Exploring Resilience, Mentorship, and Community in Entrepreneurship

What does it take to build a successful brand from scratch, especially as a woman entrepreneur navigating the challenges of funding, mentorship, and growth? On a recent episode of the Derm Club Podcast, I had the privilege of unpacking this question with two incredible guests: Shawna Chrisman , a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa, and Keta Burke-Williams , the founder and CEO of Ourside, a luxury fragrance brand. Both of these remarkable women have built thriving businesses driven by their unique visions and unwavering resilience, bolstered by the powerful support of the BOTOX? Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) Grant Program, developed in partnership with IFundWomen. In our conversation, we explored the essential elements of their journeys, from mentorship and community support to overcoming personal and professional challenges. Here’s a closer look at the invaluable insights Shawna and Keta shared and the lessons they offer for anyone striving to make their mark.

A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Speaking with Shawna, I was captivated by her story of building Destination Aesthetics Medical Spa. She started with just one room and grew her business to five thriving locations over a span of ten years. Shawna shared that her journey into aesthetics wasn’t something she initially planned. She began her career in critical care medicine and discovered her passion for aesthetics along the way. Hearing her say, “My passion is actually making other people feel like they are investing in themselves,” really resonated with me. For Shawna, it wasn’t about following a detailed business plan but about following her heart and letting her business grow from a foundation of love and connection with her clients. I think there’s something so powerful in that message, especially for anyone starting their journey in business: passion and authentic relationships can take you further than any strategy.

The Role of Community and Mentorship in Entrepreneurship

Keta’s story is just as compelling. As the founder of Ourside, a luxury fragrance brand that creates scents inspired by daydreams, Keta didn’t come from a background in beauty or fragrance. Instead, she was inspired by her own experiences growing up. I loved hearing her say that she wanted to create a “sense of belonging and connection” through fragrance. Keta’s journey into entrepreneurship began while she was a student at Harvard Business School, and she’s faced many of the same struggles that female entrepreneurs often do: lack of access to capital and feeling underrepresented in the market. Despite these challenges, Keta has forged ahead, finding support through grants, investors, and her own resilience. Listening to her story reminded me of the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision, even when the journey feels uncertain.

The Power of the BOTOX? Cosmetic Grant Program

One theme that emerged during our conversation was the incredible impact of the BOTOX? Cosmetic Grant Program. Shawna, who serves as a coach for the program, shared her enthusiasm for mentoring women entrepreneurs. Her role allows her to give back, inspire others, and help women navigate their own paths to success. Shawna mentioned how uplifting it is to see women thrive when given access to resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. The grant program, developed in partnership with IFundWomen, has created a unique space for female entrepreneurs to receive not only funding but also the mentorship they need to grow.

Keta, as a grant recipient, described how the program has opened doors for her. Beyond the financial support, she emphasized the value of mentorship and networking opportunities provided through the program. “Oftentimes, women are over-mentored and underfunded,” she said. This program challenges that norm, giving her the capital to expand her business and the chance to connect with mentors who understand her vision. For Keta, the program represents a critical step in helping women entrepreneurs overcome funding disparities and close the confidence gap.

The Resilience Behind the Scenes

Both Shawna and Keta shared the obstacles they faced and the resilience it took to overcome them. Keta spoke about the challenges of raising capital, which is even harder for women of color. She also shared a candid story about running out of stock shortly after launching her brand. Instead of retreating, Keta used the setback as a way to connect with her community, creating an “Ourside R&D Insiders” group to involve her customers in product development. This experience taught her the importance of resilience and staying connected to her audience, even during challenging times.

Shawna also talked about her own challenges, especially the difficulty of achieving “balance” as a business owner, mother, and partner. Shawna shared that she dislikes the word “balance” because it implies an ideal that’s often unachievable. Instead, she focuses on being fully present in each moment, prioritizing self-care, and carving out time for personal rejuvenation. Her candidness about the struggles of managing a business while maintaining a fulfilling personal life was incredibly refreshing.

A Shared Vision for Empowerment

What struck me most during this conversation was how both Shawna and Keta are committed to empowering others through their work. Shawna’s business is all about helping people invest in themselves, which she sees as a way of making a positive impact. Keta’s approach is similar; through fragrance, she aims to create moments of connection and belonging. I found it inspiring to see how they both prioritize their “why” – their underlying purpose – which keeps them grounded and motivated even on the toughest days.

Their journeys highlight the importance of community, mentorship, and having a supportive network. Shawna’s role as a coach for the BOTOX? Cosmetic Grant Program and her experience mentoring other women entrepreneurs have given her a new level of fulfillment. She explained that there’s a unique energy when like-minded women come together to brainstorm, support, and elevate each other – it’s like “sparks and dynamite.” Keta, as a recipient of this mentorship, has benefited from Shawna’s support and the collective wisdom of her network, which has been instrumental in her growth as an entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As we wrapped up, I asked Shawna and Keta to share advice for women entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. Keta’s advice was simple yet powerful: “Shoot your shot.” She encouraged listeners not to let fear hold them back and to lean into their unique perspectives, as that’s what makes each business truly special. For Shawna, authenticity is everything. Being genuine can open doors you never knew existed. I loved her analogy that dropping your guard “just 10%” can encourage others to open up 110%.

In my own path to dermatology, I know firsthand how important it is to stay persistent, lean on your community, and believe in your vision. Like Shawna and Keta, I didn’t take a straight path, but every twist and turn brought me closer to my goals. These stories underscore the value of resilience, self-belief, and staying true to your passion.

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Shawna and Keta was filled with inspiring insights and practical advice that any entrepreneur could benefit from. Shawna’s commitment to fostering relationships and Keta’s dedication to inclusivity and connection through fragrance both reflect a broader mission of lifting others as they rise. As they reminded me, mentorship and community can empower us to reach greater heights, and I hope their stories inspire others as much as they did me. Whether through the BOTOX? Cosmetic Grant Program or other networks, the resources are out there for women ready to take that next bold step – and I’m here to support and cheer them on every step of the way.

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