This story is part of our 1,000 stories campaign. What’s your story?

Name: Kat Smith

Business: Everything She Knows , blog by women for women

Industry: Arts & Entertainment 

Location: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Reason for starting: I started Everything She Knows to empower, support and nurture the creativity, community and compassion of women. My position at my last employer was significantly reduced due to budget constraints. It has lit a fire under me to get my company going, but it is also stressful to not know where your next paycheck is coming from. In a way, this has made me smarter because I have to be much more selective and careful about where I put my energy and my money.

Related: A Dose of Inspiration from Arianna Huffington 

How do you define success? Whew, that’s a good question! For a long time I defined success on what others thought about me and my accomplishments. This was incredibly defeating! I am just now realizing that success means living your own truth each day. As long as I am true to myself and my values, I will always be successful.

Biggest Success: Finding 30 women to write for Everything She Knows before it even launched! It was incredibly moving to see how many women want to share their incredible wisdom with other women. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but after reading the stories of these women, I know that my efforts have been successful.

My goal is that Everything She Knows reaches millions of women all over the world and helps them navigate through life, motherhood, work and play. I want women to feel supported by other women. That is my ultimate dream.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My top challenge is definitely doubt. I started this website alone and sometimes it’s hard to not have anyone to bounce ideas off of or to say ‘hey, you’re being ridiculous, just keep plugging away’. I have had to learn to be my own advocate and cheerleader.

Related: When in Doubt, Go for It

Who is your most important role model? I have many role models, but I really admire my mom. She is strong and successful and brilliant.

[box_light]Website   www.everythingsheknows.com 
Twitter   @ESKWisdom 
Facebook   www.facebook.com/everythingsheknows[/box_light]

Tell us your story!
Read about another entrepreneur here!

Edited by The Story Exchange