Female Entrepreneur: Angela Wei

[this is a sponsored post]
 

This is a man\’s world, but it would nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl. You\’ve heard the song before, and I am sure you have been told before it\’s a man\’s world. Businesses are centered around boys clubs and females tend to be the less important assets at a company (even when they work their tails off). Not only do women struggle in office settings with the boy\’s clubs, but they face challenges as a female entrepreneur. Today we are going to talk about the five challenges women entrepreneurs face and how to overcome these challenges. 

4 Challenges Female Entrepreneurs Face and How to Overcome Them

1. Social expectations
My friend was recently telling me that her seven-year-old daughter suddenly no longer wanted to be a Detroit Lions fan, she wanted to be a Green Bay Packers fan. Baffled by the change of heart, she asked her daughter more about the team change and she said because a boy she likes is a fan of Green Bay so she now was. Is seven years old the magic age when a boy\’s opinions start effecting our own as a female?

Think about attending a networking event, you walk into the crowded seminar and I bet you can count the number of women in attendance on one hand. As a female, you begin to think maybe you need to adopt a stereotypically \”male\” attitude towards business practices: aggressive, competitive, and in many cases harsh. As a grown adult you are back to that little seven-year-old who has lost her own voice and did not remain true to herself. 

As a female entrepreneur, the most powerful person you can be is yourself. Have confidence in who you are. Don\’t conform to a man\’s idea of what a leader should look like. You know how to be a leader, start leading in your own way. 

2. Struggling to be taken seriously
At one time or another, most women find themselves in a male-dominated industry or workplace, and then men do not want to acknowledge their leadership role.

Earning respect in a male-dominated workplace is definitely a struggle, but you need to make sure you are working on creating your own reputation as the hardworking honorable businessperson you know you are. To earn respect and create your own reputation, you need to get out of your own way and get confidence that you are amazing.

3. Own your accomplishments
For many of us females saying \”I\” instead of \”we\” makes us feel like we are bragging instead of talking about the value of our accomplishments and our effort. Confidence is key to success, even when you\’re in a room filled with men. 

4. Build a support network
I know, I know, this is hard. I have found that a lot of females do not want to help and support other females. However, I said a lot of females – I did not say all females. There are of course some females out there that want the support system as well. When you start adjusting each other\’s crowns instead of walking away you become not only a better person but a powerhouse in the business because you have the confidence to share yourself with others. Sometimes there are even women-only networks which means the women in there are ready to help and be your biggest fan instead of hope you fail so they succeed. Angela Wei Milk is a woman who is talking about gender roles and overcoming a man\’s world.

Fall in Love with Lottie Mae

 

I don\’t know about you, but I absolutely love unique small businesses. Typically, when I am up north I discover the cutest shops and that is where I buy gifts for friends, family, and of course myself. Recently, I came across a shop that is even better than those shops up north. Let me introduce you to Lottie Mae.

Lottie Mae is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan and you can also find it online. The brick and mortar store is curated in the most elegant and chic way. Honestly, when I first walked into Lottie Mae I thought I was walking into a dream.

Jennifer the owner of Lottie Mae knows how to curate a store to create a bright and airy feel. You can tell she puts a lot of thought into the products that she buys for the store. Jennifer started Lottie Mae in 2018 when she began making candles for not only her home but other homes as well. Luckily for all of us, Jennifer opened a storefront. Not only does Lottie Mae feature Jennifer\’s amazing candles (they honestly burn better than any other candles I have tried), she also has other various home fragrances and accessories that are a must-have for any home. 

Whether you are shopping Lottie Mae online or in-store, get ready to fall in love with all the products Lottie Mae has to offer. From candles and sugar whips to sweet treats, coffee, and decor Lottie Mae is your one-stop gift shop for yourself and others. 

Where is Lottie Mae located?
You can visit Lottie Mae at:
1524 E. Auburn Rd. Suite 10

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Or visit Lottie Mae online

What makes Lottie Mae different?
Lottie Mae offers a curated selection of captivating gifts, as well as products for your home and daily life to uplift your spirit or someone else\’s. The products you will find at Lottie Mae allow you to add value to your gifting intentions. From candles to coffee each product has a purpose, which when gifted to yourself or others will surely leave a lasting impression.

