Happy September Ladies...New Topic

[JUYBoutique20]

What part of your identity (woman, mother, daughter, etc.) most shapes how you lead your business?

[DinaLRosenberg]

Hmmmm what an interesting question- I would say none of those- but MAGIC- we want to make magic for our customers. They want a BREAK from the world- something inspiring or fantastical!

[JUYBoutique20]

Great answer.  I definitely don't want anyone to feel limited with the identity examples (that's why I put etc.) Maybe the identity for how you lead your business would be like an "enchantress", someone who magically fills others with delight.  

[JUYBoutique20]

I'd say the heart of a "mother" and the strength of a "woman" are the identities that shape how I lead my business.  I'm a natural nurturer and protector and I literally approach my business like one of my kiddos.  I pour my energy and love into it and will protect it against anyone.  The woman force that runs alongside is the experience of being "THAT GIRL" who has fought for my own voice, my own style, and my own space in this crazy yet beautiful world that often overlooks us as entrepreneurs.

[Twpchair]

I would have to say all of the above. Between the love and support from each of them but in a different way gave me a strong will not only to survive but succeed. We truly out a family business. All my boys work full-time, yet come in on the weekends and just hang out but help out. 

[JUYBoutique20]

My kids are at my business every day.  I love having something I can share with them that they actually enjoy just as much as I do.

[Lovewell]

This is so insightful! 
I suppose naturally we bring the influence of being women to our business but it’s always different being single, unmarried, and childless. It’s interesting being a woman in business and navigating the quiet prejudice but then even if people are fine with you being a woman the moment they discover you don’t have the common titles or “achievements” that come with being a woman it’s a whole other set of questions. 

For us our greatest role as women that we bring to our business is our relationship and bond as sisters! It is a huge part of how we operate. Some people think we are utterly insane to be in business with family. We couldn’t imagine it any other way! 

[JUYBoutique20]

They are so many other identities we have as women that knowingly or unknowingly helped shape our business including but not limited to sister, friend, mentor/mentee, student, survivor, dreamer, etc.  The beauty of this question is that it lets women decide what's more defining for them.  Some people will lead with family roles, others with professional or culture identities, and some with personal/spiritual layers.  I love that you guys lead with your sisterly bond and I'm sure that makes an impact in your business.

[CareyJo]

Great topic!  I'm glad @isabelle shared it in the update or I wouldn't have seen it.  I often forget to check the Together group!  I'mma hafta look at it more often!

I would say for me it's "independent" because I've been self-employed since the age of 19 and that was 38 years ago.  I started out then doing direct sales because I was supporting myself and my ex full time.  He rarely worked.  I needed more money.  But the longer I did it, the more I realized that I could do a lot.  I ended up with five different businesses in direct sales, a custom wedding dress business, two HVAC businesses and properties we own.

Today, my mindset is that no matter how nervous I may be from time to time, I refuse to allow anyone to tell me that I'm not or cannot be a business owner.  I stand my ground in confidence because I've had so many people on the phone treat me like I'm just a secretary and this is "his" business and I need to put him on the phone.  Nope!  Talk to me or find someone else!!

[JUYBoutique20]

Yesssss @CareyJo. I love it.  You have a Leader/Boss characteristic that is undeniable.  I also started with a direct sales business and learned so much.  

[CareyJo]

Thank you!!  I appreciate that very much.  It's AMAZING how much we can learn in direct sales, huh?!?!

[VickisJewelry]

For two weeks I've been watching this thread.

Am I the only one offended by "Happy September Ladies" ?!?

Why isn't it "Happy September People/Folks" or some such???

[CareyJo]

I think I speak for @JUYBoutique20 and everyone else when I say that I'm sorry you're offended, but this is women's only group, so using the term Ladies fit perfectly.  I would say you might be the only one offended but no one else has commented to that, so I'm unsure.

[JUYBoutique20]

Thanks @CareyJo 

[CareyJo]

You're very welcome!  I got you!

