Work-Life Balance
Dear Readers,
In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day later this month, Lead Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Beltrame, had a chance to sit down and talk with four empresarias (female entrepreneurs) about how they juggle their home life and work life. All four of these women have at least two children living at home, had graduated from the HEDC FastTrac program and co-own a business with at least three employees.
Besy, originally from Honduras, runs a commercial remodeling business. Veronica, previously a McDonald’s employee, owns a painting business with her husband and also does house cleaning and home remodeling on the side. Elvia, also the president of the women’s organization at her church, manages a carpentry business that has been in business for 13 years and that operates in several states. Lucy, who came to the United States from Guatemala at age 15, is going back to school to earn her college degree while simultaneously working and raising three daughters. It is remarkable what one can do when he/she puts his/her mind to it! So today’s question is: “What advice would you give to women who run a business and a household – or to women who are interested in starting a business?”
Lucy: Don’t use not having enough time or money as an excuse not to start! Running your own business is challenging but also very rewarding. When you work for yourself, you get to know your clients on a more personal level in addition to having more control and autonomy over your business. You also get to share what you love to do with your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice either. Being afraid will only hold you back. When you think that you have to do it all yourself, life can get overwhelming. Ask God for advice. Ask friends and family for advice. You can even get great advice from organizations like HEDC. Whatever you do, you must continue to keep learning and seeking information. My third tip is: never forget where you came from but always know where you are going. Be proud of your roots and your culture and teach your children the same.
Besy: For me, juggling it all comes down to priorities. You have to prioritize and stick to those priorities. Adhering to these priorities requires a lot of discipline and isn’t always easy. It’s helpful to be very organized when it comes to scheduling the priorities for both your business and your family. Family plans must be included in the schedule too. Female entrepreneurs must always keep the faith too. Have faith in God and have faith in yourself. Sometimes, you may have to remind yourself of your inner strength and that you can handle whatever comes your way. Also, take time for yourself. This will give you time to “re-charge” and find the right balance in your life. Lastly, define and understand your role in the business from the beginning, especially if you are running a business with your husband. A happy husband and wife make a good team, and a strong, unified team is usually successful in relationships – and in business.
Veronica: I agree that you have to make your goals – and understand the time it will take you to reach your goals. In addition to making goals for yourself, involve your children in your business and work with them as a team. Including your children in your business allows them to feel like they are part of something bigger, and it also shows them the value of hard work. Help your children understand that you working hard now so that they (the children) can have a better life in the future. When your children understand why you put in the long hours, they learn to appreciate and respect that work ethic instead of being frustrated.
Elvia: Accept the challenges. You will have doubts about how your business will succeed and financial stability. There will certainly be mountains that you have to climb in order to succeed, and during those climbs, it’s important to focus on why you started your business in the first place and to remember that building a successful business takes a lot of investment. If you are passionate and willing to work hard, you will win in the end. Also, every loss isn’t necessarily a loss because you gain knowledge along the way. Focusing on the good things happening around you and in your business is important, particularly when your business may be struggling. This approach keeps you optimistic and open to learning all along the journey.
Melissa: These women are proof that if you put your mind to something, you will accomplish it. These optimistic, hard-working, faith-filled, intelligent women believe that every dream can come true with hard work.
We’d love to hear from you. We are offering $100 to the reader whose question is selected next. Please submit your business questions to together@lead.bank.
