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S.H.E. Matters: 5 Women-Owned Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

This holiday season, let’s redirect our focus to the incredible women entrepreneurs who are shaping industries and making a significant impact on our society!

Join us as we shine a spotlight on five inspiring women-owned businesses. From unique handmade creations to innovative services, these enterprises showcase the diversity, resilience, and creativity of women in the business world.

Championing the Cause for the Holidays

Celebrate the season of giving by exploring the diverse and impactful stories of women-owned businesses! Some of our favorite women-owned businesses that are perfect for supporting during the holiday season include: 

• The Little Market by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla:

• • A nonprofit fair-trade shop that offers handcrafted goods made by artisans around the world, empowering women in underserved communities.

• Little Seed Farm by Eileen Ray:

• • A family-owned farm and beauty brand producing natural skincare and soap products, prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

• P.F. Candle Co. by Kristen Pumphrey:

• • An independent fragrance brand hand-pouring soy wax candles and producing small-batch home fragrance goods in Los Angeles.

• Maison Miru by Trisha Okubo:

• • A jewelry brand specializing in minimalist and versatile pieces, including earrings, necklaces, and rings, perfect for gifting.

• Hard Work Jewelry by Victoria Samayoa:

• • Wearable jewelry handcrafted in Ventura, California including necklaces, rings, bracelets, chains, and more. 

This holiday season, by choosing to support women-owned businesses, you’re not just finding unique and thoughtful gifts, but also making a meaningful impact in promoting gender equity and helping women entrepreneurs thrive! 

Women-owned businesses often face unique challenges and barriers. By choosing to support them, you contribute to their economic independence, helping women achieve financial stability and success! 

Want to learn more about how we can help with advertising for women-owned businesses? Feel free to reach out to our team or visit our S.H.E. Matters page to learn more. 

S.H.E. Matters: The Role of Women in the Marketing Industry

In an industry where creativity and innovation are the lifeblood, the role of women in marketing cannot be overstated. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, women often face unique challenges in this dynamic field. 

From navigating the complexities of gender dynamics to shattering the glass ceiling, their journey is fraught with obstacles, yet rich with opportunities. Here, we shed light on these challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and offer actionable strategies to empower and support women in marketing! 

Supporting Women in the Modern Marketing Industry 

Women in the modern marketing industry face significant challenges, including the gender pay gap, where they often earn less than their male counterparts for similar roles. Another major hurdle is the limited representation in leadership positions, which restricts their career advancement and access to influential role models. 

Additionally, balancing demanding professional responsibilities with personal and family life often leads to work-life imbalance. These challenges are further exacerbated by gender bias and stereotyping, where women’s skills and ideas may be undervalued in a predominantly male industry.

Empowering and supporting women in marketing involves key strategies like ensuring equitable pay to address the gender pay gap and developing inclusive leadership programs to encourage advancement into higher roles. Flexible work arrangements are crucial for balancing professional and personal life, helping to prevent burnout! 

It’s also important to foster a workplace culture that actively challenges gender biases and stereotypes. Providing mentorship and networking opportunities tailored for women can offer additional support, enabling them to navigate industry challenges and excel in their careers. 

She Always Matters in the Workplace 

The support and empowerment of women in the workplace is not just a matter of equity but also a catalyst for broader organizational success and innovation. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and creativity that are invaluable in the dynamic landscape of modern industries. By actively working to dismantle barriers and foster an inclusive environment, organizations uplift women and enhance their overall performance and adaptability! 

Empowering women leads to a more diverse and robust workforce, driving forward-thinking solutions and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. Ultimately, when women thrive, the entire workplace benefits, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Want to learn more? Feel free to reach out to our team or visit our S.H.E. Matters page! 

S.H.E. Matters: 10 Women-Owned Businesses in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, Florida, women entrepreneurs are making waves, contributing to the city’s economic and social vitality through their successful businesses. From cozy cafes to innovative startups, women are shaping the business landscape with their ingenuity and leadership! 

Join us as we explore 10 standout women-owned businesses that are not only prospering but also making a significant impact in the community. 

Women Trailblazers in Jacksonville Business 

Explore Jacksonville’s business scene, where ten women entrepreneurs stand out with their innovative and spirited ventures: 

Mixed Fillings Pie Shop: Local pie shop in the heart of the Riverside neighborhood owned by Chef Natasha Burton! It’s celebrated for its innovative and delicious sweet and savory pies. 

1928 Cuban Bistro: Where flavor meets tradition. Serving authentic Cuban fare with a contemporary twist! Owned by Rebecca Gonzalez – a Cuban-American mother of three. 

The Antibride: Wedding planning and floral design for a one-of-a-kind celebration! Owned by Calli Webb and located in the heart of the Murray Hill neighborhood. 

Levity Interiors: Vintage furniture shop and design services located in historic Avondale! Owned and operated by Levity E. Tomkinson. 

Spruce Jax: Plant shop, bar, and mercantile! Located in Jacksonville Beach and owned by Ida Uffelman. The perfect spot to grab a drink and snag a beautiful houseplant! 

Emory Clothing: Modern and fun clothing boutique in Avondale that carries a huge variety of indie clothing brands! 

Culhane’s Irish Pub: Modern Irish pub owned by sisters Lynda, Michelle, Mary Jane, and Áine! These native Irish sisters strive to bring the unique flavors of Ireland to their customers. 

Alewife: A community-focused establishment in the heart of Five Points serving up various selections of handcrafted ales and lagers! 

