Wellness has bloomed into a $3.7 trillion industry, inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs. WeWork and Girlboss (which recently released its own self-care checklist) recently teamed up to bring together a panel of female founders working in the wellness space at a January 24 event at New York City’s WeWork Bryant Park.
The panel explored how entrepreneurs can be their best selves, whether they’re just getting started or looking to expand.
1. You don’t need to know everything
Sarah Larson, founder of Y7 yoga studio:
My husband and I started Y7 as a pop-up. We both had full-time careers up until a few years ago. There was a lot of nervousness in me about leaving my job because I thought I didn’t know enough. I wish someone had told me, “It’s cool, you don’t need to know every little detail.” You can do this, you don’t need a business school degree. It’s believing in it and getting close to your client.
2. It’s OK to feel lost—just ask for help
Cyndi Ramirez, founder of Chillhouse:
I felt very lost, and still feel very lost. All these different hires I have to make soon are scary. Lean toward your network and reach out to someone who’s been in your shoes in the past. I realized the power in asking for help more.
3. Seek out mentors tactfully
Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow:
Many of us get hundreds of contacts from people (looking for help and guidance). Put the effort in. Spell our name right, spell our business right. Show up to our events with smart questions, don’t ask for coffee. None of us have the time to have tea with everyone. You’re not the only one, so how do you make it that you’re the only one we reach back out to? Think about what you can offer.
Then, if people do invest in you, they want to see you shine. If you fall off the face of the earth because you got the advice you wanted, that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the career.
4. Follow the ‘champagne moments’
Dr. Emily Kiberd, founder of Urban Wellness Clinic:
As a business owner, I really had to learn how to fight mediocrity. If it’s not a “Hell, yes!” that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning, it’s a “No.” That person you interviewed, a potential project, a business partner, (will they lead you to) a champagne moment? Trying to beat mediocrity out of myself was a tough lesson I had to learn over the last 10 years.
I suffer from paralysis by analysis. (To fight this,) I write my down how I want my day to feel. I text it to my best friend to keep me accountable. It gets me out of my head and helps me show up as my best self.
