Promoting women entrepreneurs one episode at a time with ‘Alaskan Lady Business’
Taylor Thompson of Alaskan Lady Business
Taylor Thompson wears many hats — literally.
On top of being a full-time lawyer and the owner of Turnagain Mud Co. — a niche hat company — Thompson is the creator of Alaskan Lady Business, a podcast highlighting women business owners and entrepreneurs in the state.
Since starting her podcast in September of last year, she’s made nine episodes highlighting Alaskan businesses, like Paper Peony, a floral business run by Natasha Price of Alaska Knit Nat and Kat’s Epic Trail Bites, a protein-packed energy snack and hot commodity at any coffee hut in town.
Thompson says her decision to solely interview women stemmed from a lack of recognition for their accomplishments.
“I have noticed in Alaska that a lot of men get a lot of credit for doing things — which really used to not bother me — but lately, it’s been bothering me,” Thompson said.
According to the Center for Economic Development’s women and entrepreneurship report, 48 percent of female founders reported that a lack of available advisers and mentors limits their professional growth. Thompson says talking to other business owners helped her with her own.
“Don’t be afraid to ask someone you find interesting or inspiring out to coffee to pick their brain,” Thompson said. “People struggle with the same insecurities and doubts. Most people will be happy to help, because others have helped them.”
Thompson met the majority of her podcast guests while working craft shows for Turnagain Mud Co. What made her keep going back were the connections she made with other creators, she says.
As an entrepreneur with a full plate, Thompson recognizes the necessity of setting realistic expectations for yourself.
“If you want to do something, you have to make the time for it,” Thompson said. “When I first started, I said, ‘I want [the podcast] to be a weekly thing and I want it to be big.’ My bank account said, ‘No, you can’t do that.’”
Thompson says that the sooner entrepreneurs learn to set boundaries, the better their life will be “in every aspect.”
“A recent lesson I’m still learning is that if a person isn’t on your team and doesn’t support you at all then they can’t sit with you,” Thompson said. “You don’t want friends or partners who make you feel guilty for working on your goals. It will suck all the energy out of you, and as a result your health and business will suffer. Find people who want the best for you and are willing to help out and willing to be honest. They are going to be the best part of your business.”
Even though the podcast’s form has changed since its inception, it’s ultimately been a success. Since starting the podcast, Thompson says she’s received feedback from community members telling her the podcast has helped them in one way or another.
“It’s really cool that there are women out there — or other business owners — who are taking what they hear from someone and… think ‘Oh I can use that trick,’ or ‘I can use that tip and make my business better or my life easier,’” Thompson said.
Alaskan Lady Business can be streamed on Apple Podcasts.