Community Loaves: A locally-owned bakery serving up pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and more in a beautiful historic home located in Murray Hill! 

BB’s Restaurant & Bar: A groovy culinary experience located in historic San Marco! Serving up innovative American cuisine and a dessert selection you don’t want to miss. 

Lighting the Way for Future Female Entrepreneurs

Recognizing and celebrating the vibrant, women-led business scene in Jacksonville offers a glimpse into a world where innovation, community, and delicious flavors converge! 

From delectable pies to the hearty allure of Cuban cuisine, the diversity and innovation within these businesses not only elevate the city’s commercial and culinary landscapes but also carve out spaces where inspiration, community, and leadership coalesce. 

Want to share your favorite women-owned businesses with us? Feel free to reach out to our team or visit our S.H.E. Matters page!  

S.H.E. Matters: The Success Story of Dr. Jane Goodall

In the realm of scientific discovery, few names have become as synonymous with relentless passion, unyielding curiosity, and groundbreaking research as Dr. Jane Goodall. Often seen with her notebook and binoculars, Goodall ventured into the depths of the Tanzanian jungle not as a seasoned primatologist but as a young woman with an extraordinary love for animals. 

There, she challenged the status quo of both the scientific community and societal expectations of women, carving her own path in an otherwise male-dominated field. It’s an inspirational journey through the life of a woman who showed the world that indeed, she matters. 

The Notable Work of Dr. Jane Goodall 

In her early career, young Jane Goodall set sail from her native England to Kenya. Upon arriving, she sought out Dr. Louis Leakey, the famed paleontologist and anthropologist, convinced that he could guide her toward her dream of working with animals. 

Impressed by her knowledge and passion, Leakey saw in Goodall someone who could help him answer fundamental questions about humankind’s closest relatives: the great apes. Despite Goodall’s lack of formal scientific training, Leakey entrusted her with a groundbreaking study of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. 

Some of Goodall’s most profound discoveries and scientific contributions include: 

• Chimpanzee Social Structure: Goodall’s research provided insights into the social lives of chimpanzees, including the complexity of family relationships, hierarchies, and interactions.
• Meat-Eating Behavior: She documented that contrary to prevailing belief, chimpanzees are not strictly vegetarian and do engage in hunting and meat-eating behaviors.
• Chimpanzee Emotions: Her work showed that chimpanzees have emotional lives, capable of expressing joy, sorrow, and even mourning, changing our understanding of the emotional complexity of non-human animals.
• Long-Term Field Research: Her commitment to longitudinal study in Gombe Stream National Park is considered one of the longest and most detailed studies of a non-human species.
• Conservation Efforts: Founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which plays a crucial role in conservation, education, and advocacy for primates and their habitats.
• United Nations Messenger of Peace: Appointed in 2002, Goodall uses this platform to spread her conservation and humanitarian messages globally.

Blazing The Trail For Others To Follow 

The story of Jane Goodall is not just a tale of a woman who ventured into the wilderness to study our closest animal relatives; it is the narrative of a trailblazer who defied societal norms and prejudices to carve out her own space in the world of science.

Her work set the stage for generations of women who dare to dream big in the fields of primatology, ethology, anthropology, and beyond. As she herself has said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

Want to share your own success story? Feel free to reach out to our team or visit our S.H.E. Matters page! 

S.H.E. Matters: Unpacking the Burnout Baggage

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the term “burnout” has become all too familiar, almost a buzzword — but its impact is anything but trivial. For women in the workplace, the experience of burnout is often intensified by unique challenges that range from gender biases to the “double shift” of work and domestic responsibilities. 

While the concept is not exclusive to women, the disparities that persist in today’s professional landscape make it especially critical for women to recognize the signs, understand the underlying issues, and take proactive steps to prevent burnout.

Cracking The Glass Ceiling, But At What Cost? 

What exactly is burnout? According to the Mayo Clinic website, “Job burnout is a special type of work-related stress — a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” 

As stated by the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by these three dimensions:

• Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion 
• Increased feelings of cynicism or negativity towards one’s job
• Reduced professional efficacy 

Work stress for women often extends beyond the typical pressures of job performance and deadlines. Many women face the additional strain of gender biases, unequal pay, and the emotional labor of balancing workplace responsibilities with domestic roles. 

These unique stressors can compound over time, making women more susceptible to burnout. The lack of supportive workplace policies, such as flexible work hours and parental leave, can further exacerbate this stress, leading to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment — the key markers of burnout.

Is There A Way to Avoid Burnout?

Avoiding workplace burnout is a multi-faceted endeavor that involves personal, organizational, and systemic approaches. On an individual level, there are ways that women can reduce their chances of experiencing burnout! 

These include: 

• Prioritizing self-care: set boundaries, take breaks, and try exercising for short periods daily
• Managing your workload: delegate tasks, clarify expectations, and batch similar tasks
• Fostering healthy relationships: seek support from loved ones, communicate openly, and seek a mentor 
• Advocating for systemic change: push for fair policies and challenge gender biases 
• Practice healthy emotions: be mindful of your emotions, experiment with meditation, and keep track of your accomplishments 

While some of these tactics are general, they can be particularly impactful for women who may face additional pressures and biases in the workplace. The goal is to create a holistic approach to work-life that respects your time, values your emotional well-being, and contributes to your professional success.

Do you have any tips for avoiding burnout? Let us know! 

Feel free to reach out to our team or visit our S.H.E. Matters page to send in a submission for our review, and stay tuned for more S.H.E. Matters content!