How Women In Their 30s Are Breaking Barriers And Building On Their Own Terms
Success looks different for everyone, but once you hit 30 as a woman, it can feel as if the heat turns up to 100. Societal standards trick you into believing you either aren’t enough, haven’t done enough, or you’ll never amount to anything.
Her Agenda spoke with a few women that will tell you how untrue this is, and how you can take back your power by creating your success standards.
What Does Your Business Represent To You?
Kristjana Hillberg, Founder of Media Muze, is 34 years old and works in media relations. Having grown up in a conservative religion and believing her one job was to be a wife and mother at age 22, a career is something she always yearned for.
Now she is fulfilled both in motherhood and with a successful business of her own, showcasing that societal standards are meant to be shattered.
“[My business means] so much. Perseverance. Trust. Reliability. And most importantly, the relationships I’ve built and fostered over the last several years,” Kristjana said. “I didn’t just decide one day to open an agency. I had the privilege of working for a handful of fabulous PR firms that in turn understood & had experienced my work ethic firsthand who later started referring brands to me.”
When Did You Overcome Societal Pressures? Or Have You?
Hadiyah Daché, 38, is the owner of GLOWDEGA, a lifestyle bodega in Oakland, CA that specializes in corrective skincare for all skin tones. Hadiyah’s business began full-time two weeks after the pandemic was declared. She credits social communities as the key sources that kept her business afloat.
“I think I’m a person who puts pressure on society so I don’t let society get to me too much,” she said, when considering how or when she overcame societal pressures. “They have never been an issue for me, but people around me are concerned on my behalf. I’m unmarried and have no kids and life is good. Entrepreneurship has impacted my ability to date more than I anticipated but it might be a blessing in disguise.”
What Is The Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
“My mentor Jevon once told me that I could waste a lot of time trying to figure out what other people think about me or I could just be me,” said Emily Walton, Founder & Leadership Coach at Alo Coaching. “That was huge for me because it helped shift me from conforming to societal ‘good girl’ norms to embracing who I am and what I can do. Worrying about what other people think about you gives away your power.”
At 33, Emily’s idea of success has changed. She used to equate success with a title, income, or an amount in the bank, but now views success as a making a positive impact. She said she is more interested in how she can help someone else see their value, develop skills, or find their courage.
What Is Your Secret To Success In Business?
“Authenticity and resilience,” said Loren Lewin, Founder & CEO of Companion Candles. “People connect with brands that feel genuine, and I’ve built Companion Candles with a mission that truly resonates with me. The resilience part? That comes in when things don’t go as planned — which they often don’t. Pushing forward despite obstacles is what makes a difference.”
At only 32 years old, Loren created Companion Candles after taking her dog, Mylo, to the veterinarian and finding out that most candles are made from petroleum, paraffin, phthalate, and other harmful chemicals that could be dangerous to Mylo.
