Connect With Other Women Entrepreneurs - Pithaya

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Vaughan, Founder of Pithaya, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Pithaya is a user-friendly platform that leverages advanced analytics and hosted events to connect women entrepreneurs to like-minded peers, enabling them to find support and build long-lasting relationships. Our customers are women solopreneurs and early-stage founders who need a supportive and resourceful community to uplift them while they bring their business ideas to life.

Tell us about yourself

Prior to starting Pithaya, I spent 15 years in hospitality and corporate America working with hundreds of small business owners at franchises like Burger King and BrightStar Care and, most recently, at Amazon. Some of my fondest childhood memories are around entrepreneurship - attending a fashion show at my grandfather's restaurant in Hartford and watching my mom run a daycare out of our family's home in Alabama. I just love being around entrepreneurs - I find their energy, passion, and spirits so inspiring and contagious. I left Amazon in 2021 to work for myself as a freelance writer and small business consultant. I prepared to make the leap; one thing I did not anticipate was the loneliness I felt working alone. I set out to find similar solopreneur friends who I could co-work with and share my experience with, but that process started to feel like a part-time job in and of itself! I created Pithaya because I think every woman entrepreneur deserves a support system. I want to make that easier for them to find. I'm motivated each day by knowing that what I am creating is helping women like myself feel less alone and discouraged as they bring their ideas to life and build better lives for themselves and their families.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I launched the concept on Meetup earlier this year while I was working on funding for the beta version of the platform. So far, we have around 200 women who have participated in virtual events such as our weekly journaling sessions, accountability and goal-setting workshops, and classes on topics ranging from digital marketing to business development. I'm pretty excited about the group that has assembled so far - our members are some of the most dynamic, passionate, and creative women I've ever met.

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

One of the hardest things for me has been managing my energy and being able to navigate the emotional challenges that come with business ownership. The early stages of building a business are truly a rollercoaster of unforeseen challenges and small but sweet triumphs. I have been surprised by how much of my energy is dedicated to keeping myself leveled mentally and how much I have had to lean on other people for emotional support!

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

1. Be clear and passionate about your "why": Let it be your North Star that will motivate you on tough days and guide your decision-making process when faced with hard choices.
2. Have a plan, but be flexible with it: It's critical to have an idea of where you're going and what you need to get there, but realize that even the most well-laid plans will have some hiccups. Be prepared to pivot and adjust the plan as needed. The most important thing is that you just keep going, no matter what.
3. Build a support system: The emotional struggles are real, and you will need to surround yourself with people who have your back and will keep you honest. While your normal support system (family, friends, etc.) will likely be there for you, understand that they may not always understand your experience as an entrepreneur. Find some like-minded, trustworthy peers and make a concerted effort to cultivate relationships with them. Trust me; this journey will feel SO much better knowing there are people in your corner who are going through the same thing - and cheering you on in the process!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pithaya.app/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pithaya.app/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pithaya_app
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pithaya/

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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