Women’s Circles for Revolutionary Times

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mitlé Southey, Founder of Circle School, located in Totnes, United Kingdom.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Circle School offers circle facilitator training for rebellious women. Through online and in-person courses, classes, circles, and membership, we support and guide well-being practitioners, community organisers, and creatives to deepen their capacity in the art, craft, and skill of holding Circles and incorporate Circles into their business model, organisation, or project.

Tell us about yourself

I attended my first Women's Circle when I was pregnant with my son, and it was the medicine that I didn't know I needed. Through sitting in Circle, I have witnessed the significant disconnection from self, body, and story that women have gone through. Continually ignored and written out of history, it is my desire to bring us back to our stories, myths, and ritual practices and to create new ones through Women's Circles. I believe that the practice of gathering in Women's Circles is vital in these times of collective uncertainty and transition.

A former litigation and compliance lawyer, I am committed to creating safer and generative spaces for those seeking a place of sanctuary and rebellion. I founded Circle School to provide a supportive and resourcing learning community where we honour each circle holder's unique path. Our work through Circle School is rooted in acknowledging our ancestors, connecting with the lands we are on, and reclaiming our lost stories whilst reimagining women's circles for these revolutionary times.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My most cherished accomplishment as a business owner has been to create a business that gives me the opportunity to do work that I love and sustains me. Through Circle School, I have helped hundreds of circle holders around the world and have been an invited guest teacher for several international training programs.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I honour the privilege of doing work that I love, but with that comes the responsibility for every part of my business, which includes the parts that I'm not naturally inclined towards. At the same time, it can be hard to ask for help!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Understand why you want to start a business and know what you're willing to invest in it in terms of time, energy, money, learning, and what will keep you going when things get tough.
Get comfortable with discomfort. It's an ongoing learning curve, and you will be stretched and humbled time and again.
Create a sister council of peers and mentors who can hold you, support you, offer you reflection and guidance, shine a light on things you don't see, celebrate accomplishments you dismiss and help you to keep learning and growing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mitlesouthey.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circleschoolwithmitle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitleSouthey

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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