Young Female Entrepreneurs

Young Female Entrepreneurs Chat 1 Year Anniversary

Jenn — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:41:37 +0000

Young Female Entrepreneurs hosted #YFEchat on Twitter yesterday, one month away from the year anniversary of our 140 character, hour long get together. Thank you to the ladies who just popped in to say hi, were there for a bit, and especially to those who were full on participation. Give them a shout out and a follow by clicking over to their profiles.

@TheStoryXchange
@NailahBlades
@NeLaniBeauty
@_ChelleShock
@ssjaime
@WELLinLA
@Mustlovepopcorn
@alyssaLvan
@DonnaQueza
@BodyWiseEmily
@HerCareerAdvice
@ZweetTweets
@tiffsilverberg
@nakiareighbiz
@elembeeEtc
@jennydibble
@GreenGrrlz
@ReneeFagras
@torimolnar
@Balanced_Life_
@margotenenbaum
@fortheglow
@SachkiaBarnes
@BronzdBrilliant

To read the full transcript check out the Twitter search for #YFEchat.

Missed this chat, but for sure want to make the next? Check out the #YFEchat Schedule: they happen every other week alternating from a Tuesday evening at 6pm PST/9pm EST to Thursday morning mid-afternoon at 11am PST/2pm EST. The next chat will be on Tuesday, March 6th and it’s a mixer style chat where the goal is to just get to know our peers. The second chat of March is a big one– it’s the year anniversary of #YFEchat and the topic is on help. Go to the schedule page to add the dates to your calendar and tweet out your RSVP!

With it being the 1 YEAR Anniversary of #YFEchat on the Thursday, March 22nd chat YFE is looking to up our game a bit and do some giveaways during the chat. If you are interested in having your product or service featured on the YFE Blog and in the Twitter chat by donating it to be giveaway at the anniversary chat, please contact YFE with some information on your company and your proposed giveaway.

Still not sure what a Twitter Chat is? You can find out more here, or if Twitter is just not your thing, hold out for our YFE Video Profile Series that happens every Thursday night starting March 1st at 6pm PST/9pm EST on Facebook! We will do a chat and take live Skype calls as we debut a different profile each week.

IMG SRC Pink Sherbert Photography

Introducing the Live Video Format of YFE Profiles

Jenn — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:08:35 +0000

The Young Female Entrepreneurs Video Profile Series is debuting LIVE Thursday, March 1st at 6pm PST/9pm EST. The profiles have been prerecorded and will air live on the YFE Facebook Page. Each week for eight weeks you will have the ability to connect with your peers over chat and learn from each other with the profile used to guide conversation. During the live recording, we’ll take Skype calls from viewers and will have the profiled YFE on as a guest to give us an update on their progress.

YFE Profiles began over the summer of 2011 featuring women in their 20s/30s in different stages of their business. It was an interview format over the blog that included images of the business owner(s) in action. The Profiles are meant to help women put their future hopes, current frustrations, and questions in regards to entrepreneurship into context. They answer “what does it look and feel like to own a business as a young woman.” Watch the video below to get a quick overview of the new format:

The first featured profile going LIVE is with Nailah Blades of Polka Dot Coaching who is also producing an incredible event out in the Los Angeles area on March 25th called Fierce Leadership Summit 2012. We’ll have a teaser of her profile up next week, but in the meantime get to know her on Twitter and Facebook. After Nailah you’ll have seven more weeks of awesome profiles from women who are in the “startup” stages of their businesses. After that we’ll move into those who have been in business five-plus years and end our series on women who are in a different stage of their lives and who have owned a business for over ten years.

–> Add the March 1st live stream to your calendar –> Share it with others! Click to Tweet.

Growth: Our Topic for Thursday’s Twitter Chat

Jenn — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:26 +0000

This year I am focused on growth within my own business and who I am as a person. Thankfully, Thursday’s #YFEchat on Twitter (at 11am PST/2pm EST– add it to your calendar) is focused on just that; growth. We will be tweeting around the topic of how to grow our businesses into that “next level” of success, sharing…

tips on how to get creative with money, marketing, and operations
what has worked for those involved at different points in their business
goals and intentions
resources of places we can all go to for advice, help, and of course… money.

