I know we've had a lot going on and emotions are definitely everywhere right now.  This group was built to empower and support women in business, but we've all made at least one friend in here so that in itself impacts our personal lives. Let's make sure we continue to show up for each other and keep this group a safe place.  We are all in this togetHer.   Now here's my topic question....If the women who come after you could learn one lesson from your journey, what would you want it to be? ... View more

I have attended a local, annual event for the last two years (I missed the first year), that focuses solely on women in business and bringing resources to the attendees.  This summit brings together women who are not only local business owners and CEO’s (from around the state), but some from around the world.  This summit also occurs within a day or two of International Women’s Day and they celebrate that through inviting an international dignitary to attend our event.   As attendees, we gain so much from this summit.  Networking, education, camaraderie, encouragement and resources, just to name a few things.  We have an average attendance of 250-300 women at this event, from all walks of life.   Gaining experiences from our peers in our field, our neighbors in our communities and business owners and CEO’s from our state or region, is quite simply invaluable.  You will never know the impact that attending an event like this can have on you, until you’ve been to one.   Now, before you tell me that you don’t have time to go... or can’t leave your business, or family, etc... consider this....  When you need training, how will you get it if you don’t take time away?  If you need a break before you burn out, how will you get it if you don’t step away?  If your oxygen tank is low because you’re keeping everyone else going, how will you refill your tank?  Will your employees or business partner put on your oxygen mask before their own?  I know this sounds backwards and you’re probably thinking that “see, I can’t take time away because no one but me will keep this place running!” but hear me out....   You cannot refill your business’ oxygen tank until yours is filled first.  We cannot give from just a “full cup”, we can only give from an overflowing cup.  We can only give out of our excess.  If we give without having an overflow, we will feel taken advantage of, depleted, empty and frustrated for saying yes.  We must take our own nourishment and well-being seriously, in order to benefit others, whether that’s your business or your family.  The best of the best CEO’s and large business owners know this and practice it.  They are successful in it because they delegate responsibilities.  (I have another post on this subject J)   Events like this lift your spirits, give you ah-ha moments, introduce you to strategies and ideas you probably haven’t thought of and spark creativity.  Hearing someone else’s story of going from rock bottom to great success can give you the boost you need to remember “you got this!”.   Attending an event like this is also not just about collecting business cards.  It’s about establishing connections and building relationships with those new people.  One of the comments that was made by one of the speakers was “Just because you got my business card from me, does not mean I’m going to give you __________’s phone number.  My relationships with other people are valuable to me and I don’t sell them out.”  Regardless of the size of your business or those that you do business with, authentic connections are vital to the success of your business and theirs.  We need to always be mindful that if we don’t want to be ‘used’ in networking, neither do others.   When considering where you’re at with your own personal leadership journey, ask yourself these questions:   What kind of leader am I? What kind of leader do I want to be? Who is my authentic self? In what way do I lead from who I actually am and in what way do I need to change it? What people or organizations do I need to seek out to gain more education as a leader and be more effective in my business?   Also, along the lines of leadership in business – what skills do you have to offer others who are seeking leadership skills?   Do you have specific leadership qualities that you can share with those around you?  Do you share your available resources with those around you, so that they can gain from them as well?  What can you do to offer such skills and resources?  Can you host an event in your business or community?  Do you put out a podcast or newsletter that you can share them in?  Think outside of the box!   So.... now that you’ve got a bit of pep in your step and you want to seek out opportunities to grow, how do you do it?  Where do you go?   There are lots of places to look and if you’re not already connected to them, consider what it will take to join so that you can remain connected going forward.  Some suggestions are:   Your state’s Chamber of Commerce (if you have one, not all states do) Your local chambers and surrounding chambers of nearby towns you do business in Local business member groups Local networking groups Toastmasters Rotary Club Local business groups on Facebook Advocacy groups that align with your values Non-profit boards you can serve on   Again, these are just suggestions, but you’d be surprised how many of them will turn out results!   If this seems overwhelming and scary to you, step out of your comfort zone, even just a little bit, and take one step towards something new.  If you find an event to attend, invite someone to go with you.  Commit to learning something new, to making a new friend and/or connection and give yourself permission to be fully present and not be distracted by other things during the event.  Silence your phone.  Tell your family that you’ll get back to them at the end of the day or event.  Take notes, even little ones.  Really do your best to absorb what you’re hearing.   Lastly, I want to encourage you to share your resources or suggestions here!   And always remember.... as a business owner... YOU ARE A CEO!!  Be proud of it!!! ... View more

I wanted to share my Valentines Day window with you guys on top of asking you, what events do you have planned for Valentines Day in store and/or online? I'm Doing a Self-Love Soft Weekend promoting our new cozy sets.  I thought about creating a little bag for each purchase of these sets with selfcare items and a self-love affirmation inside.    ... View more

Has anyone had any previous luck in obtaining a women based business grant?  Looking for any advice on applying for a grant.  I see there are quite a few out there and some do have a fee to apply so just looking for some direction. ... View more

January for me is not about rushing, it's about pausing and really listening.  As women in business, we've learned how to push.  This month I challenge each of you to learn how to pause with a purpose.  So, here's my question ladies:   What's one thing you're intentionally leaving behind in 2025 so you can lead more aligned, rested, and rooted this year?  It could be a habit, a belief, a boundary you're strengthening, or pressure you're releasing.   Let's start the year together, grounded, and clear!  Happy 2026!!!! ... View more