We were lucky to catch up with Lucy Westlake recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucy, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

After forty-two grueling days on K2, one of the world’s most formidable 8,000-meter peaks, we finally received the long-awaited green light for our summit attempt. As the clock struck midnight, 150 eager climbers set out into the biting cold, hearts pounding with anticipation. The lead team forged ahead, breaking trail and fixing ropes, while the thrill of the ascent mingled with the looming danger of avalanches; the narrow path felt more like a ticking time bomb than the culmination of a long awaited dream.

With each step, we clung to our pact: if an avalanche was triggered, we would turn back. This was not a matter of safety; it was about survival. Five hours into our climb, we looked up to see an avalanche thundering toward us. In that moment, time froze; our lives flashed before our eyes. Miraculously, the avalanche turned out to be a dry snow cloud, enveloping us in mist instead of destruction, burying us only to our thighs. As the adrenaline surged and emotions soared, we made the heart-wrenching decision to turn back. With heavy hearts but unbroken spirits, we descended—safety for ourselves and others trumped standing on the summit of the world’s 2nd highest mountain, only lesser in height than Mount Everest. In that moment, I learned a powerful lesson: true strength lies not in reaching the summit, but in knowing when the risk is no longer worth it. This lesson is applicable to mountaineering, business, and life in general.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In 2022, at 18, I became the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest. That incredible experience inspired me to launch LucyClimbs, a small merchandise business aimed at shining a light on gender inequality in the mountains. My mission is simple: to use the profits from merchandise sales to fund scholarships for teenage girls to gain the skills needed to pursue the sport of mountaineering. This support can be life-changing, as the high costs of gear and expedition logistics often create barriers that make it hard for young women to start their mountaineering journeys.

While I’ve chosen to keep my business small for now as I focus on completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California, I’m excited about the future. I envision scaling LucyClimbs to reach even more aspiring mountaineers and breaking down the barriers that stand in their way. Together, we can make the mountains more accessible for everyone and inspire the next generation of female adventurers.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that passion and a personal vision alone won’t carry a small business to success. When I first set out on this journey, I was driven by excitement and a dream—eager to empower the mountaineering community and create opportunities for young marginalized women. I believed my ideas could spark real change, but I soon realized that vision must be rooted in connection with the community. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took a series of humbling moments for me to unlearn the idea that passion alone could dictate my business’s direction. Instead, I embraced patience and the power of listening, viewing my community not just as a target market, but as collaborators in a shared mission.

Now, I find contentment in the rhythm of growth, however slow it may be. I’ve learned to trust the process and celebrate small victories, understanding that every step aligned with my community’s needs is meaningful. My vision remains a driving force, enriched by collaboration and a deep respect for the journey ahead. Each day, I’m reminded that building something impactful is less about charging ahead and more about walking together with those I aspire to uplift.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my community on social media has been a rewarding journey, and I’d love to share what I’ve learned along the way. First and foremost, it’s crucial to ask yourself: Is it worth it? Social media can be a powerful tool for scaling your business, but it requires a significant investment of either time or money.

If you genuinely enjoy creating content and connecting with people, diving into social media can be incredibly fulfilling. For me, it’s more than just a business strategy; it’s a creative outlet that allows me to express myself and engage with my audience on a personal level. Authenticity is a core value for me, and I believe that showing up as your true self resonates deeply with others. However, if social media isn’t your passion, consider whether you’d prefer to invest in hiring someone to manage it for you. The key is to find a balance that feels right.

For those just starting, focus on building genuine connections rather than just chasing numbers. Share your story, embrace your uniqueness, and remember that every interaction counts. With dedication and authenticity, you can cultivate an engaged community that shares your vision—one post at a time. Keep at it, and don’t underestimate the power of your voice; it can and will inspire and connect with so many!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.lucyclimbs.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/whatsnextlucy
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/lucywestlake
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnextlucy
• Other: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucyClimbs