March is Women's History Month, and there's no better time to mark the occasion. The pandemic has made painfully clear how important women are to the success of our society.

As a company with women in leadership that welcomes community members of all genders, we are excited to celebrate and acknowledge Women’s History Month. This month we are honoring some of our inspiring and brilliant women business owners that we have the pleasure of working with each day.

We were curious about what was the #1 piece of advice these women would give to others, here’s their insight!

Amy Rivera, Internation Speaker, Bestseller, and Founder of Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation

Amy was born with primary lymphedema that left her immensely disfigured for most of her life. As she feverishly fought to better her quality of life through medicine, nutrition, fitness, and faith, she blazed a trail of activism and community building. Eventually, she left the corporate world to pursue her calling - philanthropy.

She established and 10x the Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation within five years of conception. The international speaker was recently named one of St. Louis's rising stars. Featured on The Doctors TV Show, Independent Contributor for STL-TV Show, Let's Talk, Two-time Bestselling Author, International Best Selling Author, and North America Exclusive Distributor for Fast'n Go Bandages.

Amy would tell her younger self the same thing Arianna Huffington would say to herself:

"Stop burning the candle at both ends and renew your estranged relationship with sleep. You will be more productive, more effective, more creative, and more likely to enjoy your life."

Christy Maxfield, President & CEO, Purpose First Advisors

As the founder of Purpose First Advisors, Christy works with small businesses earning between $250k and $50m in revenue to help them build the financial operations, administrative processes, culture, and mindset to increase profitability. With a warm, practical, results-oriented style, she helps founders and business leaders tackle the biggest hurdles in their business to feel more confident and capable in their roles. Nothing gives her greater pleasure than when clients feel like they’ve found an advisor who gets it, who validates their experience and helps them go from being overwhelmed and uncertain to focused and intentional.

Here's the advice she gives to those looking to start a business:

Worry less.
Play more.
Don't let your work define you or keep you from being present to yourself and others.
Show up. It will be noticed because so many people don't.
Forgive yourself.
There's no right way to do anything. Make it up as you go along.
Ask for help, even when you don't think you need it.
Don't work through the pain. You need time to rest and heal.

"You'll surprise yourself. That's your sign to go bigger."

Monique Norfolk, MPH, Founder & CEO, Mosaic Beginnings LLC

Monique is the Founder and CEO of Mosaic Beginnings, LLC, a minority and woman-owned consulting firm committed to building the capacity of large nonprofit, faith-based, civic, & government organizations at the national, state, and local levels. Her team of consultants with well over 100 years of combined experience work across systems building partnerships to enhance organizations’ return on investment and capacity to serve their constituents.

Committed to serving her community, Monique serves in a variety of capacities including Founder & Leader of Shalom Business On the Move, Economic Development Committee Chair for the SLMAC Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Board Chair for We Rise Up 4 Kids, and External Advisory Board Member for SLU College of Public Health and Social Justice.

Having worked extensively in the community, Monique emphasizes the importance of leading by example:

"Always lead with integrity and compassion. Ensure that those who have the least opportunity to have a voice at the table experience their voices being heard when you are at the table and invite them to the table so they can speak their own truth. You are ENOUGH. When they try to tear you down because of your shine, don't shrink. Shine brighter. You are truly the change they have been seeking. Let your light shine. ALWAYS. In ALL ways. Represent for and open pathways for your community."

This month, don't forget to take a few moments to appreciate your own experiences, insights and the value you bring into the world. The world needs women like you.