Womanpreneur Wednesday – Carli Brinkman

Welcome to the second edition of Womanpreneur Wednesday!

Carli and I met during a media event she coordinated for one of her clients.  I was happy to spend some time chatting with her about her business and her adorable (growing) family.  The media event itself, as well as pre- and post-event communication were top-notch.

I am super excited to introduce you to Carli Brinkman – a public relations powerhouse that loves what she does.

Meet Carli Brinkman!

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

An equestrian or a farmer!

How did you come up with the idea to start your Public Relations firm?

I’ve been in public relations my entire career and I’ve always desired to have the freedom and flexibility to work solely with clients and projects that inspire me. Now that I have my own practice, I’m fortunate to be doing just that – finding success in the career I love every day in support of the people, work and missions I believe in.

What is the biggest struggle you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur and how did you solve it?

I’m very much less than awesome at the accounting aspect of my work. It doesn’t come naturally to me and is truly a job in and of itself. I’ve discovered some great accounting software solutions and apps that have helped me in that regard, and my super organized numbers-smart husband also graciously takes the wheel when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

What do you think are the pros and cons of being a womanpreneur?

The biggest “pro” is having the ability to live out my dream – create my own business model, office culture, hours, etc., with only myself to answer to. As the mother of a young daughter (with a second on the way) it also feels good knowing my girls will grow up in a home where mama is just as much a Boss as the dad. That will be the norm for them and I love it. The biggest “con” is in the fact that, as women we are definitely expected to excel as mothers and wives as well as in the workplace, and it does sometimes feel like you’re standing in the center of a seesaw trying to figure out how to make it to both ends at once while staying in perfect balance.

Do you have any mentors or coaches that you work with?

My sister Camille is a mentor for me personally and professionally in the sense that she had babies young, raised them, then went back to work while getting her Masters so that she could work in the field she loves. She now has three teenagers and is working in behavioral psychology supporting children and families with autism. She is also an incredible mother and wife and has the most rigid moral backbone of anyone I’ve ever known. Her life and the way she chooses to live it are a daily inspiration for me. She’s also my second mom to both me and my daughter and has walked me off the ledge more times than I can count.

What advice would you give to someone reading this that has the entrepreneurial “itch”?

Knowing what you truly love to do professionally is half the battle, because if you love it enough, it won’t feel exhausting trying to make it happen. It will energize and motivate you every step of the way. Also- NEVER let anyone intimidate you. They should either inspire you, walk beside you, or remain in your dust, but intimidation is out of the question.

What is the secret to achieving work-life balance for you?

I’m not sure I’ll ever achieve work-life balance. But I think knowing this and learning to be OK with it is what allows me to keep being the best I can at both.

How do you find inspiration?

I’m a big believer in positive affirmations and the power of the law of attraction. I believe we manifest our reality by believing absolutely in the fact that what we desire for our lives will come to us if we believe in it as if it’s already there. I practice daily affirmations and my best friend Tracy helps me stay on track with this as well by sharing inspiring motivational talks and quotes. I’m inspired by the possibilities I know exist just by believing whole-heartfelt in myself and my dreams.

What is your favorite book?

I have soooooo many that have both inspired and moved me beyond belief, but I think for me the most amazing thing I’ve ever read was Daughter of Destiny- the autobiography of Benazir Bhutto. If there’s ever a woman that sacrificed everything for what she believed in, it’s her. She was the first female prime minister of Pakistan and the sacrifices she made for her country has her imprisoned, exiled, and eventually assassinated. She lost everything, including her family, fighting for what she believed in.

What is your favorite quote?

I have two! “The present moment is the only moment available to us and it is the door to all other moments.”- said by Thich Nhat Hanh; and “Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it.” – said by Albert Einstein.

What do you do to decompress?

I definitely value the benefits of decompressing! Practicing yoga, long runs, ocean kayaking, family time, girlfriend time, music festivals, and a day at the beach with a good book are all among my most valued healing experiences.

A Boss Babe and 2nd Time Mom-To-Be

Do you adore Carli now as much as I do?  Her drive, work ethic, and honesty make her a perfect Womanpreneur!

Please connect with Carli on her website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

If you missed last week’s spotlight on Fatima Torres, be sure to check it out now!

If you know of a womanpreneur that you would like to see showcased on my Womanpreneur Wednesday series, please comment below!