Guest Blogger Rose Jordyn shares the stories of 3 female entrepreneurs who've adapted their businesses to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As COVID-19 plunged the world into chaos, changes like the community quarantine measures tremendously affected industries such as airlines and hotels. And despite vaccination programs being well underway, the pandemic continues to keep the global economy in a recession that is still causing many people to struggle in their personal and professional endeavors. It has also greatly affected entrepreneurs, particularly women, as they juggle professional and caregiver roles. However, many women have demonstrated great perseverance and ingenuity during this time. Here are ways that some female entrepreneurs are making the most out of the pandemic despite all odds.
Jessica Perez: Investing in a Digital Skill set
Jessica Perez highlights the importance of investing in a digital skill set after the company she co-founded (GRTR Management) lost most of its clients when the pandemic started. Their creative consultancy offers digital marketing, image consulting, lifestyle visuals, brand blueprints, and keynote speeches. As their consultations shifted online, Perez shifted their focus to digital marketing, capitalizing on her team’s growing skill set that has kept them afloat throughout the pandemic.
How does Perez stay on top of everything to succeed in her business? She and her fiancé (and co-founder) have several tips on dealing with challenges and difficulties along the way: center on your goals, communicate with full transparency, spell out the terms and conditions in business relationships, and be solutions-oriented. The last tip is to have fun, which serves as a reminder that passions and dreams should be enjoyable.
Chavonne Hodges: Physical Fitness
Being cooped up at home can make you sluggish and unproductive, which is part of why many people have taken to prioritizing exercise routines. Entrepreneurs like Chavonne Hodges make it possible for people to get fit while stuck at home. She co-founded GrillzandGranola, where they taught in-person classes until the outbreak and have since then modified their Workout From Home programs for the community. Hodges' business is mostly known for its TrapAerobics class which is a high-intensity aerobic workout done to 808-thumping trap music. They also offer quick low-cost workouts for people who don't have the luxury of time.
According to Hodge, what sets GrillzandGranola apart from other fitness programs is their belief that fitness should be inclusive and accessible. By showing people of all shapes and sizes that they can participate in fitness too, customers are more inclined to come back and reach their health goals — even with the limitations of a pandemic.
Mollie Eliasof: Practicing Mindfulness
As the CEO and chief therapist of Mollie Eliasof Therapy, Eliasof decided to provide opportunities for people to receive teletherapy nationwide. She also caters to those who may not be able to afford therapy by sharing free information via Instagram Live to help them cope.
One of the key messages she shares with her patients and followers is to remember that while they might not be at their ultimate goal just yet, the best thing is to step back and realize where they are right now. In Eliasof's discussion on succeeding in business and at home, she lists three key components to conquer one's goals during an especially difficult time. The first is to maintain one's focus while recognizing that is it not always possible to do so. Being clear with what you need and how the people around you can help is key to achieving this. Second, Eliasof stresses how morale is essential for motivation, which many are lacking now as the days blur together. Lastly, she encourages other entrepreneurs to identify their "secret sauce" or the unique element they bring to the table.
The female entrepreneurs featured here are examples of what’s possible despite the challenges posed by this pandemic. As people find ways to cope and learn skills in the new normal, it’s an assurance that despite difficulties in the time of COVID-19, we can still create great things.
Article written exclusively for plen.org
Rose Jordyn is a mental health advocate and feminist. She loves to write about subject matters that are important to her and her advocacies. When she's not working on a new piece, you'll find her enjoying her local spin class.