Lottie Mae is ever-evolving and is in tune with trends and tastes while maintaining a stylish classic flair. Jennifer is focused on what is essential for your home or well being, which makes Lottie Mae the perfect retail therapy escape.

Must-haves from Lottie Mae
I highly recommend grabbing a candle or two. They burn better than any candle I have ever owned. When you buy a candle you will even get burning instructions to ensure you get the most out of your candles. I also love the essential oil diffuser and have one in my car. Another favorite is the sugar whip, it definitely is a new shower must-have for me. Currently, the shop is filled with plenty of autumn and Halloween goodies including fall scented candles.

Lottie Mae Open Houses
Something that is unique about Lottie Mae is the last Sunday of the month, Jennifer opens the shop for an open house event. Yesterday was September\’s open house with a Hocus Pocus theme. Let me tell you with everything going on right now, the Hocus Pocus Open House at Lottie Mae was everything I needed. Guests were asked to wear witches hats while shopping, there were drinks to sip on, treats to enjoy, adorable cauldron cookies by Redhead Cookie Design, and a pumpkin gift to take when you leave. I mean seriously, could this open house have been any cuter? Don\’t forget to follow Lottie Mae on Facebook so you can stay up to date with new additions to the store and when the next open house will be. 

Exploring The Ledges in Grand Ledge Michigan

If there is one thing you have learned about me this year, it\’s that I am a gal who loves spending time in nature. A couple of years about I heard about \”The Ledges\” of Grand Ledge. Up until this year I had never had time to visit, however every year I put it on my list of things to do. With the world turned upside down this year, and all my travel plans canceled it presented the perfect opportunity for me to hit the road and finally visit \”The Ledges.\”

For those geographically challenged (like myself), Grand Ledge is a mid-size town located near Lansing. Through the middle of the city flowers the Grand River, complete with trails, stunning rock formations, a few bridges, and a dam. A nature lovers dream, really. 

The Ledges are located within Fitzgerald Park. The 78-acre park offers three miles of nature and hiking trails, a beautiful picnic area, a disc golf course, a playground, and more. For those looking for something in the winter, there is a steep sledding hill and two miles of cross-country ski trails (I highly recommend doing this if you\’ve never tried it before). For a small fee, you can enter Fitzgerald Park and experience The Ledges. 

Once you park, walk through the picnic area until you reach the stairs that will lead you down to The Ledges. Fitzgerald Park offers an up-close look at the ancient sedimentary rock lining the shores of the Grand River, and let me tell you it is absolutely gorgeous. These rock formations reminded me of Picture Rocks located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on a smaller scale of course. If you can\’t make it to Da Yoop (Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula), be sure to head on over to Grand Ledge so you can at least experience The Ledges. 

While on The Ledges trail you will also come across an old railroad bridge. Which, if you know me you know I absolutely love railroads and bridges. The railroad bridge looked like it would be a great place to take photos once the leaves changed. You can climb up to see the bridge from above, however, I did not do that. It had rained the night before, I was on the trail solo and it was extremely muddy. I figured I could easily get up, but coming down would have caused some issues. 

The views of The Ledges were absolutely beautiful, and some of the best I have seen in the lower peninsula. In fact, I learn it is the only place in southern Michigan where you can rock climb, too. I will definitely be going back to climb. 

If you follow the road all the way you will come to the back of the park, where you will find a dam. You can also reach this area by walking through the woods, which is how I located it. I actually walked the trails they had for hours, and absolutely adored the scenery. I cannot wait to head back again. 

The Ledges located in Grand Ledge, Michigan are such a hidden gem. If you are looking for a day trip, and love the outdoors, this is one trip I highly recommend. 

The Ledges are located within Fitzgerald Park at 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge, MI 48837

Where are your favorite places to explore nature?

