As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dee Davidson.
As a mother of two boys and an entrepreneur in the wellness industry for over two decades, Dee Davidson has dedicated herself to empowering women to reclaim their health. Through the Inspiring Women’s Network and as chapter leader of the Boston Business Women’s Network, Davidson fosters supportive communities for women to connect and thrive. As a board-certified functional health practitioner specializing in hormone health, Davidson hosts the “Confidently Balance Your Hormones” podcast and writes articles to provide actionable strategies for optimizing hormonal balance. Davidson loves the outdoors and travel, which inspires her to nurture her body and soul. Through coaching, community events, and educational resources, Davidson aims to create environments where women feel empowered to prioritize their well-being and embrace their strengths. With roles as a mother, entrepreneur, podcast host, and writer, Davidson aspires to inspire women to unlock their potential and embrace vibrant health.
Here’s what we found out about Dee’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur? What inspired you to start your own business?
My journey as an entrepreneur is deeply rooted in my upbringing as a second-generation immigrant from Portugal. Witnessing my parents’ relentless work ethic and the opportunities their hard work afforded our family inspired me to pursue my own path. However, growing up, I longed for a different kind of involvement in my children’s lives—one that allowed me to be present for the moments that mattered most, like field trips and volunteering at school.
After the birth of my first child, I made the courageous decision to leave behind a well-established corporate job in the investment world, embarking on a journey of entrepreneurship that I’ve never looked back from. While it was a daunting leap into the unknown, the desire to create a life where I could prioritize my family while pursuing my passions was the driving force behind my decision.
Today, as a successful entrepreneur, I’m grateful for the freedom and flexibility that running my own business affords me. Being able to be there for my children in the same way I yearned for as a child brings me immense joy and fulfillment. My journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to the power of following your heart, embracing change, and creating a life aligned with your values and priorities.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in the business world, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, particularly in my past career in the investment world. Despite it being the 2000s, the financial industry remains predominantly male-dominated, making it inherently challenging for women to climb the ranks. However, I refused to let these barriers hold me back. Instead, I embraced the mantra of becoming the creator of my own destiny.
Finding strength in my God-given purpose and aligning with it became my guiding light. I realized that if I didn’t like something, I had the power to change it. By forging my own path and refusing to be limited by societal norms, I overcame the obstacles that stood in my way.
How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?
Balancing professional and personal life as an entrepreneur has been a journey of self-discovery and intentional choices. One of the key strategies I’ve adopted is setting boundaries. These boundaries dictate when I’m available to clients, when I log off the computer, and ensuring that I’m fully present when spending time with my family.
I’ve learned the importance of blocking out non-work time to prioritize self-care and recharge. Starting each day with a routine that includes meditation, intention setting, and physical activity, whether it’s a walk or a gym session, sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
By committing to these boundaries and rituals, I’ve been able to create a sense of balance that allows me to pursue my professional goals while also nurturing my personal well-being and relationships. It’s about finding harmony between the demands of entrepreneurship and the joys of life outside of work.
What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?
Networking and building connections in my industry has been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, I’ve found attending networking events to be incredibly valuable. In fact, my passion for networking led me to become the founder of my own network, The Inspiring Women’s Network, nearly two decades ago.
As the founder of this network, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of individuals and build meaningful relationships. Being the founder has opened doors and presented numerous opportunities because people often recognize and value the insights of the founder.
More recently, I expanded my networking efforts by joining forces with the Boston Business Women’s Network which has grown to include over 50,000 women. I was honored to be asked to head up the Downtown Boston chapter, further expanding my reach and connections within the industry.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found that seeking out like-minded individuals who understand the power of collaboration is key. Platforms like LinkedIn have been invaluable for connecting with new contacts on a daily basis and fostering meaningful relationships. By prioritizing networking and building genuine connections, I’ve been able to grow my business and make a positive impact in my industry.
How do you approach mentorship and seeking guidance in your entrepreneurial journey?
Approaching mentorship and seeking guidance in my entrepreneurial journey has been instrumental in my growth and success. I actively seek out individuals who have achieved success in areas that align with my goals or who have walked similar paths to the one I’m on. I believe that investing in mentorship is essential for personal and professional development. Learning from those who have valuable insights and experiences to share has provided me with invaluable guidance, helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions along the way.
Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business, and how you bounced back from it?
One setback I faced in my business was a significant financial loss due to the unexpected shutdown of a wellness company I had partnered with. This setback required me to essentially restart that sector of my wellness business portfolio from scratch. However, through the trust and reputation I had built with my clients, I was able to rebuild with a new wellness company. My existing clients played a crucial role in this process by providing referrals and facilitating new partnerships. While it was a challenging experience, it taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. Through perseverance and the support of my community, I was able to bounce back stronger and continue pursuing my passion for holistic health and wellness.
In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?
At CLY diversity and inclusion are fundamental values that we prioritize in all aspects of our operations. We believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment not only strengthens our team but also enhances creativity, innovation, and overall business success. To prioritize diversity and inclusion, we have implemented several initiatives. These include actively recruiting and hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we regularly seek feedback from our clients to ensure that we are continuously improving and evolving our approach to diversity and inclusion. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we strive to create a community where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves every day.
How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?
Staying motivated and resilient during tough times in my business is largely fueled by my passion for helping women feel their best. Witnessing the positive transformations and receiving heartfelt testimonials from my clients serve as constant reminders of the impact of my work, which fills my cup daily. Additionally, I prioritize intention setting, meditation, and surrounding myself with positive, uplifting outlets to maintain my resilience and focus, ensuring that I can continue serving my clients with dedication and enthusiasm.
What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
For aspiring women entrepreneurs just starting out, my advice is to surround yourself with individuals who are already doing what you aspire to do. Invest in yourself by hiring a coach who can provide guidance and support tailored to your goals. Don’t hesitate to outsource tasks that you don’t enjoy or aren’t your strengths, allowing you to focus on leveraging your unique gifts and talents to propel your business forward. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and delegate responsibilities to create space for growth and success.
Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?
One of the most memorable successes in my entrepreneurial journey was launching my podcast, “Confidently Balance Your Hormones.” It’s been incredibly rewarding to see it resonate with listeners and become recognized as a top performer in my industry segment, ranking in the top 1% for listenership. This milestone has not only validated the importance of the content I provide but has also allowed me to reach and positively impact a wider audience on their health and wellness journeys.