[Twpchair]

It only takes a few posts to see your huge heart and beautiful soul. I am in many groups, and unfortunately, it is what it is. Don't ever change, you though. Now, back to the question—ugh! It is a tough one for me. Being a mom never stops, regardless of how old they are. I have a very close relationship with my boys, and we all talk daily. In May, I have never posted this before in a group, but with you ladies, I feel like I can—or maybe it's time. My oldest son was killed in a head-on collision. He was leaving work on his motorcycle when someone blew through a red light and hit him. I was gutted to the floor. He was a Marine who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, then went straight to the sheriff's department, and was just gone. I told Isabella and Nika, and that was about it. So, balancing work, family, and running a business that's nearing a 50% increase in sales has been—and still is—a daily challenge. Let me add in my mother-in-law, who has early dementia and moved in with us. I am blessed with a great crew that stepped up and pretty much sent me home multiple times, and the bond with my sons is even tighter. Both come in on their days off to help me up front or in the office. From starting out in your pole barn to now—and with plans to hire again next week—is just something. I was told to stay small—you'll never fill a 12,000-plus square foot building, and more, all by family. But I just had a feeling to move forward and go for it in 10 years. I didn't want the regret of "what if." I have a better understanding of myself and my family, which I think, or hope, makes my business life clearer too. I truly do appreciate the four who started with me from day one. I know that life goes on, that the store is okay, and in great hands. The worst part is next week and interviews—ugh. Good luck and best wishes to everyone! 

[CareyJo]

My heart just sank reading this.  I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and so thankful that you trusted us with this news.  Not only have I been close to people who nearly lost their life/lives in a motorcycle accident, I have also known those that have.  Above and beyond that, my husband and I are riders.  We know every single time we get on our bike, it could be our last.  We are ever conscious of it.  But, it is our way of life.  We're bikers.  We love being out in the open air, especially in MT.  Back in 2019, our son was rear-ended on his, 3 days before school let out, his senior year of high school.  He was thankfully uninjured but the bike was not.  A rush job with an insurance payment to restore his bike before our planned trip to Sturgis a few months later.  He's my youngest child.  My oldest child is our other son, who's a wildland firefighter and former National Guard.  I worry about him every single day when he's on fire.  He's been an EMT and firefighter for about 13 years now and before that, he would do bull fighting every year for the rodeo when it came through town.  Terrified me to watch him in the arena, so I know what it feels like to worry about them.  I am so lucky he is still alive.

There is nothing that we can say to ease your pain but I can say that my mama's heart goes out to you.  I'm glad that you're enjoying every minute you can with your other sons and that you're still trying to live life to the fullest.

Many prayers. 🙏

[Twpchair]

Thank you so much. I’ve always been worried about him on his bike, even though he loved it. My concerns are more about other drivers and deer than his actual riding. The hardest part is that not only did this situation tear us apart, but it was also his own department involved—chasing at high speed, and the guy blew through a stoplight. He had just robbed a store and shot the owner. His colleagues were there to respond. His partner calls every Sunday. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. It takes a huge piece of your heart. I try to focus and stay busy so I don't have much time to dwell on it. The boys were very close too. Every day is a new day, and I keep pushing forward. Prayers for your son as well—those fires are intense. The smoke from Canada even reached us in Michigan, making us choke. I can't imagine what it’s like to fight that. 

[CareyJo]

That is so heart wrenching, for them to have to respond to a brother on the force.  So hard and so tragic.  I hope they caught the guy that caused this and added charges to his list.  I hope that they find peace as well.  They know the minute they put that badge on what it could mean, but it never makes it easier to lose someone.  I also hope that if you haven't already, that you will seek solace somewhere to help you through the grieving process.

He knows how much I worry about him and most of the time doesn't even tell me they've rolled out because I worry.  He sends photos of gigantic trees on fire and it's just terrifying.

[Twpchair]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏 

[CareyJo]

Back atcha!!