In getting prepped for Thursday’s #YFEchat YFE wants to know… What has been your biggest obstacle to growth? Please share by commenting below.

Img Courtesy D Sharon Pruitt

The Balanced Entrepreneur

WELL in L.A. — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:03:20 +0000

Good morning, entrepreneur! Time to put on your slippers, robe and kick up your feet while you watch daytime television, right? Hardly. Most of us find the opposite to be true. Waking up and working all day and through the night with little time for ourselves or a break. With limitless options in front of you, it’s even more important to take control of your time and structure your day. Being a stress-mess at the end of the week with no time with loved ones or friends is not the life you’ve set out to create for yourself. Personal experience has taught me a few things about self-care and how to start the day as an entrepreneur.

Your health is your most important possession

As Jenn stated in an earlier post, “…good health is something we value to keep it top of mind everyday”. Poor sleep, eating a less-than-stellar diet or skipping out on your workouts can drain your energy reserves. When you feel energized, you’re more productive, thinking clearly and motivated to do all you have to do in day. Create reminders to get up, stretch or take a mid-day break on your calendar or find an app that keeps you on track with your health and wellness. Take care of your body and mind by creating time in your day for essential self-care practices.

Begin the day with an activity you love

Part of being an entrepreneur is the joy of creating life on your own terms. Starting the day by checking your email within 30 seconds of waking (okay, 5 minutes might be a little more realistic) creates a tone for the day of “work, work, work”. Yes, work is important, but you could also spend the first hour of the day engaging in writing, painting, going for a walk, cooking a breakfast, sipping on tea, meditating or any other activities that don’t put you online and in work mode within moments of waking. Ease your way into your day and create and agenda that reflects a healthy balance.

Prioritize your tasks

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often we open our email and become sidetracked. Hours later, we wonder where the day went. Guilty as charged here! I’ve had to learn to ignore my inbox, opening it at intervals throughout the day instead being vigilant and immediately responding to incoming emails. We need at least 15 minutes find a focused zone when working on a project. Responding to emails, checking Facebook or Twitter take you out of your zone. End or start your day by creating a list of the high-priority items and tackle those first. If you need tools to help you stay focused, this is a great round up of tools to keep you attuned to and focused on your priorities.

Stop multitasking – immediately

When you worked in the corporate or office environment, multitasking was a valued trait. You know – the employee that can take calls, send emails, finish tomorrow’s report and sip away from their coffee cup simultaneously. Unlearning all those behaviors when you have your own business will benefit you. Renowned strategic advisor Peter Bregman says multitasking creates the illusion of productivity. “It’s very easy to multitask and jump from one thing to another without completing anything – that leaves us busy all day but unaccomplished.” He recommends finishing one thing at a time, giving the appropriate attention to detail and taking breaks as needed until a project is completed.

These are just a sampling of ways to find balance and a sense of achievement in your day as an entrepreneur. I’d love to hear from each of you. What are your tips and strategies for managing time, priorities and balancing work and life?

Erin Haslag, board-certified wellness coach and lifestyle consultant, can be found at WELL in L.A. where she shares simple, integrated ways to add more WELLness to your day. Follow along on Twitter @WELLinLA.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl Kathy Ireland now a Forbes Cover Mogul

Jenn — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:00:14 +0000

Former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model and role model to many young, female entrepreneurs, Kathy Ireland is gracing the cover of Forbes Magazine this month as an entrepreneur. Watch the video below to hear how she was able to grow her Kathy Ireland Worldwide empire and who she looks up to in business.

Beginning her career as supermodel, famous for her Sports Illustrated Swim Suit covers, Forbes asks if a woman who has been objectified in the media is still able to take her brand legacy and turn it into something that has longevity. Find out what kind of a business woman Kathy Ireland is and what her thoughts are on if beauty can hinder a career.

Fast forward to today, Kate Upton (2012 Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Cover) on the Today Show mentioned that she aspires to be Kathy Ireland and land on the cover of Forbes Magazine. Watch this video via Forbes to hear a YFE favorite, Forbes writer Meghan Casserly talk about how this nineteen-year-old could reach upper six figure status as an entrepreneur.

