CHOICES Magazine

These are the three values by which Raimonda Jankunaite lives her life: Believe in your ideas and dreams, dare to achieve success and conquer your goals, and then use that experience to inspire and impact others. An unstoppable dynamo in entrepreneurship and empowerment, Raimonda Jankunaite commands attention and admiration.

Entrepreneurship holds a special appeal for many women. “Being your own boss is a path to both pursuing a passion and gaining more control over your career,” says Sharon Miller, president of small business at Bank of America. But, she notes, it also can present some special hurdles.

We all hear the advice, “Take care of yourself first” or “prioritize self-care,” but when you run a business, are responsible for many of the day-to-day tasks, and have a family to take care of, then overwhelm sets in, and you become last on the long ‘to-do’ list. Balancing life and maintaining good health while running a business is challenging.

What were the reasons that led you to embark on the entrepreneurial path? Can you recall the mixed emotions experienced at the inception of this journey? I began my entrepreneurial venture driven to aid and empower fellow women. Additionally, the pursuit of financial independence, the autonomy of being my own boss, dictating my schedule, and allocating more time to my family were compelling motivations.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, women are breaking barriers and making significant strides. However, the relentless pursuit of success often comes at a cost, and burnout is an all-too-common companion on this challenging journey. A paradigm shift is underway that recognizes the transformative power of intentional leadership in banishing burnout and allowing women entrepreneurs to survive and thrive in their businesses.

Growing up, “emotional resilience” was unfamiliar, a concept not touched upon in my home or school life. This lack of understanding became apparent in how I acted out in school, reflecting the unrest I experienced at home. The prevalent mood of anger and tension within my family not only created a stressful home environment but also influenced my behavior in the classroom.

In the entrepreneurship journey, there’s a pivotal point where fear meets ambition—a moment when breaking glass ceilings becomes not a goal but a necessity. For female entrepreneurs, this intersection often demands more than determination; it requires a mindset shift and unwavering self-belief.

Not many people have the privilege of describing an entrepreneur’s lifetime journey—the trials, victories, heartaches, and joys—all viewed from the sideline only a sibling can occupy. Such is the case with my sister, Nancy Haller, and me. Her bio is impressive, and her work is notable.

From the Editor By Judi Moreo Dear Women Entrepreneurs, Welcome to Choices magazine – a haven for [...]

Starting your own business can be one of the most rewarding ventures you do in life. It can lead to unlimited opportunity and financial growth. It can also mean the difference between simply having a job and living and working by our true purpose.

In today’s ever-evolving world, women are redefining norms and breaking barriers across industries, becoming catalysts of change. However, the journey towards financial independence remains challenging for many of us. As women entrepreneurs, it is essential that we take charge of our finances, cultivate healthy financial habits, and pave our path to financial freedom.