Female Entrepreneur Journey PhD: Embrace the Chaos & Thrive
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 23, 2024
- 6 min read
From Chaotic Mornings to PhD Dreams: The Heart of Femmeprenista
Ever feel like you're juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope, all while trying to look effortlessly graceful? Yeah, me too. Especially in the mornings! And pursuing my PhD while building Femmeprenista? Let's just say it adds another flaming torch to the mix. Picture this: four kids, two slightly unhinged Miniature Pinschers (one a chilled elder stateswoman, the other a furry tornado), a half-finished cup of tea that’s gone decidedly cold, and a looming deadline. Sound familiar? That’s my everyday reality. The beautiful chaos that fuels my passion & honestly, the very reason Femmeprenista exists. It’s not always easy – there are those days when the little one decides that my laptop is a drum set, or Espresso, the puppy, decides to redecorate my office with shredded tissues five minutes before a client call. But hey, that's life!
This isn't just another "about us" story. It's a raw, real glimpse into the "why" behind the strategies, the systems, the mindset shifts, & the fiercely supportive community I've poured my heart into creating. It's about the journey from those chaotic mornings to pursuing my PhD dreams, a journey I know so many of you are on, too.
See, my path to Femmeprenista wasn't a straight line. It was more like a winding country lane, with a few unexpected potholes & scenic detours along the way. From selling sweets in the playground (yes, really!) to navigating the corporate maze at Apple & Electrolux, to the intensity of my MBA at Cranfield (juggling lectures & a teething toddler – don't even ask!), every step has shaped my understanding of what it truly means to be a woman building a business in today’s world. As Cody Sanchez might say, it’s not about fame, it’s about freedom.
& let's be honest, it's not easy. Especially for us millennials. We're the generation that got handed the shiny new tech but also got saddled with stagnant wages, sky-high housing costs, & the constant pressure to "do it all," often without the traditional family support structures our parents had. I get it. I live it. I see you, mama, hustling with that one eyeliner on because you were too busy rescuing the rug from a rogue toddler art project. We’re in this together.
But here’s the thing: I’m a firm believer that even when the system feels stacked against us, we have the power to create our own opportunities. It’s about working smart, not just hard. It's about finding our voice, building unshakeable confidence, & creating a business that not only thrives but also allows us to truly live. It’s an entrepreneurial journey, not a destination. As Jim Rohn said, “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.”
The Turning Point: When an MBA Led Me Back to the Playground
The decision to pursue my MBA at Cranfield was a pivotal moment. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, & dreading the thought of returning to a corporate world that felt increasingly misaligned with my values & the life I wanted for my family. Honestly, the thought of going back felt like being a cog in the wheel. I remember vividly thinking, “This just seems ridiculous, there must be a better way.” The MBA was my attempt to find that better way, a stepping stone to a more senior role, a bigger paycheck, & maybe, just maybe, a bit more control over my time.
The irony is, the MBA didn't lead me to a better corporate job. It led me back to that little girl selling sweets in the playground, the one with the entrepreneurial spark that had been dimmed but never extinguished.
Even after graduating, the weight of it all felt crushing. I was a new mum, navigating the demands of motherhood while trying to apply all this new knowledge. One particularly difficult day, post-MBA, I found myself surrounded by textbooks, with a crying baby on my lap & a never-ending to-do list. It suddenly hit me – what if I poured all this energy and knowledge into building something of my own?
The intense, transformative experience at Cranfield, surrounded by incredibly driven people from all over the world, reawakened my entrepreneurial drive. It made me realize that even with a fancy MBA, a higher salary within someone else’s vision wouldn't necessarily equal a richer, more fulfilling life. It really solidified for me that honing my mindset was essential. For me, life is about quality, not just quantity. Isn't it for you too?
That realization was the seed of Femmeprenista. I knew I wasn't alone. I knew there were other women out there, juggling families & dreams, navigating the beautiful chaos, craving flexibility, autonomy, & the chance to make a real impact.
Beyond the Hustle: Building a Business that Flourishes
Femmeprenista isn’t about hustle culture. It’s about building a business that truly flourishes, one that’s deeply rooted in your values, your energy, & your vision for the life you want to create. It's about putting yourself higher on your own ‘to do’ list. As Michelle Obama said, "We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list."
It's about prioritizing your wellbeing – something we often forget as busy entrepreneurs, but it’s the fuel that keeps us going.
It's about setting up smart systems that work for you, leveraging technology to streamline your processes & reclaim your time – this creates flow and momentum.
And it’s about honing your mindset, overcoming those limiting beliefs, and stepping into the powerful leader you're meant to be.
Reflections informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship constantly highlight the critical role of personal responsibility in achieving entrepreneurial success. This means taking ownership of our entrepreneurial journey, even when the path is winding & the obstacles are real. It means asking ourselves, “What small, smart steps can I take today, even amidst the chaos, to move closer to my vision?” You can learn more about how we approach this here: How We Work / Business Flourish Framework
You Are Not Alone: Finding Your Tribe
One of the biggest challenges I faced on my entrepreneurial journey was the feeling of isolation. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, the only one navigating the messy middle, the only one questioning if you’re even cut out for this. Trust me, you’re not.
That’s why community is at the heart of Femmeprenista. We offer tailored support for women at every stage of their development, from the Foundation Builder taking those first tentative steps, to the Scaling Leader optimizing for growth, to the Visionary Leader crafting her legacy.
Whether you’re wrestling with tech overwhelm, refining your marketing message, or simply need a dose of encouragement from women who get it, finding your tribe is invaluable. Our Femme:Connect Community Page is a space for connection, collaboration, & celebration, a place to share wins, ask “silly” questions (trust me, there’s no such thing!), & remember that you are not alone on this entrepreneurial journey.
Taking the Next Step: Your Entrepreneurial Journey Starts Now
Building a thriving business while juggling all the other demands of life can feel like a monumental task. But I promise you, it’s possible. It starts with taking ownership, focusing on the things that truly move the needle, building a strong foundation, & surrounding yourself with a supportive community. I often think of the quote "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul," from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley. It’s a powerful reminder that we have the power within us to shape our entrepreneurial journey and destiny.
What’s one small, smart step you can take today to own your progress?
Foundation Builders: If you're just starting out, join a specific Facebook group for early-stage entrepreneurs. Look for groups that offer support, resources, and a safe space to ask questions.
Scaling Leaders: If you're ready to level up, identify one task you can automate today to reclaim some time. Look at tools like Zapier or Calendly to streamline your workflows.
Visionary Leaders: If you're looking to expand your impact, schedule a 15-minute brainstorming session to clarify your vision for the next quarter. Focus on one key area where you want to make significant progress.
Ready to build your entrepreneurial dream? If you're a Foundation Builder, book a completely free 15-minute SPARK strategy session to map out one ultra-clear, income-generating step you can execute in the next 30 days. Spark Program
This is your journey. Take the first step. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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