Extraordinary Women

building empires

We love our featured member interviews! We glean so much insight and inspiration from how these amazing women thrive in life and business. Our goal with these interviews is to invite women to share their stories with the apsiration that they may be able to help other women starting a business, growing a business or even trying to tame that unicorn that is work-life balance.

They’ve graciously shared pearls of wisdom to help other women grow. Scroll on down and meet these amazing ladies.

she’s not a regular therapist. she’s a cool therapist.

meet Erin Williams

In the Q&A Interview with CEO Society Member, Erin Williams of Erin Williams Counseling, we learned a lot about how life events and the right people can inspire a business. Erin’s practice, Erin Williams Counseling, is inspiring and thriving in Canton, Texas. She lives for inspiration and she is a true collaborator. Her approach in her practice is professional and caring, and she believes each patient is the expert of their own story.

They have learned from abundant research, that the most important predictor of treatment outcomes is your relationship with your therapist. So, they believe your therapist needs to be a safe place for your feelings, thoughts and pain. They take this role very seriously in their practice, and they feel that they are often modeling what their clients did not get or are not getting from those in their lives.

This is BIG STUFF.

Scroll down to the interview to learn more about this Cool Therapist…ahem…not to be confused with a boring therapist.

Find out more at ERIN WILLIAMS COUNSELING

Q&A with Erin Williams

Following a bout of burnout while working at a hospital, I decided to embark on an entrepreneurial venture. I came to the realization that pursuing unattainable objectives was detrimental to my well-being in a profession I once deemed
fulfilling. This realization had a pervasive negative impact on my overall mindset and productivity. This event inspired me to establish my own private practice.

There are two female therapists in California that assist other therapists in launching private practices. Considering that most entrepreneurs do not hold MBAs, these two women provide ongoing support and mentorship without acting
as gatekeepers; instead, they serve as genuine cheerleaders.

My journey is quite unconventional, but that’s how divine plans unfold. Since the age of 5, I dreamt of becoming a lawyer. However, after exploring various roles in
the legal and criminal justice fields, I realized it wasn’t what I expected and felt adrift. With a natural flair for design and decor, I launched a design business upon moving to Canton in 2012.

In 2013, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of our first son to a miscarriage, John Robert. The following year, we faced a similar loss with our second son, James Scott. In 2015, while pregnant with our daughter Everly, we discovered she
wouldn’t live long due to a genetic match between my husband and me affecting our ability to have children. Despite the pain, I cherish the experience of carrying a
child, knowing some may never have that privilege.
Everly was born on July 6th, 2015, and lived for just over 2 hours.

Following this loss, during a journey back from one of my husband’s work trips, a moment of clarity struck me. I heard a calling to counsel people, a field I had always been
fascinated by but doubted my abilities to pursue.
On August 8th, 2015, I heeded this calling and embarked on a path to earn dual master’s degrees in professional counseling and marriage and family therapy, starting graduate school on August 18th, 2015. Through the most profound loss in
my life, I discovered God’s profound glory.

I can confidently say that I am fulfilling my divine purpose with absolute certainty. Apart from worshiping God, this is what I was made for.

Incredibly fulfilling and wonderful. While I do have tough days like anyone else, overall, I feel fortunate. I am blessed with a supportive husband and a job that brings me joy. 

Studying for 7-8 years in school may seem daunting, and the additional 2 years to obtain full licensure can be a significant commitment, but the effort is worthwhile.

Keep in mind that time will pass regardless; it does not wait for anyone.

Drum roll the cheesy… it’s my husband. Before meeting him, I never had anyone believe in me as much as I believed in myself. His steadfast belief in me motivates me to have confidence in myself and pursue my dreams without hesitation. The love and care he shows me gives me the freedom to wholeheartedly pursue life. His love is without equal.

No: I firmly believe that everything occurs for a purpose, and there are valuable lessons to be found in every situation, even in times of deep pain and hardship. My past has shaped me into the person I am today.

Writing clinical notes can be such a drag…ugh.

Undoubtedly, the individuals that God sends my way are truly remarkable, and I am constantly learning from them every single day.

Zoe’s Place Malawi, Africa and The Children’s Park Tyler

The legal stuff! GROSS! It can seem like the to do lists are endless to make sure all the legal things are up to snuff. Invest in hiring an excellent lawyer and CPA; the payoff will be worth it in the long term.

To maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, I dedicated a significant amount of time to identify and prioritize what is important to me-naming what matters. Starting my day with a clear focus on these priorities is
crucial for me to feel energized and avoid feeling drained. This concept of naming what matters was introduced to me by Kendra Adachi. She emphasizes that if you don’t acknowledge what is important to you, everything will seem important.

For instance, to have a productive day, I need a calm morning routine that includes time for waking up slowly. During this period, I engage in activities like reading
devotionals, the Bible, limiting my time on social media, listening to podcasts such as Kendra’s The Lazy Genius Podcast, and reading a few chapters of a book while
enjoying my coffee. Even though mornings and I don’t exactly see eye to eye, carving out this me-time is key to keeping my sanity in check!

Believe it or not, my favorite part of the day is the time I have to myself in the morning, even though I enjoy being a therapist. Throughout most of my day, I focus on attuning to others, so dedicating time for myself is crucial. This allows me to be present for others in their most vulnerable moments.

Simply take action. While it may appear overly simplistic, trying something new eliminates the possibility of failure – there isn’t a baseline to measure what your success looks like, you’ve never done this before. Keep in mind that your
definition of success may vary from someone else’s, and that’s more thank OKAY. If things don’t go as expected, pivot, learn, and progress – even if it leads you in a different direction than initially anticipated. Rely on your intuition and instincts to guide you.

Connect with fellow businesswomen who align with your values and aspirations, prioritize collaboration, and find inspiration in your success rather than seeing it as
a competition.

Boundaries: Set boundaries for yourself – not everyone will fit as your ideal client or customer, and that’s perfectly fine. Redirect them to other businesses that provide similar services or have exactly what they are looking for. Working beyond your boundaries, regardless of what those boundaries may be, can lead to burnout quicker than you expect. You might find yourself straying from what truly matters to you, and living outside your core values can be draining to the soul.

Stay tuned. I have some workshops in the works!

I was inspired to join CEO Society because of the warmth and inclusivity that founder, Kristie Christensen, embodies. She is a champion and cheerleader of other female business owners.

She doesn’t have a scarcity mindset which means there is room at the table for all of us. It is this mentality that is often spoken of but rarely seen in action. In a world of competition and envy she offers a spirit of true collaboration.

Community: I strongly believe that we are not meant to navigate life alone. As a business owner, having a supportive community is crucial for maintaining well-being. A community that promotes inclusivity and unity is nourishment for the soul.

Any knowledge or information I’ve learned alone the way to help others succeed and make their journey less challenging.

I’m up for every bit of it! Bring on the adventure! We so need the CEO society a place where folks can truly come together, especially us ladies. I would like to see events that are completely out of the box. Let’s have gatherings that go beyond just networking and lunch and learns; ones that build a sisterhood!

a rose by any other name just wouldn’t be the same.

meet Whitney Rose Gandy

IIn our Q&A Interview with Rose + Co Salon’s Whitney Rose Gandy, we learned a lot about her collaborative spirit and drive and the people who influenced her along the way. Always the proverbial cheerleader both in life and business, Whitney was a competitive cheerleader who jumped right out of high school into entrepreneurship, and she hasn’t looked back since. A super mom, Cheer Coach and Boutique and Salon owner, Whitney has found a way to bridge the gap between personal and professional success while giving her family top billing in the process.

With a 1500 sf shop in Downtown Canton, Texas, she girl bosses on the daily with her fabulously branded salon and cutting edge services. She recently launched her own line of hair extensions. This lady’s got it going on. Her stylists love her, her community loves her, and we adore her.

Get to know her better on Social.

Q&A with
Whitney Rose Gandy

I believe I got where I am today by the man upstairs, a few mentors, and a lot of motivation! I was born with a true entrepreneur mindset. I’ve owned a salon and boutique for 13 years. I had my boutique from day one and as any retail business, it had some highs and lows! I’ve recently closed my boutique and am off to a new project! TBA. 

 I have a lot of friends and mentors in the industry who have given me direction throughout the years and who I’ve looked up to! They’re all women! My biggest mentor has clothing in numerous retail stores and is extremely successful. Women empowering women is very Important and anyone who knows me, knows I truly believe in community over competition. 

