FEMME BOLD: MARJORIE FROM GRIND ATELIER

A few weeks ago, I met Marjorie when I took part in the Audax Lawyers conference on female entrepreneurship. We were both on the panel and I immediately liked her energy, her story and experience as a woman entrepreneur. It was then obvious that I had to host her in my series because I want you guys to also get to know the BOLD women I meet. So without further ado, here is Marjorie from Grind Atelier. 

Who is Marjorie? Tell us more about yourself!

I am really bad at answering this question. I often ask myself that question LOL.  I’ve done so many things in my life. So many personal stories have led me to where I am and who I am today. Well, I am the product of the 1st generation of parents who immigrated from Haïti to Canada in the late 70s. My mom married in Montreal and there I was born in the same year. My childhood wasn’t easy.  I live in the West Island of Montreal and I co-own Grind Atelier, a branding and marketing school for entrepreneurs. I'm an educator and consultant. Believe it or not, I am an introvert who self-taught herself how to be an extrovert for the trade: an ambivert. I am known to be a passionate person (that extra sugar you need when you feel low). Finally, people describe me as a ray of sunshine in their lives. Simply the nice girl next door who wants to empower you.  

What are some of the reasons why you decided to be an entrepreneur?

As a child, I always engaged in something. You could find me in my own little bubble playing with my dolls. As a teenager, I was involved in the student committee in high school. I had good grades and even became high school president.  Although I was considered to be some type of nerd, I also liked to be bad just for fun. I never did anything too crazy. Let’s say I was a cool nerd. I never aimed to become an entrepreneur. Life simply got me there. Grind Atelier is my 3rd business.  

You're the mastermind behind Grind Atelier, a Branding and Marketing school for entrepreneurs, we want to know more!

I am definitely not the sole mastermind behind Grind Atelier. I was destined to create GA with someone I value and met during my blogging days: Lorena Rossi. The simplicity and lightness of our 4 signature branding and marketing classes are the product of her genius mind. I was only responsible of structuring everything. Grind Atelier is a school for entrepreneurs. Its purpose is to help business owners gain clarity and focus so they may grow their brand. The mission is to teach and support them in their entrepreneurial journey as well as their lifestyle. Our bread and butter are 4 signature classes, the Find Your Niche being our most popular.  The meaning behind the name is quite funny and has nothing to do with business. I dated a guy who told me that he was too busy to spend time with me. He stated that he would be on his “Grind” for some time. Fast forward to months later, Lorena and I were to decide a name for our project. That day I was jogging reminiscing about that ¨guy¨. That was my light bulb moment…  excited I called Lorena and suggested we name our concept Grind. Business owners are constantly on their grind and usually don't have much time to socialize. The name was perfect! However, it felt incomplete. Since I came from the fashion retail industry and also to commemorate our French-speaking background, we added Atelier. Atelier also means shop as in a workshop. We later positioned ourselves as a school.  There you have it. Grind Atelier!  

An event or achievement that you are proud of?

To have found my true calling: teaching! Also, get paid for it!  LOL

What are some of the obstacles you’ve encountered since launching Grind Atelier?

The strange feeling you get when you put yourself out there. Also, giving myself permission to rest when I need it. Understanding that what I have created is valuable. Finally, recognizing my own worth.

What have you learned from them?

I have learned to keep going even if I feel fear inside. I’ve learned to add flow to my grind. Taking a step back is not giving up. I believe that many entrepreneurs out there must have had the famous self-sabotage voice inside that says: Who do you think you are? Experiencing the result from my clients, having repeat clients, receiving hugs from students who were mesmerized by what I had to teach made me realize that I'm where I'm meant to be. Lastly, knowing your own worth is deep. It’s knowing that you really got this even if no one is applauding or noticing you while on your grind. You simply feel confident in your skills and content with what you have created while working in the shadow. It’s powerful.  

We met at the 3rd edition of  " Oser Entreprendre au Féminin" and I remember you mentioning that you've experienced 2 burnouts as an entrepreneur and that now you #GrindResponsibly ! It's a concept I absolutely adhere to and I'm sure it's something that many entrepreneurs can relate to. Would you mind sharing more about it?

Of course! Although I laughed earlier saying about being a cool nerd… well, at first I wasn’t good in school.  Still, to this day, my learning process is quite particular. I only earned good grades from working harder than my classmates to succeed. I carried that discipline in every area of my life. Unfortunately, it translated into being caught up in cognitive distortion impacting my mental health. The cognitive thinking errors I master the most were the all or nothing, catastrophizing and mental filter. That led me to burn out on my 1st and 2nd business. I'd say yes to anything without checking up on myself: I had an extreme lifestyle where I often pulled all-nighters, answering emails and phone reactively. Hustling super hard with very little rest and income. I had depleted my good energy. Finally, when it came time to rest, I couldn't get up anymore. I was exhausted, uninspired. I could hardly speak and write. My brain was burned out and I felt scattered. So, I stopped everything! Thank God I came out of it thanks to lots of work, therapy, prayers, and empowerment. I am now a proud activist for work/life balance for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and even 9 to 5 ers. The #GrindResponsibly movement goes as far as preventing psychological abuse and learning how to time manage.

How do you practice self-care

I am a firm believer in Christ and also incorporate prayer and meditation. I practice mindfulness in everything I do and care for my fundamental needs such as not taking important strategic decisions on an empty stomach. I've called out all my shame and learned how to forgive myself. I'm gentle with myself and give my body what it needs. It could be anything from finding solutions to increase my productivity ( a.k.a eliminating things that no longer serve me, boy that feels so good) to simply enjoying la dolce far niente when my body, mind, and soul need it.

What would you say to your 20-year-old self?

Every traumatic moment is made to mold you to the person you are today. There is no what if as in … what if I would have chosen the right path? The right path is often the crooked one, the sad and painful one. Any roads will always lead you to the right place. You are where you are meant to be. Trust the process, keep the vision.

Any words of advice or encouragement for La Femme BOLD who is reading this?

In anything you do, always add #flow to your grind. #GrindResponsibly!

KEEP UP WITH GRIND ATELIER: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

ALSO, HEAD OVER HERE TO READ MY INTERVIEW ON HER BLOG :)

Photography by George Mavitzis