Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabrielle Kelly, Co-Founder of WEM, located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our focus is helping women and mom-owned businesses. The mom-bond is fierce and instant, and historically, when women have their children, they've been written off - other people deciding that their career was over. I think we're in this amazing movement right now for women and moms especially, that people are taking notice of all that moms do, both inside and outside of their caretaking roles. By giving that power back to women and mom business owners, we're doing our part to amplify their voices, increase financial confidence and take what they deserve from their business, and encourage flexibility around building a business that serves them.
Tell us about yourself
I am the mom of two little girls, four & two, who are both the light of my life and the purpose of everything I do... (and also the source of much of my exhaustion and a lot of frustration, ha!) That keeps me on my toes every day and, really, the reason why I'm here doing what I do. WEM exists because I had felt so mistreated by Corporate America and felt like I had been brought up with a hustle-and-grind culture that didn't work for me when I had my children. I knew there had to be another way to do it - to live your life first and ensure your work or business is serving you.
I have worked in financial auditing, corporate accounting, and serving clients as a fractional CFO. What was missing was helping business owners manage day-to-day cash with the operations of their business. Helping them know what tools to use so they know how to get the information they need to make decisions as a business owner can be critical to your long-term success. It's so important to be financially educated, both in our personal and business lives. But there isn't a lot of support available unless you're willing to shell out a lot of cash.
Most business owners don't have a background in Finance or Accounting. And they shouldn't (because, honestly, that doesn't necessarily prepare you that well either). A lot of times, we're just going through the motions, but when you have financial clarity, you are empowered to make more informed decisions. There's so much shame and taboo around talking about money in our culture that it can be hard to know who to turn to or what the right next steps are for your business. We help break down those barriers and bring compassion, empathy, and understanding to our clients so they understand they're not alone and that they've never been given the right tools to do what they need in their business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating the life I've dreamed of having with my family and helping others do the same!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling motherhood and business ownership. There is always something needing your attention.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Invest in yourself, build in a salary for yourself from the beginning to create the habit, and keep good boundaries.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wem.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wemfinancial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wemfinancial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wemfinancial/
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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