Welcome back to episode 2 of Female Startup Club, this one’s a quickie. My name is Doone and if you’re new here, let me bring you up to speed, as today we're chatting with Elyse Daniels from Exodus Wear.
The Intersection of Business and Personal Life
Elysa Daniels, the founder of Exodus Wear, has a story that perfectly blends the complexities of entrepreneurship with the nuances of personal relationships. Her journey is filled with humor, tough lessons, and invaluable support from friends.
Imagine this: during a significant business negotiation, Elysa found herself sharing the ups and downs of her professional life with her girlfriends, who were also navigating their own dating escapades. The banter among the group quickly turned into a lighthearted joke, merging the worlds of business and dating. They would often gather to swap stories about their respective experiences—Elysa's business negotiations felt just as intricate as her friends' dating dramas.
The Role of Mentorship
In her circle, there was always that one friend unafraid to speak the hard truths. For Elysa, that mentor was a male colleague who, despite the age difference, provided a refreshing perspective. After a year of drawn-out negotiations that seemed stuck in a never-ending loop, he gently urged Elysa to reconsider the deal, emphasizing that rushing into it was not the way to go. His advice was a wake-up call, highlighting that the lengthy negotiation process was a red flag.
Heartbroken yet enlightened, Elysa decided to step back from the deal. In a twist of fate, she discovered that the company she was negotiating with had been seeing someone else behind the scenes—talk about a betrayal! Through a mutual friend, she learned about another woman involved with the company, and they compared notes about their experiences. It turned out they had more in common than just business; they were both entangled in the same complicated relationship.
The Blind Date Meeting
Elysa’s story took another interesting turn when she was set up on what was supposed to be a blind date—a business coffee meeting that would lead her down a familiar road. Initially, it felt exhilarating, like a fun escape. But soon, she realized this "rebound" guy was just a distraction. He was charming and attentive yet lacked the depth she truly needed. Sound familiar?
As her friends chimed in with their experiences, Elysa learned about "breadcrumbing," a dating term for when someone intermittently reaches out, leaving just enough interest to keep you hooked. Her mentor, ever the guiding light, encouraged her to recognize her worth and not settle for anything less than genuine connection, whether in business or personal relationships.
Finding the Right Partner
As time went on, Elysa became more adept at navigating her entrepreneurial landscape. She eventually met someone new—a genuine partner who shared her vision and values. This partnership blossomed into something real, built on mutual respect and shared goals. He was different; he didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk, consistently showing up and demonstrating commitment through action.
Through various tests—much like assembling IKEA furniture—Elysa discovered how well they worked together, even when challenges arose. When a factory mishap threatened to disrupt their operations, he stepped up without hesitation, proving he was indeed the right partner for both business and life.
The Power of Communication
Fast forward to today: Elysa and her partner have found a balance that works for them. They’ve weathered storms and celebrated victories, always keeping communication open and prioritizing their shared goals. Yes, there have been bumps along the road, but their commitment to each other has made all the difference.
Reflecting on her journey, Elysa feels immense gratitude. She’s learned that stepping back from a deal can lead to better opportunities and that understanding what you truly want—whether in love or business—takes time and introspection.
A Reminder for Entrepreneurs
For anyone feeling a bit lost in their own business journey, Elysa’s story serves as a reminder that finding the right partnerships and knowing your worth is crucial. Whether you’re single, dating, or deep in the trenches of entrepreneurship, her experiences illustrate the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and help you grow.
So here’s to the business relationships that feel like dating—full of excitement, uncertainty, and the occasional heartbreak. Remember, just like in love, the right partnership can lead to incredible things.
