We were lucky to catch up with Liz Russell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Years before becoming a business owner, I was new to the city I lived in, near Seattle. I knew hardly anyone besides family. As an adult, it’s already difficult to meet new friends. You can’t really knock on your neighbor’s door and say “Hey, want to play?” like back in the school days. Throw in moving somewhere completely new and now I really have to work harder to meet new friends. With that, co-founded a Facebook group called Eastside Women’s Social Club where we hosted several meetups and events to not only meet new friends but to help others to do the same.

From there, I learned that I loved building connections and making things happen so I started my business, On The Eastside, where I host/coordinate events and workshops for others to connect socially, professionally and to their community.

Liz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As mentioned earlier, I started this business after co-leading a Facebook group with the intention to meet new friends for myself but also for others. Unfortunately, also at the time, I was experiencing a “mental low”, deeply suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). So many freely use the term of OCD – as in “Oh, I’m so OCD about this and that” when really for many – it’s much more challenging and not so simplistic. I had several days where the “normal” day-to-day tasks such as showering or driving a car became nearly impossible. I felt hopeless and did not know how I could make it through life.

Unfortunately, my mental health was also affecting my productivity level at the job that I had at the time. I became overwhelmed and quit, not knowing what my next steps would be.

After some space and time, I begun my solo journey of starting my own business hosting events for friend-making, professional networking and for the community. This includes a professional networking group called Eastside EntrepreneuHERs (intended for the Eastside of Seattle) where a group of women meet regularly to learn from business experts and support one another. I also host larger scale events such as Women’s Day of Wellness where women can seek physical and mental health resources, shop from local businesses and enjoy a day of self-care.

Becoming my own business owner and leaning into my skill sets was the best decision I have ever made. I can relate to others and their struggles. I understand the importance of connection, whether to yourself or to another. Hopefully what I’ve learned along this journey can help and inspire others too.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I am very active within my community and on social media. Even though my business is less than 3 years old, I volunteered my time beforehand to build online communities and host in-person events/meetups. I first began with a Facebook group cofounded with two other friends, Eastside Women’s Social Club which grew to over 3k members overtime, then I added a second online social club and most recently started a professional networking, Facebook community called Business Women of the Eastside.

It took time, consistency and a lot of effort.

It also wasn’t only me. I co-founded some of these groups, meaning there were others contributing to the success of these communities. I reached out to others to collaborate in some capacity such as partnering with another small business owner and artist to teach a craft workshop, utilizing my skills and their skills. Additionally, I began Eastside EntrepreneuHERs with a local Real Estate agent and recent teacher, Rachel Rowland. Quite frankly, I am not a big fan of public speaking which with this in-person networking group, you do have to lead discussions, stand in front of the room, etc. Thankfully for me, my business partner was a past teacher, is also well connected with the community and speaks eloquently in front of an audience whereas I sound like a scared toddler! Half joking but also half serious.

It’s okay to ask for help. Lean into your skills. Work on your weaknesses. Meet people. Get out in the world. Plus, you don’t have to do it alone. You also don’t have to be perfect.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

That success comes instantly! (Insert laughing emojis here)

While this may be truthful for some. I can almost guarantee you that for many, this is not the case.

This has taken me several years to even taste a bit of “success”. I am still learning and growing. I make mistakes and I am still working on making this a sustainable business. I am not there yet even though I am sure some see me on social media and may think differently.

In a weird way, I am excited about the process. Marketing is always changing but it’s like a game for me. I love learning new things and seeing what clicks and what doesn’t. I think one’s mindset is important – not to think “ugh I’m such a failure since I am not successful after 1 year”. Give yourself some credit and some space to thrive – that’s what I’m trying to do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lizontheeastside.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on_the_eastside
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ontheeastsideevents

Image Credits
Drishti Photography LLC Kristina Pearl Photography