Authentic Women Entrepreneurs: Beyond the Brand Stories – Introducing the Creativity Connects Podcast

The entrepreneurial journey rarely follows a predictable path. For authentic women entrepreneurs, building meaningful businesses often means navigating unexpected pivots, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community connection. “Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson” is a Creative Collective podcast launched to amplify the voices and stories of women-owned businesses within the Creative Collective business program.

Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki Wilson of Dot Connector Consulting brings over 20 years of marketing experience and a reputation for creating intentional connections to her role as host. As a networking strategist dedicated to elevating the value, voice, and visibility of women business owners, Mikki has earned recognition for her ability to “understand what I’m trying to say when I’m having trouble finding the words” and for transforming “communication and connections into an art form.” Through intimate conversations, the podcast explores these real stories and showcases how women business owners are redefining success by prioritizing authenticity over perfection. Across five compelling episodes, listeners discover the genuine experiences behind polished brand facades while celebrating the incredible women who make up our creative community.

Embracing Authentic Identity in Business

When authentic women entrepreneurs share their stories, a powerful pattern emerges: the most meaningful businesses are built when founders align their external brand with their internal truth. Our community explores this theme through diverse perspectives that challenge traditional business narratives.

Elena Rodgers, Events Director at Creative Collective, transformed what others dismissed as a “throwaway” communications degree into her superpower for connecting with diverse groups of people. Elena discovered her authentic calling in creating inclusive spaces where artists can thrive without chaos. “Building something authentic means not letting yourself get in your own way for too long,” Elena shares, emphasizing how authentic women entrepreneurs learn to silence limiting voices.

At Die with Your Boots On in Salem, Amber Newberry and Lori Moran have created a business that celebrates radical self-expression. After years in corporate environments where she “was not able to express on the outside what I was on the inside,” Amber founded an indie goth shop dedicated to helping people “make the outside of you match the inside of yourself.” Their commitment to size inclusivity—”we don’t have a plus-size section… every section has plus-size”—exemplifies how authentic women entrepreneurs build businesses that reflect their values.

Jenni Stuart’s journey into fine jewelry began “by accident” but quickly became her calling when she realized that traditional industry practices conflicted with her values. After experiencing the “disheartening” aspects of conventional jewelry retail, Jenni chose to build a business rooted in human connection and ethical practices. Her turning point came when her own engagement ring was attributed to another jeweler: “My work had my name next to it” became her non-negotiable standard.

The Power of Community in Authentic Entrepreneurship

Together, we’re learning that authentic women entrepreneurs thrive when they embrace collaboration over competition. The Creative Collective’s foundational belief—that “building something meaningful shouldn’t mean that you’re building it alone”—resonates throughout these conversations.

Nicole McClain, Lynn City Councilor and multi-hyphenate creative, embodies this collaborative spirit through her commitment to “planting positive seeds” in her community. As a Black woman who previously felt “overlooked” in traditional employment, Nicole now focuses on creating the acknowledgment and support she wished she’d received. Her approach to authentic entrepreneurship extends beyond personal success to building a lasting community legacy.

Daybar Bugler of Edex Provisions openly describes herself as a “hot mess” who owns her imperfections while building something meaningful. Her transition from fashion design to gourmet food reflects her authentic realization that she’s “built for partnership.” Daybar’s business thrives because she embraces community support, recognizing that “people out there genuinely want to see you be okay.”

Building Authentic Businesses That Matter

These authentic women entrepreneurs demonstrate that sustainable business growth comes from genuine connection rather than polished facades. Elena creates event spaces where “there’s huge relief to be working with a team who understands me, values me.” Jenni prioritizes direct customer relationships where “a human touched this product” and stories matter as much as craftsmanship.

The partnership between Amber and Lori exemplifies how authentic women entrepreneurs can support and strengthen each other’s visions. When Lori transitioned from helping set up the store to becoming an employee, their “creative partnership” deepened through open communication about “hard things,” proving that authenticity enhances rather than threatens business relationships.

Practical Insights for Authentic Entrepreneurship

Our community’s conversations reveal actionable strategies for authentic women entrepreneurs:

Embrace Your Unique Background: Elena’s communications degree and Nicole’s diverse experiences show how every skill contributes to entrepreneurial success, even when others question its value.

Create Inclusive Spaces: Die with Your Boots On’s approach to size inclusivity and judgment-free exploration demonstrates how authentic values can become competitive advantages.

Prioritize Human Connection: Jenni’s emphasis on knowing her customers’ stories and Daybar’s partnership approach show that relationships matter more than transactions.

Support Other Women: Cross-promotion and amplifying each other’s voices, as Nicole advocates, creates a rising tide that lifts all authentic women entrepreneurs.

Moving Forward Together

These stories remind us that authentic women entrepreneurs are reshaping business by prioritizing substance over surface. When we embrace our genuine selves, create supportive communities, and build companies that reflect our values, we contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial landscape.

What authentic aspects of your own journey are you ready to embrace? How might our creative community support your vision for meaningful business growth? We’re eager to continue this conversation and explore new ways to amplify authentic voices in entrepreneurship.

Episode List

Credits

Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting
Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV (peabodytv.org)
A Creative Collective podcast (creativecollectivema.com)
Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry