Natalia Storozhuk on Personal Branding for Women Entrepreneurs: Why Visibility Matters

Women's Journal Staff on April 3, 2025

By: Nataliia Storozhuk (Head of Customer Onboarding of PRNEWS.IO)

When launching a business, many women entrepreneurs quickly realize that expertise alone isn’t always enough. Take, for instance, Sarah—a hypothetical founder with 15 years of corporate experience who struggled to attract investors and clients despite her impressive resume. Everything changed when she strategically built her personal brand through content, media features, and public speaking. Within six months, she secured funding and doubled her client base.

This kind of transformation highlights a crucial truth: personal branding is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. A well-crafted personal brand helps build credibility, opens doors to opportunities, and positions women as leaders in their industries.

Why Women Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from a Strong Personal Brand

Although women own almost 40% of U.S. businesses, they receive only a fraction of venture capital funding, according to the Women’s Small Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship Report. This suggests the importance of a strong personal brand for women entrepreneurs, which could help level the playing field. Here’s how it might make a difference:

It may boost visibility in networks where women sometimes get sidelined.
Can build trust with investors and clients who might otherwise pass.
Often sparks recognition that sticks—beyond just the company name.
It could unlock doors to speaking events, media hits, and partnerships.

On top of that, a well-crafted brand story can set the stage before anyone even meets the entrepreneur. It’s often less about the product and more about the perception. For women, that might help shift the narrative from being overlooked to being in demand.

Overcoming Challenges

Now, crafting a personal brand isn’t always smooth sailing—especially for women. There are some common hurdles to tackle:

The Confidence Gap: Studies suggest women may downplay their wins compared to men, making self-promotion more challenging.
Impostor Syndrome: That persistent doubt—Am I really good enough?—can sometimes keep women from stepping up.
Work-Life Balance Perceptions: Striking a balance between professionalism and authenticity can feel like walking a tightrope.

However, strategically leveraging content, media coverage, and thought leadership, women entrepreneurs can position themselves as industry leaders and potentially attract the right growth opportunities.

Building an Authentic Narrative

At its core, a personal brand should reflect you. Start with the basics:

What unique skills or viewpoints might set this entrepreneur apart?
Which values guide the business and leadership decisions?
How might clients or customers benefit from this work?
What’s distinctive about this approach compared to the crowd?

For example, a founder of a sustainable fashion brand could highlight her commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental impact, creating a brand story that resonates with her audience.

In short, don’t hide what makes the story stand out. Own it.

Leveraging Social Media & PR

Once that narrative is defined, it’s time to amplify it. Social media and PR can be powerful tools, but strategy is key. Quality often beats blasting every channel. Focus on:

Crafting content that demonstrates expertise, like tips, success stories, or industry insights.
Sharing the journey wins and stumbles included to maintain relatability.
Engaging in industry discussions with meaningful contributions.
Pursuing media opportunities—such as podcasts, contributor posts, or guest articles—to expand reach.

Consistency plays a crucial role. Every post ideally ties back to the brand and addresses what the audience cares about.

Actionable Steps for Women Entrepreneurs

Ready to get started? Here’s a practical plan to begin:

Conduct a Brand Audit: Google yourself and identify any gaps. Are profiles current? Do they reflect your expertise?
Clarify Your Positioning: Summarize what’s unique in a concise statement—similar to an elevator pitch.
Create a Content Calendar: Commit to posting regularly; even weekly can be effective. Plan ahead to stay consistent.
Content Distribution: Outline activities like posting on blogs, newsletters, social media, sponsored content, or influencer collaborations.
Build Your Network: Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, industry peers, and mentors. Aim for mutual support.
Track Your Impact: Monitor mentions, engagement, and new opportunities. Tools like Google Alerts can provide useful insights.

For women entrepreneurs, personal branding is more than just visibility—it’s about creating opportunities, building credibility, and breaking barriers. A well-crafted personal brand helps establish authority in any industry and allows women to take control of their professional narratives.

Oh, and don’t forget: brands evolve. Check-in every few months—tweak, refresh, and keep it opening doors.

Published by Jeremy S.

Managing Perimenopausal Weight Gain Through Movement and Mindful Eating Insights by Kylie Larson

Women's Journal Staff on April 3, 2025

By: Publicity For Good

Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, brings hormonal shifts that may make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Many women in their 40s and early 50s notice increased fat storage around the midsection, a slower metabolism, and difficulty maintaining muscle tone. While these changes can be frustrating, they’re not necessarily unavoidable. Perimenopause specialist Kylie Larson suggests that with strategic movement and mindful eating, women may manage perimenopausal weight gain and feel more balanced and energized.