Five Things

This week marked the official start to my favorite season, fall! There is just something about a new season that I can\’t help but fall in love with. I am ready for plenty of trips to the cider mill, apple picking, donuts, hot apple cider, and of course leaf-peeping. 

This week was a wonderful fall welcoming. I discovered the cutest shop Lottie Mae, and immediately fell in love with the amazing candles Jennifer (the owner of Lottie Mae) makes. Not only is the shop filled with amazing candles, you will find goodies from a variety of unique businesses big and small.

Lottie Mae hosts a monthly open house and the September one is this Sunday from 3-7pm. The theme is Hocus Pocus so wear your witches hat for a special coupon! There will also be goodie bags, candy, cookies, beverages and a giveaway too!

I also had a mini photoshoot with Jack, made Jack his favorite homemade treats (recipe coming soon), went to Yates Cider Mill and made s\’mores indoors on a gloomy day. What have you been up to this past week?

What\’s Coming to Disney Plus: October 2020

It\’s Fall on Disney+ has begun, which means a new season of original movies, series and blockbuster movies coming to your living room. As the weather chills and leaves behin to change, grab your favorite blanket, some snacks and curl up with Disney+ for \”It\’s Fall on Disney+.\”

What\’s Coming to Disney+ October 2020: 

Friday, October 2
The Simpsons – Season 31

Friday, October 9
The Right Stuff (Disney+ Original Series)
The Right Stuff is the incredible story of the early days of the U.S. space program, based on the iconic bestseller by Tom Wolfe. At the height of the Cold War, newly-formed NASA selects seven of the military’s best test pilots to become astronauts. Competing to be the first in space, these men achieve the extraordinary, inspiring the world to turn towards a new horizon of ambition and hope.

X2
After a \”black ops\” specialist abducts Xavier, imprisons his students and steals Cerebro, Night Crawler joins forces with Magneto to rescue their brethren and forestall a holocaust.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Young Lucy, Edmund and their cousin cross through a painting into a magical land where they sail with King Caspian to help Narnian lords banished by an evil usurper of the throne.

Friday, October 16
Clouds (Disney+ Original Film)
Based on an inspiring true story, young musician Zach Sobiech discovers his cancer has spread, leaving him just a few months to live. With limited time, he follows his dream and makes an album, unaware that it will soon be a viral music phenomenon. In the end, music gives Zach’s life new meaning and helps him find the perfect way to say goodbye…with a song that will be heard all around the world.

Meet the Chimps (Disney+ Original Series)
“Meet the Chimps” takes viewers into the secret life of one of the largest and most unique wildlife sanctuaries in the world – Chimp Haven—a 200-acre refuge tucked deep in the forested heart of Louisiana, which is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch, this six-part series, from National Geographic, tracks the ups and downs of this extraordinary group of chimps that are given a second chance at life by a staff whose dedication, compassion and commitment knows no bounds. Through a seamless blend of natural history and observational-documentary filmmaking, “Meet the Chimps” puts the chimps – the heart and soul of the series – at front and center. A real-life drama with a full emotional range, the series gives unparalleled access to everything happening at Chimp Haven, including food squabbles, alliances, romances, ‘bromances’, tears, tantrums, high jinxes and heartbreaks.

Friday, October 23 
Once Upon a Snowman (Disney+ Original Short) 
Once Upon a Snowman is the previously untold origins of Olaf, the summer-loving snowman who melted hearts in the Academy Award®-winning 2013 Disney animated feature “Frozen” and its acclaimed 2019 sequel, are revealed in the all-new Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short, “Once Upon a Snowman.” The film follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the mountains outside Arendelle.

The Big Fib (Disney+ Original Series)
Disney+‘s first original game show, “The Big Fib,” is back for another 15 episodes. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and featuring Rhys Darby as her robot sidekick, C.L.I.V.E., each episode puts kid contestants in the hot seat as they question adults to find the real fibber.

Friday, October 30
The Mandalorian Season 2 (Disney+ Original Series)
The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies as they make their way through a dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.

What are you most excited to watch on Disney+ this October? I cannot wait to check out Once Upon a Snowman (big Olaf fan).