From Adoption Dream to Thriving Business

Jessica Honegger didn't plan to start Noonday, her jewelry and fashion business—it all began unexpectedly. Her initial goal was to adopt a child. During a trip to Africa years ago, she cradled an orphaned child whose parents had succumbed to AIDS. This experience ignited her determination to adopt eventually. However, international adoption came with a hefty price tag, and financial setbacks hit when the housing market crashed. With their income from property refurbishing gone, Honegger urgently needed a way to earn money.

In Uganda, Jalia and Daniel Matovu's beautiful crafts were undervalued and underappreciated. One woman, Honegger, decided to change that. She organized a sale in Austin, Texas, featuring the Matovus' crafts alongside items from her own closet. Initially uncertain, she feared her friends wouldn't show up or wouldn't understand her mission. To her surprise, the sale was a hit. Friends turned out, captivated by the story behind the crafts and Honegger's journey toward adoption. Within an hour, nearly everything was sold. This success inspired her to continue. 

She organized more sales, even reaching out to Uganda for additional crafts, and sending money to support the Matovus. With no business background but plenty of courage, Honegger transformed her passion into an international business. She employed thousands of women worldwide, including in the United States. What started as a personal mission to support adoption evolved into a reality when the Honeggers welcomed Rwandan orphan Jack Honegger into their family the following year.

Choosing Courage Over Comfort

For those of us fortunate enough to have comfortable lives, sticking with what we know feels safe and easy. It's tempting to spend evenings on the couch, watching Netflix and enjoying a warm drink. But while this might seem like the perfect way to unwind, it doesn't push us to grow or achieve more. Many of us settle for comfort because it seems risk-free. We opt for familiar routines rather than venturing out to learn or meet new people. 

But this safe path often leads to a stagnant life, lacking excitement and fulfillment. Instead of always choosing comfort, consider embracing courage. Courage doesn't always mean grand acts of heroism. For example, it could mean pursuing a goal despite financial uncertainty or trying something new even when unsure of the outcome. Making these choices can profoundly impact your life. For instance, taking a leap of faith might lead to unexpected successes, like achieving personal goals or even starting a business. 

By challenging yourself and taking calculated risks, you can break free from stagnation and find new opportunities for growth and connection. If you have dreams but feel held back by fear, know that you can cultivate the courage to pursue them. Here's a practical guide to help you overcome your fears and actively chase your aspirations head-on. By choosing courage over comfort, you can unlock your full potential and create a more fulfilling life.

Speak Up to Achieve Your Goals

A study from Brigham Young University shows that when women are in the minority in a group, they often speak up 75% less than men. Society teaches girls and women to be nice and quiet, which can hold them back from reaching their full potential. To follow your dreams and succeed, you need to speak up for yourself. When the Honeggers were close to adopting their son Jack, they faced a crucial final step: getting permission from a judge in Rwanda. 

The process was urgent because Rwanda was about to change its adoption policies, and any delay could mean losing the chance to adopt Jack. Their attorneys said that getting immediate permission was almost impossible.  Despite her nerves and lack of knowledge about Rwandan etiquette, Honegger decided she had to act. She stepped up and spoke to the judge, expressing her gratitude for being in Rwanda and asking for permission to take the children home that day. 

To everyone’s surprise, the judge agreed, and all the adoptions were approved. If Honegger hadn’t taken the chance to speak up, the adoptions could have been delayed, and the opportunity might have been lost. Whenever you’re hesitant about speaking up, remember Honegger’s story. If you feel you should say something, trust that feeling. Don’t let fear stop you from taking action. There are many opportunities out there if you’re willing to stand up and take them.

Learning to Value Yourself: A Guide for Young Women

As a child, Honegger hated sports, especially a particular gym class exercise. She was forced to keep up with one of the fastest kids in school, struggling to maintain their pace. This experience was miserable for her, but it’s a struggle many women face daily. Many women feel pressured to keep up with others, especially regarding body image. A study showed that 98 percent of women want to change something about their appearance. 

If you're not part of the 2 percent who don't, you’re likely chasing an idealized version of yourself instead of appreciating who you are now. Here are some actionable tips to help you value your true worth:

• Adopt a Global Perspective: Cultural beauty standards vary. In the U.S., thinness is often prized, but in many African cultures, big hips are seen as beautiful and a sign of abundance. In Latin America, gold front teeth are admired as a sign of wealth and the ability to afford dental care. Recognize that what may be considered imperfections in one culture can be valued in another.
• Be Kind to Yourself: The way you speak and think about yourself matters. Reframe the negative labels you attach to yourself. Instead of saying, "I’m unstylish," say, "I sometimes struggle with style." Instead of "I’m flat-chested," say, "I have smaller breasts." This approach helps you see yourself as a whole person with dignity, not just a collection of traits you dislike.