Why Weight Gain Can Happen During Perimenopause

Perimenopause triggers a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can disrupt the body’s metabolic processes. Estrogen plays a role in how the body stores fat and regulates insulin sensitivity. As levels drop, the body may become more prone to storing fat, especially around the abdomen.

Additionally, the loss of muscle mass that naturally occurs with age can further slow metabolism. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so maintaining muscle mass may help keep the metabolic rate steady. Insulin resistance might also increase during perimenopause, potentially leading to more blood sugar fluctuations, cravings, and fat storage.

Stress can compound the problem. Higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, might increase fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Poor sleep—a common issue during perimenopause—could further raise cortisol levels and disrupt appetite-regulating hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which may make it harder to make healthy food choices.

Strategic Movement to Support Perimenopausal Weight Management

Exercise during perimenopause is not just about burning calories—it’s about improving muscle tone, metabolic health, and overall hormonal balance. Kylie Larson recommends considering a balanced fitness routine that includes strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility work.

1. Strength Training

Strength training is one of the most effective ways to help combat the loss of muscle mass and support metabolic rate. Building muscle can support fat burning and may improve insulin sensitivity and bone density—both of which are important for long-term health.

Kylie advises considering strength training 2–3 times per week, focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, lunges, and presses. Progressive overload—gradually increasing weight or resistance over time—may help build strength and lean muscle mass.

2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT workouts combine short bursts of intense effort with periods of rest, making them a potentially effective method for fat-burning and improving cardiovascular health. HIIT might also enhance the body’s ability to process glucose and regulate insulin levels, which could help prevent fat storage.

Even short 15–20 minute sessions 2–3 times per week may have a noticeable impact on metabolism and fat loss.

3. Low-Impact Movement and Active Recovery

Balancing intense workouts with low-impact activities like walking, yoga, and swimming can support recovery and help reduce stress. Too much high-intensity exercise might elevate cortisol levels, which could contribute to increased fat storage.

Kylie encourages incorporating daily walks and regular stretching sessions to keep the body moving without overstressing the nervous system.

Mindful Eating to Help Balance Hormones and Support Weight Loss

Hormonal changes during perimenopause may increase cravings and make it harder to feel full, but mindful eating could help women regain control over hunger cues and emotional eating patterns. Kylie emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what, how, and why you eat rather than focusing on restrictive dieting.

1. Focus on Protein and Healthy Fats

Protein supports muscle maintenance and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Consider including lean proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, and plant-based options like lentils and quinoa at every meal.

Healthy fats—like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil—are thought to be crucial for hormone production and satiety. They might also help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

2. Prioritize Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates

Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, legumes, and whole grains may help regulate blood sugar and improve gut health, which can be important for hormone balance. Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice can provide steady energy and might help prevent cravings.

3. Limit Processed Sugars and Refined Carbs

Refined carbohydrates and sugars might cause rapid blood sugar spikes, potentially leading to increased fat storage and energy crashes. Reducing added sugars and focusing on whole, unprocessed foods may help prevent these fluctuations, but remember not to cut carbs totally to keep your hormonal health balanced.

4. Practice Portion Control Without Restriction

Instead of focusing on calorie counting, Kylie encourages using the “plate method” to structure balanced meals: fill half your plate with vegetables, one-quarter with lean protein, and one-quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables.

5. Stay Hydrated

Hormonal shifts might increase water retention and bloating. Staying hydrated can support digestion and may help regulate appetite. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily. Adding electrolytes or lemon juice might further support hydration balance.

Building Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Success

Managing perimenopausal weight gain isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building sustainable habits that support the body’s changing needs. Strength training, balanced cardio, and mindful eating can work together to improve metabolic health and hormonal balance.

Kylie Larson’s approach emphasizes consistency over perfection. Focusing on strength, nourishing the body with whole foods, and reducing stress through mindful practices may empower women to feel more in control of their health and body during perimenopause.

Perimenopause is a time of change—but with the right movement and nutrition strategies, women can feel strong, energized, and balanced well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Learn more about Kylie and her methods by visiting her official website and explore ways to support your wellness during perimenopause.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published by Jeremy S.

Natalie Southward’s Mission to Make Counseling Accessible: An Upcoming Guide to Healing and Growth

Women's Journal Staff on April 3, 2025

By: Jonathyn Lopez

Natalie Southward is on a mission to support transformative change through counseling and authorship. As the owner of Life Transformation Counseling, she has dedicated her career to helping people work toward healing, growth, and greater well-being. A licensed mental health professional and clinical supervisor in Florida, she is also a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Grief Specialist, Brainspotting Practitioner (BSP), and Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Her work is rooted in her own personal journey, shaped by overcoming challenges and learning from the power of counseling firsthand.

