Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristy Norbert, Co-Founder of Empower Her Network Inc., located in New London, CT, USA.

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

Empower Her Network is the nonprofit I co-founded with Abby Fabiaschi. Empower Her Network (EHN) collaborates with ready survivors of human trafficking who find themselves in the same vulnerable circumstance that led to their initial exploitation by removing housing barriers, financing education, and uncovering employment opportunities. Destination: Her choice.

Tell us about yourself

From a very young age, I recognized that many circumstances are out of our control. With others' help, those circumstances can be changed. From there, I immersed myself in as many cultures and social environments to learn about the injustices so I could be part of that change.

By training, I'm a social worker and have over 20 years of experience working with marginalized and vulnerable populations. Working with survivors of trafficking, it's pretty easy to be motivated daily. The grit, strength, resiliency, and ambition the survivors in our program have daily inspires me to work harder and live deeper.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That is hard, as there is so much joy and love that comes with Empower Her Network. At the end of the day, though, the idea and reality that a human being who has endured torture because of humanity now has the opportunity to live, love, and go after their goals because of EHN and the humanity that exists in our network - that is the greatest accomplishment...

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

The business aspect of a nonprofit is one of the hardest aspects, as there are so many moving parts to stay on top of. As the Director, I am responsible for every single part, even if others are doing it. This requires a business mind, a programmatic mind, an administrative mind, a techie mind, etc...

It still seems like every day there is another item that pops up that I have to figure out, as there is no manual for creating something from the ground up. To be clear, though, I also love this aspect and find it very exciting to do things on my own!

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

  1. Finding the right people to be on the team is by far the most important and crucial tip. The team of EHN is the most competent, effective, intelligent, and FUN group of women I have ever met. The culture we have created goes into every fiber of EHN, which makes it an amazing place to work.
  2. Grace. I'm not very good at this one, but it's always at the top of my list of things that make sense as you start and run a business. It's ok if you don't know the answer and if you don't get back to someone right away. It's ok if you can't do another grant because you are prioritizing your family. Etc etc. etc... Allow yourself grace to live the best life you want and NOT always put work first.
  3. Start something with someone who you trust and who brings all the skills you don't possess to the table. I founded EHN with Abby, who has a tech background and loves data. She is an amazing fundraiser, knows how to grow businesses, knows the strategy, and has a vision that aligns with every constituent... and she is a lot of fun. We complement each other's skill sets tremendously and respect our lanes. She has taught me more about leadership than anyone in my life by her example, her honesty, and her ability to put her ego aside. If you can start a business with someone like that, it's a no-brainer.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Human trafficking is in every state and every town across the United States. It's "uncomfortable" to talk about, and most people don't. We can not only talk about human trafficking. We can be part of a solution to help the survivors who have been trafficked break the cycle of exploitation and poverty, so their kids don't have to make that "choice" (which isn't a choice at all, it's survival).

My hope is that folks look into Empower Her Network and join the solution. Learn about your own neighborhood, volunteer, read, donate, and be part of changing the reality for so many.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.empowerhernetwork.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerHerUs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerherus/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/empowerherus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-her-network/

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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