I am HER.

"Is the business owner there?  When will he be in?"

"The business owner is in, and I AM HER.  But, I am is not interested in what you're selling, or what you want to discuss.  Have a nice day."

Lost me.  I'm not sure how to politely say it at this point, because I've had this exact conversation over 100 times since I opened my business.  It's a sad reality that the average person, when asked, will assume that the business owner of ANY business is a man. Or at least, one of the owners.  Because how could a woman own a business... on her own?!  (Insert shock and awe face here).  

You might say, now wait a minute Karen, it's 2017. Of course people know women own businesses!  But when I answer the phone, or speak with sales people, or even customers who walk in my doors, day in and day out, I've come to realize more and more how ingrained in our society  and social norms it is that women are not seen in positions of power.

I am her.  The SOLE owner of my company.

I am her.  And no, I don't need to check with  my husband (because that's also assumed) before I make any financial decisions about my business.

I am her.  I have a child, and yes working and raising a child is hard, but I'm passionate about her and about what I do, so I make it work, with lots of support from my village.

I am her. Sometimes I look tired, sometimes I wear the same damn jeans every day to work in the kitchen, and sometimes I don't wear make up. But my appearance has nothing to do with  my merit or skill, so focus on my merit and skill.

I am her.  I know how to do things like file taxes, reconcile bank accounts, manage my quickbooks account, and manage money.  I also know how to (and when to) ask for expert help when I need it.

I am her.  Yes I work in a kitchen, and yes I can lift a 50 lb bag of flour.  I don't need help with that.

I am her. I am the grit, the intensity, the firmness, the passion, the drive, the hard work, the early mornings, the long days, the focus that is needed to open, own and maintain a business.  

I am HER. And I am just as capable of ALL of it as HIM.