The Inspirational Woman Project believes that every woman is inspirational. It’s our mission to tell their stories.
Jaclyn Mullen is a performing artist by trade, and an entrepreneur by experience. For the past 6 years, she's had the great honor of using the internet to meet other BOLD movers, shakers and makers in the world and advise/coach/mentor them on the risky yet rewarding endeavor of launching a brand and business themselves.
The world wide web has been the canvas she's used to:
- Help business owners take inspired action that generates results.
- Find FUN in formulating strategies that scale.
- Cheer clients on on as they've faced their fears, limiting beliefs and self-doubts.
- And lastly, show her clients how to embrace GENUINE online marketing.
She is a proud alumni and scholar of the University of Miami and the Tory Burch Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. Jaclyn is also a lead instructor for General Assembly. When she's not busy teaching, writing, networking or volunteering her time for causes close to her heart, she can be found singing in her kitchen while cooking something delicious that will likely end up on Instagram.
What does it mean to be a woman?
{Mullen} To me, being a woman means that operating from your heart and living your passion is your feminine right and you MUST honor that and not hold back. Whether that be passion for your career, for noble causes, for your lover, for your dreams.
We, as women, have a certain fire and grace that we ignite in others when we're passionate about something and operating from our heart. We share that passion in a variety of ways from the emotions we express to our vocal tone to a certain look in our eyes....even down to the way we use our words--written or spoken. I think most people would agree, being in the company of a passionate woman is a beautiful thing to witness. And it makes you feel alive. Expressing your passion as a woman is a liberating experience!
How do you inspire other women?
{Mullen} You know, in the past, this would have been a challenging question for me to answer: not because I don’t inspire women, but because I wouldn’t want to claim that and come across as “showy.” But I have heard the specific words “you inspire me” more than ever these past 12 months, so I have the confidence to answer this from the heart and real life experience.
I inspire other women by following my bliss and being vocal about it. I inspire other women through my hard work ethic and commitment to self awareness and self care. I inspire other women because they know when I say I am going to do something, it will get done. I inspire other women because I genuinely care about them and will go out of my way to support+help them.
What is the worst female stereotype you’ve heard?
{Mullen} I remember one time at an office, a former male co-worker of mine who was notorious for being brash and abrasive said something like, “You don’t belong in the meeting room, you belong in the copy room” which I perceived was his way of saying women shouldn’t be in business, they should be supporting men in business. That’s BS. The other stereotype that irks me is this notion that we can’t have it all. Every woman’s “ALL” is different and I absolutely think if you are 100% clear on what YOUR ALL is, then darling, you can and will get it!
How has being a woman advanced you or brought about opportunities for you?
{Mullen} Being a woman has allowed me to join and participate in female specific networking groups. I have found these groups to be SO SUPPORTIVE and inclusive. And participating in these groups not only lead to business, but they have lead to my personal development, to me making new friends and they’ve definitely opened doors for me! In fact, this past year, I was a scholar in the Tory Burch Foundation Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. It was an all female cohort and some of my classmates are now my closest friends.
What’s one thing you want to share with the women who will read this?
{Mullen} Forgive yourself. Accept yourself. You are perfect EXACTLY as you are.
It took me A LONG TIME and many years of self imposed heart ache and criticism to finally believe this. I would pick the wrong guy or take on the wrong job and completely put myself down internally. And I would often say to myself, “If I treat myself this bad, or think this harshly of myself, how can I expect to bring in the right person or job opportunity?” Whatever has happened to you in the past is gone. Let it go, learn the lesson and celebrate the feminine strength that carried you through.
What is your mantra?
{Mullen} Seriously and I mean this VERY SERIOUSLY: Everything happens for a reason.
Which can be followed up with “Don’t worry, be happy.”
What is your favorite woman-centric quote/speech?
{Mullen} Oprah is the queen of some of my favorite quotes so this is rather appropriate. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”
Hear more from Jaclyn on #BeAmplified: the podcast at bit.ly/beamplified.