Last month, I sat around a packed table with 15 passionate and inspiring women to chat about how we manage self care as small business owners. Some of us are low key magicians, some of us are working to strike a balance, and some of us are just getting started. Self care, for anyone, begins with confidence. Through building confidence in your own assets, you can learn to better incorporate and practice active self care. In this workshop, women of various industries and interests explored their limitations to practicing self care, which were often attributed to fears. I love to structure my workshops in two parts: the first is largely geared towards introspective thought and anecdotal sharing. The latter is focused on active strategy and implementation thereof. We opened the second half of the class with an activity to throw away our own negative self talk – the untrue things we tell ourselves that inhibit our success. Silly yet expressive, it is always cathartic to see women acknowledge how we stand in our own way at times and then work towards removing personal barriers.
One of my favorite parts of this workshop was hearing women voice fears, and other participants at the table validating their feelings and then working toward meaningful actions to alleviate them. Some of the fears expressed involved limited resources, competition, and simply not being “good enough.” I’m so proud of everyone who sat at this table and shared their stories because seeking community is one of the most essential steps to overcoming some of those concerns. As female business owners, these women have accepted the risks of entrepreneurship, and have assumed the vulnerability needed to offer an authentic, professional business. Whether we offer a good or service, they understand that sacrifices are often required, but that our biggest allies are our own strengths and our relationships. It is so heartwarming to see a collection of women that truly embodies the sentiment of “community over competition” and that is ready to foster relationships outside of the safe space of the workshop.
The women in this workshop discussed various titles they hold, how those titles impact their lives, and how they view themselves. One of the most striking observations I found was in how frequently a business owner defined herself by a title placed upon her or based on someone else’s needs. For example, presenting oneself as a mother or spouse before sharing a personal trait. We discussed from where we seek validation and the manners in which we can find it internally before searching outward. Self care lies in the gap, in the balance of what we want and what we need as humans first, business owners second. My hope is that some of these conversations and practices will become second nature for attendees, so that these women will go out and continue making beautiful, meaningful contributions through their crafts. I know I’m far from the only teacher leading confidence workshops in my community, let alone throughout the world, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect and share with women ready to love and support one another.
The workshop participants had the following to say of their experiences. I loved…
“the networking and connecting with other women professionals.”
“evaluating my needs.”
“the discussions. I loved that this felt like a safe, open space for discussion to talk about concerns, fears, and ways to improve.”
“all of it! I loved meeting all these lovely people and talking to all of the women who offer so much.”
“the solidarity, atmosphere, and wine! :)”
Ready to join us for the next conversation? On Wednesday, February 28th, we’ll be chatting all about maintaining creative and profitable side hustles. We’ll discuss industry nonspecific traits and needs of small business owners. We will also generate a business plan for your side hustle in 2018! You will meet other local professionals, business owners, and creatives full of passion and powerful stories. Early bird registration – AKA $10 off a ticket – ends Wednesday!
RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE
