LET HER SPEAK BLOG
Our community blog is filled with stories, articles, and insights from the amazing women who make Let Her Speak special. Start exploring below and consider contributing your voice to our blog!
I meet with entrepreneurs on a daily basis. From sales to product development, finance to information systems, entrepreneurs (especially in the early stages) are required to understand and perform every aspect of running a business. While the conversations and trainings I have with these burgeoning business owners typically cover their business models, funding sources, and marketing strategies - one thing I try to stress is the importance rest plays in growing a business.
I spend a lot of time around people currently running businesses, and planning to start new businesses. These self-proclaimed “entrepreneurs” are often focused on the “hack” that will make them successful.
We’ve all heard the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” and other iterations of the phrase. But have you ever heard the phrase “It takes a village to build a business”? Within the business world you often hear terms like network, mentors, and advisors — but in all the years I’ve spent surrounding myself with entrepreneurs, studying entrepreneurship, and working across a spectrum of businesses, I never really heard the term “village” used. That is, not until recently.
THE FOUND PROJECT
Rest can look like a lot of different things. For this Women’s History Month project, we partnered with Ashley Gurley Photography and asked women in Knoxville to tell us why rest is important in their lives, what they do for rest, and how rest impacts their sense of self. We selected 12 women to feature and share how they rest and feel found.
As a child, Ashley’s mother would often be searching for her — to finish her homework or to work on household chores — and Ashley would be hiding, usually in a tree, with a book. Her favorite book? Anne of Green Gables.
Jaleria always enjoyed dancing and movement growing up and into adulthood, but didn’t have time to explore her passion for it until the pandemic hit. It was early in lockdown that her long “watch list” of dance videos finally became a part of her restful routine.
Growing up, Sarah found herself escaping in nature - slowly exploring, wandering, or sitting near water. She was never taught how to rest, but she naturally found herself drawn to these quiet moments.
SHE SPEAKS SERIES
The She Speaks Series was a project we produced during the pandemic (2020 – 2021) as a way for women’s voices and stories of resilience to remain visible and inspire others to forge their own paths. Watch video interviews with some truly incredible women!
OUR HISTORY, OUR VOICES
Explore this virtual collection of submissions from women creatives who contributed their voice, story, and work in celebration of the tenacity of the female spirit and in honor of Women’s History Month 2021.
The Rebekah Riggs Exhibit
I'm an art educator who is inspired by color and everything fun. I’ve always been fascinated with stars, bright colors, and art that may be considered childlike to some. But nothing makes me happier than women having fun without worrying what others think, so it empowers me to make art that radiates happiness and fun.
The Drocella Mugorewera Exhibit
I am a woman of faith, and I use that to help people to reach their potential. I am proud to lead an organization that welcomes refugees and asylees and helps them to be self-sufficient and to become productive and contributing members of our community. I am also inspired by people who are successful in making an impact to transform people's lives.
The Jennifer MacIsaac Exhibit
I have always wanted to learn how to make jewelry, metalsmithing to be exact. During quarantine, I began to explore YouTube videos on the subject. I have been having a blast learning, and there is still so much I want to discover about this medium!

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