My Rollercoaster Ride to Authentic Entrepreneurship

I started my career in product marketing, and never thought I'd have my own brands. My initial vision was to spend my career in marketing. Then I started creating products that represented a more diverse customer segment.

Imagine working on your brand for a big retailer as a party of one, self-funding and not having the resources to scale the team you need. Then, overnight, you've hired almost 50 people all over the world to help bring the brands to life. It was a real rollercoaster ride for sure.

About a year ago, I was super stressed, had physically been sick for months, and had spent two years personally funding my brand launch at a major retailer. It was definitely an oh sh*t what I have done moment.

Stay grounded.?

If I had it to do over again, I'd do it on my own terms from the beginning. Whatever you do in life, you have to do it authentically. Taking someone else's blueprint and just executing it isn't what your personal journey in life is about. It's about taking what is relevant to you and adding your own spin on it to make it completely, authentically you.

Since the last few years have been such a rollercoaster for me,? I have practiced the principles I teach in my book, The Elevation Approach, which is focused on achieving work-life harmony over balance. My number one principle is creating rituals. My rituals sustain me no matter where I am and they keep me grounded and connected.

When I was younger I was all in for hustle culture and being a girlboss. Now I want work-life harmony and I'm focused on building a legacy that is totally authentic to me.

-Tina Wells Elevation by Tina Wells + WNDR LN

Tina’s central theme is one of authenticity and the pursuit of work-life harmony, a departure from the prevalent ethos of relentless hustle.

The Girlboss movement.?

How do we overcome this hustle culture? It promotes overworking, burnout and has a narrow definition of success that is centered around productivity and financial gain. It’s the relentless pursuit of success at all costs and the consequences are an individuals’ well-being, relationships and their overall quality of life that undermines the very empowerment the girlboss movement seeks to promote.?

Tina overcame this culture by achieving work-life harmony through rituals. Rituals are intentional practices or routines that create a sense of structure and connection in both work and life domains. They can provide opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation outside of work obligations.?

I incorporate rituals in my own life as well. One of my rituals is cold plunging. Cold plunging is an ancient ritual that continues to be popular today for its perceived physical and mental advantages. Many professionals extol the mental and emotional effects of cold plunging. The shock of the water is said to trigger the release of endorphins and adrenaline, leading to mental clarity and feelings of euphoria. My secret to cold plunging? Ice bath socks.?

Tina also mentions authenticity and taking what is relevant to you and adding your own spin to it. Authenticity is crucial for entrepreneurs. It differentiates in a crowded marketplace, carving out a distinct niche and attracts loyal customers who resonate with your authentic story. Ultimately, it leads to personal fulfillment for entrepreneurs that builds a business aligned with their passions, values and strengths and allows them to find meaning and purpose in their work.?

For entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in both their professional endeavors and personal lives, embracing authenticity and striving for work-life harmony are essential principles. By integrating these principles into your entrepreneurial journey, you can create a sustainable path towards growth, resilience, and personal fulfillment.

As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that integrating authenticity and work-life harmony isn’t just a choice - it’s a powerful strategy.

If you would like to know more about how I do it, my routines and products that make my life a little less wild, subscribe at rebeccaminkoff.substack.com .?

And if you want to learn more about how to elevate women on a mission to break barriers, join our ecosystem where we provide content, capital, and learning to propel these women to the next level at https://femalefoundercollective.com/