We had the good fortune of connecting with Coley Arnold and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Coley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is an inherent part of entrepreneurship, especially for female founders like myself. Embracing risk means stepping out of comfort zones, challenging the status quo, and venturing into uncharted territories with the potential for great rewards or significant setbacks. As a business owner, calculated risk-taking has been essential in driving innovation, securing funding, and expanding my business. It requires resilience, confidence, and a willingness to learn from failures, which are required for growth. Navigating risks also involves balancing ambition with prudence, ensuring that each decision is aligned with long-term goals. For female entrepreneurs, this journey can be uniquely challenging due to societal expectations and biases, but it also presents an opportunity to pave the way for future generations of women in business, demonstrating that with courage and determination, success is attainable.
What should our readers know about your business?
Foundress is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs by providing the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to scale their businesses to six and seven figures. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where women can learn from seasoned speakers, engage in meaningful mentorship, and access a wealth of resources tailored to their unique challenges.
I am most proud of the thriving network we’ve built and the tangible successes our members have achieved. Seeing women break barriers and reach new heights in their entrepreneurial journeys is incredibly rewarding. Our excitement lies in continually expanding our community and witnessing the innovative ways our members drive change in their industries.
The journey to where we are today has not been easy. Like any entrepreneurial endeavor, we faced numerous challenges, like building credibility in a competitive space. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless focus on our mission. I learned the importance of resilience, the value of a strong support network, and the necessity of continuous personal and professional growth.
One key lesson I’ve learned is the power of collaboration and community. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, we create a richer, more dynamic environment where everyone can thrive.
What I want the world to know about Foundress is that we are more than just a business network; we are a movement. Our story is one of passion, persistence, and the belief that when women support each other, incredible things happen. We are dedicated to rewriting the narrative for female entrepreneurs and proving that success is not only possible but inevitable with the right support and determination.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Work hard, play hard! When I am not working, my favorite thing to do is go out to dinner with the family. Our favorites are Don Jose’s, Vecina, Doughbird and Buck and Ryder. I love the Royal palms bar, the patio is dreamy in the fall and spring!
We live in Arcadia and love the lifestyle here! We call it the small town in the big city. We know our neighbors and the kids can run around in the neighborhood.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love this question because this is exactly what Foundress is all about! A group of women that come together, some in the same industry and are competitors, but support one another and want a mutual growth and success. We can not do this alone and I wish more people would talk about the teams of people that help them in their success! I have so many people that have shaped my career and growth. First of all, I have the most supportive family. My husband believes in me and teaches our 4 boys the importance of my job not only to our family, but to the world! When women are supported, the ripple effect is massive.
My team! I have the best team that helps me stay true to my vision and serve the women in Foundress!
My mentors at Foundress are the backbone to our organization, while running their businesses, they also give back to support other women inside Foundress. Here are their businesses, go give them a follow! Naked Rebellion, Smyth House, The Sparkle Bar, Afi Like Taffy, The Good Vibe Media and Studios, Coach Christy, See Salt, Elly and Nora Creative and Rad and Rae.
And last but not least, every single woman who walks into the door at Foundress, who trusts me with their business and their time. I appreciate them more than they will ever know!
Website: www.foundress.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefound.ress/
Image Credits
Lauren Peachie The Elan Studio