At Be Prepared Period, we’re all about empowering girls and women. And whether that means sharing information that helps them to have better periods, healthier routines, or happier lives, it all factors into a well rounded, positive life. As women, so much of what we decide to do with our lives is dictated by the messages we receive from an early age. From the time that we’re young children, we start learning what is expected of us, and what is possible. Little girls really can grow up to do anything their heart dreams of – they just have to believe it’s possible, and get the support they need to go after those dreams.
As part of our Meet the Makers blog series, we’ve been interviewing female entrepreneurs as they share their hot takes on everything from their first periods, to how they successfully run their own businesses.
We’ve taken the questions people often ask female entrepreneurs to the next level and asked them to share their self care tips, what advice they’ve held onto, and what keeps them healthy and empowered. Because, as we all know, success is about so much more than the numbers or business basics – it’s about living a happy, healthy life on your own terms.
Josie of Zealo Apparel
Chelsea Besse from Thread the Wick
This month, we’ll be hearing from Chelsea, founder of Thread the Wick, based in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Chelsea started TTW with the mission of producing quality handmade goods for people to use as keepsakes, heirlooms and even funny pieces that brighten someone’s day.
Hi, Chelsea! What made you want to start your own business?
I hated working for other people. I hated having someone else tell me where I could and couldn’t go, what I had to wear, just hated it. I love being my own boss, even though it is a lot of work.
What is owning your own business like?
It’s hard. I have struggled with anxiety my entire life, and when you have the weight of your business on your shoulders it can be overwhelming. I find that praying, a hot bath and taking time for self care are essential to my well being.
We love that you stay on top of your self care! What advice would you give another girl that’s interested in starting her own business?
The advice I would give would be to educate yourself to the best of your ability, and never stop. Even when you start making sales, and making money, don’t stop taking courses and reading about things that can help your craft grow.
Great advice! What do you wish you could go back and tell your teenage self?
That I am beautiful just the way I am and that I don’t need to compare myself to ANYONE, ever.
Speaking of your younger years, what was it like for you to get your first period? Did you feel supported by your family?
It was a complete surprise, and scary! I was not prepared really at all, and felt very alone.
We are so sorry to hear that. How did you handle your periods at school?
I remember in middle school, I used to carry tampons and had to keep them in a candy tin or something in my purse to ‘hide’ them. I couldn’t imagine someone (or a boy!) seeing them. That would of been so embarrassing for my younger self.
That’s a very normal feeling for many young girls! Did you eventually stop feeling that way?
As I’ve grown, I honestly just stopped caring if my purse is open and you can see a tampon or pad. I figure if someone can’t accept the normal process that is menstruating…that’s on them.
What advice would you give a young girl that struggles with menstrual shame?
Don’t ever be embarrassed about something that is completely NORMAL, and that you can’t stop from happening. It happens to every woman, and shouldn’t be looked at as anything “weird” or “gross.”
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us today. Okay, last question. Who did you look up to when you started your business? What’s your favorite empowering quote?
My mother is my female idol. She is the strongest woman I know, handling anything that life throws at her. My favorite quote is:
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” —Matthew 6:26
We hope you’ve enjoyed this behind the scenes look into the lives and habits of professional women! If there’s someone you’d like to see featured in this blog series, be sure to let us know! Thank you so much, Chelsea! Be sure to check out Thread the Wick!
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