I just found myself always answering, “I made a way.”
Being a woman in business is empowering, exciting, and challenging. It’s a road paved with pitfalls, potholes, and roadblocks. But also wonderful rewards.
As a female entrepreneur, I am proud to walk in the footsteps of the other bold businesswomen before me. Women, like me, who have made bold choices to rise up and make their own way in the world of entrepreneurship.
Make A Way Media is a woman-owned business. Our primary product is a line of books I authored for children, all inspired by my work as a therapist. But my business has been inspired by many other businesswomen in my life.
Women like Janifer Wilson of Sister’s Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center in Harlem.
Young women like Author Tomi Adeyemi.
Women like my beautiful and talented daughter, Kayla.
The Story Behind My Company Name
Sometimes I am asked why I call my company Make A Way Media and there are two reasons for that.
The first has to do with the kind of message I would like to put out into the world. When I started writing, I wanted to address the lack of diversity in children’s literature. I also wanted to disseminate positive influence into a world that seemed like it was getting increasingly noisy and overwhelming negative messages.
But, I also wanted to reinforce a message about the power of making a way to all who heard about my company. I have achieved many things over my lifetime. When people ask me how I did it, I stop and reflect, but, I honestly don’t know the answer to that question.
I found myself always answering, “I made a way.”
Meaning: When I encountered roadblocks, my drive and determination helped me find a way up, over, and around those obstacles.
I knew the key was to put one foot in front of the other. Even when it was hard.
Even when it seemed impossible.
I shook off frustration and persevered.
This definitely does not mean it was easy. It was not. Or that my path was always clear. Because it wasn’t. It just means that I set my compass on due North and I just kept pushing.
You can do this too.
It is no secret that women often have barriers that men don’t have. This week the first female was elected Vice President in America and at that moment, a glass ceiling that had been in place during the reign of 45 other Vice Presidents crashed down.
So, I don’t believe we have to argue there are roadblocks for women. But roadblocks are just that- roadblocks. It would be no different than if you had to get to work and you found out a wreck closed down the highway or the bus you planned to catch ran earlier than usual and you missed it. How would you get around that? How would you still make it to work? Because you would. You would do that.
Why Shoppers Need to Support Woman-Owned Businesses
Reason #1) We are driven as heck: The day-to-day stuff? We have that covered, but the bigger goals, like a college degree or buying a home sometimes seem too big. I had fierce and proud role models in my life who showed me the possibilities of success and homeownership.
Reason #2: We feel the fear, and do it anyway: Building a business is BIG. Building a business is HARD. Women business owners recognize that there are A LOT of steps between today and whatever day that goal is going to happen, but we know we have to make a way. We know we have to find a way. We know we need to make a plan, put one foot in front of the other, and power forward. Buyers of our products or services are getting 150% of the blood, sweat, and tears that it took to bring those items or offerings to life.
Reason #3) Women business owners are the Queens of Compromise: Can’t take 15 credit hours in college? Then take 6. It will take you longer, but one day you’ll look back and you will be done. Don’t know how to build a website or write a book? Find a mentor, a group, or a teacher. Female entrepreneurs rarely take “no” for an answer and the words “I can’t” are not in their vocabulary.
Reason #4) We are unstoppable and that deserves mad respect: We all need to support women-owned businesses for the same reason: because in some ways, we are all dealing with an extra set of roadblocks.
Reason #5) We know we will inspire someone else: When you see a woman-owned business, there is a story behind each one. A story of the sacrifices made to not only get to that point but to continue to get up every day and do only their very best work.
Reason #6) Doing business and supporting a woman-owned business is like a vote, only you are voting with your wallet. I could go only for days on the benefits of buying local and independently owned, but I won’t. Just know that when you vote with your wallet and do business with any small business (especially women-owned) you are supporting years of hard work, perseverance, and passion.
That is priceless.
Support this woman-owned business with a gift that will bring joy, peace, and learning to the young reader in your home.
The Make A Way Media catalog has 11 books to choose from and orders over $50 will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