Kathy Ireland is a role model for young, female entrepreneurs in remaining focused and driven even while faced with rejection after rejection. The piece of advice she gives Upton is to “take the time to consider the big picture and what she wants to do so that she is making things happen, not just reacting to what is happening around her.” Advice for any YFE regardless of supermodel status or not. Read the entire story on Forbes.com.

President Obama Speaks on Consolidating Government Departments to Encourage Business

Jenn — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:41:37 +0000

President Obama spoke last week on the work his Administration is doing to consolidate the six major federal departments and agencies that focus on business or trade into one to better serve American business owners.

In the speech above he is “calling on congress to reinstate the authority that past presidents have had to streamline and reform the executive branch.” The last time a President was given authority to do this was in 1984. He explains that when you talk to small business owners today they say “To deal with government on a regular basis is not always the highlight of their day.”

When running for office he pledged to make our government “leaner, smarter, and more consumer friendly” stating that “we live in a 21st century economy but we still have a government organized for a 20th century economy.”

He then goes on to outline the changes he will make if Congress gives him the power to streamline the Government with the goal to be specifically streamlining business and trade with one department, one website, one hotline, and one mission.

Currently, the “system is a maze” explains President Obama.

There is a number of websites and customer service numbers that all offering different forms of assistance for the small business owner. Small business owners want to concentrate on the doing and the government wants to make it easy for them. President Obama’s answer for this is:

1 Department: BusinessUSA
1 Website and Hotline

That will take them from the day they have an idea, create the product, and are ready to export. He argues that will will save tax payer dollars while helping American businesses grow, which will in turn help our economy.

The first thing President Obama is doing is to elevate SBA to a cabinet level agency starting today. Karen Mills is going to make sure SBA has a seat at the table at cabinet meetings. Following that, the new Business USA website will be unveiled in the next few weeks that is a one stop shop for business owners. He will keep going with or without the support from Congress, but emphasizes it will be easier with their support. Find more at whitehouse.gov.

Young Female Entrepreneurs wants to know…
Will this help grow your business in 2012?
What questions do you still have after watching this video?

Sh*t Young Entrepreneurs Say?

Jenn — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:43:50 +0000

By now the majority of you have seen the series “Sh*t Girls Say” where Creator, Write, Director and Cast Member, Graydon Sheppard dresses as a “girl” and makes comments like “so good, right?” or “I’m just kinda like haaa…” There is a corresponding Twitter feed that tweets little gems like “I mean, she’s pretty, but that’s about all she has going for her.”

The popularity of these videos have paved the way for a number of spinoffs, notably LuluLemon’s “Sh*t Yogis Say” and the Wedding Channel’s “Sh*t Brides Say” where they explain “Brides say some funny sh*t and at WeddingChannel.com, we couldn’t love them more.”

While most people get a kick out of the videos others see them as sexist and inappropriate (see Why the “Shit Girls Say” Meme is Sexist, Racist and Should End). What are your thoughts on the videos? Funny? Embarrassing? Crossing the line?

Why keep the spinoffs focused solely on women? If you have ever been to a young entrepreneur networking event you will agree with me that there is plenty of room for parody among the twenty something entrepreneur crowd in what we say at times too… male or female.

Your New Year’s Resolutions

Jenn — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:49:24 +0000

As young, female entrepreneurs many of us have industry, business, and fashion magazines piled up on our bed stands. Our interests vary as do our lifestyles. However, one thing is for certain, there is something exciting about starting a new year. As you look back on your 2011 and make big plans for 2012, get some help from your peers. Here are products and services created by young, female entrepreneurs for YFEs that will help get your 2012 off on the right foot.

Get Fit and Healthy

At my company we purposely point out that good health is something we value to keep it top of mind everyday. Sick, tired, and grumpy people is not what a good company is made of. Are you committing to prioritize your health in the new year as an entrepreneur? Here are a few items that will give you some extra motivation to hit the gym, ditch the coffee, and reach for the h2o.

Get support

Last year after having my son, I really needed a boost of energy to keep up with being a new mom while building a business. I decided to commit to fellow young entrepreneur, Jennifer Jordan’s Resolution Challenge and was amazed at how much I had really been neglecting my health in the process.

