My 1st 365 Days as a Femtrepreneur

Here's how I got started on the entrepreneurship journey in a pandemic.

Welcome to my blog where I share my story, tips and tricks to help you grow your lemon trees!

I think there is an old saying that speaks about being pushed into your destiny and as I look back on my first 365 days as a Femtrepreneur, this most definitely applies to me.

Job Loss & COVID-19

My world had shifted when this worldwide pandemic COVID-19 hit the shores of my beautiful island Barbados in mid March 17, 2020. Let me add some context, I had just finished my post graduate degree in Marketing and I was elated to land an internship at a well-known Branding and Advertising agency. But as fate would have it near the end of my probationary period, my position was made redundant!

At first, I was going through all the emotions you can possibly think of; I couldn't believe that I had to throw my hat in the ring yet again or so soon rather, to apply for another job. After a few weeks of licking my wounds, I brushed off and said enough was enough- it’s time to get up and do something! This ‘something’ became She Markets Women’s Empowerment Clique (S.M.W.E.C) formerly known as She Markets Women’s Empowerment Club.

Establishment of S.M.W.E.C

S.M.W.E.C started out merely as a motivational page on Instagram as I started realizing that Barbadians and others outside of the island who I follow, were using social media to vent about the novel coronavirus that began to affect their lives and lemon trees (i.e. their businesses). Then I thought to myself, why not lend a helping hand by offering tips & tricks to female entrepreneurs, products and events in addition to the inspirational posts? So said, so done!

Growth Stages of S.M.W.E.C

As the Instagram page started receiving more traction each time I posted, I made the decision to officially register S.M.W.E.C and I developed a framework that I refer to as the 4 Ps/pillars of the clique. Although each ‘P’ is important, the psychological factor became number 1 because I was new to the entrepreneurial journey and many things were required of me. This then lead to the ideation, creation and launching of ‘My Daily Toolkit’ an ‘all-in-one’ book that helps Femtrepreneurs like me and you properly plan, document and execute each stage of our lemon trees, along with bettering and keeping on track with our mental and physical health.

There was also the establishment of Sweet Limón by She Markets; a graphic tee clothing line to help motivate and encourage both males and females while being stylish and comfy- I believe that you have to not only feel it, but look it too! One other thing I accomplished as a first time Femtrepreneur was hosting my first ever event; ‘A Tropical Christmas Pop Up Shop’ at the Hilton Resort and it was a success. Hundreds of patrons attended and supported more than 60 local small businesses which got the opportunity to showcase their products and services during the pandemic. This event is certainly one for the history books!

Staying the Course No Matter What- A Wrap!

You may have heard the popular saying quite often- ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. Without a doubt ‘Femtrepreneurship’ is hard and there are times when you feel like throwing in the towel. You feel overwhelmed and anxious especially when it is time to step out of your comfort zone. Despite feeling like this throughout my short time, I’ve decided to press on and turn something sour into something sweet and you can too.

So cheers to 365 more days in business! Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow Femtrepreneurs and always trust the process.

Xoxo,

Christal-Ann