Jill Petersen is the co-founder of Girls Mentorship along with Mary Frances. “We are Girls Mentorship. We help empower girls to be their best, brightest, most confident version of themselves. Through our programs and services, girls learn that they are not alone in their struggles; they learn tools and techniques to help them navigate their emotions and how to use their voices to grow and develop in their leadership.”says Petersen.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
JP: Knowing the sky (or myself) is the limit. I love being an entrepreneur because I get to bet on myself and see my ideas come to fruition. I lean into my gifts and talents to influence and impact the girls and their families we serve.
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
JP: “How you do anything, is how you do everything!”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
JP: No, I never said I would ever be an entrepreneur. I realized this was my path when I knew I had “more” to give, and no one or company was doing it. Taking the big leap was scary; I’m still scared all the time. I approach every decision knowing it’s one step at a time. I believe being scared is better than feeling mediocre. And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
JP: I feel best supported when I ask for help; and when I have my family’s support and encouragement. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the village that makes my dreams possible. Behind every success was a crazy coordination of schedules and people to make it happen.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst of the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
JP: My legacy and continually striving to improve. I want to show my children and the girls I serve what’s possible—by being scared, not knowing all the answers, and doing it anyway. I know what makes me unique, and it’s my superpower. Having the ability to show up fully, in my light, allows others to do the same.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
JP: Listening to my kids laugh in the other room, sipping a cup of my favorite coffee in bed (that my husband made for me), and not having any agenda for the day.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
JP: You have a great idea that needs to be shared with the world! The worst thing you can do is let your idea die in the graveyard. Put your trust in yourself and seek community when you feel alone. Mentors and coaches are out there to help you navigate your journey. Your life shouldn’t be a sequence of wasted opportunities. You are worth it!
Follow Jill and Girls Mentorship on Instagram, @girlsmentorship, and on LinkedIn.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
