Roanna hosts an array of events that spark inspiration and foster community building. From yoga sessions followed by tank top designing to art classes and informal forums, there’s always happening at the store.

One standout event that Roanna hosts is Launch Mid Valley’s Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs, where diverse entrepreneurial voices come together to share ideas, build networks, and uplift one another.

Empowering Women One Design at a Time

Aside from building community, Roanna has also made it her mission to empower women through her space and designs.

Through events like CreativiTEE’s First Friday Art Walk, she provides a platform for women artists to showcase their work.

Through events like the aforementioned Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs, she gives women and BIPOC women business owners a place to connect with peers and share ideas and resources.

One such event inspired her to create a special line of T-shirts with uplifting messages, celebrating the strength and wisdom of women. These designs include feminine nouns in Spanish, such as “la femenina” or the feminine, “la diosa” or the goddess, and “la sabia” or the wise woman. Roanna comes up with a new design each month to add to her inspiring collection.

The Value of Presence

Despite the technological advances allowing us to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world in real time, technology has made interpersonal connections a bit of a challenge.

But Roanna hopes CreativiTEE can be a place where people slow down and truly connect. Whether it’s families creating T-shirts together, friends attending a yoga session, or entrepreneurs brainstorming over coffee, the store is a reminder of the value of presence.

For Roanna, it’s all about hanging out and creating together. And she’s right – there’s magic in the simple act of making something with your own hands with people who matter to you.

Ready to experience the inspiring community of CreativiTEE for yourself? Stop by the studio in Downtown Salem.

And if you’re a small business owner in Salem, check out the next schedule for the Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs. Join us for coffee and conversation, and walk away with the spark for your next big idea.

Personal Needs Can Drive Community Impact: The Story of Haley Queen and Sustainable Rituals

When Haley Queen of McMinnville, OR, decided to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle, she quickly discovered an unsettling reality: the choices for local, sustainable household and personal care products were either too limited or inaccessible.

But rather than give up, Haley turned her frustration into inspiration.

Fast forward nearly five years, and she’s the proud owner of Sustainable Rituals, an eco-friendly oasis housed in a retired Airstream trailer at Mac Market in McMinnville.

“Why isn’t anybody starting an eco-friendly shop?” Haley says, reflecting on her journey.

It all started with feelers at Zero-Waste McMinnville to see if there was interest in the idea of a shop that sold curated, eco-friendly cleaning and personal care essentials and offered bulk refills.

The idea took root, and with a lot of trial, error, and determination, Haley launched her business.

Building a Business, One Refill at a Time

Setting up a bulk refill system was no easy feat. Haley reveals that the bigger challenge of her business is figuring out how to make this system work and efficiently transfer products from her containers to her customers’ bottles.

It took a lot of trial and error, but she kept refining the process, always prioritizing quality and usability.

True to her values, Haley doesn’t stock anything she wouldn’t use in her own home. Every product goes through a meticulous testing process. If she can’t use it, it’s not going on her shelves.

Her community has been her biggest collaborator. Haley listens and tries to give them what they need. She credits active listening to Sustainable Rituals’ growth.

Shifting Perspectives

Despite her challenges in perfecting her refill system or launching her business, Haley recognizes they’re not her real breakthroughs.

It was shifting her mindset.

Haley realized that she could have spent forever worrying if people would love her products. She just needed to get out of her own way and get started. She trusted her community and learned as she went.

Over the years, Haley has seen a growing shift in consumer awareness. People are paying more attention to what’s in the products they buy and how they’re packaged.

But balancing expectations can be tricky. Not every customer agrees on what’s the best. So, instead, she offers options and focuses on making it easier for beginners to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle.

Her ultimate dream? To transform Sustainable Rituals into a full-fledged, plastic-free grocery store. While that vision is still on the horizon, Haley remains laser-focused on her mission of providing her community with high-quality, sustainable products that make a difference.

The Power of Connections: Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp

Haley’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community and mentorship.

That’s why she’s passionate about events like the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp. She credits the event for giving her the push she needed back in 2020. The mentors, the connections, and the shared energy were transformative for her.

Today, Haley still leans on some of those mentors who continue to provide her with invaluable guidance.

Haley’s story is a reminder that significant change often starts small.

With a dream, a little courage, and a lot of heart, she’s proving that sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a movement. And in McMinnville, it’s rolling forward on wheels.

