Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
Independence Day takes on new meaning for women entrepreneurs who, like the line in Katy Perry’s Firework, “show ‘em what you’re worth”, are shattering the glass ceiling by starting a business. According to a Forbes article, The World’s Most Powerful Female Entrepreneurs of 2014, which includes Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Sofia Vergara, “ …female entrepreneurs are feeling better than ever about their business outlook”. Statistics also show that women are dominating social media, which fuels their ability to expand their network, find start-up resources and build relationships. Popular hashtags, including #womenentrepreneur #WAHM #womeninbiz #Mompreneur #BossChic #WomenPower, #GirlBoss and #InvestInWomen, are socially connecting women to the modern version of a “Braveheart speech”, curating conversations that empower women business owners to fly their freedom flag.
Freedom was the catalyst that drove me to take the entrepreneurial leap, leaving a successful corporate career in 1990 to start a direct selling biz. Back then, I was earning what would be equivalent to a six-figure income today, so it wasn’t about the money. I wanted to be free to leave the good ‘ol boys club (along with their sexist remarks), free to not miss out on Mom moments and free to define success on my terms.
In honor of our nation’s birthday, I reached out to 3 successful women entrepreneurs to find out what freedom means to them. Here’s what they had to say:
Former counterintelligence FBI agent, A Leader’s Roadmap to Mental Toughness, speaker, trainer, author
Read LaRae’s book, Secrets of a Strong Mind
“Freedom is not just loving what I do; it’s also about finding meaning and value in it as well. I work more hours but find it so fulfilling that I don’t keep track of time. Freedom is having a choice in how I make a contribution to others and have a ball doing it.”
Darnyelle A. Jervey @darnyellejervey
Chief Executive Officer at Incredible One Enterprises, LLC , Business Optimization Strategist, Speaker, Host of Incredible Factor TV
“It was 2005 when I stepped out on faith and sought my independence from my then Corporate Career; I still can’t believe it’s been nearly 10 years. Being free to live my dream, serve those I’m called to serve and spend time with family is very important to me. I love that my business allows me to experience financial and spiritual abundance (and independence too :)) I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m so glad I had the courage to step out on faith and step in to who I was created to be!”
Gina Hussar @ginahussar
Inner Peace and Transformation Coach. Shift from Stressed to Blessed! Join the movement at 30SecondstoPeace.com
“For me, true freedom is finally owning your truth, heeding those whispers that come from within, those nudges that say, “THIS is who you are and what you are meant to do!” If you can learn to hear your source, and not only hear it, but follow its advice, true freedom and all that comes with it– joy, abundance, purpose– naturally flow to you. It’s about connecting to your unique story, embracing it, sharing it, casting out your gifts with faith, enthusiasm and gratitude. Time freedom and financial freedom are a natural result of finding and living your truth!”
Find your entrepreneur anthem with these 25 empowering theme songs for women, and share what freedom means to you in the comments below.
Ready to really rock your direct sales biz?
Join my VIP Group for direct sellers and get my popular Vendor Event Course as a bonus... a $97 value! PLUS 2 more gifts: What to post on your Facebook Page to book more Facebook parties and my Top 10 Call-To-Action Posts For Facebook Parties, along with How To Build A Booming Facebook Group in your exclusive Members-Only Learning Center. Learn more. Lynn Bardowski is an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author of Success Secrets of a Million Dollar Party Girl. In addition, she speaks to global audiences about Direct Sales Success, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Selling. What's more, she's a valuable resource for press, media and bloggers. Follow Lynn on her social sites by clicking on the icons on the top left of this page.
