Women Building Brands: Why It’s More Important Than Ever

It’s been more than a year and a half since Roe was overturned by the Supreme Court. It’s hard to comprehend that in the United States of America in 2024, women do not have bodily autonomy.

The fact that a small legal entity made up of nine people who do not represent most of our country stripped women of their rights has been dehumanizing and dangerous. Women in states across the country have been denied necessary medical care in life-threatening situations.

To say I’m angry is an understatement.

But it’s imperative that we channel our anger productively. I believe one of the best ways to do this is to make sure that women are in all the rooms where important decisions are being made.

Enough with crusty, old white men sitting around a table making decisions for women.

From board rooms to Wall Street, Silicon Valley to the White House, we need more women with power and influence. We must fight to protect women’s fundamental freedoms.

We need more women building brands and big, fat bank accounts.

“Why?” you ask.

Because your brand gives you a voice and a platform.

Because your brand helps you stand out.

Your brand earns you money and power. Women with financial freedom have options and choices.

Your brand affords you the opportunity to support other women and give to causes and organizations your care about most.

What we need right now more than ever is an army of badass women fully centered in their power, making money and empowering other women.

We need women building tables and helping other women do the same.

I believe that the women who build their brand, use their voice, and create impact and abundance for themselves and others are revolutionary. Women who understand that speaking up and creating success will re-set the decision-making table.

Women who know that we must smash the patriarchy and create a more equitable society where women make up at least 50% of the room where all decisions are made.

I believe building your brand and using it to lift women and marginalized folks will change the world.

But I never said it would be easy.

Before 2020, women accounted for more than half of the workforce, but McKinsey predicts that those numbers may not return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the female workforce has regressed to 1993 levels. (Whaaat??)

As they have often done – even before the onset of a global pandemic – many women, especially mothers of young children, have stepped out of the workforce to care for and support their families.

Facing pay disparities and overwhelming domestic responsibilities, women are often stepping away from the inflexibility of corporate America.

Couple this with a cruel and misogynistic rolling back of women’s rights, and it’s a wonder that many women choose to get out of bed in the morning.

But we must. We must show up like we’ve never shown up before, despite the chaos. We must show up because deep down we know it can and should be different and we believe we still have the power to change the trajectory and create a more just and equitable world.

Build your brand because you care.

Build your brand because you’re angry. In a world that’s so disheartening and discouraging, anger provides so much clarity, and anger is the fuel we need to get big things done. And we certainly have a lot of work to do.

Build your brand because that’s how you will make more money. When you share your gifts and skills with the world, you will be compensated for the value you provide to the people you serve. The more value your products and services provide, the more people will talk about you and refer others and the more money you will make. And women with money aren’t dependent on anyone else.

Your brand is your center of power. It’s where your core values intersect with your passion and mission and, at its best, it will be a living, breathing full expression of who you are, how you navigate the world and how you make other people feel.

If left untended, it is like a neglected and somewhat unruly garden. It has potential but is left for others to interpret and navigate on their own.

I have written many posts on this blog with specific steps for building a powerful brand. You’ll find a few of them here, here and also, here.

But the point I want to leave you with today is this: it’s a scary time for women and girls right now. Heck, it’s scary for everyone. But we aren’t going to make any progress by giving up and crawling under a rock. That’s exactly what they want you to do.

Don’t let them steal your soul.

Don’t let them take away your humanity.

This fight is far from over and we need you in it. We need you to build your table and show other women and girls how to do the same.

We need you to run for office if you feel called to do so.

We need your voice and your passion and your anger.

We need you to vote – both at the ballot box and with your dollars.

But most of all, we need you to build your brand. We need you to take action, take a stand and be an active participant in your own salvation.

I’m here to tell you sister, no one is coming to save you.

You must save yourself. LFG!