I had the pleasure and honor of attending In the Company of Women, A celebration of women entrepreneurs. The Women’s Business Center at ECDI puts on this event every year. The award recipients and spotlight members were some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever seen. The lessons they shared are valuable for all of us.
Consider the two women who founded The Village of Healing. Dana and Tenisha realized a huge need for a women’s health center dedicated to Black women in Cuyahoga County. So they set out to create one and are in the process of opening a second location. Their message? “We have everything we need within the Black community to provide health services to our women.” We have everything we need within our community.
They decided not to wait for the government or community leaders to step up. Instead, they harnessed the resources within their community and solved a huge problem. This is a reminder that when you see an opportunity, don’t wait for someone else to take it on.
How about the family that launched Skin District Store, an all-natural customizable self-care line operated by kids? That’s right, three siblings Raveah, Riley, and Myah, are all under the age of 12. Riley shares that she was in the car with her mom and said that she wanted McDonald’s. Her mom told her she’d have to earn the money to afford it so Riley jumped on that idea. With her siblings and her mom, the family created their handmade, chemical-free products.
Then there’s Teleange Thomas, Chief Operating and Relationship Officer at JumpStart and the recipient of Woman of the Year. As she was giving her acceptance speech, she shared about what motivates and drives her. She shared, “I don’t think I am special, but I am purposed.” I am purposed. Such a great way of looking at our value. You too are purposed. Each of us has something to contribute to the greater good.
We have all we need to have an impact and leave a legacy. As we flow through our days, we should take time to consider how we are showing up, whom we are surrounding ourselves with, and how satisfied we are. Let’s own our accomplishments, no matter how small. Let’s challenge ourselves to make a difference, no matter how small. Let’s commit to holding ourselves accountable to progress, no matter how small.
Lastly, let’s ask ourselves who we need to add, or subtract, from our personal and professional communities. Are there initiatives we need to focus on and others we need to let go? Are we taking time for self-care and self-reflection? These are the keys to happiness and success. And, we have everything we need to realize both.
