On International Women’s Day, I am touched on many levels:
As an entrepreneur.
I reflect on my journey and all that I have accomplished. While it’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and want to move ahead to what’s next, it is important to honor myself and recognize the significance and magnitude of all that I have created. As part of this reflection, I think about how I am now, and can best continue to be, an inspiration to other women.
As a mom.
Today and every day, I invite my 8 year old son to recognize the capabilities and great potential of women in society. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead by example with my successes and am eager to see my son grow alongside and empower his female peers. As part of the next generation, he will be in a position to witness and help institute change with gender equality and the women’s movement.
As a wife.
I am forever thankful for my husband who has offered his patience and encouragement throughout my entrepreneurial journey and in everyday life. He has recognized a force within me and has given me unmeasurable confidence in pursuing my goals. My husband finds joy in seeing me shine and continuously works within his power to keep me moving forward.
As a daughter, sister, friend, colleague.
I have immense pride for every female in my life and their own personal stories. Your achievements and contributions to my experience and the greater society, no matter the form nor magnitude, continue to inspire me. I am grateful for the men who have supported and helped enable these women to live without restraint.
As an everyday citizen.
I understand that I have the power to make change. I will seek out opportunities for impact where I can help enable and continue to inspire other women throughout the world.
Jaime Schmidt is an entrepreneur and Maker’s Movement icon. As the founder of Schmidt’s Naturals, Jaime has been changing the way people think about natural products since 2010. Known for leveraging consumer engagement to drive product development and cultivate brand loyalists, Schmidt seized the opportunity to create an innovative version of natural deodorant and turned it into an empire. Follow Jaime on Instagram (Opens in a new window) and Twitter (Opens in a new window).