Stealth Snacks for Female Entrepreneurs: Fuel Your Hustle
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
The Stealth Snack: A Humorous Ode to the Fuel Every Female Entrepreneur Needs
Right, let's be honest, ladies. How many times have you crammed a biscuit in your mouth while simultaneously answering an email & trying to stop the toddler from drawing on the wall with what appears to be…is that lipstick? Or maybe you've perfected the art of the one-handed sandwich while navigating a Google Meet, praying the camera angle doesn't reveal the crumbs cascading down your keyboard (just me?). If you're a Foundation Builder feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things vying for your attention, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
If this sounds remotely familiar, congratulations! You've officially mastered the Stealth Snack. It's the unsung hero of the busy female entrepreneur, the tiny act of rebellion against a schedule that’s bursting at the seams. It's the chocolate digestive devoured in the pantry while hiding from the chaos, the handful of almonds snatched between client calls, the strategically placed protein bar within reach during those never-ending school runs. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get through those 12-13 weeks of school holidays without losing my mind (or my business momentum)!
See, I get it. The struggle is real. I'm right there with you, juggling four kids, my PhD, my husband (who I swear lives on caffeine & sheer willpower), two miniature pinchers who seem to think our house is a giant bouncy castle, & oh yeah, running a business. It’s the beautiful chaos of life as a female entrepreneur, & the Stealth Snack is our secret weapon. One minute, I'm trying to decipher my toddler daughter’s attempts to explain why she’s covered in paint (again!), the next I'm inhaling a Stealth Snack of leftover pasta before hopping onto a client call (because who has time for a "proper" lunch, right?).
Why the Stealth Snack is More Than Just a Funny Story
Now, before you dismiss this as just another relatable female entrepreneur anecdote, let’s talk about why this matters. It’s not just about the humour (though let’s face it, the image of me trying to discreetly wipe chocolate off my chin during a webinar is pretty hilarious). The Stealth Snack speaks volumes about our relationship with time, with self-care, & with that ever-elusive work-life integration we're all striving for. I used to feel a twinge of shame about these moments, like I wasn't "professional" enough. But now, I see them as a testament to the real-life juggle we all face. Reflections informed by my ongoing PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship often show me that these are the kinds of challenges we must normalize and address if we are to build successful, sustainable businesses that work within, not against, our lives.
Think about it. When you're grabbing that quick bite, what you're actually doing is reclaiming a moment for yourself. It’s a tiny act of self-preservation, a whisper of "I matter" amidst the whirlwind. It’s about recognizing that even superheroes need to refuel. & trust me, as someone who once attempted to give a keynote presentation on launching a successful business while simultaneously recovering from my fourth c-section, I know a thing or two about the importance of finding those stolen moments for sustenance. I thought, "Okay, this is definitely not the ideal scenario for a keynote, but let’s do this." And you know what? It worked! The audience connected with the realness, the raw energy of just getting it done, messy middle and all. That’s the power of owning our journey, embracing the chaos, and just showing up as our full selves.
Turning Stealth Snacks into Strategic Fuel
So, how do we elevate the Stealth Snack from a desperate act of survival to a strategic part of our day? How do we ensure those snatched moments actually contribute to our well-being & give us the sustained energy we need to conquer our to-do lists (& the world)? Honestly, I still struggle to prep snacks some weeks & end up reaching for the biscuits anyway. But I find that even a little planning makes a difference.
Here’s the key: it’s about being prepared. Just like a successful launch requires a solid strategy, so does your snack game.
The Power Prep: Don't wait until you're hangry & reaching for the nearest sugary fix. Prepare your Stealth Snacks in advance. Think of it as preemptive self-care. Chop up some veggies, portion out nuts & seeds, hard-boil some eggs, or grab a few protein bars. Have them ready to grab & go when the chaos hits (because it will).
The Hydration Station: Water, my friends. It's the ultimate fuel. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Seriously. Even when you're just dashing to the post office, that bottle is your hydration lifeline.
The Mindful Munch: Even a Stealth Snack can be a moment of mindfulness. When you're enjoying that handful of trail mix, take a deep breath, savor the flavours, & give yourself a mental high-five for prioritizing your well-being, even in the smallest of ways.
The Desk Drawer Stash: My secret weapon? A strategically stocked drawer in my desk (& in the car) filled with healthy, non-perishable Stealth Snacks. It's my emergency kit for those moments when the hunger pangs hit & there's simply no time for a proper break.
The Guilt-Free Grab: This is important. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT feel guilty about taking a few moments for yourself. You deserve it. Your well-being is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. A well-fueled you is a more focused, productive, & frankly, happier you. As Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows."
From Stealth Snack to Sustainable Success
Remember, my loves, even the smallest actions, like taking a few minutes to nourish yourself, are acts of personal responsibility. They are investments in your energy, your focus, & your ability to show up as the powerful entrepreneur you are. As Jim Rohn says, "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." It’s not just about surviving the day; it’s about thriving, building a sustainable business & life that supports you. Prioritizing your well-being through mindful snacking and hydration isn't just a "nice-to-have"; it's a strategic move for sustainable success.
Your 3-Step Action Plan for Strategic Snacking:
Plan Ahead: Spend 15 minutes on Sunday prepping a few grab-and-go Stealth Snacks. Trust me, future you will thank you!
Hydrate Consistently: Keep a water bottle by your side & aim to refill it at least three times during the workday. This simple habit can dramatically boost your energy and focus.
Embrace the Micro-Moment: When you enjoy your Stealth Snack, take a deep breath & savor the moment. It’s a small act of self-care that can make a big difference.
Ready to take control of your business & your well-being? Want to learn how to integrate these principles & create a business that truly flourishes? Join our Spark Program for support, inspiration, and strategies to launch your business with confidence. It's tailored for Foundation Builders and designed to help you build a strong groundwork for your business success.
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!
Comments