As a young woman, growing up in a media-based world, it is tough to imagine what life could be like in the years to come. Sure, I want to build a career, a family, a life for myself. I want to set goals and attain them, and become the best version of myself. But, sometimes life does not go according to plan.
As a millennial, I have my entire life on my phone. I'm not going to lie, I am a Facebook and Instagram addict. I share, I like, I follow, based on my interests and opinions (and I know I'm not the only one). As of 2015, Instagram was ranked the 5th most popular media tool in the world (Smart Insights). What many people are beginning to recognize is, Instagram is one of many sources that aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners take advantage of to create their success stories.
I've always been one to follow "anon" accounts, simply because I am a reality television fanatic who I guess, enjoys seeing the lives of others. Rather than being a fan girl of celebrities, I'd rather see a more realistic end to a cool person through their media platforms (call me crazy, I don't really care). Through this minor obsession of mine, I've found a range of accounts, run by young women, with different purposes and aspirations. It is a growing statistic that women are empowering each other to create business opportunities. In fact, Center for Women's Business Research says that there are 10.1 million women-owned businesses in our nation alone. If that isn't encouraging, I'm not sure what is.
Out of the accounts that I follow, there is a mix of moms/wives, others fiancés, or single and successful women. They either promote businesses and products, blog about their interests or created small start up companies. But, out of these 5 accounts, there is one thing that all of these women have in common: the crave for success.
1. Alexa Brown (@alexajeanfitness)
As a 25-year-old mom, who is newly married and expecting a second child, it is motivational to not only see Alexa's journey, but her constant encouragement for other women out there. Her goal is to show young women that there are ways to stay healthy and fit despite busy schedules and lifestyles. Her Instagram not only features her workouts, her customer success stories, but also adorable pictures of her family which shows her followers that she is proof of success. Linked in her bio is her website which is full of products and packages that she offers as a way to help women get into shape as she did, using her own program and guidelines. In addition, there is a great blog filled with tips (both exercise and dietary), fashion and lifestyle ideas and much more.
2. Shelly Culp (@behindblueey3s)
This woman is one that takes a very artistic outlook on life, through her photographs posted on Instagram. Her posts are almost always beautiful, meaningful and empowering. With her busy blogging, promoting and motherhood filled life, she still finds a way to make another's day. Her usage of social media gets her ideas and love for life across and this is something that can encourage other young women to do the same thing. On her blog is a variety of sections that can fit almost every woman, ranging from travel to beauty to DIY projects and fitness. The benefit that Shelly gets out of this job is trying new products and reviewing them to help others. She is proof that any woman, of any age can do the same to attain a dream.
3. Britnee Blevins (@belles_n_bows)
As a young mom and fashion lover, Britnee can inspire anyone. She is a typical southern belle, making it hard to not enjoy her posts! What is nice about this woman is that she works a full-time job as a dental assistant, but does what she does as a mom and blogger in her spare time. From promotions to reviews, Britnee does it all, with a little pink and of course a monogram. She can easily be an inspiration for any young girl, and a helpful poster at that when trying to look cute, on a budget.
4. Holly Thomas (@doughmestichousewife)
Holly is a mom and wife who runs her own cookie business through media. Her page is filled with tons of photos and videos of her custom made cookies, decorated to perfection. Just by taking the step to turn a hobby into a business gained Holly a fan base, a clientele base and I'm sure some nice money to go along with it. Different from the other women in this article, she has built her own business based on a dream or an idea. Yet, like the rest featured here, she has shown moms, wives and women that when you have a idea, you should make it come to life.
5. Anna Victoria (@annavictoria)
Anna has a passion for fitness and healthy lifestyle choices, so through her Instagram, blog, website and Snapchat, she is able to show her ideals to others. Similar to Alexa Brown, Anna has her own workouts and products for sale for her followers as a way to get them to their goal, just as she did through her own success story. Anna carefully posts helpful tips about meals and meal prep, workouts (including videos), as well as transformation photos of her clients to show everyone that they can do it too.
Each of these women have a story behind their goals, dreams and realities that expose their struggles, their insecurities and their methods to overcome them. Not only do these women give me a laugh or a smile when scrolling through my feed, but they provide empowerment to young women to chase their dreams and build a reality. Women run the world, as Beyoncé has told us. But, there are studies that show that women empowerment in any aspect, benefits the world. In the business realm of this idea, it's been said that female encouragement improves the economy (International Monetary Fund).
So ladies - if you ever doubt yourself, wonder how you can make a unique life for yourself, doing things that you LOVE, take a second to look at the women above. They're not the only ones out there that made their dream into a reality. Sure, they are not the businesswomen of Forbes Magazine, but they used their resources of media and lifestyles to build their stories. So now I ask you, what will you make of your dreams?
