Own Your Independence

We know that life is always uncertain. Look at what happened last week with the Supreme Court divided on immigration. These are things that make us afraid, worried about our futures. But I believe it is precisely in these challenging moments that the self-made woman rises up with strength and perseverance, and keeps going—because that’s what we do. We don’t give up. We keep fighting for things!

In fact, with the July 4th holiday around the corner, it’s a great time to fight for independence. Your own independence. You freedom from the grind. Your liberation from working because you have to, toward a life where you work because you want to. Independence as radical self-reliance. Now, that’s something to celebrate!

After a thrilling last week at the White House for the United State of Women Summit, the SBA deal we signed with The Adelante Movement to help empower my fellow Latinas, I believe, no matter what anyone says, that America is still one of the most amazing places to be an entrepreneur. We live in a country forever brimming with opportunities; a country with a diverse cultural landscape that prides itself on this dynamism and the incredible synergy it can yield; a country where immigrants are becoming one of the most important growth engines!

For Latina women entrepreneurs especially, opportunities in the U.S. seem to grow exponentially each day. From grants, contracts, government programs, and private sector resources that specifically target women, to tax breaks, contests, rebates and subsidies—the resources are endless. It’s just a question of staying informed.

I write at length about this phenomenon of opportunity—what I call “The Hidden Money”—in my New York Times best-selling book, SELF MADE: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant and Rich in Every Way. Make sure to get your copy, stick it in your beach bag, and let this be the summer you educate yourself about all the resources available to you!

Also, don’t miss the current episode of our SELF MADE STORIES web series, featuring the beautiful, smart and savvy Jovanka Ciares, a music exec who traded her high-profile “dream job” for her actual dream.

And finally, our webinar, A Master Class in Social Media, is right around the corner, on June 30th. Register now to learn everything you need to know about how social media can help you grow your business.