I always knew I didn’t want to go to college as I barely made it through high school! I liked to socialize too much! Being independent working my senior year, while being head cheerleader, maintaining a 4.0 and having my own apartment, I went to cosmetology school and opened my first salon in 2012! The Rustic Rose in Blanchard, Oklahoma. 

A day in the life of me. I normally wake up and pray! On my knees… it takes praying to whole new meaning! Try it 🙂 then, before I check my emails or text, anything else, I read my devotional. It’s always good to start your day with positivity! Sounds cliche but take my word for it, it makes a difference! I thennn get my kids fed and dressed and off to either school or with my husband, mom or sometimes they hang with me for the day (depending on the day). Coffee coffee coffee…emails then my work out! Meal prep, and off to work! 

Get to work, get my clients all taken care of … colors cuts and whatever they need for the day…  catch up on emails and text while clients process. (And after and before , they’re never ending.) make sure everything at the salon is taken care of and everyone is doing what they’re suppose to be doing before I leave for the day… off to sports! Cheer, football and/or baseball. Then dinner and more time to catch up on text and emails. 🙂 

I’m literally always doing something and that’s how I like it. Being productive and staying busy is my jam. If I’m not at work working, I’m working on my phon, unless it’s Sunday or Monday!its also important to keep your YOU days. Days to unplug. Saturdays I try to not be as busy with work as well. 

For anyone wanting to be a salon owner or a boutique owner, you must have a true passion for it or it will not work. It’s not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. 

My biggest inspirations have been several individuals, women of course 😉. My aunt, Barbara Parker, Boutique owner, coach and leader &  Kim Nauman, CEO of Bling-A-GoGo. (to name a couple.) 

I’d absolutely never change my career path. However, There are some lessons I’ve learned along the way and have mentored other boutique owners as I’ve grown from them so they wouldn’t make the same ones. 

The most challenging part of being a business owner in today’s society is being unique. Don’t be basic & blend in with everyone else. Don’t copy your neighbor, be yourself and stand out! 

The most enjoyable part of my job as a salon owner is, making people feel and look FABULOUS of course! Most of my clients/guest become friends. Love our relationships. Customers like that as well in retail, for you to make them feel special! Call them by name, cater to them etc. 🙂  

I love any charity that supports mental illness. NAMI is a great one. So many of us struggle with anxieties, Depression, bipolar disorder, etc. Not only does it tug at my heart strings, but the numbers sadly increase daily. 

By far, it is being able to stand out in a saturated market. I’ve had to strive to offer unique salon services & stay ahead of salon trends.

I’ve learned over just the last couple years how important this is. You have to dedicate not only time for you as well but your family. Make days to unplug and relax. Don’t hook anything on those days. 🙂

My fave thing to do in a day.. I’d have to say in work life is making my clients feel better with fresh color & all the happy vibes! 

Simply take action. While it may appear overly simplistic, trying something new eliminates the possibility of failure – there isn’t a baseline to measure what your success looks like, you’ve never done this before. Keep in mind that your
definition of success may vary from someone else’s, and that’s more thank OKAY. If things don’t go as expected, pivot, learn, and progress – even if it leads you in a different direction than initially anticipated. Rely on your intuition and instincts to guide you.

Connect with fellow businesswomen who align with your values and aspirations, prioritize collaboration, and find inspiration in your success rather than seeing it as
a competition.

Boundaries: Set boundaries for yourself – not everyone will fit as your ideal client or customer, and that’s perfectly fine. Redirect them to other businesses that provide similar services or have exactly what they are looking for. Working beyond your boundaries, regardless of what those boundaries may be, can lead to burnout quicker than you expect. You might find yourself straying from what truly matters to you, and living outside your core values can be draining to the soul.

I don’t have any leadership training programs but I do highly recommended Big Life podcast by Pamela Crim. She’s a friend and mentors thousands of women across the country with her morning podcast and offers monthly retreats that I’ve been on! 

I’m SO excited to a part of The CEO Society to help uplift any woman and inspire where I can! What a fun way to contribute and be a part of a group of women with the same spirit! I’d like to contribute Butter (this is her favorite chardonnay, by the way), my heart and alllll the knowledge and experience I’ve learned and gained through the years of being a CEO of my own business. Let’s inspire one another and kick some ass together! #bossladies 

Community over Competition and the ability to be around women who share that philosophy.

Work together. Stand out. Pray. Keep the Faith.

I’m here for all of it. I especially love retreats.