Conquer Your Hustle Find Your Cheer Squad

Your Goal Crushing with Sisterhood Support

Ever feel like you’re running a one-woman show, fueled by endless cups of coffee and pure hustle? Yeah, been there, worn the “boss babe” t-shirt with questionable coffee stains (don’t judge, the deadlines were calling my name!).

As female entrepreneurs, we wear a lot of hats. We’re CEOs, strategists, marketers, and sometimes even cheerleaders for ourselves. That’s why having a support system is like finding a hidden stash of your favourite chocolate – a lifesaver coated in good vibes and laughter.

The Challenges of Going Solo

Many female entrepreneurs face a unique set of challenges. From societal expectations to the ever-present feeling of “imposter syndrome,” the journey can be fraught with self-doubt and isolation.

• Feeling Overwhelmed
• Lack of Time
• Isolation
• Self-Doubt

These challenges are real. The good new is, they don’t have to define your entrepreneurial journey! By building a supportive network, you can create a powerful “Power Pack” to help you overcome these hurdles and achieve your goals.

For me, that support system is a fierce group of women I met through Future Females (think global squad for ambitious trailblazers!). Our amazing business coach Dani (big ups, sis!), knew the magic was real. She kept our accountability group going strong after the Business School program wrapped up!

The Maryls – Dani, Corinne, Janine, Alex, Courtney, and Natalie, are my business besties on steroids. We hold each other accountable for EVERYTHING. Think goal-setting, brainstorms fueled by endless cups of tea, or coffee in my case, ideas workshopping and celebrating victories big and small (because let’s be honest, sometimes surviving a Monday is a win in itself).

But it’s not just about raising a metaphorical glass to our wins (although trust me, the celebratory high-fives epic!). We’re a vulnerability-safe zone. Need to vent about a client from hell? Spill that tea, honey! Feeling like a total imposter? We’ve all been there, and we’ll be there for you (with tissues and maybe a glass of wine, depending on the severity).

Here’s the thing: this group isn’t just about venting. We’re a results-oriented bunch. We set clear goals, hold each other accountable (because shiny object syndrome hits us all hard sometimes), and celebrate the wins that move us closer to our dreams.

A prime example of their impact: I used to struggle with communicating my value proposition. I knew what I offered, but doubt kept me from confidently conveying it. That’s where my Meryls came in. Through honest feedback on my website and countless brainstorming sessions, they helped me cement and clearly communicate the incredible value I bring to my clients. They even made me realise the importance of letting go of clients who weren’t a good fit (looking at you, “won’t mention names” client we all know and don’t love!). A lesson I took from Alex’s page, the art of letting go of clients that don’t align with your vision!

These ladies are basically Meryl-ing like champs, and guess what? You can too!

What makes this group so darn special?

Well, it’s like a powerful potpourri – a beautiful blend of our unique personalities and shared experiences. We’re at different stages in our entrepreneurial journeys, with diverse offerings that sometimes even overlap. But there’s no competition here! We share resources freely, genuinely wanting to see each other conquer their goals.

Think “cool swearers”, perfectionist planners (Courtney, I’m looking at you!), go-getters who would make a cheetah jealous (Janine, you’re a force!), and the queens of the “delete and do-again” method (we’ve ALL been there, but especially me!). Somehow, it all works in a delightfully chaotic symphony of girl power.

We celebrate wildly for each other’s wins (think impromptu raise the roof on our Zoom calls!), cry together during setbacks (because real friends cry together!), and push each other to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough.

Here’s the best part: even when one of us is like, “Ugh, this week was a total flop,” listening to everyone’s accomplishments often flips the script. Suddenly, you realise you actually achieved a LOT more than you initially thought, (looking at you Corinne). It’s a constant reminder to focus on progress, not perfection (because let’s be honest, perfection is boring anyway!).

The impact this group has had on my confidence is like a phoenix rising from the ashes of self-doubt. They’ve helped me see the strength I already possess, the one that sometimes just needs a pep talk and a virtual high-five to shine. They’ve empowered me to believe in myself and my vision, and most importantly, to know that I’m not alone in this wild ride of entrepreneurship and to take those all-important time outs to reset and reflect (thanks Natalie).

Our secret weapon? Owning every Zoom call, every challenge, every single moment. It’s about acknowledging all the emotions, even the scary ones. It’s about remembering that it’s okay to feel scared but to take action anyway (because sometimes the best things happen outside our comfort zones!).

Speaking of taking action, I hosted the first solo workshop for Sweet Bay Tree, and let’s just say the tech gods weren’t on my side. Technical difficulties galore! But I showed up, owned it, and learned a ton – even if the workshop itself didn’t go as planned. My Meryls were there cheering me on, proving that setbacks are stepping stones.

That’s the beauty of this group. They celebrate the big wins, the small wins, and even the not-so-wins because they know it’s all part of the journey. They’re the wind beneath my wings and the laughter that keeps me going. They’re the reason why Thursdays are the highlight of my week, and why I know, that no matter what challenges come my way, I’m not facing them alone.

Behind “The Meryl”

Let’s face it, we all have those moments. You walk into a room, ready to take on the world, and suddenly your inner chihuahua impersonation skills kick in (internally, of course). Confidence deserts you faster than a free donut at an office meeting.

We, The Meryls, totally get it. We’re a band of accountability warriors who, like many others, sometimes struggle with that inner voice whispering doubts. But here’s the secret weapon we discovered: The Meryl Pose. (Once again, Dani thanks for sharing the Meryl with us)

Now, hold on a sec, before you picture us channeling our inner Miranda Priestly (although, work presentations could definitely benefit from a dash of that icy stare!), The Meryl Pose isn’t about dominating the room. It’s about channeling the essence of Meryl Streep – the quiet strength, the unwavering presence, the confidence that seems effortless.

Think of it like this: Imagine Meryl not winning an Oscar. Absurd, right? Well, that’s the energy we strive for. It’s not about arrogance, it’s about knowing our worth and stepping into our space with self-assured grace.

We may not all be destined for Hollywood glory (although, hey, never say never!), but we can cultivate that Meryl magic in our everyday lives. Here’s the beauty: you don’t need a red carpet or a legion of awards to own your space. You just need your Meryls.

Find Your Tribe Build A Supportive Network for Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Are you searching for your own tribe, a community that will empower and support you on your entrepreneurial journey? Imagine having a Meryl-ish cheerleader in your corner, someone who helps you focus on your brilliance while taking care of the time-consuming tasks that keep you overwhelmed. Head over to my website at www.sweetbaytree.co.za to learn more about how I can help you build your dream business and find your Meryl magic.