Tomorrow, we’re launching our professional development series, Small Business Self-Care, at Make Lemonade (326 Adelaide St. W). You’ll hear from a powerhouse panel of industry leaders and take part in breakout sessions designed to help you streamline your business with a smart strategy.

This series is for anyone who is feeling frustrated in their professional life, wants to make the leap into self-employment, is not sure how to take their side hustle or dream business to the next level, or is simply interested in engaging in thought-provoking convo and connecting with a room full of inspiring women! 

Meet Bianca Harris. After starting out as a makeup artist and YouTuber, Bianca decided to branch out and focus on building her own empowerment brand, WIPP (Women Inspiring Passion and Purpose). Walking away from her job was a tough decision but one she felt compelled to make because she wanted to inspire as many women as possible to pursue their true passions. Through a steady stream of digital content, including the weekly podcast Wipped C.R.E.A.M, and live events, WIPP has grown to one of Toronto’s biggest brands for women, helping them discover their authentic passions. 

SDTC: What is the major issue that most of your clients/participants face? 

BH: The thing that most people say to me is, “I don’t know how to do what I want to do. I don’t know how to make it happen.” Being stuck is the biggest issue with the women who come to my events. They are working at their job but want to get out of that and follow their passion.

What do you see as being the biggest mental roadblock to entrepreneurial success?

Fear. Everyone is too scared to take the risk. They let the fear of doing the thing they want most stop them from having it. Then they find excuses to justify why they can’t have it (“I don’t have enough money. It’s not a good time.”), but it’s all fear manifesting itself as something else.

What questions should women entrepreneurs ask themselves before embarking on a new project/business idea?

“Am I going to try to do this all by myself?” If they are, it won’t happen. None of us can build a business alone. We need to build a team or hire people to make it happen. When people try to do everything on their own they usually get so overwhelmed and they quit.

What are some tips that have helped you hone your focus and establish a plan for success? 

Go to a landmark and get your personal training and development on! Find some time in the day to clear your head. I get my best ideas in meditation.

What do you love most about what you do?

Being creative. I love building something and seeing it come to life. I love figuring out how it will all come together and the process of problem solving it and then seeing the final result.

What is your advice to women who may be considering a major career pivot? 

Stop talking about it and do it. Get the help you need to be successful.

What do you wish you had known when you were first starting out in your career?

How to save, manage and have a good relationship with my money. Figuring out the story I had around money was key.

[I wish I had known that] everyone is terrified and it’s not just me. I would have felt less isolated in the beginning. Everyone has their own insecurities–even the confident people.

We are more alike than we are different.