For anyone considering launching their own business, the new Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp Weekend is from January 31 to February 2, 2025, at Linfield University’s W.M. Keck Science Complex.

It can be the game-changer you’re looking for. Register now.

Reimagining Exit Planning: Hannah Sandmeyer Guides Entrepreneurs Toward the Next Stage of Their Journey

At some point in their professional journey, entrepreneurs will realize one thing – that it’s time to exit their business. The reason can be anything – retirement, a desire to return to the corporate world, or simply to start a new and more exciting chapter to their story.

The question is, how can they approach exiting their business as painlessly as possible?

That’s a question that Hannah Sandmeyer provides answers to through her work as the founder and CEO of Up & Over Advisors. She and her team help business owners secure their legacy as they enter the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

The Vision: People, Planet, and Profits

Hannah built Up & Over Advisors around what she calls the triple-bottom-line approach: people, planet, and profits. Her commitment is clear: people come first, and while profit is surely a desired outcome, social responsibility and sustainability are never sacrificed in its pursuit.

Among Hannah’s goals is to connect businesses with acquisition opportunities that share their values and vision for positive impact. For entrepreneurs planning their exit strategies, this means exploring the possibility of merging their company with another whose values and mission match theirs.

By focusing on mission-driven sourcing for mergers and acquisitions, Hannah and her team provide customized growth and exit strategies that align with their clients’ ethical commitments.

A Journey Rooted in Impact

Hannah’s career is built on a foundation of service and global understanding. Her professional journey began as an HIV/AIDS volunteer with the US Peace Corps in Mokubilo, Botswana. This transformative experience instilled a deep empathy and a desire in her to create meaningful change.

Her outlook was further enriched by time spent in Copenhagen in Denmark and Siena in Italy, where she gained valuable insights into diverse cultures and business practices. With nearly 20 years of expertise in M&A sourcing, enterprise sales, and leadership, Hannah has closed over $400 million in revenue while championing integrity and empathy in every deal.

A Business for Good

Hannah’s experiences have led her to believe that businesses can be a significant force for good. It’s a principle that she and her team practice at Up & Over Advisors, setting the company apart with its unwavering commitment to mission-driven partnerships.

Aside from offering services designed to foster meaningful and sustainable growth, Up & Over Advisors dedicates 5% of proceeds from successful transactions to funding early-stage impact entrepreneurs. Through this endeavor, Hannah contributes to regenerating the business ecosystem and empowering a new generation of changemakers.

As a woman- and LGBTQ-owned business, the company is deeply committed to advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusivity. It honors community and collaboration and is on track to becoming a certified B Corporation.

Hear Hannah Tell Her Story at the LMV Startup Bootcamp

From January 31 to February 2, 2025, Hannah Sandmeyer will bring her expertise to the Launch Mid Valley Startup Bootcamp, where she will share insights on how businesses can grow with integrity and impact and become a force for good.

Save these dates and stay tuned for details on this opportunity to learn what it really means for businesses to have a lasting positive impact on their communities.

Josie Natori: Filipino Fashion Trailblazer

“I just don’t like to settle. Good enough is never good enough.” – Josie Natori

Josephina Almeda Cruz, also known in fashion circles as Josie Natori, is considered one of the most outstanding women business owners in the Philippines. This Filipino-American entrepreneur runs The Natori Company, an international women’s fashion brand. Her products retail in the U.S.’s most prominent department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. Her products are available worldwide today through her brand’s website.

All in the family

Josie grew up in a matriarchal society surrounded by her close-knit Filipino kin. “Women are encouraged to be entrepreneurs,” Josie says of her family. This encouragement stayed with her throughout her life. Even when she was a child, her grandmother would remind her that she should never be in a position where she had to depend on anyone. This upbringing gave her the motivation and inspiration to start her own business.

When she was younger, Josie didn’t plan to enter the fashion industry. Artistically talented and naturally inclined to play the piano, Josie performed in a solo concert with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. She was only 9 years old. At 17, she left for New York and pursued an economics degree from Manhattanville College.

From banking to fashion

After graduation, Josie embarked on a career in banking. Eventually, she became the first female vice president of investment banking at Merrill Lynch. There, she met and married Ken Natori, a fellow executive in the banking world. She then gave birth to her son Kenneth Jr. in 1976,

The following year, Josie found herself looking for new challenges and wanting to start her own business. Before entering the fashion industry, Josie opened several different ventures, from a McDonald’s franchise to a carwash.

