Mandy Balak: Founder, CEO & President Hype-Woman of The ACE Collective
Mandy Balak is the CEO and founder of The Ace Collective - a community networking group built to inspire women in following their dreams. She is also an entrepreneur, podcast host, business optimist and coach. Mandy hustles at cultivating communities all across the nation while attracting women with a collective mission to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My entrepreneurial journey started when I was 6 years old, selling herring to fishermen off of my dad's boat. A decade ago, I started my first business: It’s Date Night in University. I’m a visionary, activator and hype-woman to many. I’ve founded three purpose-driven businesses with a mission to connect and inspire people with themselves and their communities. With ACE, I am creating an empire of driven, heart-centered women through experiences and that paves the way for women to step into all of who they are. I’m a lover of EFF YES and the best at brunching. I am a “dream it, say it and do it’ kind of gal with a hunger for growth and a “get **it done” mantra. My “why” is to support women to raise their standards and take action in their lives.
When did you start The Ace Collective?
I started The ACE Collective in early 2017 with a mission in my heart to create space for women to be real, authentically themselves and stand in their power. ACE started as a brunch series for female founders to share and swap stories and celebrate each other. It has expanded all across the country cultivating experiences, conferences and connections for heart-centered and driven women. We now offer a virtual membership with over 400+ members hosting online education, virtual retreats and resources and tools for intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs to cultivate more success, abundance and freedom in their lives. When we can connect in real life again, we’ll be ready ;)
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a female entrepreneur?
My biggest challenge has been myself. Overcoming fear, limiting beliefs and that voice inside my head telling me to stay small, to play safe or not to start at all. It's a problem that too many of us face and it’s also fuelled me to create the community that I have with ACE that gives women the tools (and sometimes the permission we need) to fully step into ourselves, own our worth and go after what we want. When we know ourselves, anything is possible. These deeply personal experiences fuel me to do what I do and continue to help women smash through these self-imposed limits, to go after their dreams and lead the life they envision.
My personal life motto: If it's not a F*** Yes, it's a no. Here's the thing - if you're not all in, why bother? When you learn to say NO, you can make room for the yeses that really matter.
What is some advice for younger females trying to start their own business?
Mentorship is key. Find someone that has walked the path you’re interested in exploring and take them out for coffee. Finding someone that is willing to open a door for you, be generous with their rolodex for you or share words of wisdom (and lessons learned) is going to save you endless time and time is money. Buy the coffee, be on time and most importantly, go do the work.
How do you relax after a long and stressful day, what does your self-care or wellness routine look like?
I spend a lot of time on screens, so a cozy night in front of the fireplace with my husband and my pup or a long walk outside really helps me relax after a long day.
What sets you up for a productive day?
Having a morning routine. When life is out of control (um, 2020!) and the distractions are pouring down from every direction, coming back to a consistent morning routine helps me feel clear and focused. My morning routine includes the 5:17 am club, a cup of hot water with lemon, gratitude journal, movement, and looking at my goals. When I review goals in the morning it helps me stay clear and focused on what really matters. My am ritual is sacred - it’s juicy time just for me!
How do you incorporate cannabis currently into your life?
I have “busy-brain”... You know when you can’t shut it down and ideas or to-do lists keep spinning around? I used to lay awake staring at the ceiling all night. CBD oil has been a game-changer for me to help get a goods night's rest and take the edge off. Cannabis and I have never really been friends but CBD is very chill, helps me to unwind and recharge.
What are you working on now? Anything exciting coming up?
I have more than a few exciting things up my sleeve so keep an eye out on my platforms! 2021 is all about co-creation, collaboration, and partnership. When we come together and play in our own unique strengths, we can go so much further. I’m excited to deepen my work in connecting people with themselves and each other.