We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mandy Jeppesen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mandy below.
Mandy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Discovering a Path to Empowerment and Equality
From a young age, I was surrounded by deeply ingrained beliefs that little girls were destined only to serve and support men, and that education for women was merely a backup plan in absence of a husband. Such toxic notions painted all men in the worst light and blamed women entirely for sexual assaults. This was not the world I wanted to live in; I was determined to seek greatness through intellect and continuous learning.
Despite my passion for education, I soon recognized the daunting challenges women face due to societal prejudices that favor appearance over capabilities. My desire for equal access to wisdom, resources, and wealth became the cornerstone of my ambition.
Transitioning from Nonprofit to Entrepreneurship
At 35, I shifted from a less rewarding career in nonprofit marketing to founding a copywriting agency, starting a furniture renovation business, and creating a pen name for fiction writing. Despite diversifying my professional endeavors, the ultimate goal remained unchanged: to challenge and overcome the limitations imposed by gender biases.
In the fifth year of running my copywriting business, I specialized in working with dynamic female coaches and consultants. This experience highlighted a common misconception among my clients: they expected the content to single-handedly drive sales. I had to clarify that copywriting reinforces expertise; the real clincher is the client’s own ability to foster trust and credibility. While this might be more straightforward for men, who often get hired on credentials alone, women typically face a tougher battle to prove their worth.
Building Strength in Numbers
The realization that we, as women, could achieve more through collaboration than individual struggle, led me to explore further. I conducted interviews with 200 women along the Minnesota and Wisconsin border, uncovering that many shared my concerns about investing in themselves, whether it be in health, financial independence, or professional growth. Their fears mirrored my own internal debates about whether the investments would yield sufficient returns, or if the resources could be better allocated elsewhere, like to their children’s activities.
Creating Wellth: A Solution for Women, by Women
This understanding shaped my resolve to create Wellth—a platform designed to make professional growth and personal wellness accessible, affordable, and adaptable. Today, Wellth boasts a team of 25 providers specializing in diverse areas such as parent coaching, nutrition, financial planning, and more, all dedicated to supporting women through every phase of life.
By establishing an all-female ecosystem and community support network, we empower women to prioritize themselves without guilt, ensuring they can pursue professional success without sacrificing personal well-being.
Mandy, 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?
My Business and Services
Today, I am the Founder and CEO of Wellth, a Motivational Speaker for women around the US, an Author, and a Business Strategist partnering with women-owned companies across the nation.
What Sets Wellth. Apart
What distinguishes Wellth from other platforms is our commitment to an all-female ecosystem that not only supports women but also understands the unique challenges they face. We strive to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from investing in themselves, be it concerns about the return on investment or societal pressures that prioritize other responsibilities over personal growth.
Our approach is holistic—we don’t just focus on one aspect of life or career; we see the big picture and help our clients navigate through various stages with confidence and support. This integrated approach ensures that our clients do not have to sacrifice one area of life to succeed in another.
Wellthy Women gain access to monthly coaching sessions with any one of the providers from the Wellth. collective; ensuring they are getting the support in the area they need it when they need it. We give women the power of choice while building their confidence in not only who needs to be a part of their ongoing tribe or internal board of directors, but in themselves as a worthy individual. For $75 a month or $600 for the entire year, they get 12, 1:1 flexible coaching sessions, access to discounted doers (female owned service providers like bookkeeping, legal aid, etc.), continuing education in the form of webinars, pamphlets, conferences, and workshops, and access to $10 networking opportunities. That’s a LOT and there is so much more coming for our more than deserving women!
What I Am Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of the community we have built at Wellth. Seeing firsthand how our services have empowered women to take charge of their lives and careers is deeply fulfilling. Our team of 25 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to ensure that every woman who joins our community feels valued, understood, and supported.
What You Should Know About Our Brand
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Wellth is more than just a service provider—it’s a movement. We are here to challenge the status quo, to create spaces where women can not only dream big but also achieve those dreams. We believe in the power of community and collaboration, and every aspect of our work is designed to foster an environment where women can come together to support and uplift each other.
