The woman you deserve to be...

On Wednesday night, I attended the Melbourne Here she is: An Evening With Women Entrepreneurs hosted by General Assembly Melbourne. This was a very inspiring event to say the least and the stories of how these women overcame their challenges and defied the odds spoke to the many like-minded people in the room that evening. 

As the guest speakers; Rosie Thomas OAM CEO of Project Rockit, Catherine (Katie) Lio MAICD COO of Work180, Courtney Ray Founder of Daily Blooms and Jane Kou Founder of Bring Me Home took to the floor, I could feel the synergy in the room as everyone listened intently to their stories and experiences. There was an unbelievable sense of strength, wisdom and unity, and anyone who needed a push or pick me up was definitely in the right place.

My key takeaways from this empowering women event:

Ask: You don’t know everything! No-one does so, ask for help. Ask for introductions, advice, mentors and anything else you need. Asking questions gains information and puts you in a learner mindset. It allows you to be ready to accept advice, feedback and sets you on the right path if you have lost your way.

Always remember what sparked your passion: If you don’t love what you do, don’t do it. I truly believe it’s as simple as that. You’re going to have to put in long hours and make sacrifices for your venture. You want to be waking up every morning excited about what you do. Don’t lose sight of your vision or mission. 

The 3 biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurship:

1) Women can’t work well with other women - This is so far from the truth. In fact, women are more likely to support each other and mentor other women than men. We don’t compete but rather join forces.  

2) Most people believe that it’s not possible to start a business at any age - Anything is possible, no matter your age or experience – you just need to prove them wrong. 

3) Being underestimated because you are ‘nice’ - Nice people are often the ones who know more than they say, think more than they speak and notice more than you realise. Once you find your voice, use it.

Most important of all, just start! The only true way to learn is by doing so you can’t afford to just sit around waiting for funding or hoping someone will come along to execute your idea. Taking steps every day and finding ways to make it work will allow you to really grow and upscale your idea. Time doesn’t wait for perfection. 

Though each of these female speakers have a unique story, they all have in common; passion, endurance and belief in themselves. 

I am so thankful to have been able to attend such an inspiring and uplifting event. Being able to sit in a room filled with encouraging women was so rewarding, I felt it was my duty to pay it forward and echo some of their advice for other women entrepreneur out there. I hope this can get you started to becoming the woman you deserve to be.