Celebrating a Life of Entrepreneurship

Entering the grey stone building in downtown Syracuse, there was trepidation. Not knowing where to go or what floor to look on, I knew I would find the right place. Excitement in my heart made it palpitate as if a lighting strike just missed me. Walking as fast as my heart was beating, I walked through the right door into an unknown future.

Inside the door, an older woman greeted me at the counter saying, “May I help you? “ I paused for a moment and said, “Yes, I want to start my own business and need to fill out the correct paperwork.” She responded, “You have come to the right place, dear.” Little did I know signing that paperwork for a DBA – Doing Business As – and paying a $35 fee would open my world to places I couldn’t imagine, new people I would meet along the way with both tests and deep joy in overcoming. I thought to myself as I inked my signature, “What a brave new world I’m entering!”

Adam, Tracy and Thomas Higginbotham

Because I connected to so many people, I was inspired to run the Boston Marathon, take 120 women to the Women’s March on Washington, rallied for pay equality, had stories and articles published in major books and magazines, added a Women’s Athletic Network division to my company, met amazing women like Kathrine Switzer and Billie Jean King, inspired interns and hired young women. I’ve made enough money to make me happy while having enough to give away to worthy causes.

What a glorious adventure it has been accompanied by amazing people I have worked for and with in both the event planning field and women entrepreneurship world. I can’t imagine how dull my life would have been if I never had the courage to walk through that city hall door 24 years ago and ink my name to that form. Sure there have been hardships along the way, aren’t there always bumps in the road? To borrow a term from Oprah Winfrey, “What I know for sure, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I have been blessed to wake up every single morning the past 24 years happy, really happy, with my profession turned into a mission as I promoted and united women in business. I have helped hundreds, hugged even more people and lent expertise anytime I was asked. I learned, lost, failed, got up again and kept on walking my path, my way. In the process, I found a demographic I truly love – women entrepreneurs and women in sports – and a meaning for my life.

As I look in the mirror now, I might be missing my beautiful dark brown hair that framed my face due to alopecia, but my heart is larger, my arms wider to hug more women and my spirit strong. I would have lost so much if I never took the leap of faith to become a business woman that hot summer day two decades ago.

Thank you to all the people who have been a small or big part of my life the past 24 years. I remember you. I don’t forget people who have crossed my path. Today, I wish you the same blessings my professional life has given me – happiness, hope and kinship.

P.S. In light of my 24 year in business, I am asking for $24 donations to “The Barber Shop – Cuts for a Cure Alopecia Awareness Fundraiser” found on GoFundMe at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/the-barber-shack-alopecia-awareness-fundraiser to help find a cure for the autoimmune disorder Alopecia Areata.