It’s Friday and the weekend has begun!  I know with Labor Day fast approaching, we are down to the last days of summer.  However if you are in portions of the U.S. expecting rain this weekend, you may be stuck inside as opposed to enjoying a little fun in the sun.  If rain is in your forecast, then it may be time to dust off the movie rental card.  You can never go wrong with a few movies and snacks!

If you are like me, you can find inspiration in some of the simple things in life even when you least expect it.  I can sometimes find inspiration and motivation in songs, books, and movies.  If you’re looking for something to do this weekend that won’t break the bank and also give you a little entrepreneurial motivation, check out one of my “Girl Power” movie recommendations for a little lift of the spirits.  Not only will you enjoy a few laughs but, you may even be inspired to make your next career move!

Working Girl – Climbing the corporate ladder at its best!

The Devil Wears Prada – A young lady with career ambitions and all of those clothes, shoes, and bags! How could you not be inspired?

Baby Boom – Inherit a baby.  Start a gourmet baby food company!

Chocolat – Do I really have to say anything?  She owns a chocolate shop! Oh and did I mention Johnny Depp?

9 to 5 – This is just pure fun; especially for those of you ready to escape Corporate America!  Show them who’s really the Boss!

Erin Brockovich – She’s tough, she ended up creating a very profitable career for herself,  AND  it’s all for a good cause!

Tags: Business Ideas, chick flicks, girl power, Inspiration, Motivation, Starting a business, weekend fun, Women entrepreneurs

“If you think you can, you can.  And if you think you can’t, you’re right.”

- Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

Doubt can be a major roadblock when it comes to starting a business.  Doubt usually leads to negative thoughts about your abilities as an entrepreneur, which leads to inaction.  Inaction means another day passes without taking steps toward business ownership.  Doubt will cause you to stay in a career situation that isn’t satisfying.  All of these things lead to missed opportunities.

Be positive, look for inspiration, find a mentor, take action, and don’t let doubt delay your entrepreneurial dreams.  If you don’t think you can have the business you’ve always wanted, then who will?

Tags: doubt, entrepreneurial dreams, fear, inspirational quote, mary kay ash, Starting a business, take action, Women entrepreneurs

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.  Don’t make money your goal.  Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”  – Maya Angelou

Tags: Business Ideas, do what you love, inspirational quote, Passion, Starting a business, Women entrepreneurs

Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th of July, our country’s Independence Day.  This commemorative holiday recognizes the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which declared the country’s independence from Great Britain.  Most of our holidays have become such big commercial events that it’s sometimes easy to forget the real meaning or purpose behind them.  Nevertheless, many people across the country take advantage of this federal holiday by celebrating with parades, picnics, and tons of fireworks.  I personally like celebrating at the nearest beach with friends, music, a good book, and cute cocktails with umbrellas in them.  Maybe that’s just me!  No matter where you are, there’s usually something for people of all ages to enjoy!

As I contemplated declaring independence, I begin to think about the many ways we declare our own independence at various stages in our lives.  We declare our independence when we become teenagers and learn how to drive.  We declare our independence when we go off to college.  We, once again, declare our independence when we get married and start a family.  Unfortunately, for some of us, that’s where the declarations stop.

In many cases, we think that reaching a certain age or point in our lives exempts us from making any new declarations of independence.  I think that is one of the reasons it becomes a lot harder for some people to start new careers, new hobbies, or new businesses.  They begin to think the doors of opportunity have closed and the time has passed for new game plans and new declarations.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.  It’s never too late to have a new dream, a new goal, or a new lease on life.  It’s never too late for an opportunity to present itself that just might change the rest of your life.  As you celebrate the 4th of July with your family and friends by attending more barbeques and cookouts than you can handle (or maybe that’s just me), think about the last time you made a declaration.  Is it time to make a new one?  If so, go ahead and do it!  Our country’s Independence Day is a perfect time to make your own personal declaration of independce.  What’s your declaration?  Be sure to share it.  Have a great holiday!

Tags: celebrations, declaration of independence, fireworks, Fourth of July, Fun, holiday, new careers, new goals

“I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens.  Life is only about the I-tried-to-do.  I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.”           -Nikki Giovanni, Poet & Author

Many would-be women entrepreneurs give up on the idea of starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur before they even try to take steps toward their dream of business ownership.  There are many reasons why this happens on a daily basis.  Most of the time we allow things like fear, doubt, busy schedules, and lack of self confidence to stand in the way of becoming an entrepreneur.

We are always willing to give other new things a try; however, we sometimes fail to take a chance on ourselves.  We will try the latest diet, fashion trend, hairstyle, or restaurant without a second thought.  Now, I know some of you are saying that the risk involved with trying those things is not that great; well, neither is the reward.  In either case, how will you know unless you try?

I know that starting a business is a huge endeavor that requires time, hard work, and in most cases, money.  It isn’t something to be taken lightly.  The point I’m making is that you have to identify the things that may be holding  you back and work through them in order to take steps toward your goal of entrepreneurship.  I want you to get over the fear, move beyond the excuses, and just get started.  Be sure to return to the Boutique for tips on the things you can do to begin this fascinating journey of becoming a business owner.

Do you want to look back years from now and say “I shoulda, coulda, woulda” or would you rather say “I tried”?

Tags: inspirational quote, Starting a business, Startup Tips, thought for the day, Women entrepreneurs