She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Shackles of Entrepreneurial Identity

As the founder of Sorella Magazine, a digital platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: my business is not my entire identity. While I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, I’m more than just my entrepreneurial skills. This realization has been crucial in helping me maintain my mental health and well-being.

The Dark Side of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected by mental illness, with founders being twice as likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts, and ten times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. According to therapist and executive coach Morgan Bruneau, this is often due to the tendency to become overly invested in our businesses, leading to detachment from our own needs and relationships.

The Double Bind of Being a Black Female Entrepreneur

As a Black woman, the journey to success is often fraught with structural barriers and biases. We’re underpaid, overlooked for promotions, and face discrimination in the workplace. It’s essential to recognize that our professional success is not solely dependent on our abilities, but also on factors outside of our control. This is why it’s crucial to separate our self-worth from our professional achievements.

The Importance of Access to Capital

As an entrepreneur, access to capital is a significant determinant of success. Unfortunately, Black female founders receive only 0.2% of all venture capital funding, making it challenging to start and scale a business. This lack of access to capital perpetuates a vicious cycle, making it even harder for Black women to succeed in business.

Defining Ourselves Beyond Professional Success

It’s vital to remember that our worth extends far beyond our professional accomplishments. As entrepreneurs, we must be careful not to attach our self-worth to our business or career. We must define ourselves by our relationships, values, and passions, rather than our professional success.

The Power of Representation

As the founder of Sorella Magazine, I’ve learned that representation matters. Providing a platform for Black women to share their stories and perspectives has been a game-changer. It’s essential to recognize that our voices and experiences are valuable and deserving of attention.

You Are More Than Your Work

In the end, it’s crucial to remember that we are worth infinitely more than our work. As individuals, we have multiple roles and identities that make us who we are. By recognizing and valuing these different dimensions of our lives, we can maintain our mental health and well-being, even in the face of adversity.