In our Ask A Founder series this fall, we follow 10 female founders on their entrepreneurial journey. Thousands of women have experienced our Selfmade virtual business coaching program, led by Brit + Co founder Brit Morin and sponsored Office Depot OfficeMax. Here, we ask Selfmade alum Hannah Fisher, founder of Balya plant-powered blends for stress, sleep, and wellness, about her brand, her productivity hacks, and the one thing she wishes she knew as an entrepreneur.
How would you describe your brand in five words? Supportive, empowering, inspiring, educating, connecting.
What mood do you want your brand to evoke? Calm, confident, and inspired.
What was your aha moment before starting your business? I honestly just started to try to feel better as a busy working mom with way too much on her plate and felt really inspired to create a business that supports other women to feel their best as well. I genuinely believe that when we feel great, we can show up as the best version of ourselves and do amazing things.
What’s one thing you wish you knew as an entrepreneur? That it’s very hard to trust yourself when you are starting something new but it’s the only way forward.
How do you get in the right headspace to start your day? I am a huge journaling fan. I found that helps me set my intentions for the day. Other than that, I like to start my day with a workout.
How do you balance the practical with the creative parts of your business? I am more of an analytic/practically minded person, so I struggle with the creative part at times. But I try to do a bit of both each day to build our community and move forward in product development.
What is the biggest risk you’ve taken so far? Starting out to invest in branding and product development and honestly just believe in myself and our mission at Balya.
What is the most powerful thing you do in your day? I tend to get up around 4:30 am, which really helps me to start off the day relaxed and without rushing through my to-do lists immediately. I love taking 15 minutes in the morning to do yoga or pilates and really enjoy going on walks to just have a few minutes to appreciate nature and clear my mind.
What is your go-to productivity hack? I’m a fan of scheduling “focus” time to really concentrate on one or two things undisturbed.
What is your favorite desk essential? Pen and paper and way too many sticky notes. I am totally old-fashioned and like to write down everything.
Fill in the blank:Time outside hiking or just enjoying nature with my familygives me all the feels.
What do you do to officially *end* your work day? I usually go on a run or walk in the evening, which helps to then transition into time with my family.
How has Selfmade helped you grow your business? It pushed me into taking action.
How have Office Depot OfficeMax services/products helped you accomplish more in your business? I always feel more productive working in a beautiful office.
What does the word “selfmade” mean to you? Believing in yourself, creating something of value, and surrounding yourself with inspiring and supportive people.
Thanks Hannah! Trusting yourself is the key to success in everything you do. Whether you’re just noodling on an idea or a few years into building your business, Office Depot OfficeMax can help turn your next big idea into a reality with a suite of business services to help you accomplish more – from signs, posters & banners to get your business noticed to marketing materials to bring your brand vision to life.