Josie’s namesake company began when she brought an embroidered garment from the Philippines to a buyer in Bloomingdales. The buyer advised her to turn it into a sleep shirt; the rest was history.

In the early years of The Natori Company, many of Josie’s friends and relatives pitched in to help her make her vision a reality. For example, an uncle pitched in to sew labels onto clothes. Other family members once gathered to help make a small trim cut on a special order of a thousand blouses. In 1985, Josie convinced her husband, who was still working on Wall Street, to help run her growing business. He became chairman of The Natori Company.

An international empire

More than four decades later, The Natori Company has transformed into a lifestyle brand that includes popular lingerie collections, ready-to-wear apparel, home items, eyewear, and fragrance. Aside from being the founder of an internationally successful fashion business, Josie works to give back to society. She sits on the board of several organizations, including the Asian Cultural Council and the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines. Her factory in the Philippines handles over 60% of her company’s production and employs 500 workers.

Josie Natori is an admirable example of a woman who pursued her dreams and achieved success with the help of family and friends. From a single sleep shirt, she has built an international empire now seen as one of the world’s top lifestyle brands. “Now, as the company grows, we grow our sensibility too, taking our concept and making it a whole world. As we say here, Natori is ‘where life meets art,’” she shared.

Sacred Fire Creative honors visionary women who forged their own path to success in this #WomenWhoMatter series. If you see yourself as a visionary, who wants to create a lasting, positive impact on your community, come work with us.

3 Key Leadership Lessons from Women CEOs

Did you know that, as of 2018, 12.3 million businesses in the U.S. are women-owned? That’s roughly 42% or four out of 10 of all companies in the country. Interestingly, these women-led enterprises generate around $1.8 trillion in earnings every year.

Judging by these figures, the current notion that men are better at leadership and women should emulate them is becoming obsolete. Women generally have a distinct leadership style that their male peers can actually learn from.

What leadership lessons can we learn from female CEOs? Let’s spend some time pondering these three:

Know your strengths and limitations.

Women tend to be more self-aware, and they’re usually not prone to bluster. This tendency for self-awareness gives women a deeper insight into their own strengths and limitations. They build on their capabilities and lean on others to make up for their weaknesses.

What does this mean for you? If you want to be a good leader, you need to learn more about yourself. Know the traits that make you strong and acknowledge your weak points. Use your strengths to grow your business and surround yourself with a competent and inspired team to make up for your limitations.

“It’s OK to admit what you don’t know. It’s OK to ask for help. And it’s more than OK to listen to the people you lead.” – Mary Barra, General Motors CEO

Put your team first.

Women are often stereotyped as too compassionate and relationship-oriented to be competent leaders. But the fact is that these traits are now seen as indicators of high emotional intelligence, which in turn has become a desirable trait among leaders.

As mentioned earlier, a woman business leader tends to surround herself with a team to augment what she lacks. But this relationship is rarely one-sided. Female leaders often serve as mentors and cheerleaders to their team. They encourage and empower their team to grow professionally and personally through validation and empathy.

“I think about: ‘Have I been bringing enough people along?’ You can help a peer become a CEO… This is not a competition or a race.” – Rosalind Brewer, former CEO of Walgreens

Be a transformational leader.

Perhaps one of the best leadership lessons we can learn from a woman CEO is the art of transformational leadership. A transformational leader is someone who leads by example. Their sense of purpose and values inspire their followers to change their own beliefs, bring out their best selves, and positively impact their world. Women CEOs tend to be gifted transformational leaders.

How can you become a transformative leader? It starts with yourself. You need to be a model of integrity and principle. You have to have a clear vision and measurable goals. And you have to win your team’s trust, be ever-reliable, and inspire them to serve the higher good rather than their self-interest.

“Leadership is service to others.” – Denise Morrison, Campbell Soup Co. President and CEO

These are only a few leadership lessons we can learn from women CEOs. Spend some time meditating on these lessons and see how you can apply them to your own business.

Sacred Fire Creative is a digital marketing agency that positions itself as a force for good. Reach out to us today and let us help you build a solid, authentic brand that matters to your audience.