Boss Babe Spotlight is a blog series dedicated to celebrating women who have seen success in their chosen career path. Need some inspiration? These ladies have got you covered. We interview some of the most bad ass women we can find – so we hope you love learning about these fearless females!
Boss Babe n. A woman who supports other women. A woman who is comfortable in her own skin. A woman who strives to be a total badass in whatever she does.
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I’m trying hard not to gush, but this Boss Babe, my first ever spotlight, just happens to be one of my closest friends.
When Shawna first told me about her business venture, I was excited but worried for her. Going into business for yourself? That sounds terrifying!
As someone who at that time had been in corporate for over 5 years, the idea of unpaid sick days and not having a guaranteed income was practically a foreign concept to me.
I had toyed with the idea of working for myself plenty of times of course, as I’m sure many of you have – but then the fear crept in: What if I don’t make enough money? What if no one buys what I’m selling? What if I fail?
If you’re thinking these same thoughts, well Shawna has some words for you:
“You DO belong. You CAN succeed. The only thing standing in your way is yourself. “
Wise words from a wise woman. Read on to find out more about Shawna and her Business.
Owner Name: Shawna Bannerman
Business Name: Spent + Stone Jewellery
Website Link: www.spentstone.com
Social Links: Insta: @spent_stone FB: @spentstone
Tell us about your business.
I create handmade nature inspired necklaces, rings and earrings made with real preserved flowers and leaves. Many of the botanicals used are local, picked from my own garden or purchased from other farms and florists in Alberta. Each item is then pressed and preserved in a pendant with clear resin. As every flower is unique, each piece is also completely one of a kind.
What made you decide to start working for yourself?
When I graduated from NAIT [Northern Alberta Institute of Technology] with a certificate in Graphic Design, I got an internship working as a writer/designer at a magazine. Sixteen year old me was screaming ‘You did it!! You got your dream job!’ But 23 year old me wasn’t happy or fulfilled. Turns out, I didn’t like it at all. I realized I’d never truly loved any job I’d had. So I decided to go into business for myself. I turned a corner of my bedroom into a workshop. I set up an online Etsy store. I bought a second-hand DSLR. I started marketing myself. I sought out advice about finances and technical skills and advertising. I spent my savings on tools and supplies and courses. I got a business license and insurance.
That was over 2 years ago now and I will never go back to working for someone else. I love it.
What is the most challenging part of owning your own business? What do you love the most?
I love 99.99% of owning a business. I am someone who loves growth and self-development, which means owning a business is actually ideal because I’m constantly learning new things about marketing and jewellery making and finances and a hundred other things. I always say when you own a business, your personal ‘stuff’ (beliefs, limitations, values etc.) will affect your business ‘stuff’, so you can’t hide from it. I am always reading and doing some kind of self-development work because if it helps me, it helps my business’ success.
One of the few things I dislike about being a solo business owner is that I’m always working alone. I don’t necessarily have someone to ask for help or advice, confide in with business struggles, or even just bounce ideas off of. Most things I’ve figured out on my own (and my close friend Google), but I’m lucky that I have very supportive family and friends. Whenever I ask, they are ready to help me with whatever I need!
What advice can you give to new entrepreneurs or young professionals interested in launching their own business?
You are worthy. And not for any reason. You just ARE. Believe in yourself. Believe in your products/services. Charge what you’re worth. Speak up for yourself. You DO belong. You CAN succeed. The only thing standing in your way is yourself.
And don’t forget to put money away for your taxes.
Are there any resources you can recommend for new entrepreneurs?
This is not specifically a business book but my absolute favourite book in the world is You Are A Badass by Jenn Sincero. This book literally changed my life. It inspired me to change my life and start my business (among many other changes that have lead me closer to fulfillment and happiness). Read it. Take notes. Laugh along with Jenn (cause she’s amazing). Then read it again. I’m rereading it (and by that I mean listening to the audiobook which is free on YouTube!) for the third time and each time I get something new out of it. It’s brilliant.
Hey! Interested in the book Shawna was gushing about? Check it out on Amazon here.
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