Your Business is Sexist: A Hard Truth for Entrepreneurs
Let me tell you about a conversation that’s becoming all too common in my world:
Him: “What do you do for work?”
Me: “I started The Elleiance Network, a community where I connect women entrepreneurs to the right people and resources to build the business of their dreams.”
Him: “That’s sexist.”
It’s a jarring response, and while it’s tempting to dismiss it as just plain rude (because, let’s be honest, it is), the deeper issue here runs through more than just casual conversations. The truth is, as entrepreneurs—especially as women entrepreneurs—we often face criticism that challenges not just our ideas, but our identities.
Here’s what I want to emphasize instead: You will never be for everyone, and that’s okay.
In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s necessary.
Why You Won’t Be Everyone’s Cup of Tea
Conviction drives change. Apathy maintains inequity. The more you care about something, the less likely you are to be universally liked—and that’s a good thing.
The reality is, before you said or did something that triggered negative reactions, many of these critics didn’t even know you existed. Standing firm in your beliefs—whether it’s empowering women in business or dismantling systems of inequality—will naturally bring pushback.
And as women, silence hasn’t gotten us anywhere.
The Unapologetic Focus of Women Entrepreneurs
For so many women, there’s no real separation between our professional and personal lives. Our work is our life, and our life is our work. And that’s why criticism hits close to home.
My unwavering focus, and that of many women entrepreneurs, will always be on:
Building women’s generational wealth
Elevating women into positions of power and influence
These goals are non-negotiable. They’re on repeat—forever. And they don’t waver in the face of backlash or criticism.
Raising a Glass to Bold Women Entrepreneurs
To all the women doing the hard, important work of dismantling the patriarchy, unlearning ingrained systems of racism and misogyny, and embracing a mindset of abundance—I see you. I support you. I am you.
Tonight, I’ll raise a glass to the women who show up every day, fully as themselves. We may not be for everyone, but that’s exactly what makes us powerful.
*****************************************************************************************
Elleiance Visionaries
I am so incredibly excited to introduce you to the Elleiance Visionary Group! A very warm welcome to all the amazing women who have bravely taken the step to say YES to themselves and creating the business of their dreams. Elleiance is the exact place where you are going to make this happen.
The first meeting was filled with beautiful introductions and story's of resilience, brilliance and humanity as we get to see very quickly the thread that binds us.
This Group which started out as Elleiance @ Night or the Elleiance Business Gangsters voted to be the Elleiance Visionaries and it fits so well.
We are so glad you are here:
Romy Marlo
Keely Cambly
Outi Verela
Dina Campbell
Paige Martin
Graysen Thompson
Gail Willis
Emily Shandruk
Jen MacIntosh
Pam Tallon
Tara Tesolin
Elleiance Collective
The Collective Group meeting welcomed fellow Elleiance member Brook Dallaire into the meeting. Brook is the founder of Sociable Thunder Bay and member of the Thunder Bay Digital Squad, a free resource from the CEDC and Digital Mainstreet. Thanks to the Digitial Squad Program, Brook was able to join us and share her expertise on Canva and be compensated for her time. Brook gave us a super valuable in-depth tutorial around Canva showing us features and functionality to up our graphic and social post game all inside this business tool we all already use regularly. She made it clear, fun and practical with every single leaving with something tangible to improve our Canva skills. You are also going to want to get this lesson from Brook and you can get a 1:1 session with her thanks to Digital Thunder Bay. Make sure to sign up today. https://www.digitaltbay.ca/
Elleiance CEO
The CEO Group came together at Northstream Safety, hosted by Donna Nordstrom, CEO. This was also perfect opportunity to give Donna the business hot seat to share about what is currently going on her business and where she is looking to grow to. Through this discussion the group members were able to brainstorm along side Donna and share their ideas, experiences and networks with Donna which provided her with a long list of new connections and ideas to explore.
Sharing your business ideas isn't the right thing to do with everyone, but sharing with your Elleiance Business Mastermind Group is ALWAYS the right thing to do.
The new growth that has been sparked from this alone is truly mind-blowing. This is a unique opportunity that catapults your business forward.
Elleiance Inspire
The Inspire Meeting was full of amazing special guests and business experts that we were fortunate enough to learn from. The first two to join the meeting which was hosted inside an amazing meeting room at the Innovation Centre were Innovation Centre staff Carole Long and Jeff Coull. Carole updated us on all current business support programs being offered and Jeff provided us a very informative session on how to build innovation into your un-innovative business. We discussed the many online tools and resources that are available and easy to use and implement into your day to day processes that can be serious game-changers in how you show up and operate. For anyone else who is interested, the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is a local business resource centre that offers FREE support to entrepreneurs. I encourage you to connect with one of their business advisors to see how this amazing organization can support your business and goals.
https://www.nwoinnovation.ca/
Elleiance Ambition
The Ambition Women met at the IG Wealth Management boardroom where we welcomed a new member, Dana Bizzarrino, founder of Creativo, a website and social media company. We then broke down an important business question posed by Kimberley: How do you make decisions, set the direction of your business and ultimately build the business of your dreams? When there is a million things you can do, how do you choose?
Here is the decision making framework that was discussed:
WSABM
W – want – what do you truly want to do. What do you desire. Out of all your options what do you really want to do?
S – should – what are the shoulds operating here. Are you leaning towards a particular option because an external force is influencing you? Make sure what you truly desire is not getting covered up in a big pile of should.
A – action – what action will you take to move in the direction that you truly want? What is the first action step you will take to make this happen?
B – body – what does you body feel about taking that action. Imagine yourself taking that action step. When you envision yourself taking this action how do you feel?
M – more – how will this decision or direction make you have more in your life? Focus on the more over the cost. Pay attention to what you will gain.
Elleiance Experiences
The March Lunch with Elleiance was hosted at Red Lion Smokehouse.
The Wealthy AF Women's Club launched.
Quote of the month: No dream was ever set on someone knowing EXACTLY how to do it.
