Hi Reader, Have you ever tried stuffing a pillow into a box? It will fit and it’s still technically a pillow. But there’s no room for air. That’s how I was feeling just before Rachel and I left for WordCamp in Italy last month. The lead-up to the trip was particularly busy as we prepared to be out of the office for two weeks, closed out tasks, and made sure the team was set. When we landed in Italy, I felt a rush of air. It was like taking the pillow out of a box—I unraveled and resettled back into my full form. It’s not because I was sipping espresso and Aperol spritzes by the pool all day. It’s because I stepped away from the grind and sank into “student mode”—which is, arguably, even more effective. As any business owner knows, we spend a lot of time sharing our expertise and providing advice. We’re teachers in some form, constantly dedicating our time to clients and helping them achieve their goals and dreams. That’s how the box gets so full. Here’s the thing. We all need more space than we tend to give ourselves. We end up stuffing more and more into our schedules because it technically fits. We get it done. But when we’re at full capacity, we’re not at our full form. Whether you're left-brained or more right-brained like me, we need space for air—to create, strategize, and ponder. That’s where we shine. My goal for the rest of 2024 is to be as open-minded as possible, and that means having more air in my box. Our time learning in Italy was a beautiful reminder of that. It gave me space to regroup, think clearly, and be as creative as possible whenever I provide recommendations, for both clients and my own business. I hope you find space to relax into your full form this summer too. Put down the to-do list, settle into student mode, and let your mind wander. Hazel The Right Brain PS: We’re now booking projects for the rest of 2024! If you need a website or digital marketing help before the end of the year, now is the time to reach out. Get on my calendar so we can chat it out.
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Hi Reader, The way I see it, there are two main “types” of entrepreneurs. The Lifers: The entrepreneurs who commit to one big idea, building and refining it for years. Decades even. The Adventurers: The entrepreneurs who thrive on change, pivots, and the thrill of starting from scratch. A recent lunch with a fellow entrepreneur put that into perspective for me. We originally met in 2022 at a conference in Philadelphia - and we realized we were from the same hometown in Virginia. A few weeks...
Hi Reader, Spring has officially sprung, and so has the energy around here. March was one for the books, filled with community, creativity, and a whole lot of women-led magic. Let’s rewind and relive some of the incredible moments from this month: 🌟 Pava LaPere’s Legacy Lives On We were honored to participate in the Maryland Student Venture Showcase hosted by UpSurge Baltimore, where 39 student-founded ventures were celebrated for their bold ideas. Nine winners—including our very own Hazel...
Hi Reader, Whenever something doesn't go "perfectly," it can really get me down. In my leadership class, we recently talked about how women and girls are culturally and socially taught to aim for "perfection." From our work to our relationships and appearance…you know what I mean. On the flipside, boys are often taught to be bold and brave. Of course, there are variations (and men can struggle with perfectionism too!). But there's a clear trend, and it sure resonated with me. Whether it’s a...