Whether you are looking to start a new career, navigate motherhood, improve your health, or grow your business, Wellth is here to help you succeed on your terms.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Dealing with criticism and exclusion, especially from men who feel threatened or dismissive of a women-centric mission, is deeply challenging. For example, at a family dinner, I was once bluntly asked, “So, why are women so special?” This question wasn’t just a curiosity—it was laced with skepticism about the value of supporting women specifically.
Responding with Personal Conviction
In moments like these, I draw on personal conviction and the stories of women we’ve empowered. It’s crucial to share why this work matters. I explain that focusing on women isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about addressing an imbalance. We’re not saying women are more special; we’re highlighting that they face different challenges which need specific solutions. This approach isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening our entire community by ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed.
Navigating Hostility in My Community
In my predominantly white male laborer community, the pushback can be stark. I’ve seen my posts blocked and been explicitly unwelcome in local businesses. It hurts, but it also fortifies my resolve. How do I stay resilient? I keep focused on the women who tell me how much our work has transformed their lives. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why we can’t back down.
Building Bridges and Alliances
I’ve learned that no significant movement grows in isolation. Building alliances with those who support gender equity, including understanding men, is vital. We expand our reach through digital platforms, where geographical and social boundaries dissolve, allowing us to connect with a broader, more supportive audience.
Focusing on Impact Over Approval
The impact of our work is my compass. Sharing the success stories from our community, the real, tangible changes in women’s lives—these narratives resonate widely and help in breaking down barriers of skepticism. It’s not just about seeking approval but about proving the value and necessity of our focus.
Legal Awareness and Rights
Awareness of our legal rights is also a tool. It’s important to know and assert these rights when faced with discrimination. A gentle reminder of these rights can sometimes be enough to challenge unfair treatment.
Empowerment Through Engagement
During difficult conversations, like the one at that dinner, I aim to connect on a human level. I might say:
“Imagine being consistently overlooked despite your potential, or being judged based solely on how you look, not what you achieve. This is a daily reality for many women. Our work is to level the playing field, so everyone, including your daughters, sisters, and mothers, can aspire to and reach their full potential. Isn’t that a world we all want?”
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I was inherently inadequate—too afraid, too small, too stupid to achieve anything of significance. This harsh narrative was reinforced over the years by the very people who were supposed to uplift me: my parents, siblings, friends, and past romantic partners. Their words had a deep, enduring impact, embedding a sense of self-doubt that colored my view of my own potential.
For decades, I carried this belief like a shadow, letting it dictate my aspirations and confine my actions. It wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it became my reality, a lens through which I viewed all my endeavors and dreams.
The Turning Point
The turning point came unexpectedly. One ordinary morning, a simple yet profound question struck me: “Why NOT me?” Why shouldn’t I be the one to break this cycle of despair and mediocrity? I realized that many successful people have emerged from backgrounds marred by trauma and despair. Their stories, though unique, shared a common thread—a moment of self-realization, a decision to defy the odds and not let their past define their future.
Embracing a New Belief System
This moment of clarity was the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey. I had to actively dismantle the negative beliefs that were instilled in me and build a new, empowering narrative. This wasn’t about proving my worth to those who doubted me; it was about proving it to myself. I began to see each achievement, no matter how small, as a testament to my capabilities and a step towards rewriting my story.
The Lesson: From Self-Doubt to Self-Empowerment
The most important lesson I unlearned was that my past does not have to dictate my future. No one is inherently doomed to a life of failure or mediocrity. We all have the power to rise above our circumstances and achieve greatness. It requires resilience, a willingness to challenge deeply held beliefs, and, most importantly, a belief in oneself.
Now, I strive to share this lesson with others who may be struggling with similar doubts. It’s a message of hope and transformation—proof that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you can go.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wellthforwomen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellthforwomen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellthforwomen
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mandy-jeppesen