Advice for Flipping the Script from Women-Owned Businesses in MN
BY EMMA GEARY - MARCH 10, 2023
Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to take a moment and reflect not only on the women who helped fight to bring us to where we are today, but to appreciate the many ways we continue to push forward and make space for ourselves in the world.
While there are more opportunities than ever for women in America, the fight for equality is far from over. Internationally, there is even more work to do! Here’s a great resource if you want to help and learn more. According to the Pew Research Center, women in the United States still get paid only 82% of what men make in similar positions. Not to mention the expectations put upon women to consistently carry the emotional labor of their families and relationships.
There is one thing we know for sure. Brandyn Negri of Buy with Brandyn said it best: “There isn't much that stands in the way of a woman's resiliency.”
In short, women get sh*t done! No matter what stands in our way.
Illustration by Erica Gloeckler
This month, we’re taking time to appreciate a few of the women in The Collective that encourage and inspire us.
We wanted to know: what does it mean to you to be a female entrepreneur? How do your passions and skills intersect? What advice would you give your younger self?
Robyn Frank
“The advice I’d give to my younger self is that kindness is contagious and confidence is magnetic. Find the ladies that exude both and surround yourself with them. You’ll be unstoppable, together.”
Jessica Berglin
“I find that we as women are especially adept at wearing multiple hats and juggling a million things at once while making it appear effortless, all of which go hand-in-hand with entrepreneurship. I have certainly found this to be true in my own small business journey.
I would tell my past self to not be afraid that your path isn't a straight line. You'll gain wisdom from each experience to carry with you to the next stage of life.”
Haley Friesen
“When it comes to both portrait photography and my personal work - people tend to be less guarded and more open to collaboration because of my gender. Because of my connection to women through the context and social fabric of friendship, family, mentors, educators and role models it's important to me that the women I photograph are represented with respect and leave feeling empowered from our work together.”
“I would remind my younger self that there is so much strength and validity within your own perspective and experiences. There is always space for you and your chance of success is so much greater if you’re able to showcase the work you've created with love and passion.
Brandyn Negri
The real estate industry has always been an awesome path for women. Seeing women in the industry buying real estate to live in and invest is the single best way to build wealth as well. I think this adds to my expertise because I understand that women wear so many hats on any given day- and most of them aren't glamorous! Knowing this, I make sure my process is efficient, have coffee in hand for them, and make the most of the time we have together. And if their schedule changes last minute (kid sick, snow day at school) reassuring them that it's okay - we can always work around it. There isn't much that stands in the way of a woman's resiliency.
Remember, consistency is key in getting to your end goals. Another crucial part of my job is making connections within my office for support, advice, and opportunities. When I started my real estate business, I often covered other agent's business when they needed it, and as a result, agents got to know me and respected my perspective and work ethic.”
Kristi Dammann
“To my younger self, I’d say, ‘Learn to be your own cheerleader. A lot of people may not understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it, but all that matters is that you do.’”
Nicole Kapaun
“Having an empathic motherly side can help me relate to my clients and communicate with them in a way that is both caring and familiar.
The advice I’d give is to know that the tools to learn whatever it is that interests you are at your fingertips in this modern world. Be relentless in your quest for knowledge and growth, in whatever you strive for.”
Allison Valliancourt
“Being a woman in a male-dominated industry definitely has its challenges, but it has also been an opportunity to build our brand from a unique vantage point from the rest. When I first entered this industry I didn’t see many brands that spoke to me as a consumer. I felt it was our mission to elevate the category in terms of formulations, design, and inclusive messaging for the modern cannabis consumer. I wanted the brand to feel trusted, premium-quality yet accessible, and most importantly something that my mother or grandmother would feel comfortable grabbing from the shelf.
Working within an unregulated industry it was imperative that we prioritized transparency, quality, consistency, and education. This approach has allowed us to bring our cannabis products mainstream to help so many more people in our communities.
I would tell my younger self to be yourself, stick to your values, and make your ideas heard. Do not compare yourself or your work to what men are doing in your position. Take up space and do something different, you will attract your people.”
Looking for more women-owned businesses to support this month? Visit The Collective directory, or shop their products in person at our Collective Spring Market!
Emma Geary
Emma is a writer living in Minneapolis. When she's not checking out a new brewery with friends or blasting Taylor Swift in her car, you can find her dreaming up ideas as the Brand + Editorial Manager at LAB.
