Insights and Advice from Local ‘Women In Business’ for National Observance

This is National ‘Women In Business’ week.

Celebrated every year during the third week of October, this event provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize and honor working women.

These days, women in the workforce take on stronger, more empowering roles. They run their own businesses, take charge of the boardroom, and build upon last year’s successes. At one time, very few women even had a voice.

Today, women-owned businesses generate nearly $1.8 trillion in sales. Of privately-owned companies, women own 40 percent of them and employ almost 9 million people. Their contributions to the economy cannot go unnoticed.

In Freestone County, the past year has been a busy one for women entrepreneurs and professionals.

We caught up with three local businesswomen to get some insight into their experiences in the working world.

We spoke with Nicole Hughes – owner of Desserts by MommaCakes, Kimberly Devine – owner and creative director of Uplight Digital Marketing Agency, and Betty Lewis – Marketing and Admissions Director at Fairfield Nursing & Rehab.

Here’s what they had to say:

— What is something you have learned in business that you wish your younger self knew when first starting out?

Nicole: The one thing I wish my younger self knew about business is to accept help. It takes a stronger person to accept help than it does to try to fly solo. And, you’re not always going to be right or know everything and that’s perfectly okay.

Kimberly: Don’t try to do it all myself to save money. In the long run it doesn’t really save money because the time lost is also lost revenue.

Betty: To be more compassionate, more understanding, and listen to other’s stories.

— What are some ways that you maintain a balance between business and your other life?

Nicole: Work and home life balance is something I continue to struggle with. I find so much joy in spending time with our customers and my work family that most of the time it really doesn’t seem like work.

Kimberly: I spend a lot of time in front of screens with my business and love it…. but I also love nature so I am sure to get out in the pasture, tend to horses, take a walk etc. each day.

Betty: Always have an amazing team that can help in your absence.

— Name a challenge you experienced as a woman in business, and how you dealt with that.

Nicole: I really don’t feel that I’ve experienced any hardships in business due to my gender. I credit that to being raised to be strong and confident in what I do and respectful of others. I do believe that my grandmother’s mantra “Walk into a room like you own it”, followed by “Pretty is as pretty does” has served me well.

Kimberly: There are rare times that I run into a sexist comment or person, but we only work with people who are truly dedicated to serving others with high standards of excellence. So, when this arises, I let this type of individual know that we aren’t a good match for their project.

Betty: No balance – everyday is always a different challenge.

— Name an advantage you experience as a woman in business, and how it has helped you be successful.

Nicole: An advantage of being a woman in business is the opportunity to lift up and grow along with other strong and successful female entrepreneurs. The business world is changing rapidly, and women are making their mark. It’s a privilege to be amongst them.

Kimberly: Undeniably the asset for women is other women. We are natural connectors, and love sharing the good news of something we love to our friends. This trait leads us to promote each other and lift as we climb. This isn’t really exclusive to women though – I love all business wonders who choose to promote each other.

The conversation with these awesome women ended with words of encouragement, an opportunity, and some advice:

Nicole: Seek joy and most importantly, the Lord in everyday and everything. I have prayerfully sought out every move in my business. I’ve waited for guidance, peace and wisdom and know that I’m exactly where I should be, surrounded by the amazing people I should be surrounded with.

Kimberly: NEW! Digital Presence Bundle $97/Month: This bundle is for newcomers to the digital marketing space. Website, Google Listing, Social Media Setup and posts. This is everything you will need to have your business appear on Google, to start getting Google Reviews, and be the off site administrative and sales staff that works for you online. SAVE $50 BY MENTIONING THIS. Call today! 832.844.1447

Betty: Listen in order to help find a solution – knowing a person’s story.

Thank you, ladies!