It’s Wednesday and one of my favorite days of the week because I get to introduce you to the next womanpreneur, Nancy Nagar!
Nancy is the teacher that you wished your kids could have (every year until they graduate high school). Her passion for teaching is immeasurable. The thought and creativity she puts into her lessons is above and beyond. Top that with being a super mom to two of the cutest little men I know, and a passionate advocate for healthy living and doing as a Beautycounter womanpreneur!
Meet Nancy Nagar!
When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher!
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started to become aware of the toxins in conventional personal care items when I was pregnant with my first son. After much research, I found the company Beautycounter whose mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. I began to use their products and instantly fell in love! I loved the products and loved the mission. I also was very into how Beautycounter leads with education. As a teacher, this spoke to me on a deep level. We at Beautycounter believe that armed with information, people should be able to go out into the world and choose safer products for themselves and their families. Another thing that is special about Beautycounter is their advocacy. Did you know that the last law regulating the ingredients that can be used in personal care items was passed in 1938? It’s crazy! Beautycounter works at the state and federal level to encourage lawmakers to update the regulations on personal care items. As a mother, the mission felt so personal to me! So after three or so years of slowly filling my house with every item they sell, I decided to take the leap and become a consultant! I’ve always been someone who my friends and family look to for advice on health and wellness, and it just seemed like a perfect fit! I wanted to lend my voice to the Beautycounter movement, and also help my friends and loved ones make safer choices.
What is the biggest struggle you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?
My biggest struggle was getting started. I was so worried about what people would think and I was also worried about not having all the answers. I got over it by connecting with people who gave me lots of good advice and inspiration. The advice I got was basically, “There is no perfect time to do anything. Go for it with 100% and don’t look back. Grow thick skin. Be passionate and be authentic, the rest will follow.”
What do you think are the pros and cons of being a womanpreneur?
Haha I love the term womanpreneur! I think being a woman gives us a distinct advantage to be able to connect with people on a deep level. We can connect on issues such as motherhood, loss, infertility, and relationships. I believe that I huge part of being successful is building those connections and relationships. I also think women are especially great at reading people! So we definitely have an advantage over men in that way! A con would be, nothing. I really can’t think of anything. I believe if you put your mind to it and use all your talents and resources you are set up for success.
Do you have any mentors or coaches that you work with?
Yes! My mentor Tara Woodland has been a huge resource for me. She’s a mom of two (soon to be 3) and a gym owner in addition to being a Managing Director at Beautycounter. She is very supportive but I also love that she has encouraged me to seek out my own answers to many of my questions. It’s how I model my mentoring to my consultants as well. She leads with authenticity which is why we connected so well in the first place. I really do believe that a great mentor is essential in getting started.
What advice would you give to someone reading this that has the entrepreneurial “itch”?
Do it. Don’t think twice. The world needs to hear what you have to say. Don’t worry about failing or making mistakes, that’s bound to happen. Ask for advice. Stay the course.
What is the secret to achieving work-life balance for you?
Scheduling and time blocking. Also I keep a planner and make sure I write everything down. My full time job is being a teacher. I’m also a mom of two young boys. If I don’t write it down, it doesn’t happen. Be organized.
How do you find inspiration?
I follow a lot of amazing and inspiring women on social media!
What is your favorite book?
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.
What is your favorite quote?
It’s an excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s poem, Our Deepest Fear. Your playing small Does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking So that other people won’t feel insecure around you. And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.
What do you do to decompress?
I love to strength train. It is a great outlet for me. Recently I started meditating as a way to be more grounded. I use the Insight Meditation Timer app. It’s free! Even if I have 60 seconds to meditate I make sure to squeeze it in several times per week.
Isn’t Nancy Nagar the BEST?!
I look forward to Nancy’s posts about healthier living and eating. I know that Nancy has already vetted all resources, so her recommendations are very well-received. Please follow her on Instagram, most definitely check out and support her Beautycounter website, annnnnndddd she‘d love to add all of you to her Facebook Group: Safer Health, Wellness, and Lifestyle! Add us on Facebook! She would love to have you 🙂
Check out some of the womanpreneurs I’ve interviewed in the past:
Amber Myers says
I always like to learn more about people! Women rock. I will have to check out her website for sure.
Jessica Joachim says
I love that you are sharing other mom’s stories of becoming entrepreneurs. Nancy seems like an awesome woman and I love finding more strong women to support!
Mommy Sigrid says
She’s so pretty! Love that she’s including her children even when she is working. Good luck to her endeavors! 🙂
Chelsea Messina says
This is a great post.. I love that you are encouraging and supporting other women in their businesses. We women gotta stick together!
Ching says
I love this series. Gives me my weekly inspiration especially because they are women!
HilLesha says
I love reading about other female entrepreneurs. Thank you for sharing her story! She sounds wonderful.
Maureen says
I love the word “womanpreneur” 🙂 It’s nice getting to know her. It’s fascinating reading about other women and their triumphs.
Emily Fata says
What an inspiring entrepreneur! It’s so great to read success stories like this, and see women doing their thing and being amazing at it.
Sondra Barker says
Juggling being a mom and a “womanpreneur” is hard work! Thank you for showing us how it can be done.
Sundeep says
Thanks for sharing another great story. Its really inspiring. Looking forward for more
Olya AMANOVA says
I can relate to the difficult task of being a mom with an entrepreneurial spirit. You are doing your best and manage to be the best in many areas of life. That deserves respect and admiration.
Kuntala Banerjee says
It is so inspiring to read such amazing success stories. It gives you the energy to work more and achieve more. Please keep sharing
vicky hallnewman says
I love reading other womens success and life stories. Thanks for sharing
Dalene Ekirapa says
Just DO IT! START IT! That is definitely inspiring. I just checked out her line and she does have her thing going on- super clean and amazing products! I should grow a thick skin and also, bring back my entrepreneurial spirits.
David Elliott says
I love the positivity here. If you want to do something you just have to step out and just do it. If you want to be your own boss you have to step out and take the risk.
Kiwi says
I love the energy of womanprenuer. Great energy on this post!
Jasmine M says
I love how she took a problem that she found with the toxins being in a lot of beauty care products and did the research to start a brand herself. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, but it is possible to do it and be successful!
Samar says
“womanpreneur”, now this is what we call real feminism.
Support and respect.
Mudpiefridays says
It is nice to read women’s stories. Nancy story is really amazing. I love her passion and truly an inspiration.
aisasami says
Wow, I love this woman’s mission as I personally love how she is working hard to promote cleaner and chemical-free personal items.
Laura says
This is so inspiring interview. I loved reading it and I love her story x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/