As I've launched Haven this summer I've met so many incredible, talented women. Surprisingly, many of these women who don't see themselves a entrepreneurs. They are filmmakers, musicians, creatives, writers, nonprofit innovators, inventors. They identify with their art, and the community surrounding it. They want to take their experiences and make big change happen.
They are the ones I started Haven for. The dreamers and creators, the ones who want to give back to their communities but feel that the current accelerators or incubators serve them. I share their story. I spent years feeling on the outside of the startup scene here in Austin. Yes, it's one of the friendliest places you'll ever live, and yes, people are very willing to support here. However, the systems that exist are built almost entirely by and for men. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it's true. They are full of contests, pressure-cooker scenarios and high stakes moments. There is very little mentorship or co-creation.
It's my belief that it's time for a new system to emerge. One that is built for women. For social innovators. One that nourishes the whole woman, personally and professionally. One that provides her with business tools as well as a network in which to grow her idea and succeed in her art.
Many of us struggle with the notion of being successful at our art, or our passion. We wonder if we can ever, or perhaps we tell ourselves that it wouldn't be savory to make money doing our art.
I love this quote from Elissa Altman, it sums up what I hope to nourish inside the Un.Incubator here at Haven.
“Quiet the noise around you; soften its pitch. Our deepest stories are our best teachers. Let the weapons of the weak — the poison, the nagging, the gossip — burn themselves to ash. Cast them to the wind. Take back the permission to succeed. Make it yours.
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If you're ready to embrace your passion as your business, please come check out Haven. We offer coworking for $75/month. And we're now accepting nominations and applications for the Un.Incubator, our new take on empowering women-led social impact startups.
