NACWE Five-Year Anniversary Charter Members Series: Naomi Hartung
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bout six months before Diane launched NACWE in 2010, Naomi Hartung stumbled across one of Diane’s blog posts and connected with her online. “When she started NACWE, I just knew I had to be a part of it,” Naomi said. “Diane’s vision and process resonated with me, and I knew it was something that fit with my path.” Naomi needed a place to connect with other Christian women who wanted more for their businesses, and NACWE was that place.
Naomi is a Legacy Executive Director with Tupperware and has worked with the brand for nearly twenty years. According to Naomi, selling Tupperware is much more than—well, Tupperware. “Yes, I sell plastic bowls, but the largest and most rewarding part of my job is working with women to realize their dreams using the God-given talents in them,” Naomi said. She helps women on her sales team “find their hot buttons” and discover how their uniqueness can lead to growing a successful business. “I love helping women to become the best they can be!” Naomi said.
In the past five years, Naomi has experienced many highs and lows with her business, and she is thankful that NACWE was there through it all. “The single biggest influence has been in prayer,” Naomi said. “Knowing that there is this amazing group of women out there who are walking alongside me in this journey provides me with a sense of security, comfort, and courage.” She also appreciates the sense of camaraderie the women of NACWE have and how they work together through blessings and struggles. “I know that when I need it, it is just a Facebook post or email or phone call away, and I can find that person who knows just what I need in that moment from prayer to programs to support,” Naomi said.
Naomi believes all female entrepreneurs need support, and she is no exception. The biggest struggle she sees women face involves balance. “Many get caught up in the desire to be superwoman and still do all the ‘womanly’ things our society says we have to—be there for our kids after school, take care of our homes, be a good wife, serve on committees, et cetera.” When women can find a way to balance both roles—entrepreneur and nurturer—balance becomes more attainable. Naomi says this comes through a clear vision of where they want their businesses to go and how that contributes to their families. When they figure that out, their busy schedules don’t seem so overwhelming. “Understanding that there will be give and take in all areas for a common end result allows them to ‘forgive themselves’ for doing the things they need to do to get their businesses growing,” Naomi said.
For anyone considering starting a new business or looking for direction in their current endeavors, Naomi has three simple tips:
- Find your passion. You can’t build a business around something you do not love!
- Make a plan. Spending time in planning and preparation saves headaches down the road.
- Stick with it. Everything may not fall into place exactly as planned. Stick with it. Sometimes things take longer or need revision. Don’t quit. Keep moving. Reflect and re-plan. Take action.
Being a female entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges, but Naomi sees the challenges as part of the excitement. She loves being able to use her God-given talents every single day. She also enjoys being her own boss and the flexibility that comes with entrepreneurship. The rewards of owning her own business definitely outweigh the struggles. “I have become more confident, a better speaker, have financial flexibility, and have had the privilege to impact so many other women in the past nineteen years,” Naomi said. “I often say this is my mission field.”
It’s a mission she’s taken to heart. “My faith allows me to have courage to keep going even on days when I just want to quit,” Naomi said. “I am so often reminded that He knows my plans and that He plans to prosper me.” That’s a reference to one of her favorite Bible verses, Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Naomi’s faith helps her connect with others, even those the world has cast aside. “My faith allows me to be open and love even the unlovable,” Naomi said. “I find security in knowing that God is my business partner and that together, we can do anything.”
Naomi has the highest recommendation for anyone thinking of joining NACWE. “If you are looking for a place to connect with Christian women who are also entrepreneurs, then this is the right place,” she said. “Not only for the love, prayer, and support, but for the myriad of resources available to you. I have found so many valuable resources through NACWE from a VA to a simple program to save me time to a datebook that I love!” NACWE is going places, and Naomi is happy to be along for the ride. She has high hopes for the future of NACWE and all its members. “I pray that others come to see the support available to them through this association”, she said, “and that we spread like wildfire through the lands!”
Written by Callie Revell
After five years as an entrepreneur and small business owner, Rhoda Baty has had her fair share of trials and struggles. She can relate to other women in her same shoes. “There’s the struggle to stay profitable, the struggle of time if they also have another job, and the struggle to believe that they can do it,” Rhoda said. As a charter NACWE member, Rhoda has benefited from many of its training programs and challenges. The most recent program, Diane’s Five-Day “Be Brave Today” Challenge in February, made a big impact on Rhoda. “‘Be Brave’ has helped me get out of my ‘comfort zone’ mentality and take some risks,” Rhoda said. “My theme for myself this year is ‘Become Comfortable Being Uncomfortable’, and as an introvert, that is risky! But I’m doing pretty good so far!”
