The challenges of recent years had one surprising result: Women are now more than ever empowered to follow their passions and choose a path to personal success and happiness.
Take, for example, an explosion in women pursuing home-based businesses starting in 2020, when so many were forced to spend most of their time at home. It is a form of self-care.
And that’s where we want to focus this International Women’s Day, with the inspiring theme of #EmbraceEquity. Equity includes lifestyle balance, financial independence and freedom to pursue passions. Learn more about the history of International Women’s Day in this classic Scentsy Top Notes post.
Scentsy is rich with women in leadership who are generous with their experience and knowledge. In fact, Scentsy was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. So, we asked Scentsy home office and Consultant leaders for inspiration and guidance for those interested in entrepreneurship.
What can help potential entrepreneurs find the courage or inspiration to make the leap to follow their passions?
Scentsy’s very first Consultant, SuperStar Director Dini Moorhouse, says personal background and unique experiences make each woman perfectly suited to pursue her dreams.
“Did I know I could do hard things when I started my business?” Moorhouse says. “No ma’am. … I had one thing that kept me going, believing and ultimately knowing — desire!”
Scentsy Vice President of Consultant Sales Lacy Hanson says she has learned to take stock of what she really is interested in, what she loves and what her strengths are.
“Build on that foundation,” she said. “We can build our confidence and then work on our weaknesses.”
We also surveyed Scentsy a group of Scentsy Consultants for their very best tips for home-based entrepreneurs. Their collective advice is to jump in despite fear of failure and the unknowns.
“There’s never going to be that perfect time in life to start anything because that’s just not the reality of things,” said Scentsy Director Jaime Whitely. ”So, stop saying it’s not a good time and start telling yourself now is the time!”
It’s great to draw inspiration from successful people to get started, but never measure yourself or your success to others, Consultants advise.
“Do what brings you joy and forget the rest,” says Director Lexie Fleck.
How should I organize my time or my home business space for success?
Scentsy SuperStar Director Debbie Pitts Palmer says she makes her home business space customer-friendly and offers them a tour of her home to see firsthand how Scentsy products are used.
“In most cases, customers buy more products, or they are inspired to become Scentsy Consultants,” Pitts Palmer said.
Scentsy Director Kelly-Anne Cozzati says implement systems from the jump.
“Have a follow-up system even when you only have a handful of customers, because that will help you when your customer base grows.”
Many Consultants in our survey advised to set strict business hours for yourself, take lots of notes and stay organized.
“Create a daily task system,” says SuperStar Director Diane Drayer. “Write it down, check it off. Same for monthly and yearly. Take it seriously. If you don’t, no one else will either (family, friends, etc.).”
Star Consultant NyAsia Jefferson says labels matter!
“Label everything,” she says. “Color coordinate, too.”
What guidance or advice do you wish someone had shared with you as you got started?
Moorhouse advises doing everything with intention.
“When intention is absent, how will we know where we are going? What will we accomplish? When we do things on purpose, we know what we want and can make a plan to achieve. That’s right — plan on achieving,” she said.
Pitts Palmer says every entrepreneur should ask themselves, “Who is being blessed by my business?” The answer, she said, becomes her purpose that inspires her to work her business no matter what.
“My business becomes bigger than me,” she said. “I’m captured by a sacred cause and motivated by a noble mission.”
It’s OK to not have all the answers, Hanson said. Learn to listen and figure out difficult challenges using resources such as podcasts, books, articles and conversations with others.
Our survey respondents offer a reminder that starting your own business won’t always be smooth sailing, and things can sometimes get scary. The key to success is to keep going.
“Don’t quit,” says SuperStar Consultant Heather Prayner. “When it gets hard, take a breath, change your perspective, and just keep going.”
What are your best tips for women looking to branch out? How will you #EmbraceEquity this International Women’s Day? Tell us in the comments.
