The Female Founder's Toolkit for Tough Times

(Spoiler Alert: it involves more than just pizza and wine)

I've been hearing from a lot of entrepreneurs lately who are feeling the pinch of these uncertain economic times. Many are questioning whether to keep pushing forward, while others are dealing with nervous investors and dwindling cash reserves. It's a tough spot to be in, and for all of you who are grappling with this, my heart goes out to you.

Let's face it, the economy is sending mixed signals, and it's hard to know what to make of it all. Unemployment is low, yet something doesn't feel quite right. As Money With Katie recently put it:

“The economy' is doing great…or is it? Things are getting better!...or are they? One of the most befuddling conversations playing out in the zeitgeist is this 'Great Disconnect' between economic data and sentiment."

When times are tough or the future is unclear, you need your community around you more than ever. And despite the market's uncertainties, I've never been more bullish about the power of community, especially for female entrepreneurs.

I just returned from an action-packed few days in Dallas, where I had the privilege of joining forces with Kat Weaver of Power to Pitch to share my story to a group of female founders over Pizzana pizza, cocktails and new mocktails (they’re so good!). Kat is doing remarkable work to help pre-seed and seed stage startups raise capital faster. She teaches founders how to create and pitch a deck, how to build relationships with investors, and then helps match them with investors in their industry. Having been through the fundraising process myself several times, I know how bewildering it can be. Thankfully, now there are people like Kat who can help.

As a result of all her valuable guidance, Kat has built a mighty network of founders, who all came out to Pizzana to network and hear me speak! I met so many talented women who are building remarkable companies and successfully raising money, despite the tepid economy and dismal female funding statistics. Their determination and passion are so inspiring.

Also in attendance was Kelly Ann Winget, founder of private equity company Alternative Wealth Partners, who is featured in a new independent film touring the country called "Show Her the Money." The film addresses the startling fact that women receive less than 2% of venture capital funding and reminds us that money is power and that women need it to achieve true equality. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I can't wait for it to return to Los Angeles. To catch a screening while it’s touring the country or if you're interested in hosting a screening in your city, see more here.

The women I met in Dallas are trailblazers, and the number of communities supporting them just keeps growing. Dallas Girl Gang and the Southern Coterie, are two examples of vibrant communities built to empower, support and inspire women in business. I will be speaking at each of their conferences in Texas in the fall and you can join us. See info for Boss Vision Conference in Dallas on September 21 & 22 and Southern Coteries 2024 Retreat in Round Top September 25-27. Grab your tickets and come network with some incredible women who are changing the game.

Next up: I hosted a dinner at Pizzana to celebrate fellow retail entrepreneur Brittany Van Domelen, who recently expanded her luxury O2 fitness studio from Aspen to Dallas. The following morning we co-hosted a yoga class at her amazing space. It's so important to rally around the small businesses we love and the founders we admire, especially when they're just starting out. And it’s not hard to support Brittany because O2 is fantastic! Not only does it have the best yoga and pilates classes in the most beautiful facilities, but its Knockout Beauty boutique is teeming with beauty finds, and the retail section is full of covetable workout gear.

Some of my personal retail highlights included t Rejuvenate with Nousha face oil. It's a clean, lightly scented oil that heals and moisturizes skin and is so lightweight it can be patted on over makeup throughout the day. I also loved my supersoft yoga outfit - you can grab the Varley workout tee and pair it with these dreamy Beyond Yoga pants. Seeing founders like Brittany courageously scaling during uncertain times is so motivating.

So keep your chin up, keep pushing forward, and keep your eyes open for those unexpected opportunities. Lean on your community, support the businesses and founders you believe in, and surround yourself with passionate, determined people who inspire you. You've got this, and this Sweet Success community has definitely got your back.

XO,

candace

PS: I'm curious to hear from you - how are you feeling about the economy right now? Are you optimistic, uncertain, or somewhere in between? Comment below and let me know your thoughts.