By I come from a long line of strong women on both sides of my family tree. Strong women raised me. My mama is the strongest woman I have ever known. She was my teammate in many ways growing up. She still is, but our roles have reversed a bit. The daughter she raised helps her thrive, now, too…when she will let me help her that is. I got my determination and stubbornness from her, too, as well as my entire family tree. When I knew I needed to change my life and it was my calling to do so, I had inspiration from my family tree as well.
My Grandma Kate (Dad’s mom) owned her own business from as early as I can remember. Her stylist shop was on her and Kirk’s property (He built the shop for her). I knew I could be successful because grandma was. The first step forward was the scariest, once I jumped off the proverbial cliff; and took the leap of faith necessary. I knew I would learn and figure it out as I went. What I knew has turned into truth. I have and I am learning and figuring it out, daily, with lots: of faith, help, support, and encouragement. The idea that anyone who is successful becomes such alone is a lie and a myth.
All my female friends are as strong as I am. We recognize our own. A few run their own businesses as well. They are great mentors, resources, and sources of encouragement for me. I can only hope I am the same for each of them. Then there are the experts in my business and field, I follow on social media. I am on the e-mail lists of a few of these as well. The ones I am talking about, in this blog post, are all women and ultra successful. They also happen to want other women to succeed as they have, so they happily share tips, tricks, and advice… many times for free.
Then there are the women, I follow on social media; and might never meet whose gifts of artistry and creativity have been motivation and inspiration, for me, for (in some cases) most of my life. These same women do not subscribe to the “that is the way it has always been done” idea, either, in their business ventures. Mama reminds me, when I get frustrated about whatever it is, “there is always more than one way to do things, Stace.” She is correct as is usual. I am so thankful to all these women I have mentioned for: motivating, inspiring, and lighting the path for me to blaze my own trail. I hope and pray I can and will do the same for others.