If you are like me and just need a reminder and a plan to get you going again, this is a great recipe for change. With the Challenge you are essentially outsourcing your planning to For the Glow who provides you with meal and workout plans with the knowledge behind it so that you can make healthy, educated decisions post Challenge. Jennifer is generously giving YFEs a two for one special too! Once you receive the orientation packet, respond letting her know that you’re a YFE & provide your pal’s email address and name. She will then email the friend all the details. Grab you business parter, VA, or best Facebook friend and have fun getting fit and healthy together.

Get the equipment

If yoga, pilates, and running are already staples in your day, check out Zweet Sport for workout clothes that will spice up your daily routine. Marja and Kimberly founded Zweet Sport from their shared passion for fitness and fashion. The company produces “high end active wear” that looks and feels good.

“Our top sellers are the light weight Jaco shorts (loved by hot yogi’s and pole fitness ladies) and our Brasilia & Ezieza tops” explains Co-founder and Managing Director, Marja Toan. “We’re working on our Spring/Summer line which will debut in Feb/March. We’re incorporating a tank, another Capri pant & restocking all current styles with new color combos and prints.”

YFE’s most recent profile is on one of Youtube’s Next Trainers, Amanda Russell. You can subscribe to her videos to round out your focus on staying healthy while keeping busy here. Another Youtube Next Trainer is Cassey Ho who created POP Pilates and oGorgeous yoga bags. Check out her line of gym and yoga bags to help you stay organized and ready to get your sweat on.

Take Action on your Ventures

Having compelling goals in both your personal and work life that excite you are one thing, but having the confidence and know-how to get them started is another.

Get clear and gain confidence

Molly Majar recorded an amazing Young Female Entrepreneurs Podcast episode for us on the topic of getting past our fears to get stuff done. She has a new program called, “Create Your Magical Year” that is aimed at helping us quarter lifers get our vision out on paper. The program is affordable and includes a digital download of “3 training calls, 20 art-filled worksheets, and 7 inspirational interviews from women you admire.” Molly added two bonuses to the download that include a process for creating “your theme for the year” and a “reading of Shakti Gawain’s Clearing Blocks visualization.” Check out Molly’s program.

If you are a fan of Napolean Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” you will want to check out Natalie MacNeil’s 21 Day New Year Challenge. Natalie is using MightyBell.com as the platform for walking participants through Napolean Hill’s book and recorded videos that have recently been made public. “Mightybell enables people – like Natalie MacNeil – to quickly and easily create new ”experiences” as a short series of step-by-step, day-by-day ‘actions’ you can do.” Join the Challenge here.

Get help

While it’s not packaged in a bow, colorful, or sexy in any way, the SBA provides programs and resources across the country for budding and growing entrepreneurs. If you haven’t given your local office a ring in the last year, make an appointment to do so in the next week. Here are a few links for you to keep in mind: NWBOC: The Nationals First WBE Certifier, SCORE Mentoring, National Women’s Business Council: Advisors to the President, Congress, and the SBA

Celebrate and Enjoy Life

Yes, New Years Eve is on Saturday and time is winding down to grab your perfect party dress. However, why let the celebrating stop on Saturday night? As a young, female entrepreneur you will have a number of occasions to celebrate throughout the year. Be prepared with the right dress when the time to unplug, shower, and head outside comes around.

Dress to Impress Celebrate

One company I’ve followed for the past few months that is helping this cause is Jolie & Elizabeth. Sara Elizabeth and Jolie, two New Orleans fashion designers are often in the press for being among a select group of young entrepreneurs who are revitalizing the city’s economy. Their dresses stay “true to timeless southern style” Co-founder, Jolie recommends the Revanche dress- “We offer it in a pink/ grey colorway and a mint/grey colorway. It’s normally priced at $242 but we’ve marked it down to $120, for the next week, until New Years. The name, Revanche- is french for Revenge, a good heartbreak dress!”

Moving westward, a hot name in the Seattle scene is VueSociety. Founder Rachel Kim explains that the online shop’s focus is on “the extra curricular activities that happen outside of the working environment.” She specializes in high end one pieces and dresses serving women that “knows what she wants. She dresses conservatively and is labeled a trendsetter.” In for some sparkle? Then check out Vue Society’s Olive Green Sequin Dress from Blaque Label. If you are less of a dress girl, then take a peak at the Again Apparel Flaunt TRUX Skirt made of embossed pleather with stitching detail. Rachel is offering YFEs a promo code to use for the New Year: NYE2012. Receive $20 off the entire order along with free shipping to all WA state orders (plus, 5% of every purchase is donated to WWIN!).

