In honor of Women’s History Month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Lisa Avenevoli, the brilliant mind behind ARK Financial Wellness. Lisa shared her insights on her inspiration for founding ARK, overcoming challenges as a female entrepreneur, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way.

As we continue to celebrate the achievements of women past and present, let us draw strength from personal stories and strive to uplift and empower one another in our pursuit of success and fulfillment. Here’s to the women who inspire us, the challenges that shape us, and the boundless potential within each of us to make a difference in the world.

Q: What was your inspiration for creating/being a part of ARK Financial Wellness? 

A: I had a vision to provide a more in-depth, personal, and values-based experience for clients. I didn’t want conversations with clients to be “boring” or all about the numbers, because true planning to help one achieve financial goals goes so much deeper. I also had a passion to specifically work alongside women in their 40’s and 50’s who are in the driver seat of their family’s finances but are also pulled in many directions – working their way up in their careers, raising families, and often helping to care for aging parents.

While these smart, successful, and driven women have good intentions with their financial house, they often lack the time and energy at the end of the day to tend to their finances as they know they should. This adds to their stress, wondering if they are doing “all the right things” with their money.

Q: What are some challenges that you have faced as a female entrepreneur/businesswoman, and how did you overcome them? 

A: I’d say my biggest challenge was ME! Sure, it is well-known that I’m in a male-driven career-field and I could probably blame being treated unfairly in many situations, or being talked down to simply because I was a woman, but ultimately, the biggest thing standing in my way (and why I didn’t start ARK way before I did) was my own insecurities.

Ultimately, I needed to get out of my own head and realize that in this male-dominated industry, I have skills that far outweigh those of my male counterparts. I also needed to realize my strengths and the unique nature of being ME (no fluff, nothing to hide!) proves to be an asset to those clients I am honored to work with. Women often lack confidence and question their innate ability to bring their uniqueness into the world. All too often we let that little negative voice in our head take over, stopping us from overcoming challenges and being who we were truly meant to be.

Q: Who are some of the important women in your life that have inspired you? 

A: Important women in my life who have inspired me – my mom, both of my grandmothers, my sister, my daughter, my best friend (Nicole) and my work-wife (Isabel). Each of these women has contributed in countless ways to my achievements professionally, but more importantly, as a mom, wife, and friend.

These women inspire and ignite me in more ways than they will ever know. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and my support team when I needed them most – I am humbled and grateful to be in their circle. I am also honored to have the values instilled in me by those who have left this earth.

Q: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

A: To my younger self…BE CONFIDENT, BE TRUE TO YOU! Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something you put your mind to, and always, always remember your values and your WHY. Show your uniqueness! If you feel you are “different” than everyone else, embrace that and know that you are going to do something very special in this life.

Q: What advice/inspiration do you have for other career-driven women balancing work and life? 

A: Stop being so hard on yourself and know that you are not alone. Even those who seem to really have it all together are battling a demon. Be kind. Don’t take everything so personally – sometimes people (i.e. teenagers) are just in a bad mood!

Stop wasting so much time and energy worrying about what other people are doing – utilize the “let them” theory (thanks, Mel Robbins!) to help you with this.  Listen to your gut – it may not always steer you right but know that sometimes mistakes or veering off course are part of your story and will ultimately help to get you where you want to be!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to leave the readers with?  

A: Do you enjoy the work you do? Is this truly what you were meant to do in life? Are you happy in your relationships? Do you wish you had more quality time with your spouse or kids? When was the last time you did something that YOU truly enjoy doing? What do you wish you had more time to do? Give yourself the space to consider these things and then go after what you want. Listen to your gut and tune out the negativity. Whatever it is, YOU GOT THIS. You can do it. You are stronger than you think. You are amazing. You are inspiring. You are freaking unstoppable.