Women-Owned Business Series: Emilie from She’s A Given

Welcome back to our Women-Owned Business Series! Today we’re featuring Emilie, the founder of She’s A Given — a premium U.S.-based executive assistant agency helping founders and executives reclaim their time by matching them with experienced executive assistants who become true strategic partners.

The inspiration behind She’s A Given comes from the founder’s nearly five years as an Executive Assistant at Amazon, where she saw firsthand how brilliant leaders were spending their days buried in logistics instead of leading. She set out to change that, while also creating meaningful, flexible careers for experienced executive assistants. Today, the agency has supported more than 200 businesses across the country, all in service of the same mission: helping leaders spend less time in the weeds and more time in the garden™. Read more about her story below!

First, tell us about your business and anything special we should know about it or you.

She’s A Given (https://shesagiven.com) is a premium U.S.-based executive assistant agency that helps founders and executives reclaim their time by matching them with experienced executive assistants who become true strategic partners.

I started the business after spending nearly five years as an Executive Assistant at Amazon, where I saw firsthand how transformative great support can be. Brilliant leaders were spending their days buried in logistics instead of leading. I wanted to change that while also creating meaningful, flexible careers for experienced executive assistants. Today, She’s A Given has supported more than 200 businesses across the country, but our mission remains the same: helping leaders spend less time in the weeds and more time in the garden™.

Why do you feel a connection to your work?

I’ve always believed time is our most valuable resource, and so many incredible founders spend theirs buried in calendars, inboxes, and endless to-do lists instead of doing the work only they can do. I love helping people get that time back—whether it’s growing their business, being present with their families, or simply ending the day feeling less overwhelmed. Knowing our work creates that kind of ripple effect is what keeps me connected to this business every day.

As a business owner, community is everything. In what ways do you serve your community, and how has your community served you?

Community has always been one of my core values, both personally and professionally. I currently serve as the PTA President for my son’s elementary school, have volunteered with organizations like March of Dimes and Foster Love, and regularly mentor fellow entrepreneurs by sharing resources, making introductions, and helping them navigate the challenges of building a business. In return, my community has supported me in ways I could never have imagined—from referring clients and opening doors to speaking opportunities and media features to simply showing up and cheering me on. She’s A Given has grown because of those relationships, and I never take that for granted.

What advice would you give to others who want to start a small business?

Don’t wait until you feel ready—start before you have all the answers. Some of the best opportunities in my career came because I was willing to say yes, figure it out, and ask for help along the way. And remember: your reputation is your greatest asset. Skills can be learned, but people will remember how you treated them long after they forget what you sold.

What women inspire you and why?

Three women who have deeply inspired me are Stephanie Foo, Michelle Obama, and Karissa Bodnar. Stephanie Foo’s willingness to tell the truth about trauma and healing reminds me that our stories have the power to help others feel less alone. Michelle Obama embodies grace, integrity, and service, proving that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive. And Karissa Bodnar inspires me as an entrepreneur who built a wildly successful business while using it to create meaningful social impact through philanthropy. They each lead differently, but all three have shown me that success means very little if you aren’t using it to leave the world better than you found it.

What do you think are the most significant challenges for small business owners or women in leadership positions?

One of the biggest challenges women in business face is that we’re often expected to be both exceptionally competent and endlessly accommodating. Setting boundaries, leading with confidence, or making difficult decisions can still be perceived differently depending on who’s making them. I think we’re making progress, but I’d love to see a world where women don’t have to choose between being respected and being liked—and where ambitious women are celebrated without apology.

Please plug any promotions, events, or recent milestones you have!

It’s been an exciting season for She’s A Given! We’ve now supported more than 200 businesses across the country by pairing founders and executives with exceptional U.S.-based executive assistants. Last year, I was honored to be named to the Entreprenista 100, and this year I was recognized as one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and an Inc. Female Founders 500 honoree. You can learn more at shesagiven.com or connect with me at emilie@shesagiven.com