Attending the Feminist Business Summit 2024 in Montreal was not just another event—it was a transformative experience that reshaped how I view myself as both a designer and an entrepreneur. The summit provided a platform to connect with successful and inspiring women, from Attending the Feminist Business Summit 2024 in Montreal was more than just another event—it was a transformative experience that reshaped how I see myself, not only as a designer but also as an entrepreneur and a new mom balancing my personal and professional life. Surrounded by an inspiring community of nonprofit leaders, trailblazing businesswomen, and creatives, I found myself opening up to new possibilities of what feminist business practices can really mean—and more importantly, how they can be applied to my work and life.
One of the highlights for me was receiving such positive feedback on the design theme I crafted for the summit. It was a deeply fulfilling moment because it showed me how much sustainable design can drive impact in spaces of activism and purpose. But beyond design, this summit taught me profound lessons about business, self-worth, and how I plan to show up for myself moving forward.
Here’s what I learned and how I’m incorporating these insights into my daily practice:
1. Embrace Visibility: It’s Time to be Seen
For a long time, I let my work speak for itself, preferring to stay in the background. However, the summit emphasized the importance of being visible—not just for my business but for myself. I saw other women confidently For much of my career, I let my work do the talking, while I stayed in the background. I believed that if my designs were impactful, that would be enough. But the summit made me realize that visibility isn’t just about my work—it’s about me. I watched incredible women take up space with confidence, sharing their stories, claiming their accomplishments, and owning their journey. This inspired me to step out from behind the scenes and show up fully, both in my personal and professional life.
Right after the summit, I made a bold decision: launching my Instagram account to document my journey as a designer and feminist entrepreneur. This is my commitment to visibility, and I’m determined to stop hiding and start embracing the power of being seen. space, sharing their stories, and claiming their accomplishments. It was a reminder that I need to step forward and be seen. That’s why, right after the summit, I decided to launch my Instagram account where I’ll document my journey as a designer and feminist entrepreneur. I’m determined to stop hiding and start showing up fully in both my personal and professional life.
Daily Practice
- Share the process behind my designs on social media, not just the polished final product.
- Affirm my worth each morning with, “I am enough, and my work deserves to be seen.”
2. Redefining Time: Creating Space for Self-Care
One powerful insight that stood out for me was the way our concept of time is often shaped by patriarchal systems—rushed, scarce, and relentlessly focused on productivity. As a new mom and entrepreneur, I often feel like I’m racing against time, always juggling deadlines, and struggling to carve out moments of rest. The summit reframed this for me: time is not universal, and productivity doesn’t need to come at the expense of well-being.
I’m now rethinking my relationship with time, making sure that rest and mindfulness are as much a priority as work. I’m learning to embrace the flow of life, knowing that both work and rest are necessary for creativity and growth., chasing deadlines, and feeling like there’s never enough time. But what if time is not universal, and productivity doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being? I’ve decided to reframe my relationship with time, ensuring that rest and mindfulness are priorities, not afterthoughts.
Daily Practice
- Incorporate scheduled breaks throughout the day—whether it’s a quick walk or a moment of quiet reflection.
- Set firm work boundaries to preserve time for self-care, yoga, and family.
3. Overcome the Trauma of Money: Know Your Worth
Another powerful revelation came during a session on the Trauma of Money, particularly for women. Growing up, I absorbed messages that led me to undervalue my work. At the summit, I realized that underpricing my services reinforces patterns of self-sabotage. It’s time to unlearn those limiting beliefs and embrace the value my work holds. The women I met at the summit reminded me that charging what I’m worth isn’t just about money—it’s about respect for my time, skill, and creativity.
Daily Practice:
- Money mindset check: Before each project, affirm my worth and pricing without fear.
- Set clear boundaries: Avoid lowball offers and remember that quality clients appreciate quality work.
4. Somatic Practice: Heal the Body, Not Just the Mind
At the Trauma of Money workshop, I learned that daily somatic practices, such as breathing exercises, can significantly impact our nervous system. Our body holds trauma, and healing it starts At the summit, I also attended a workshop on somatic healing, which taught me that our bodies hold trauma, and healing requires more than just mindset shifts—it requires physical practice. Daily somatic exercises, like breathing and mindfulness, can regulate our nervous system, helping us release stress and trauma that we often carry without realizing.
I’m making it a priority to practice somatic healing every day, knowing that it will have a profound effect on my ability to show up fully for my work and my family. small, intentional practices. This will be a daily effort, but one that leads to gradual and meaningful change.
Daily Practice:
- Dedicate five minutes each morning and evening to deep breathing exercises.
- Regularly check in with my body throughout the day, consciously releasing tension and stress.
5. Sustainability in Feminist Business: Caring for People and the Planet
Sustainability was a key theme throughout the summit, and it wasn’t just about environmental responsibility. It was about sustaining ourselves, our communities, and our businesses in a way that aligns with feminist values. My design for the summit itself was rooted in sustainable principles, but hearing from other women made me realize that sustainability needs to be a central philosophy in all areas of my life—whether it’s through my design choices or the way I structure my business. Sustainable design isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to practices that care for people and the planet.
Daily Practice
- Prioritize materials and processes that align with sustainable values in every project.
- Check in with myself regularly to ensure that I’m practicing what I preach—both in my designs and in my personal life.
Illustration by Aline Baron
To explore more of her work, visit Aline Baron’s website.
Moving Forward
Feminist Business Village: Building a Community of Support
One of the most impactful aspects of the Feminist Business Summit was the Feminist Business Village, a space dedicated to showcasing women-owned businesses and fostering collaboration within the community. Walking through the village, I felt the power of solidarity, with every booth representing a woman entrepreneur committed to creating change through her business.
The Feminist Business Village wasn’t just a marketplace—it was a network of support, where women encouraged each other to grow and succeed. It highlighted how collaboration, rather than competition, can drive business growth in a feminist economy. This experience deepened my understanding of how important it is to build a business that values community as much as individual success.
Applying Feminist Values to My Business and Life
The Feminist Business Summit wasn’t just a learning experience—it was a turning point for both my business and personal life. I’ve gained confidence in being visible, in valuing my time and skills, and in healing both my mind and body. The connections I made—fellow businesswomen, nonprofit leaders, and incredibly talented creatives—have left a lasting impression on me. I’m excited to continue this journey, applying what I learned in Montreal to my life as a feminist entrepreneur. This is only the beginning.
My Daily Commitments
1. Show Up Consistently: I’ll embrace visibility, knowing that my voice and my work deserve to be seen.
2. Take Breaks and Rest: I’ll schedule time for self-care and reflection, knowing that creativity thrives when we are well-rested.
3. Value My Worth: I’ll confidently price my services based on the value I deliver.
4. Practice Somatic Healing: I’ll focus on physical wellness, knowing it will enhance my ability to serve.
5. Sustaining Myself and My Work: I’ll prioritize sustainability, both in my business and personal life.
Acknowledgments
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Canadian Women’s Foundation for their unwavering support of the Feminist Business Summit 2024. Their dedication to advancing feminist business practices and empowering women entrepreneurs was instrumental in making this transformative event possible. I am especially grateful for the opportunity they gave me to contribute as a designer, allowing me to bring my creative vision to such an impactful event.