What is one challenge you’ve had to overcome as a woman business owner, and how did that experience shape the way you lead today?
Lindsey Evans
Managing Broker & Owner
Liberty Pointe Consulting
As a woman business owner, we often carry more than our male counterparts. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend, life can feel overwhelming. Less than a year into entrepreneurship, I was hospitalized against my will due to a mental health crisis. I had already been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, but this was a deep spiral.
During my recovery, I lost a key employee. A couple of years later, my dear aunt passed away from breast cancer—and my entire staff quit on the same day. I called it “The Mass Walk Out.”
I’ve had to recover from situations outside of my control. But I rebuilt—from zero clients to over 20. I found the right support, created solid systems, and began hiring based on fit, not just skill. It hasn’t been easy, and every day is a climb.
But if I can offer anything, it’s this: give yourself grace. Do what you can; the rest will wait. Take care of yourself first—or you won’t be there to take care of your business.
Sue Harrawood
Founder and President
Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance
As someone with an operational brain who sees details very quickly, in the early days of our firm I thought everyone managed details well and saw what I saw. Over time I’ve realized just how much value we bring our clients.
When we first began, Peace of Mind Virtual Assistance was pigeon holed as a Secretarial Service. There is nothing wrong with this type of service however it is usually seen as a lower paying role and it did not convey the C-suite level of our experience and service. Our team members are all CEOs in addition to being highly-skilled support specialists. On purpose we are members of high-level networking groups. Be comfortable in those rooms because you deserve to be there. There will always be naysayers however don’t waste your time with them. We are a tremendous resource and partner to our clients. I encourage those reading this to think the same way about themselves and their businesses. It is a journey.
Catherine Ross
CEO and Owner
Ross Creative Works
2025 was a milestone year for me. I turned 40 and my business turned 10. It has also been one of the hardest years I’ve ever been through as a business owner. The economic volatility combined with dramatic shifts in my industry have left me feeling like I’m treading water in a shark tank. But you know what? I’m digging into the power of community this year and it is making all the difference. I’m grateful for the sense of trust and ownership that I have cultivated with my team, the faithfulness of my friends, my church, non-profit groups, and now the community of NAWBO (I’m a new member!).
I’m not going to pretend this is an easy year for my business, but I’ve discovered resiliency I didn’t know that I had, and I’ve really come to deeply appreciate the foundation of support my different groups offer me. I have no doubt NAWBO will become an important community for me as I get to know you all. And if you want a NAWBO buddy, please reach out.
Courtney Smith
Owner and Attorney
Smith Legal Group
As a woman business owner, I have overcome adversity in my predominately male dominated career. I am assertive and have been looked at as aggressive rather than assertive. However, I have learned that being assertive is important. Early on, I saw men in my field rely on networking to garner more business or have referral sources. I now believe that I can meet someone and rely on a business connection rather than having a personal connection to create more business. It is intimidating to create that networking circle, but I have found that reaching out for those referrals to be truly vital to business growth. Having connections on a business level rather than a personal level is sometimes difficult for women, but I have learned that is acceptable. You can surely meet some connects just once or twice and get a network of referrals without having to connect personally. Take a chance being assertive. I believe the fear of being accused of being aggressive is just a form of imposter syndrome!