Gage: Why female entrepreneurs should give back to each other and our communities

As we celebrate Women’s Small Business Month this October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of giving back and why it is crucial for women in business to embrace this value.

My journey as the founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix and the owner of multiple StretchLab locations has taught me that giving is not just an act of kindness; it is a powerful force that can transform both our communities and our workplaces.

Women, in my experience, are generally born givers. Women make up a sizable majority of volunteers and frequently champion empathy in leadership positions. Leadership is now understood to be inclusive, collaborative and empathetic rather than dictatorial and patriarchal, Untitled Leader states. The movement in leadership toward inclusivity is aligned with the increasing acknowledgement of societal contributions made by women.

I have personally seen how this nurturing nature promotes understanding and connection. Whether community members or workers, when women lead with compassion, we foster cultures where people feel appreciated and inspired.

The value of supportive leadership

Being an encouraging leader is essential, particularly in the workplace. The abilities I gained from managing volunteers at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix have been extremely beneficial while running my business. Being aware of people’s motivations, whether they are employees or volunteers, enables me to assemble a solid, cohesive team. It’s about fostering an environment in which everyone can flourish. This strategy improves client interactions and service quality while also boosting team members' morale.

I opened StretchLab here in 2018. In just six years, we’ve grown to eight locations. I attribute this development directly to the encouraging, compassionate culture I work hard to promote.

We provide tailored stretching sessions to help customers of different backgrounds, from athletes to people looking for relief from chronic pain, by releasing stiffness and increasing flexibility. Equally as important is my dedication to GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix, a nonprofit that provides free educational, therapeutic fitness and professional development programs for people with Down syndrome, starting from the time of fetal diagnosis and continuing into adulthood. This effort reminds us how businesses can have a significant impact on their communities, and it has been immensely fulfilling.

Embracing our strengths as women

Female entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity use their advantages to create positive change. Accepting the responsibility to give helps to create inclusive and engaging work environments that improve the lives of people in our communities. By utilizing our strength as women, we create an atmosphere where everyone may realize their greatest potential when we invest in one another.

During Women’s Small Business Month, I urge other female entrepreneurs to recognize the power of charitable giving. Together, let us encourage one another to build enterprises that uphold our principles, support our communities, and are led with empathy. Our future and the future of others around us can be brighter if we work together.

Editor’s note: Jennifer Gage owns eight StretchLab franchises in the Valley. She also is the founder of local nonprofit GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.