Natalie’s commitment to making mental health support more accessible goes beyond her practice. She is writing an anticipated book designed to offer counseling tools and self-help resources to a broader audience. This book aims to serve as a practical guide for those who may not have access to traditional therapy, offering introspective exercises and thought-provoking insights to help readers navigate their personal growth journey. Through this project, she hopes to extend her reach and empower individuals to move beyond survival and cultivate a thriving, fulfilled life.

Her passion for mental health advocacy stems from her own experiences. At just 14, she found herself pregnant and in need of guidance. Her parents introduced her to a care pregnancy center, where she learned valuable parenting and life skills from compassionate counselors. That experience sparked a lifelong dedication to helping others. Today, she has come full circle, as her counseling office now sponsors the same pregnancy center that once supported her. She understands deeply the impact a single act of kindness and guidance can have on someone’s life, and she now seeks to be a source of support for others.

Natalie Southward’s journey has been shaped by her experiences of triumph and tragedy. The challenges of co-parenting at a young age were marked by emotional trials and tribulations for Natalie and her oldest daughter, Laci. Yet, nothing compares to the pain felt during the passing of Laci’s father by suicide. This loss was sudden and tragic and led her to seek family counseling to navigate her daughter’s grief and the complex grief Natalie experienced through their trauma and new reality.

Natalie believed she had faced profound trauma, but six years later, her brother lost his battle with cancer. The loss of her older brother and their close relationship was devastating because of their irreplaceable bond. This profound trauma became Natalie’s motivation to explore other modalities of trauma and grief treatment that could facilitate faster healing more efficiently. The outcomes inspired her to pursue deeper understanding and training. Since then, she has become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Grief Specialist, a Brainspotting Practitioner (BSP), and certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Life can feel like a series of challenges, but equipping yourself with an empathetic community, education, and effective counseling methods can help you navigate the losses that come with the fragility of life. This was evident during Natalie’s most recent pain following the passing of her dad. As she processed this loss in her core, she experienced the emotions and stages of grief, which further reinforced the importance of managing grief and resilience. Through this, she found a meaningful connection in their shared experiences and the joyful pride of honoring her father and brother through her work at Life Transformation Counseling.

These experiences, along with many others, motivated her to dive deeper into the field of counseling and equip herself with the knowledge and tools to guide others through their trauma, loss, and healing. Her work extends beyond the office—she actively engages in public speaking, advocating for support groups, and mentoring the next generation of counselors. Natalie Southward’s ability to channel pain into purpose is at the heart of everything she does.

A strong support system has been instrumental in her success. She credits her husband, Eric Southward, as her backbone, someone who believes in her even when she doubts herself, encouraging her to be the ideal version of herself. Her children are her ongoing motivators, inspiring her to lead by example and show them what perseverance looks like. Her team at Life Transformation Counseling plays an essential role in the work they do together, and she is grateful for her mentors and spiritual leaders who offer wisdom and encouragement in her journey. She also honors her parents, who provided a safe and loving foundation even in the face of life’s challenges.

Natalie envisions a world where mental health support is more readily available to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. She wants to shift the conversation around therapy, making it more approachable and accessible. Through her book, speaking engagements, and counseling practice, she strives to provide a safe space for people to heal and find their true selves. As she often says, “Dysfunction is hard, healing is hard. Pick your hard.”

With her book on the horizon, Natalie hopes to make an even greater impact. This book is not just a guide—it is part of a broader effort to break down the stigma around mental health and bring therapy within reach for those who need it most. Her goal is to make counseling feel less like a luxury and more like an important tool for everyday life. She hopes that through her writing, people will not only discover comfort and guidance but also feel encouraged to embark on their own healing journeys.

As part of her mission, Natalie is dedicated to using her platform to educate and inspire. She actively engages with her audience through social media, sharing insightful perspectives, encouragement, and resources to help people along their healing journey. She believes that healing should not be reserved only for those with access to therapy sessions but can also be nurtured through community, education, and self-reflection.

In addition to her work in counseling and writing, she is also involved in community outreach programs. She collaborates with organizations that focus on mental health awareness and participates in community workshops to help individuals develop coping strategies and emotional resilience. She understands that mental wellness is a lifelong journey and is committed to being a resource for those seeking guidance and support.

Whether you’re seeking guidance, inspiration, or simply a new perspective on personal growth, her work is worth exploring. Follow her journey, engage with her content, and consider how her insights might inspire transformation in your life. If you are looking for a resource that could help you take the first steps toward healing, keep an eye out for her upcoming book and visit www.lifetransformationcounseling.com. It may be the tool you’ve been waiting for.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Individuals experiencing emotional distress or mental health concerns should consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Results from counseling or self-help practices may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Published by Jeremy S.