2012 will be a break out year for many young, female entrepreneurs. By minding our health, our businesses, and remembering to still have fun outside of work we can all expect great things from one another. Many thanks to the young, female entrepreneurs featured in this piece who offered generous discounts. If you or a young, female entrepreneur you know of has a great product or service that would benefit YFEs in prepping for the new year, please share in the comments below!

Role Models for the Young Female Entrepreneur

Jenn — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:45:30 +0000

In the quest to find women entrepreneur role models who have been in business longer than five years and are forty and older, YFE wants to know what women entrepreneurs you look up to and why? Comment with her name, where you first heard of her, and why you look up to her in business.

Some examples could be… a woman that is in your industry, who is local to where you live, or who you have seen in magazines or on television.

Thank you for sharing!

The women pictured above (While some are incredibly well known, others you may not of heard of. Be sure to do a search for their name to learn more about their journey to success).

- Theresa Daytner, Daytner Construction Group
- Traci Des Jardins, Chef and Restaurateur (IMG Src 2010frankenyimages.com)
- Oprah Winfrey, Harpo
- Barbara Corcoran
- Eileen Gittins, Blurb
- Coco Chanel, Chanel

Driven: Profile on Fitness Personality, Amanda Russell

Jenn — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:52:15 +0000

Amanda Russell is a Youtube Partner and Next Trainer that overcame a career changing injury and is on the path to becoming America’s next Oprah of the fitness world. Her story is inspiring and reminds us all that there is always a way to achieve our goals. The path to success might not always be as clear and straight as we like, but Amanda reminds us that you will get there if you want it.

I’m excited to share Amanda’s story and advice with you on the Young Female Entrepreneurs Podcast that is available on iTunes. Over the summer I featured guests that spoke on topics meant to encourage entrepreneurial young women for the Motivated Monday series. There is a great episode from Ronnie Cho, the White House liason to young Americans on what “winning the future” means to him and another from Molly Mahar, the founder of Stratejoy who shares three ways to overcome your fears and take action. Amanda’s profile marks the start of the YFE Profiles series that will be published periodically to the channel. Please subscribe and rate the Podcast on iTunes.

YFE asked Amanda what her vision for Amanda Russell Workouts is and if this doesn’t motivate you to think big, I don’t know what will. After listening to her Profile YFE thinks she will do it…

“I have a huge vision, I actually just answered this question for a Forbes interview. Here is what I want for the future:

It is my goal to make my channel the ‘go-to’ fitness channel on Youtube and lead people to my website where I hope to help bring a new audience to online fitness! My site will host everything from full-length workout shows, to shorter clips addressing specific exercises, problem areas, and training philosophies. In addition, I will have other shows, such as my weekly talk-show which showcases everything from current trends and hot topics in the fitness and health world to my secret tips, tricks and cheats.

I believe interaction is key, and I want viewers to feel like they can give feedback, ask questions and be part of a supportive community. It is my goal to make my channel the ‘Oprah’ of the fitness world, and help people go from ordering DVD’s and searching online to simply logging on to my channel and finding everything they need.

I do intend to do a line of DVD’s, a book series, sell on QVC, host macro-level events, package The AR Diet and Fitness PRogram in a way that everyone who visits my site can make a purchase.”

“I’d also like to do a TV show, but right now I think online television is the future and growing my channel is my priority. However, if I were to do TV, I’d like to do a real-time show with average people, with busy lives who want to lose between 10-20lbs (like the majority of our population. The key here is to implement fitness into someone’s normal chaotic life versus taking them out of their life just to get in shape – that’s not realistic, and many people can’t relate and/or apply it to themselves.”

Listen to the Podcast here to hear why she is making her mark on the world as a trainer and business woman and what you can learn from her entrepreneurial journey.

Subscribe to Amanda’s Youtube Channel at youtube.com/amandarussell; you won’t be sorry! You can also find Amanda online at amanda-russell.com.