I used to never take a vacation without bringing work.

I held tight to the self-imposed thought that only I could keep things together and make all the decisions - nothing could wait for my return.

After many years, I realized that my unwillingness to prepare and delegate was the source of the problem. No gold star exists for working 80 hours a week, and customers don't buy because you're a workaholic. Ultimately, you burn out, and your quality of work suffers. None of these things lead to the fulfillment, impact, and joy you desire.

Fortunately, I learned things could change when I decided to think differently.

Awareness is the first step to unwinding this spiral. Take the time to zoom out and reflect on your actions and perspective. You know where you’re holding on too tight. How can you invite more flow and flexibility into the process? Part of leadership (even if you’re a one-person band) is setting priorities and knowing what and when to let go.

If you’re a solopreneur, commit to preparing in advance: create your timeline, plan any content to post or send while you’re gone (or decide it can wait until you return), and notify key clients of your travel schedule. Set your email to “out of office” and enjoy the time away with family and friends or in joyful solitude.

If you manage a team, maintaining control while you’re on vacation signals a lack of confidence in their abilities. Instead, give your team a chance to take the wheel and make decisions (they may appreciate you much more when you come back!). Set expectations and discuss potential scenarios. When you return, talk with them to see what worked and what didn’t. This is an excellent opportunity for individual growth, identifying future leaders, and addressing any knowledge or training gaps.

I know now that quality refresh and recharge time fuels my energy, boosts creative ideas, and leads to peace of mind and greater business success.

Taking time off isn’t a nice thing to do; it’s an investment in your future.

During Women’s History Month, we are highlighting stories of artisan innovators and inspirational female leaders. As we celebrate these global go-getters, you’ll see their determination to build businesses and offer meaningful ways to empower women. We hope these stories inspire you to take your next bold step. (Note: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these organizations or businesses.)

This month, we’re also excited to offer our limited-edition Strong & Sassy Gift Box to help you celebrate the accomplished women in your life. (Today’s the last day to order, 3/31/22)

In 2002, Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia took a trip to Latin America as a student volunteer. Her goal was to teach rural artisan women the skills to create retail websites, apply for funds, and access business resources. It was an experience that changed her life.

Upon her return to Yale, Alvarez-DeGolia began selling handmade Guatemalan bags on campus. She made $5000 her first weekend, enough to send 26 girls to school for a year. What started as a college side passion soon evolved into a larger social enterprise. Alvarez-DeGolia launched Mercado Global in 2004 with $100,000 from the Yale student business plan competition and funds from early-stage investor, Echoing Green.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Mercado Global’s mission is to match artisan women with international retail brands (Think: Levi’s, Target, Nordstrom, to name a few) and create sustainable women-owned businesses. Under Alvarez-DeGolia’s leadership, Mercado Global focuses on three areas: They teach advanced sewing skills to help women attract a premium price for their products. Workshops provide education on personal finance, women's health, and childhood nutrition. The third area of emphasis is asset development, a matching funds program that aims to assist women entrepreneurs in buying floor looms and sewing machines to create a more substantial, viable business.

Mercado Global has become an accessories brand and nonprofit with approximately 25 employees and revenues exceeding $1 million. From its humble beginnings working with three artisan women groups, the organization is now engaged with 750 artisan women. Their data shows that the women in their network have seen significant increases in financial resources, leadership skills, and children’s access to education and food.

Alvarez-DeGolia isn’t done yet, she continues to move her mission forward. Based on her success in Latin America, she is now working with the current Administration to host delegations and be a voice for the broader migrant community.

Blog

Unplug to Uplevel

Elevating Artisan Entrepreneurs in Guatemala