Queer Business Builders: Intersections of Identity and Entrepreneurship in the Evolving Online Space
In this episode of Finding Fearless, Madeline welcomes guest Rachel Pereyra to discuss the importance of building solid operational foundations. Rachel is the founder of Mastermind Business Services, an agency that provides operations consulting and execution support for women-owned agencies and social impact nonprofits. With her proven framework, Rachel helps business owners sustainably scale while feeling supported. Tune in as we dive into navigating identity, growth, building a business and queerness.
Listen in as we speak about:
A Journey of Resilience and Adaptability
The battle between responsibilities and your dreams
The impacts of embracing your identity
Queerness and safe spaces
And much, much, more!
A Journey of Resilience and Adaptability
In this episode, Rachel takes us on a personal journey from having ambitious plans to embracing the concept of bootstrapping. She starts by sharing her childhood aspirations, mapping out an impressive plan to become a criminal defense attorney, a Supreme Court justice, and eventually the President. However, life had other plans in store for her.
Transitioning from a financially comfortable middle-class family, Rachel found herself living with their ex-husband's family, who were illegal immigrants at the time. Life on a chicken farm and working in that environment marked a significant shift from her previous lifestyle. She went from enjoying steak once a week to surviving on boiled potato water. The challenges continued as she got married at 19, had her second daughter at 20, and struggled financially after moving away from her ex-husband's parents. These experiences have taught Rachel not to take anything for granted and has given her a unique perspective on life.
The battle between responsibilities and your dreams
Rachel talks about the people she works with and how she is drawn to individuals who have big dreams and aspirations. These dreams range from wanting to change the future for their children, to wanting to change the entire world. She expresses her admiration for these individuals and her desire to be a part of their journey.
Rachel shares her constant battle with wanting to be a "Suzy Homemaker'' and a high-powered executive. It can be difficult to pursue your ambitions when you have responsibilities. For Rachel, she wants to be successful in her career while also being the kind of mother she aspires to be.
The impacts of embracing your identity
Madeline and Rachel discuss the impact that embracing their identities had on their businesses. They share how being visibly queer in their marketing led to finding out which spaces were too homogenous and stepping out of them. This decision not only allowed them to create a more inclusive and diverse network but also inspired others who were not ready to come out or be visible in their own businesses. By being open and authentic, they were able to create a ripple effect and empower others to embrace their identities as well.
They also touch on the importance of representation and visibility. They talk about how being open about their identities attracted clients who resonated with their experiences and perspectives. They share about their values of supporting LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented founders and how their openness and willingness to learn and advocate for marginalized communities has led to some of their most meaningful relationships in business. This highlights the power of embracing identity not only in empowering oneself but also in connecting with others who share similar experiences and values.
Queerness and safe spaces
Rachel and Madeline reflect on how by openly embracing queerness, you can be seen as someone who holds a safe space for others. They discuss how so many individuals may not feel safe or comfortable being open about their own identities, and as a result they are drawn to safe spaces. Madeline and Rachel discuss the power of visibility and representation in creating a sense of safety and belonging for marginalized individuals.
The two also reflect on how being open about queerness is an act of privilege, and how not everyone has the ability or opportunity to be open about their identities due to various societal and personal factors. However, Madeline and Rachel emphasize the positive impact that being open can have on others who may have been struggling with their own identities as a way to create space for others to be seen and supported in discovering who they are.
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