Meet Innovative Woman Shelly Ulaj founder of Women Empowered.
1. How/why did you begin your business?
I founded Women Empowered at a difficult time in my life. After voiceless years of allowing others to dictate my life, I finally had the strength to leave my husband – against the norm of my Albanian culture – and began a fresh start. It was scary and not easy yet the most liberating and empowering decision I made. Women Empowered helped me find my voice and my goal was to help women do the same for themselves. Today, Women Empowered is an established non-profit organization that connects, educates and supports women of all ages and backgrounds, and inspires them to give back to their communities through mentorship, networking and volunteerism. We promote women entrepreneurship and value relationships, friendships, individuality, and freedom.
2. What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was in the beginning when I first started the group. It initially began as a social support group. The first year was rough and attendance to events was very low. There were times when no one showed up and I started to take it personally. I became discouraged and began to doubt my vision but I kept at it and my persistence and stubbornness (my two most notable traits) kicked in and two years later WE became an official nonprofit.
3. How do you define SUCCESS?
Success to me is simple: to love and be loved. Relationships are what make life worth living, whether it’s a romantic relationship or otherwise. “Happiness isn’t real unless it’s shared.” This is one of my favorite quotes from the book, Into the Wild. Everything else falls into place so long as you find what you’re passionate about; are persistent in making it happen; and have a support system.
4. If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
I wish I had taken a few business classes during my college years. I was a philosophy major and subsequently earned my law degree which definitely comes in handy but didn’t take one business class. Running a nonprofit is like running any other type of business. There’s a misconception that nonprofits are a different species when in reality the same structure and practices apply as they would for a for-profit business.
5. What makes you an innovative woman?
I’m an idealist and so my perception is almost always optimistic. I was once shy and reserved and doubtful and so when I see that in others I strive to instill the confidence I have in others.
For more information about Shelly and Woman Empowered visit www.women-empowered.com/