Embracing the "Soft Girl" Era: How to Be Kind to Yourself While Building Your Business

We’re seeing a shift, a quiet yet powerful movement among women, especially in the Gen Z community. It's called the "Soft Girl Era," and it's all about embracing kindness, gentleness, and support—not just from others, but primarily for ourselves.

According to Urban Dictionary, the "Soft Girl Era" is defined as:

"An era when a woman chooses to have only kind, loving, gentle, and supportive people in her life. It is a time when she strives to live in peace, happiness, and calm."

This isn’t just about surrounding ourselves with supportive people (although that’s important); it’s also about being supportive of ourselves. It's about allowing ourselves to be softer, kinder, and more accepting of our unique journeys. And yes, even as ambitious entrepreneurs building empires, we deserve to live in this softness.

1. The Power of Softness: More Than Just a Trend

For many of us who are hustling to build our businesses, the idea of the "Soft Girl Era" can feel like a contradiction. We’re used to pushing ourselves to the limit, chasing goals, and feeling like we always need to do more to get where we want to be. But what if the real key to success lies not in more hustle, but in more self-compassion? What if being gentle with ourselves could actually make us stronger and more resilient?

2. How the "Soft Girl Era" Transforms Your Mind and Body

The journey to self-kindness often begins with accepting where you are right now—both physically and mentally. I learned this first-hand when I decided to soften not just my mindset but also my physical presence. It wasn’t easy to let go of the critical voice that constantly pushed me to be "better," but when I did, a sense of clarity and peace emerged.

Here's the truth: when you treat yourself with kindness, you create a healthier relationship between your mind and body. This balance doesn’t just lead to inner peace; it also enhances your ability to grow your business with more focus and intention.

3. My Journey with Trichotillomania: From Self-Criticism to Self-Acceptance

I’ve struggled with Trichotillomania (TTM)—a compulsive condition that led me to pull out my eyelashes—since I was 12. It took nearly 30 years for me to realize that no amount of pushing myself to be "strong" could heal me. Instead, it was in embracing my softer side that I finally began to see change.

The moment I chose to be gentle with myself, to allow my body and mind to rest, and to accept my story without resistance, I saw progress. I understood that true power lies not in hiding our vulnerabilities but in letting them breathe.

And you know what? My eyelashes grew back.

4. Actionable Takeaways: How to Embrace Your "Soft Girl" Era in Business and Life

If you're ready to step into your own "Soft Girl Era," here are some actionable steps to guide you:

1. Practice Radical Self-Compassion 🧘‍♀️

• Acknowledge your journey: Look at where you’ve been and where you are now without judgment. Write down your accomplishments (big and small) to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.

• Reframe your inner dialogue: Replace critical thoughts with supportive ones. Instead of saying, “I’m not doing enough,” try “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved today.”

• Celebrate the small wins: Give yourself credit for even the smallest victories. It’s okay to be proud of taking a step back to rest.

2. Set Boundaries That Honor Your Energy 🔒

• Protect your space: Say no to anything that drains your energy or doesn't align with your values. This might mean limiting your social media time or setting boundaries with people who aren't supportive.

• Create a "soft work" routine: Build your schedule around activities that fuel you, like morning meditation, journaling, or slow walks, before diving into your work tasks.

• Use your tools wisely: Utilize productivity tools like Notion or time-blocking methods to manage your workload without overwhelm.

3. Lean Into Vulnerability with Confidence 💖

• Open up to your community: Share your journey and struggles with your audience. Being vulnerable not only helps you heal but also builds trust with those who follow you.

• Accept imperfection: Understand that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Your vulnerability is your superpower—it makes you relatable and real.

4. Nurture Your Creative Side 🎨

• Find joy in small moments: Engage in activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled outside of work. Whether it’s painting, cooking, or gardening, let these activities recharge your creativity.

• Stay connected with nature: Spend time outdoors or near water if you can. Nature has a grounding effect that helps you relax and see things more clearly.

• Create beauty in your environment: Curate a space that feels calming and inspiring. Whether it’s your home office or a cozy corner, make it a place that soothes your mind.

5. Honor Your Unique Journey 🛤️

• Trust your timeline: Don’t rush the process. Trust that everything is unfolding as it should and that your path to success is unique.

• Celebrate your softness: Embrace the fact that you are both strong and tender, resilient and delicate. This duality is what makes you powerful.

Why Softness Is the New Strength in Business

In the business world, we’re often taught to be hard, tough, and relentless. But what if the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who burn themselves out, but the ones who nurture themselves back to life? Embracing your "Soft Girl Era" means understanding that you don’t have to hustle 24/7 to be worthy of success.

Instead, prioritize your well-being, focus on sustainable growth, and build a business that supports the life you want to live—not the other way around.

Final Thoughts: Inviting Softness into Your Life and Business

The "Soft Girl Era" is more than just a trend; it’s a reminder to be gentle with ourselves in a world that constantly demands more. To all the women out there, especially those balancing the pressures of building a business, raising a family, and finding time for themselves, know this: Softness is not weakness; it is strength in its most beautiful form.

Reflection Questions:

• How can I create a kinder, more supportive environment for myself?

• How can I honor and appreciate my unique journey and the life experiences I have gone through?

• How can I set boundaries to protect my energy and create a safe space for myself and others?

Embrace your softness, let it be your guiding light, and watch how it transforms not just your business, but your entire life.