Redefining Success: Female Entrepreneurs' Guide to True Achievement
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Mar 31
- 6 min read
The Femmeprenista Manifesto: Redefining Success on Your Own Damn Terms

Ever feel like the definition of "success" is this elusive, one-size-fits-all thing that just doesn't quite fit youyou? You know that feeling, right? Like you're constantly being measured against someone else's yardstick, especially as a mum trying to build a business? Let’s be honest, it can feel like you're the tortoise in a race full of hares. Me too, sometimes! And that’s okay – as long as you keep moving. You're not alone. This is the Femmeprenista Manifesto, and it's time to rewrite the narrative.
Let's be honest here for a sec, the traditional markers of success—corner office, six-figure salary, "boss babe" status—often leave us feeling empty, especially when they come at the expense of our families, our well-being, & our sanity. It's like trying to squeeze into a pair of designer shoes that are two sizes too small – they might look fancy, but they pinch like hell.
I've been there. Juggling four kids, a PhD, & a rapidly growing business, I've learned firsthand that "success" isn't a destination; it's an evolving definition that YOU get to write. And it definitely doesn't have to involve sacrificing everything else you value. I don’t just dig the hole I’m told to dig; I actually question, Is this the best way of doing things? Even with the Business Flourish Framework in place, I still have moments where I look at other entrepreneurs and think, “Am I doing enough? Am I moving fast enough?” It’s a constant journey, this redefining of success, isn't it?
Ditch the Hustle, Define YOUR Success
So, what if success for you isn't about a fancy title but about having the freedom to pick up your six-year-old from school without stressing about deadlines? Or maybe it's about building a business that allows you to fund that dream family holiday you've been pinning on Pinterest for years. Perhaps it's about making a real, tangible difference in the lives of your clients.
The point is, there's no right answer. Just yours. And seriously, who actually has the bandwidth for all of that unless it’s made super simple?
Remember that feeling of excitement & pride when your toddler showed you her "masterpiece" painting from nursery, even if it meant interrupting that all-important call? That’s the kind of joy & fulfillment we should be weaving into our definition of success.
My own journey is all about this redefinition. Nisbett & George, my first venture fresh out of uni after the E-Factor competition, really highlighted the unique balancing act of early motherhood & entrepreneurship. That experience taught me a lot about navigating those early years when your business partner isn't juggling the same life stage, having to make tough choices, & realizing that different seasons of life demand different priorities. Fast forward to now, juggling my PhD research & building Femmeprenista while navigating the beautiful chaos of four kids (including a toddler who thinks my laptop keyboard is a musical instrument, & a teen who is convinced she knows everything), I know for sure that “success” has to include the ability to thrive within that reality. Like Simone Biles, “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.” And I’m the first Carlene Nisbett, so I set my own rules.
Beyond the System: Taking Ownership
Yes, the system has its challenges. Millennials, in particular, have been dealt a pretty tough hand. It often feels like we're the first generation to earn less than our parents. We’re juggling insane childcare costs & stagnant wages while our parents are still working, & everything from housing to a block of cheese costs a fortune. A 2023 report from the Resolution Foundation found that typical millennial household incomes are 4% lower than Generation X at the same age, highlighting the unique financial pressures faced by our generation. It's frustrating, no doubt.
But here’s the thing: blaming the system, while sometimes valid, can also be a disempowering trap. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it? How you can work smartsmart, not just hard, to create the achievement you desire, even within the constraints? Honestly, you've got a choice: you can make a living or you can design a life. (Thanks, Jim Rohn for that truth bomb!)
My own experience, even navigating corporate environments like Apple, taught me that "hard work beats intelligence" when combined with a smart strategy. It also showed me, rather brutally at times, that taking ownership, even when things go sideways (like when I became the scapegoat for a systemic issue), is non-negotiable. You see, I don't just do what I'm told. I actually question, Is this the best way of doing things? & no matter where I'm at, like, if I see a problem, I like to solve it. It's about asking, “Okay, what can II do to make this better, to learn from this, to move forward?”
The Business Flourish Framework: Your Roadmap to Holistic Success
At Femmeprenista, we've developed a framework for building a business that doesn’t just survive, but truly flourishes, alongside your whole life. It's designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly those still building the foundations of their business. Let's explore the key elements:
Mindset: Cultivating mental resilience & overcoming limiting beliefs. This is about mastering your inner game, identifying & overcoming those pesky limiting beliefs that whisper “you’re not good enough” or “you can’t do it all.”
Branding: Creating a magnetic brand presence that attracts your ideal clients. It's about confidently sharing your unique message & building authentic connections.
Systems: Streamlining workflows to reclaim your time & energy. Think AI-powered automation, efficient processes, & the sheer joy of a well-oiled machine that frees you up to focus on what you love. When I first tried to implement efficient systems in my own business, I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of AI tools available. It felt like trying to drink from a firehose! It was only when I took a deep breath, broke it down, & focused on automating one small task at a time (like scheduling social media posts) that I started to see the magic happen & reclaim some precious time.
Wellbeing: Prioritizing self-care & preventing burnout. This isn’t just bubble baths & green smoothies (though those are nice too!); it’s about building sustainable habits that support your mental & physical energy so you can thrive, not just survive.
AI Integration: Strategically incorporating AI to enhance all areas. This is about working smarter, not harder, leveraging the power of AI to automate, gain insights, & create a business that scales effortlessly.
This framework isn't about adding more to your already overflowing plate; it's about integrating everything you're already juggling into a more streamlined, sustainable, & truly fulfilling whole.
Your Next Step: Reclaiming YourYour Definition of Achievement
This Manifesto isn’t just a declaration; it’s an invitation. An invitation to reclaim your definition of achievement, to rewrite your own narrative, and to build a business that reflects your unique vision & values.
Follow this simple 3-step checklist to get started right now:
Define Your Non-Negotiables: Write down three things that truly define achievement for youyou. Is it time freedom? Financial security? Making a difference? Be specific.
Identify Your "Why": Why are these three things so important? How will achieving them change your life & the lives of those you love?
Take ONE Action: Choose one small, concrete action you can take todaytoday to move closer to one of your non-negotiables. Schedule it in your calendar.
Ready to take that step with support & guidance? Join Femme:Connect Today & get access to exclusive resources, masterclasses, & a supportive network of women entrepreneurs who getget it.

Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
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!
Comments