5 Year Anniversary Note From The Founder

This month we celebrate our 5-year anniversary and officially claim our spot among the 50% of women-owned businesses that survive the 5-year milestone.

While we celebrate this achievement hosting events across the Southeast, I’ve had the chance to reflect on my journey as CEO.

To honor our core values of vulnerability and authenticity, I’ve decided to share my point of view on where we’ve been and shed some light on where we’re going.

From the inception of WE Inc., I’ve deeply valued validation from others. Other business groups and community organizations, brands, companies, and the public. In my quest to find our place in the world, I’ve asked permission to be, to grow, and to build something that’s never been done before.

In addition, I’ve kept many of my most candid thoughts and beliefs about women-focused communities to myself. I’ve operated in fear of someone challenging me on my beliefs that...

...the right group CAN impact a woman’s ability to make more money.

...women CAN come together and truly support each other — ultimately erasing the “mean girls” persona that has been cast on us unfairly.

...a membership community can be MORE than just camaraderie.

...women can promote their business to one another in a way that feels earnest, not spammy and self-serving.

....women can ask for help without fear of being seen as less-than.

While in my gut I deeply believe all of these things to be true, I’ve been terrified of someone challenging me on it — or worse, being wrong.

The CEO I aspire to be in our next 5 years will not be one who operates in the absence of fear, but in spite of it.

I will no longer crave validation — we belong.

I will no longer question that a league of women dedicated to helping each other succeed can really exist — we’ve built it.

I’m taking my muzzle off.

I have so much more learning to do. But what I lack in skills and knowledge I make up for in fervor. While I will still quietly debate whether or not I’m fit to lead this incredible company, I stand for the fact that no one is more passionate about building this community of women than I am.

Thank you for trusting me and for turning me into the best entrepreneur I can be.

Here’s to the next 5 years!