This May, Mission Hills City Lifestyle wants to celebrate the hard work and wisdom of the women who help make it possible. Women-owned businesses comprise well over half of its partnerships. While their skills and stories may vary across the board, each of these women have something in common -- they believe in themselves and their businesses. We are so fortunate to know them and to give our readers a glimpse into who they are as people. The question was posed to four of our fabulous female business partners: "What have you learned about yourself through owning your business?"
Beth King, owner of Lead Through Style
"I heard somewhere that starting a business is the greatest personal development journey you will ever go on, and that is absolutely the truth. Wearing all of the hats, and needing to learn new skills has been incredibly humbling, and rewarding. I believe I started this business to prove to myself I was capable of building something on my own. In my corporate career, I relied on external validation, and now I have to rely on myself. This has been a big change. Starting this business has also provided me with clarity on my purpose, which is to help and serve others. The best part has been the people I have met along the way. Sometimes I reflect, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to cross paths with people I would have never met in our local community!"
Anne Golliher, owner of Storied Interiors
Running my own business has taught me the importance of trust—trust in my instincts, trust in my process, and trust that my unique perspective is valuable. I've had to be bold, standing firm in my beliefs even when that means the business has grown organically. But I’ve found that clients who resonate with my work are drawn to my authentic approach, and they appreciate the originality I bring to the table.
Barb Wright - owner of Travel Wright with Barb
I am a Natural Connector. I’ve learned that I have a gift for bringing people together through meaningful experiences. I am Resilient & Adaptable. From organizing complex itineraries to navigating unexpected changes in travel plans, I’ve learned that I thrive under pressure. My ability to pivot, problem-solve, and stay calm in high-stakes situations has strengthened through owning your business. I want to make an impact - I’ve learned that success isn’t just financial—it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of my clients.
Kristin Smith - agent with Moments of Magical Travel
Through owning my business, I've learned the immense power of adaptability—being able to adjust and pivot when things don’t go as planned has been key. I've also developed a strong sense of self-discipline, balancing multiple roles and staying focused on my goals. Long-term thinking has become a core part of my mindset, understanding that success takes time and persistence. Above all, I've embraced continuous learning, knowing that growth never stops and every challenge is an opportunity to improve.
"I heard starting a business is the greatest personal development journey, and that is absolutely the truth." - Beth King