Oftentimes, people think of success in terms of a salary of six or seven figures. Earning a hefty paycheck has some serious benefits, and those women who are raking it in get major props from me. But it’s also crucial to tell the stories of women who have found their own versions of success. That’s what On The Dot is all about. When we ladyfolk follow our passions—whether it’s as a paleontologist, as a harpist or as a wicked-good snowmobile maestro—we are defining what it means to be successful, on our own terms.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 40 Percent
Part of exploring wherever your heart takes you in your career might mean having the courage to become an entrepreneur. It’s a blend of terror and exhilaration, and daring women are taking the leap every day. According to the 2016 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity, 40 percent of new entrepreneurs in the U.S. are women. This represents the highest percentage of female entrepreneurs in the country since 1996! So, what’s stopping you from jumping on the female-entrepreneur bandwagon? Get out there and turn your passion into your business. On The Dot is behind you all the way!
WOMAN TO WATCH: Hallee Hirsh, Co-owner of Hole Doughnuts
Some businesswomen take the entrepreneurial path because they define success as following their joy. That can definitely be said about today’s Woman to Watch, Hallee Hirsh. If her name sounds familiar, that’s because it probably is. Hallee, a professional actress since the age of 3 who has graced both the small screen and the silver screen, found great success on such TV shows as JAG, ER and Law & Order, as well as in blockbuster films such as You’ve Got Mail. But these days, this gifted ingénue is trading her Hollywood career for a biz that’s a whole lot sweeter.
Recently, Hallee and her hubby, also an actor, uprooted from La-La Land and settled in Asheville, North Carolina, where they excitedly purchased an adorable little doughnut shop. It was a decision the couple wholeheartedly embraced. After so long in the acting game, Hallee knew it was time for a change, especially since she and her husband were expecting their own little doughnut. They settled into a rural area and took over a quaint spot named Hole Doughnuts, home of piping-hot, always-made-to-order, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside doughnut delicacies.
Long a dedicated veggie grower with one heck of a green thumb, Hallee put her family’s roots down in North Carolina in a very down-to-earth way, setting up their home in a yurt, and bringing a lovely community-focused and charmingly personalized aspect to Hole Doughnuts, where she’s known to greet her customers by name.
Hallee says, like gracing the stage and making the audience laugh or cry, serving up a super-satisfying, hot, handmade doughnut to a happy customer is just as fulfilling. What’s particularly endearing about Hallee is that she’s happy to move with the seasons of her life. Right now, it’s all yeast and flour and sugar, but she’s open to wherever this wild world takes her. Leaving the bustling celeb life behind may have taken her friends and family by surprise, but Hallee knew she was headed in the right direction. She followed her heart—and her stomach. And that’s a business plan that’s sure to lead to a “hole” lot of success!
QUITE THE QUOTE
I hope Hallee Hirsh’s unique journey from actress to doughnut maven has you thinking about your next great career move. As Mae West said:
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.