Creating Your Own Table: The Power of Stepping Into Your Purpose

In the ever-evolving journey of entrepreneurship, one of the most empowering lessons I’ve learned is the importance of creating your own space. There’s a quote that resonates deeply with me: "You don’t have to wait for someone to give you a seat at the table. Create your own table and invite those who are aligned with your vision." These words capture the essence of my entrepreneurial path, and I hope they inspire you to step into your power and create spaces where you can thrive.

I’ll never forget the time I was invited to be the guest speaker at a BNI event. Walking into that room as the only Black person, and as a woman, I could sense the tension. My presence alone seemed to challenge the status quo. As I began to speak, a man interrupted me, using both his body language and words to assert his beliefs. He claimed that women are always trying to compete with men. I paused, smiled, and calmly responded, "I have no desire to compete with men because I birthed them."

That moment was a turning point for me. I realized I didn’t need to conform to societal expectations or seek approval from spaces that weren’t welcoming. From that day forward, I decided to create my own tables or find those that aligned with my mission and purpose. As entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to seek out or create opportunities that resonate with who we are and what we stand for.

This journey led me to an incredible experience at the Rise and Thrive Conference in Topeka, KS. It was nothing short of transformative. For someone like me, who is used to pouring into others, finding a platform where I could be poured into was beyond refreshing. The Rise and Thrive Conference is a powerful in-person experience where women from all walks of life come together with the intention to evolve, grow, and create the lives they desire.

The mission of Rise and Thrive is simple yet profound: Create a safe, inclusive space where women feel a sense of belonging and community, while educating and preparing them for the opportunities ahead. It’s about empowering women to take action and take up space unapologetically.

The visionary behind this movement is Danielle J. Martin, a woman who turned her own journey of self-discovery into a beacon of hope and empowerment for others. The Rise and Thrive Conference, now in its third year, is built on the foundation of one powerful question: “Who am I becoming?” This question guided Danielle through her own transformation—a process that is often uncomfortable as it involves outgrowing the person you were to become who you’re destined to be.

If you’re in a season of transformation, remember that you are resilient, powerful beyond measure, and supported by a community that understands and celebrates your journey. Rise and Thrive is not just an event; it’s a movement that encourages authenticity, strength, and sisterhood.

Throughout the two-day event, the topics covered were as diverse and enriching as the women who attended:

• The Strategic Edge Panel with Tara Dimick & Abbey Brown

• The Entrepreneurial Evolution Panel with Kirsten Flory & Leslie Fleuranges

• Activating Your Mission with Stacia Williams

• Thrive Through Challenges with Dr. Lindsay Roberts

• Climbing The Ranks with Taylor Overton

Each session left me with invaluable insights and practical strategies that I’ve since incorporated into my life and business. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Expectations can lead to disappointment. Let go of rigid expectations and embrace the flow of life.

2. A purse symbolizes wealth. The five keys to wealth are: Purpose, Uniqueness, Relationships, Service, and Effect.

3. Life is not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. Your journey is yours alone; focus on your growth and progress.

4. To overcome imposter syndrome: Acknowledge it, identify its cause, list your accomplishments, and focus on progress, not perfection.

The Rise and Thrive Conference reminded me that the tables we create—or choose to sit at—must reflect our values, ambitions, and the legacy we wish to build. Surround yourself with those who believe in your vision and who are committed to uplifting one another. As you continue on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that you have the power to shape your own destiny. Create your own table, and fill it with people who are aligned with your vision. Together, we can rise, thrive, and create the lives we truly desire.