Accept Vulnerability for True Connection and Support

Everyone has fears and anxieties they prefer to keep hidden. However, sharing these parts of ourselves is essential to building genuine relationships, receiving support, and fostering empathy and compassion. Opening up about our vulnerabilities, though challenging, can lead to significant positive changes in our lives. Take the story of Hope, a young girl from Uganda. In Uganda, there is a huge stigma associated with HIV, causing many to hide their diagnoses. Hope's mother contracted HIV and passed it to Hope during pregnancy. 

When Hope learned of her condition, she felt deep shame and initially refused treatment, making her condition worse. Her mother turned to Jalia Matovu, a friend and artisan, to help convince Hope to accept treatment. Revealing her HIV diagnosis to Matovu was difficult for Hope, but it was a crucial step. Matovu responded with empathy and compassion, which helped Hope overcome her shame. By owning her vulnerability, Hope started her treatment and now lives a healthy and open life, free from shame.

Honegger, an entrepreneur, also struggled with vulnerability early in her career. She feared that revealing her humble beginnings and lack of formal business experience would undermine her credibility. However, working with other women and hearing their stories showed her the benefits of being honest about her vulnerabilities. Whenever Honegger spoke at events, she openly admitted her inexperience and shared the truth about her journey. This honesty allowed her to connect more deeply with others and gain genuine support, as she was presenting her true self.

Adopt Compassion Over Judgment

Have you ever found yourself judging another woman at a store, beach, or cafe? Maybe you envied her looks or felt disdain for her parenting because her kids were misbehaving. Honegger experienced this in a shoe store. 

Another woman’s kids were causing a scene, making noise and knocking things over. Honegger started to judge but then realized that on another day, this could have been her with her own kids. Instead of judging, Honegger decided to help by playing with one of the children. She then spoke to the mom, who had recently moved to Texas from Egypt. 

Honegger understood the mom was doing her best while adjusting to a new life. Honegger realized that to build a better world, women should treat each other with compassion and understanding, not judgment. This supportive attitude among women, this Sisterhood, can be a powerful force for good.

Stand Up for Each Other: The Power of Persistence

After Noonday succeeded, Honegger’s Ugandan partner, Jalia Matovu, hired new women for her workshop. One of them, Nakato, often arrived with bruises on her face and body. Matovu suspected domestic violence but was unsure how to help. 

One day, Nakato came to work so badly bruised she could barely open her eyes. Matovu decided enough was enough. She went to the police station, demanding they support Nakato and make an arrest. Matovu didn't have money to bribe the police, but she was determined. 

She went to the police station every day, insisting they take action. Eventually, the police could no longer ignore her, and Nakato’s husband was arrested and jailed. This story shows that when women stand up for each other and persist, they can achieve great things.

Empowerment through Small Actions

Many of us feel overwhelmed by the world's problems, from education disparities in rural Africa to poverty in our neighborhoods. It can be daunting to think about solving these issues, so we often stick to our daily lives, focusing on work, family, and friends. However, even if we can't tackle massive challenges like major surgeries or international aid, there are always ways to contribute. Take the example of Dee and Rachel: Dee, a busy mother, couldn't offer extensive financial or time commitments, but she opened her heart and home to Rachel, a Ugandan teenager needing care after surgery.

Despite her own busy schedule, Dee made a significant difference in Rachel's life. Feeling inspired by Dee's actions, her friend Honegger realized she could also contribute, despite feeling limited by her own commitments. She started small: grocery shopping for Dee's family regularly. This simple act made a meaningful impact. You don't have to completely change your life to make a difference. Think about small adjustments you can make. 

For instance, if you're a photographer, you could volunteer with organizations like Heart Gallery, helping showcase children available for adoption through your skills. If you're good with numbers, offering your accounting skills to local charities could greatly benefit them. Whatever your skills or profession, there's always a way to help. Small actions, done consistently, can lead to significant change. You have the power to make our world better. Use it wisely.

Tips for Avoiding Burnout and Prioritizing Self-Care

Facing the challenges of parenthood can be overwhelming, as Honegger discovered when her newborn daughter arrived. Amid exhaustion, she confessed she wished she could return to a time before childbirth. Her doctor's advice was simple: take a break. By entrusting her baby to her own mother for a few hours, Honegger was able to rest and regain her strength. 

When she returned, she felt more capable of handling the demands of motherhood. When faced with exhaustion, it’s crucial to take practical steps to avoid burnout. Here are actionable tips to help you pace yourself and stay healthy:

• Firstly, prioritize meditation. Spend just ten minutes daily affirming your self-worth. Find a simple mantra that resonates with you, repeating it until you feel its truth. This practice can remind you of your inherent value, regardless of external pressures. 
• Secondly, practice presence. In our digital age, it's easy to get caught up in screens. Set boundaries by going phone-free during family time or social interactions. Empower your loved ones to hold you accountable; they can help ensure you stay present and engaged.
• Lastly, celebrate effort over outcomes. Recognize and applaud the effort people put into their goals, rather than focusing solely on achievements. This mindset shift not only encourages perseverance but also promotes a healthier approach to success.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for sustainable productivity and well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can better manage stress and contribute positively to your life and those around you.