When I think of empowering business women, I always think of my mom who set the example of hard work and dedication for myself and my sisters by launching her own business when we were in grade school. Her business allowed us to financially enjoy extraordinary experiences growing up and the freedom to be a part of our events and activities. She demonstrated through her example that she could follow her dream of business ownership and also be an outstanding Mom.
September 22, 2023, proudly marks the annual observance of the American Business Women’s Day, shines a spotlight on the achievements, aspirations, and limitless potential of women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals nationwide.
It’s a perfect time to reflect upon the incredible strides made by women in the business arena. This day is more than just an annual event; it’s a testament to the boundless capabilities of women who’ve broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and continue to pave the way for future generations of female leaders.
I contacted a handful of women I know and asked them to share their words of wisdom, answering these three questions:
- What are the secrets to your success?
- How has your life changed since starting your business?
- What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
Grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy learning from these women. Let’s celebrate the achievements of these and all women in business.
Tana Hutchinson – Owner & President, Tana Hutchinson Franchise Search Firm
What are the secrets to your success?
Having great mentors (seek them out!), and being driven and focused. I don’t lose sight of my goals. It’s taken discipline and consistency. Show up every day.
How has your life changed since starting your business?
It’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I call the shots. I have freedom, flexibility, and opportunities many don’t have working for others. I can scale my business how I like. My results are directly correlated to my efforts. It’s very liberating. The sky is the limit!
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
When you become a business owner I think you have to have a lot of discipline. Work on personal development as hard as you work on your business. Seek out mentors that have what you want, learn from them, and implement! ‘Success leaves clues.’ The book Atomic Habits impacted me in recent years. I also recommend learning from Tony Robbins.
Jessica Bisher – President & Owner of Redbox+ of Bucks County
What are the secrets to your success?
Since starting my business, I’ve leaned heavily into my business intuition or my “second brain.” It’s right more often than not. Also, I work to separate the decision-making process from my emotions associated with the implementation of the decision. I try to make the decision then to feel the emotions of the implementation (fear, joy, worry, etc…).
How has your life changed since starting your business?
I feel like I’m more actively designing the lifestyle I want. I feel in control.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
Everyone puts their pants on just like you – one leg at a time. You have the choice to let your light and talents shine in a multitude of ways. Pick the ways that bring you happiness. What makes you special is in the decisions you make after you put your pants on.
Ann Marie Weaver – Former Elements Massage Franchisee & HR Executive
What are the secrets to your success?
Reading something positive every single day – same category as working out and eating well. “Mindset management” ; I am an avid Audible listener of both podcasts and audiobooks, often going back to listen to something more than once. Saw a LinkedIn post about a series of books that would amount to the same amount of reading that is required for an MBA program – I found that inspiring. In short, I have more energy and ambition when I continue to learn and keep an open mind to new possibilities. The bigger secret is to be vulnerable about it and unapologetic in the quest to overcome. Equally important, is choosing your network wisely and truly welcoming accountability. I was fortunate to have my husband, my father, my attorney, my CPA, and a healthy group of other experienced franchisees who supported me: “It takes a village” Prune out naysayers, cultivate visionaries.
How has your life changed since owning a business?
The lessons I learned while owning a business have ranged far and wide – oftentimes pushing me beyond my self-prescribed imitations. My overall ability to take on challenges has forever changed and my self-confidence that I could handle whatever is coming at me has equally changed. There’s a steely, calm, steadfast temperament that just comes from being at the helm; you’re responsible for your employee workforce and every aspect of the company. It’s the absolute highest accountability and it’s outrageously rewarding to lead a successful company. Even during setbacks or challenges, it is an honor to lead others and in my humble opinion, it comes down to managing your own mindset as it is always on display for your employees. Another unexpected outcome is that my daughter emulated entrepreneurial interests and has an expanded perspective on her career choices.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
Don’t discount yourself; don’t focus on your weaknesses or shortcomings as barriers – use them as fuel to become better every day. Every tough moment, serious challenge is fuel for becoming better than you were yesterday. Learn to embrace fear, embrace uncertainty and know that you are going to be the change-agent. Ultimately, don’t let fear dictate choices. Own the true source of fear which is “can I handle it?” YES and that person you become is fascinating. Understand your WHY, your purpose and hang on tight!
Carrie Lohr – Franchise Owner
What are the secrets to your success?
The main ingredient to success is to believe in yourself. Whether you think you can or can’t either way you are right. You are stronger than you think. Believe in yourself!
How has your life changed since starting your business?
Being a business owner is fulfilling but also the hardest job you will ever have. It will challenge you in ways you never imagined, you will accomplish things you never dreamed of. I have grown so much as a business owner. Patience, Teamwork, Selflessness, Flexibility, Grit, and have learned that I am unstoppable. I have learned that no task is too ginormous, overwhelming yes, but you need to tackle it one step at a time. Just like you eat an elephant one bite at a time. It is the same with business ownership.
As you grow, the business grows. The business will grow with you.
Jeff Bezos started out in his garage, he didn’t start out running a multibillion-dollar company on day one and you won’t either.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
90% of people do not accomplish their dreams because of FEAR. Fear makes excuses, fear lies, fear can be crippling, but here’s the thing. Fear is just a thought! Quit making excuses. You got this!
I have a picture of a lion in my bathroom, right next to my mirror. I look at it every morning to remind myself that I am stronger than I think, I can & will accomplish more than I ever dreamt possible. I am the Queen of my Jungle and so are you.
Amanda Delaup – Owner of CertaPro Painters of North Shore, LA
What are the secrets to your success?
I’m sure that it’s a secret necessarily but critical is finding a balance between all the hats you wear.
How has your life changed since starting your business?
Life is busier but it’s nice to be building something for the future.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
Work hard but give yourself grace. Things are always evolving and facing new challenges so take the time to learn from every experience and use that moving forward. Biggest piece of advance is to constantly be growing personally and professionally!
Kim Daly – Podcaster, Author, Thought Leader, Host of the Kim Daly YouTube channel and Franchise Consultant
What are the secrets to your success?
Big goals and focus
How has your life changed since starting your business?
Control over my time brings peace, happiness and security! I can be do and have anything I want and being a business owner has taught me that.
What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self or aspiring entrepreneur just starting out?
GO! Stop thinking and talking and do! Perfect as you go!!!!!!!
Thank you Tana, Jessica, Ann Marie, Carrie, Amanda and Kim for taking the time to share your wisdom!
This year’s American Business Women’s Day 2023 promises to inspire, empower, and motivate us all.
David Weaver is the Founder of Franchise Your Freedom and a senior consultant with FranChoice, the premier national network of franchise consultants. David helps people all over the country find the right franchise fit by sharing his personal experience and philosophy on how to select the right brand. He shares proven strategies and over a decade of experience growing franchise companies for himself with those that are doing it for the first time. You can learn more about David at FranchiseYourFreedom.
