Get this – The year was 1974!!!!!
I am putting al those exclamation points after because this is still incredibly MINDBLOWING to me.
This is what we’re talking about today because someone just reminded me of this date again – Thank you, Serena Hicks, Dear.)
Let me explain.
I’ve had my business nearly 11 years now [Not to worry – we’ll celebrate properly in July :)].
After leaving my career in Spanish and teaching – I went back to school, got the degree, did the practicum, and then opened my private practice to start helping couples do life together better.
‘Cause that’s what got me into it in the first place.
Anyway – Sure, there were a couple of hoops to jump through, but everything was pretty simple and self-explanatory.
And, I talked to a couple wise humans who pointed me in the right direction – so, easy breezy.
Let’s go back to that date – 1974 was the year that – do you know??
It was the year that women in the US were granted the right to open a bank account on their own (without someone else’s signature).
And another one monumental event – 1988 – Women like me were able to get a business loan (without their husband’s signature).
I always forget how RECENT of history this is.
My husband probably couldn’t even tell you which bank I bank with for my business anymore. [Please note that I’m editing this later to state that he, in fact, DOES know. :)]
Here I am, owning my own business, not even thinking about it.
Walking into the space I rented, without my husband (or anyone else for that matter) present.
The place I furnished.
Having a credit card of my own for my business.
I could have five of those — I don’t want to — But I could.
I have stuff coming in the mail all week long.
I get loan offers every other week – some from banks, some from the Credit Card processing company.
I pull money out when I need to.
I put money in.
I move it around as I need to.
Make payments as I please.
I make transfers.
As a woman business owner – I do all of those things, without ever thinking about it twice.
To think that all of this, in this country, has only been available for a woman like moi since only a few years before I was born!
Or, as it relates to the the loan date – I was in elementary school – Our youngest’s age. (I know, I know – I am giving myself away – doesn’t matter.)
Just sitting with how crazy this is today.
And feeling oh-so grateful.
And in many ways, undeserving.
Yet, here I am.
Doing all the things a business owner would.
Alongside all the other women-owned businesses that I love and trust.
How amazing is that.
Happy Friday!
