WRITTEN BY MARLA WOULF
Navigating the intersection of womanhood, entrepreneurship and motherhood has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. I was incredibly privileged to have been raised in an environment where I felt very little limitations based on gender. It wasn’t really until I had my own family that I personally started to realize both the joys and the burdens of being female both at home and in the workplace. I quickly understood why the Queen in chess could move in every direction and some Hindu goddesses have 8 arms! Nothing could prepare me for physicality and the constant demand of bearing 3 children, breastfeeding in the workplace, juggling child care and meetings, and sleepless nights rolling right into busy days. Losing my personal time for interests that fed me (like yoga, art, long runs) in exchange for what feels like the bare minimum - like a clean kitchen or folded laundry.
Balancing the demands of a thriving business and the joys (and, let’s be honest, non-joys, too) of motherhood and family life, I’ve learned a few lessons I’d love to share with you:
If there is a will, there is a way. I spent most of my childhood life trailing in my older brother’s and sister’s shadows; trying tirelessly to prove that anything they could do, I could as well. I was particularly keen on competing with my brother, Sean – who was closest in age to me and my built-in playmate. As hard as I tried, I could never be faster, jump higher, throw farther, or be better – but failure never deterred me. I always remained fiercely determined to accomplish the task in front of me. I learned resilience, persistence and developed a sense of self that wasn’t limited by gender, age, or physical ability. I’ve always believed: if there is a will, there is a way. And, I’ve still got will… ask anyone!
It takes a village. Whether you’re selling real estate or raising children, it takes a village. For me, running my own business isn’t about the number of transactions and volume; it’s about fostering meaningful connections, empowering my team, and uplifting my community. When I focus on those things, I find friendships and business comes naturally. Developing local relationships and being part of something bigger is really important to me. I have friends who I call on to grab my children from the bus if I’m running late, trusted colleagues to collaborate with, and a support system that carries me through the ups and downs of it all. I’ve always believed that true strength is enabling others to thrive around you, and it’s through those relationships that we’re really able to create trust, value and long-lasting stability for ourselves and our children.
Step out of the mold. I grew up in a traditional home – where my dad worked and my mom stayed home to raise the children and manage the house. I learned quickly after becoming a mom, that dynamic wasn’t right for me and my family, and I’m grateful and lucky to live at a time and place to have the opportunity to do it differently. My husband and I both have demanding careers, and we are constantly rebalancing and recalibrating responsibilities, roles and how we support one another to accomplish our personal and professional goals. We’ve had to bridge, blend and eliminate some gender boundaries around responsibilities and roles - like house work, child-rearing, home maintenance and careers. While it’s taken us years to figure out, I love that we are able to model for our children that men also cook, clean, sign children up for camps, and buy groceries and women also use power tools, sit at important negotiating tables, and blaze their own trails in business.
Seek inspiration. It’s easy to get buried under all the “to-do” lists and the slow-pace of progress, so every day I listen to podcasts and read books and articles about people who inspire me. I particularly love stories from women entrepreneurs. Some of my favorites include Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx), Mel Robbins (Motivational Speaker/Author), and of course, my daughter and I just adore Taylor Swift! But there are also SO many local women-super-heros building a better business community right here in the greater Burlington area! Pursuit Real Estate has recently connected with a few of them. Follow our social media this month as we highlight some bad-ass local women in business, like Girlington Garage, Standing Stone Wines, and Sylvan Maia Jewelry. I’ve learned from them that being a woman entrepreneur isn’t about breaking barriers, but about building bridges, inspiring others, and leaving a legacy of empowerment for our children.
Be grateful. Gratitude is at the center of all that I do. I’ve found it helps keep me humble, sane and makes my life feel incredibly richer. If you don’t already have a gratitude journal, I encourage you to start one. For me, gratitude starts at home – with my family, our health – and then branches to our friends and community, and to the people who have invested in me over the years. I certainly didn’t arrive here alone. I encourage you to take it one step further than just a journal: find a meaningful way to acknowledge your gratitude to somebody, someplace or something – a thank you card, a donation, spending your time, or simply making a meal. The ripples of these actions go a long way.
Speak Up. Women’s rights are not a thing of the past; and in fact, today it is incredibly important that we are engaged in protecting, supporting and encouraging women to step up, speak up and make their presence be known. I’m involved in our schools, business and greater community – showing that leadership can be authentic, passionate, inclusive, creative, kind and compassionate. Use your voice, cast your votes, say no, stand your ground, be proud. Our daughters and sons are watching us – the next generation will be even bolder and better.
It’s taken a lot of hard work to stand where I am today; yet, I remain steadfast in my commitment to celebrating womanhood, embracing independence, and championing the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I’ve learned that being a devoted, loving mother and wife and being a successful business woman are not mutually exclusive roles – they are interconnected threads that weave together the fabric of my life. Ladies, while sometimes it feels like we’re on the frazzled, burnt-out cusp of failure… keep pushing, because we’re really on the cusp of glory!
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Marla Woulf
Principal Broker & Owner
p. 802-735-7127
e. [email protected]
Marla Woulf, owner of Pursuit Real Estate, redefines real estate with a client-centric approach. No blazers and boring presentations - she prioritizes service over sales, evident in her genuine interactions. Based in Jericho, VT, with her husband, three children, and Husky-Lab, she is deeply involved in her community. You can find her volunteering at her children’s schools, skiing, or enjoying local Vermont food and drink with her family and friends.
