Mental Wellness Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs of Color

Wouldn’t life be easier if “one-size-fits-all” applied to entrepreneurship like it does most women’s accessories and swimsuit cover-ups?

‍As many of us know though, there are notable differences in the challenges men and women face in the entrepreneurial space due to societal and cultural factors. But less thought is often given to the reality that the difficulties encountered by women of color (WOC) entrepreneurs are different from the issues confronted by white women entrepreneurs, at times. Many of our current social justice issues, including sexism or racism oftentimes overlap in the lives of women of color entrepreneurs creating layers upon layers of additional pressure, struggles, trials, and barriers. So, what do we call this crossroad we oftentimes find ourselves at as women of color trying to navigate through underrepresentation, discrimination, lack of support, or understanding?  Intersectionality. 

Coined by Columbia University law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, “Intersectionality” is a concept that recognizes the coming together of multiple social dynamics (or identities) to create individual experiences that can sometimes be oversimplified or disregarded by society at large. The reality is that as women of color entrepreneurs we carry what is oftentimes referred to as a “triple threat” around with us everywhere – the complexities of being a woman of color trying to make sense of the entrepreneurial landscape – follow us wherever we go. 

The negative impact that these overlapping identities can have on our overall mental health is significant, creating compounded stressors that are uniquely challenging. Examples of these stressors include:

Double Jeopardy: Women of color may experience both gender-based and racial discrimination, leading to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Bicultural Expectations: Women of color might feel the pressures of continuing to meet the expectations within their own personal communities while also trying to meet the standards and expectations of the larger business world. This can sometimes create internal conflict for some WOC entrepreneurs. 

Increased Scrutiny: At times, women of color might feel like they are being perceived as the “exception” or “representative” of the marginalized group with which they identify. This can create unnecessary pressure to excel and perform well. 

Unfortunately, for many WOC entrepreneurs, these stressors along with a few other effects of intersectionality have left imprints on our emotional, psychological and mental well-being. A few of the mental health consequences include:

Imposter Syndrome: Many WOC entrepreneurs are likely to face feeling like they do not truly deserve their successes and/or accolades, constantly questioning their levels of expertise and true abilities.

Loneliness: When women of color entrepreneurs often find themselves in professional spaces where they are the “only one” who looks like them or to have come from certain cultural backgrounds/communities, it can feel socially isolating. The absence of people who share similar experiences or identities can easily lead to feelings of disconnection and detachment. 

Perfectionism: There may be times when women of color entrepreneurs strive for unrealistic standards to potentially combat what might be experienced as microaggressions, discrimination, or unconscious biases. 

Chronic Stress/Anxiety: Fear of failure, pressures of societal expectations, and feelings of helplessness can all lead to chronic stress and anxiety for women of color entrepreneurs. 

For so many years, women of color entrepreneurs have faced the tough decision of choosing between hiding facets of their identities with the hope of being accepted or deciding to embrace their full selves and face the possibility of being marginalized.

But with increased awareness, recognition, and education of social concepts such as intersectionality, systemic injustice, and inclusivity, these same points of friction have now turned into conceptual tools that can be used to bring a deeper understanding of these social structures to the business world, while also empowering women of color entrepreneurs to reframe their experiences as opportunities for growth and innovation. 

The most effective mental health coping strategies for women of color entrepreneurs who have endured intersectional challenges involve strategies that can be labeled as both personal and culturally rooted. Due to the unique nature of the stressors faced by WOC entrepreneurs, it’s extremely important to engage in skills that address one’s overall well-being. Ideas for healthy coping skills include:

Nature Connection: Spending time outdoors, whether on nature walks, laying out in the sun, or sitting under a tree enjoying the natural breeze can provide what is oftentimes referred to as a “restorative experience.” Exposure to sunlight, touching soil (earthing), and engaging one’s five senses outdoors have all been associated with healing benefits. 

Creative Expressions: Painting, crafting, dancing, and other forms of creative expression, especially if rooted in cultural heritage, can help with emotional regulation and boosting one’s overall mood.

Cooking: Preparing a cultural or traditional meal can help reduce stress and generate feelings of joy and nostalgia.  

Storytelling: Taking part in cultural storytelling with family, friends, mentees, etc. can remind WOC entrepreneurs of their ancestors’ strength and resiliency and lead to increased levels of confidence and hope. 

While intersectionality can present unique mental health challenges for WOC entrepreneurs, it can also serve as a catalyst for change, creativity, strength, and innovation. Women of color entrepreneurs are multifaceted individuals whose experiences can help develop a vision and determination that can bring long-lasting success. We may not fit every mold but it’s okay to redefine success on our terms.

‍Let’s leave that “one-size-fits-all” approach to women’s accessories after all. 

‍