The Multifaceted Woman: Why Bold Women and Entrepreneurs Should be Dominating Corporate Spaces

My name is Anique Russell, I am a believer of God, Wife, and Mom first. I completed undergrad at Central State University in 2014 and just recently earned my MBA from The Ohio State University in May, 2020. I am a passionate Entrepreneur and Co-founder of Too Good Eats. Too Good Eats crafts gourmet fruit and vegetable frozen pops that are undeniably delicious and vegan friendly; we’re making waves in the frozen dessert category. I am also a proud Product Development  Consultant for one of the most well known insurance and financial services companies. One of my favorite quotes is, “Stand up for what is right even if you’re standing alone.” In my free time I enjoy traveling, working out, hanging out with my husband - Ali and two kids (little Ali 6, Aila 15 months), and trying new local restaurants with my husband. 

Photo by Natalie Folchi at Folchi Creative

First and foremost, I would like to thank Chellvie for thinking of me and giving me the opportunity to share my story while navigating Corporate America and mastering my Entrepreneurial journey. This months’ topic excites me because too often women don’t believe that they can have it all. The difference between men and women is most men; especially white men, don’t second guess if they’re qualified, they don’t question if being a woman or mom fits into their professional success story; they just do it with confidence and literally fake it till they make it most times. I wish more women had this mindset! I learned in MBA school that women will literally disqualify themselves for a role if they don’t check off all of the skills needed to complete the job. Most men will continue to move forward with applying if they check off at least 1-2 skills. I learned to be the Woman that seeks what I haven’t completely mastered yet, because I’m just as good and I can learn fast. 

Thanks to Christina @ wocintechchat.com for sharing their work on Unsplash.

I’ve only been in corporate America for about 3 months but I’ve learned so much, My MBA prepared me, but my Entrepreneurial spirit pushes me to think outside of my comfort zone. I decided to pursue a career in Corporate America at a Fortune 100 company after graduation, because 1. I wanted to put my newly gained skills to work alongside a professional team and make an impact. 2. I am young and wanted corporate to be a part of my career legacy. 3. I wanted to gain more financial freedom. I pride myself in making choices that are best for me, no matter what anyone else’s opinions are. The road to Corporate wasn’t easy, I spent countless nights preparing by completing mock interviews with a close friend and classmate, applying to various positions within the Fortune 100 and doubting my ability, thinking about how my story would resonate considering my background as a Special Education Teacher and current Entrepreneur. To top off the search struggle - I had just given birth to my daughter Aila, and the thought of mastering a new life outside of Too Good Eats was scary. Through prayer, remaining consistent, and negotiating my butt off, I pressed on and accepted an offer as a Product Development Consultant. The role feels as though it’s tailored to my experience as an entrepreneur and innovator. During the interview process I was able to share my stories of founding a startup from the ground up and its current state, which was very impressive to the team interviewing me. It was then that I realized that my gifts don’t need to be hidden to get to the next level. It’s okay to share my success within Entrepreneurship and still be taken seriously for a new role. It’s okay to be multifaceted. I don’t have to hide my children to be accepted or taken seriously, I can contribute equally in business, at work, and still be submissive to my husband - I realized all of this, this year and I am grateful I did! I strive to do good by doing good and each decision I make will be centered around that. 

Thanks to Alex Nemo Hanse for sharing their work on Unsplash.

To any Women who feel as though they can’t have it all, please take a deep breath, remind yourself who you are, what your gifts are, what your goals are, and press on because you can do all things. Motherhood looks good on you. Marriage looks good on you, and so do your professional adventurers. 

Thanks to Judeus Samson for sharing their work on Unsplash