In 2017, women have the choice of their career. Not without judgment, they can choose the lifestyle that suits them best. Stay home, work, and even start their own business. We questioned ourselves among collaborators of Signé Local on the reasons and the consequences of this reality. The answers were fairly unanimous.
The observations of the collaborators
1. Maternity leave and schedule flexibility
Many women take advantage of maternity leave to question themselves. For my part, no longer run, no longer hurry and by the same token hurry my children; put them through the "metro, work, sleep" race. My second maternity leave was a real eye-opener: being “forced” to send my eight-month-old daughter to full-time daycare (thanks to the government) completely upset me. Was this what I really wanted? No.
Geneviève G., Maud and Annie P. also believe that work/family balance is one of the reasons for going into business: the need for a flexible schedule. The need for schedule flexibility is also very present among millennials. Gone are the days of 9 to 5 hours that “restrict freedom and creativity,” says Vanessa.
Photo credit: Natis
2. Fulfillment and Freedom
For Mia, founder of BOB, it was an opportunity to “develop both personally and professionally through a project that reflects both her values and her passions”. Vanessa, co-founder of Signé Local, thinks the same thing and adds the desire “to create your own job, to move, to meet inspiring people and above all, to be free ”.
Similarly, our linguistic reviser, Marie-Eve, wanted "to be able to devote more time to
Photo credit: Laurane Cambacérès, founder of Chez Laurette
Advice from co-workers
3. Let go and surround yourself
A piece of advice that comes up often is to let go: the “superwoman” syndrome is still very much present in society. Annie-Claude observes: “It's sometimes difficult to fight on all fronts : family, friends, work, etc. According to her, "they have to accept without guilt that they cannot lead everything alone". Mia also advises to let go: “Learn to accept making mistakes, to respect yourself, to respect your limits. »
Marie-Eve also believes that it is essential to learn “to surround yourself well or to seek help (and not see it as a failure)”. To help themselves, Annie P. advises women "
Photo credit: Marie-Anne Miljours, founder of Matu
The wishes of the collaborators
4. Take your place and dare
Are we afraid to take our place? To dare? Geneviève G., our collaborator, works with 16-35 year olds who want to go into business (particularly through Effect A and the Glambition event): "What I want for women is to cross the step between "I want" and "I'm going". This is the difference between men and women. »
Annie B., our social media manager wishes women “to flourish through their project(s), not to let hurtful words get to them and to go for it! Don't listen to the naysayers ! ". Marie-Eve emphasizes the importance of "overcoming the impostor syndrome
5. Be inspired and inspire
Inspiring others is the pledge of a whole new generation of entrepreneurs. Our collaborators, Mia and Maud, also believe in having a “positive impact” and “ making a difference ”. Vanessa “wants entrepreneurs
Maud admires women entrepreneurs, because according to her, “they have a lot of drive , in balance with their sensitivity. This often allows them to listen to their customers while respecting their limits. They are ready to question themselves at any time in order to deliver a better product”.
Photo credit: Marilyne Cormier, founder of Renard Jaune
The final word
The Daniele Henkels of this world paved the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs. We thank them. I leave the final word to the co-founder of Signé Local, Vanessa:
“I want them to run and smash doors, because there are almost no impossible dreams in life! »
Cover: Annie-Claude St-Jean, founder of Dimanche matin
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