Success for Female Entrepreneurs: Redefine Your Flourishing Life
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Nov 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Redefining Success: What Does It Truly Mean to Flourish as a Femmeprenista?
Ever catch yourself scrolling through Instagram, bombarded by picture-perfect "success" stories that leave you feeling… inadequate? Like you're somehow falling short because your reality isn't a constant stream of champagne wishes & caviar dreams? Me too, sister. There was a time when I'd see those perfectly curated feeds and think, "Wow, I'm failing." Literally. I remember one evening, after a particularly chaotic day of juggling client calls, school pick-ups, and a toddler who decided the dog's water bowl was a new swimming pool, I stumbled across this influencer's post about her "effortless six-figure launch" while lounging by the pool. I was covered in dog slobber & self-doubt, wondering what I was doing wrong. But you know what? I'm here to tell you that real success, the kind that truly nourishes us, is so much more than the filtered highlight reel. I'm excited to share my own journey and insights into what it truly means to flourish as a Femmeprenista.
Beyond the Bottom Line: A Holistic View of Success
My journey through the corporate world, starting a family (four amazing kids, two Miniature Pinschers – Cappuccino & Espresso – who add their own special brand of chaos to the mix!), and then building Femmeprenista has taught me this: true success isn't a destination, it's a feeling. It's the harmony of your actions & values, the integration of all the beautiful, messy parts of your life – the school runs, the toddler tantrums, the late-night study sessions (PhD life!). My ongoing research into Black female entrepreneurship constantly reinforces this: women are craving a deeper, more holistic definition of success. A common theme emerging from my research is the desire for work that aligns with personal values and allows for a rich family life.
So, what truly lights you up?
Is it the freedom to create your own schedule, so you can actually be there for those school plays or those last-minute "Mum, I need help with this project now!" moments?
The deep satisfaction of building something meaningful, something that makes a real difference?
The pure joy of spending quality time with your loved ones without that nagging guilt of an overflowing inbox?
The quiet pride of building a legacy, not just for yourself, but for your children?
For me, a "rich life" encompasses so much more than a fat bank account (though, financial security is definitely part of the equation!). It's about:
Having the freedom and resources to create unforgettable memories with my family, spontaneous trips, celebrating milestones in style.
Investing in my children's future, knowing I'm creating opportunities for them.
The simple pleasure of having time for myself, time to pursue my passions (hello, fabulous shoes and my ever-growing plant collection!).
Giving back to my community and making a real difference in the world.
This expansive vision is what drives so many of the ambitious women I coach at Femmeprenista. They're tired of being undervalued, being just another cog in the corporate machine. They crave fulfillment, flexibility, and the freedom to design a life that truly reflects their values.
Owning Your Definition: Success & Female Entrepreneurs on Their Terms
You know that feeling when your teenage daughter declares she has "nothing to wear" five minutes before the school run, even though her wardrobe is overflowing? Success can be like that. We're bombarded with so many external definitions (especially in this social media age!) that we lose sight of what truly matters to us.
So, pause. Breathe. & Ask yourself:
What does success feel like in my heart?
What values are non-negotiable in my life & business?
What kind of impact do I want to leave on the world?
Clarity on your "why" is like having a compass in a dense forest. You might encounter unexpected detours (believe me, with four kids, a PhD, & two energetic Miniature Pinschers, my path is anything but straight!), but you’ll have that inner guidance to keep you moving forward. "Plans are nothing, but planning is everything" – it's about getting that clear vision. This principle is at the heart of my coaching, drawn from my own experiences, from those early days as a young mum navigating university, to launching businesses while juggling multiple jobs & family demands. For the Foundation Builder, just starting out, this "why" is the bedrock of your business. It's what will sustain you through the inevitable challenges. For the Visionary Leader, already achieving significant success, revisiting your "why" can reignite your passion and ensure you're still on the path that truly fulfills you.
From Overwhelm to Empowerment: Taking Control as a Female Entrepreneur
The juggle, the overwhelm – I so get it. One minute you're deep in a marketing strategy session, the next you're cleaning up a glitter explosion (courtesy of the six-year-old's "art project"). Or trying to have a serious business conversation with the soundtrack of Paw Patrol in the background (I swear, I know every word to that theme song!).
But sister, the power lies not in blaming the system, but in working smarter. At Apple, I learned this firsthand. Managing event listings, I saw how a small process flaw could cause chaos. My focus wasn't on blame, it was on solutions – creating systems to prevent future errors. I realized that even in a corporate giant, questioning the status quo and finding better ways is essential. My research shows this resourcefulness is a recurring theme amongst successful female entrepreneurs. It’s about taking ownership & being proactive.
This is where the Femmeprenista Business Flourish Framework comes in – a holistic system for building a sustainable business & a fulfilling life. My research continually reveals how important integrated strategies are for female entrepreneurs. A key finding is that women who prioritize mindset, efficient systems, & well-being alongside core business strategies are significantly more likely to achieve long-term success and avoid burnout.
Developing a Resilient Mindset: This is about building unshakeable confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and fostering a growth mindset.
Creating a Magnetic Brand: Crafting an authentic brand presence that attracts your dream clients effortlessly, speaking directly to their hearts & desires.
Building Smart, AI-Powered Systems: Streamlining your workflows, automating tasks, & reclaiming precious time and energy.
Prioritizing Wellbeing: Nurturing your mental, emotional, & physical well-being to prevent burnout & sustain high performance.
Integrating AI Strategically: Leveraging AI as your intelligent partner, boosting efficiency & amplifying your impact across all areas.
Leverage smart AI tools to streamline your workflow & delegate or ditch what drains you. For example, that scheduling tool that syncs with your calendar and automates appointment reminders? Game-changer! What could you do with those extra hours – have a proper family dinner without rushing, finally focus on that big-picture strategy, or just breathe? Remember, lovely, prioritizing yourself isn't selfish, it's essential. It fuels your ability to show up fully for your business, your family, & yourself. This is a core focus of my Momentum one-on-one coaching program, where we create personalized systems & mindset shifts for sustainable scaling.
Celebrating Progress Over Perfection: Embracing the Journey
Remember, lovely, success is a winding path, not a finish line. It's about celebrating the small wins, the progress, not just the big, shiny achievements. Right now, I'm grappling with the challenge of balancing my PhD research, launching new Femmeprenista programs, and being truly present for my four little ones (the puppy's latest obsession with chewing shoes doesn't help!). It's a daily practice in prioritization and self-compassion.
So, what's one small, yet powerful step you can take today?
Block out 30 minutes in your calendar for focused planning – no kids, no distractions, just you and your vision.
Sign up for that free masterclass that's been calling your name. Knowledge is power, especially when it’s free!
Treat yourself to 15 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time – even hiding in the bathroom counts!
Commit to it, celebrate it, and watch the ripple effect it creates. You in? Share below, let's cheer each other on!
Ready to define & achieve your version of success with expert guidance & a supportive community?
For Foundation Builders, just starting out, the Spark Programme provides clarity, validation, & a solid foundation for growth. Spark Programme Page
For Visionary Leaders, ready to scale and create a lasting impact, Ascend Executive Coaching offers personalized 1:1 support. Ascend Executive Coaching Page
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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