As The NAWBO National Conference 2020 theme was "Brave Is…" This month we asked our members, "What does "Brave Is…" mean to you?"

To me, being Brave is being Courageous.  To meet the challenges that we face every day as business owners, we need to be courageous and not afraid to meet our challenges head-on.  When we are courageous we are bold and stand up for what we believe through our words and our actions.  Being courageous also means that we need to be willing to take risks and try things we’ve never tried before.  Having the fortitude to pick ourselves up and keep going when we face disappointments or failure takes courage. Being brave is a feeling of empowerment, to lead with authority, and seek the status and monetary benefits we deserve.  Being brave is expressing our gratitude for all that we have and empowering those who follow us to lead in this uncertain world until all women and girls are treated justly and with equality.

Anna Weselak

Owner & CEO
Weselak & Associates

Brave is not counting the odds that may be against you, but relying and depending on your faith to pull you through.  Brave is facing the 3 T’s head on – Trials, Tribulations and Troubles.  These three T’s don’t last and are only around to make you stronger and even more fierce.  When COVID first hit in March, I thought what will I do now. I am grateful I was able to team with my tailor and we created custom masks for our community and clients.  So I operated my shop for eight weeks by myself, which was difficult when I had a staff of five before COVID. Bravery! 

Sandtricia Andrews-Strickland
President
Essential Creations Chicago, Inc.

Brave is being able (and willing) to take risks in the face of uncertainty. When COVID-19 hit, there was (and still is) massive uncertainty surrounding how the virus would not only impact the remodeling industry but the world as a whole. Prior to the outbreak, we were in the process of launching several new professional services. However, once the lockdowns were in place across much of the world, we knew that we needed to pivot to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers and staff. So we invested time and resources into creating “remote” versions of many of our services that would limit the number of people needed on a jobsite. It was a scary time because of how much we had already invested, but our team worked tirelessly to develop the right technology and knowledge. Now we’re proud to be able to offer remote service options via video conferencing that not only helps keep our customers and staff safe but also helps us maintain the level of exceptional service that we’re known for.

Julia Billen

President
WarmlyYours
 

 

Brave Is…

Financially assuming the leadership of a family operated company with a 30-year history, which resulted in being granted WBENC certification status.  All of this occurred 12 months before COVID-19 rocked our economy. In March 2020, I had to furlough 50 employees, never knowing if we would be able to bring them back. While several of our markets continue to be hit hard by uncertainty, our wedding business has flourished and we have been able to come alongside couples in a meaningful way who have had to drastically change their plans due to the pandemic. Showing up every day and working with family and key leaders in the company allowed us to bring back over 50 employees – many of whom have been with us for more than 15 years. Bravery as a family and believing in the heritage of the company our father started in 1991 has resulted in key innovative equipment purchases that assure the company’s continued relevance and success in the industry.  

Bravery to me is one foot in front of the other. One day at a time. Every day.

Brenda Baird
President
MagnetStreet