When life throws you a curveball, what do you do with it?
For Alli Villines, the founder of She Means Business, the answer was clear: transform the setback into purpose.
From the volleyball court to the boardroom, Alli’s journey isn’t just about success—it’s about resilience, mentorship, and redefining what it means to lead as a young woman. In a world where ambition often comes with pressure to "do it all," Alli is carving a new path—one grounded in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a fierce belief in the power of community.
In a recent episode of The Wild Sage Society podcast, host Marcie Walker sat down with Alli to explore how young women can embrace entrepreneurship not just as a career, but as a calling. Here's what we learned.
From Athlete to Advocate: The Power of a Pivot
Alli’s story begins with a dream familiar to many young women—one driven by discipline, competition, and the pursuit of excellence. A serious athlete with plans of a professional volleyball career, her identity was deeply rooted in performance. But a career-altering injury forced her to step away from the sport that defined her.
Instead of falling into despair, Alli leaned into a powerful question: “What now?”
That question led her to entrepreneurship.
With a fire to create something meaningful, Alli founded She Means Business, a nonprofit aimed at helping young women access the mentorship, confidence, and tools they need to thrive in business. Her pivot from athlete to advocate didn’t just change her life—it became a launching pad for others to rise with her.
“I always lead with—this is my story,” she shared with Marcie. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Empowerment
For Alli, entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a brand—it’s a gateway to personal freedom and leadership.
“Young women need to see that they don’t have to wait,” Alli explains. “You don’t have to have the ‘perfect’ experience or the ‘right’ background. What you need is vision, support, and a safe space to grow.”
That’s exactly what She Means Business offers: mentorship, community, and real-world guidance that help young women bridge the gap between potential and purpose.
This nonprofit is more than a business—it’s a belief system. One where young women are taught to claim their power, embrace their story, and turn ideas into income. And Alli is walking proof that starting small—with a mission and a little courage—can make a big impact.
Mentorship: The Missing Link in Many Women's Journey
One of the most powerful themes of the episode was mentorship.
For Alli, mentorship wasn’t just helpful—it was transformative. Throughout her journey, she’s leaned on the wisdom of women who saw her potential before she fully did.
Now, she’s paying it forward.
“Every young woman deserves someone in her corner,” Alli shared. “Someone who reminds her that she’s capable—even when she doubts herself.”
Mentorship, she explains, is more than advice. It’s presence. It’s belief. It’s community. And it’s essential for women trying to navigate careers, relationships, and identity all at once.
Whether through one-on-one coaching or peer support in her nonprofit, Alli is committed to creating spaces where women don’t have to walk alone.
Boundaries, Burnout & Being Real
Of course, being a high-achieving woman comes with challenges.
Alli was refreshingly honest about the emotional complexity of ambition. She described the loneliness that sometimes comes with success, especially when others can’t always relate. There’s pressure to always perform, always smile, always say yes.
But Alli is learning the power of no.
“I make myself a client,” she laughed. “I have to audit my own energy constantly.”
She talks about time management not just in terms of productivity, but in terms of alignment. Are you working from your worth or your wounds? Are you saying yes from a place of pressure or purpose?
These are the questions Alli believes every woman in business should be asking.
Her personal practices—like reading, listening to music, spending time outdoors, and hosting small gatherings—are all part of her energy management strategy. They keep her grounded, connected, and able to show up with intention.
Owning Your Story
One of the most powerful takeaways from the conversation was the importance of sharing your story.
In a culture obsessed with perfection, Alli models what it looks like to lead with authenticity. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. She doesn’t hide her struggles behind polished branding. She lets people in—and that’s what makes her relatable, magnetic, and deeply trustworthy.
“Your story is enough. Right now. Not when you’re more successful, more polished, or more experienced,” she says.
This kind of storytelling isn’t just personal—it’s strategic. Because when women own their voices, they unlock opportunities to connect, influence, and lead from a place of truth.
Ambition Without Apology
Too often, women feel pressured to choose: career or relationships. Success or softness. Ambition or alignment.
Alli refuses to choose.
She talks openly about the emotional tension that arises in romantic relationships when a woman is succeeding. It can feel threatening to partners who haven’t yet done their own growth work. And for many women, that can lead to dimming their light to protect someone else’s ego.
Alli’s message? Don’t shrink to fit someone else's comfort zone.
“You don’t have to lessen yourself for a partner,” she reminds listeners. “The right people won’t be intimidated by your success—they’ll be inspired by it.”
Action Steps to Step Into Your Power
Feeling inspired? Here are a few powerful steps you can take today to integrate Alli’s wisdom into your own journey:
1. Share Your Story
Whether it’s through social media, journaling, or conversations with friends—start owning your story. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes. Someone out there needs to hear it.
Whether it’s through social media, journaling, or conversations with friends—start owning your story. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes. Someone out there needs to hear it.
2. Audit Your Time & Energy
Where are you spending your energy? Are you working from alignment or obligation? Start each week by identifying your priorities—not just for your work, but for your wellbeing.
Where are you spending your energy? Are you working from alignment or obligation? Start each week by identifying your priorities—not just for your work, but for your wellbeing.
3. Seek (or Become) a Mentor
Reach out to someone who inspires you, or offer guidance to someone a few steps behind. Mentorship is a two-way street that benefits everyone involved.
Reach out to someone who inspires you, or offer guidance to someone a few steps behind. Mentorship is a two-way street that benefits everyone involved.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
Burnout doesn’t serve your mission. Learn to say no with love and clarity. Your energy is sacred.
Burnout doesn’t serve your mission. Learn to say no with love and clarity. Your energy is sacred.
5. Prioritize Simple Joys
Whether it’s reading, walking in nature, or dancing in your kitchen—make time for things that nourish your soul. It’s not indulgence—it’s sustainability.
Whether it’s reading, walking in nature, or dancing in your kitchen—make time for things that nourish your soul. It’s not indulgence—it’s sustainability.
Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning
Alli Villines is just getting started. But her message is already leaving a lasting mark on the next generation of female leaders.
Through She Means Business, she’s proving that you don’t need a perfect resume to make a difference—you need heart, hustle, and a community that believes in your vision.
In a world that often asks women to be everything for everyone, Alli is showing us how to be something powerful for ourselves: honest, grounded, and unapologetically ambitious.
So here’s your reminder: Your story is enough. You are enough. And your dreams are absolutely worth building.
Have you ever pondered the power of a clear vision and well-set goals
in your entrepreneurial journey?
Studies show that businesses with these foundational elements are 50% more likely to reach new heights of success. Today, we delve into aligning your business endeavors with the Universal Laws of Success to transform dreams into tangible triumphs.
In the landscape of entrepreneurship, each decision and action plays a crucial role in shaping your journey towards success. Mastery of vision casting and goal setting empowers you to achieve your goals while tapping into the profound power of the Universal Laws of Success.
The Law of Pure Potentiality: Tapping into Infinite Possibilities
Every entrepreneur possesses a wealth of untapped potential—a foundation for innovation, creativity, and growth. By realizing and harnessing this potential, you're positioning yourself to capitalize on opportunities, drawing from the same principles that drive universal dynamics. Be wary of self-doubt, resistance to learning, and a closed mindset, as these can block your access to this law’s rewards.
The Law of Intention and Desire: Fueling Your Vision
Recognizing your potential is just the beginning. Next, it's crucial to solidify your vision with precise intentions and well-defined goals. This is more than just plotting a roadmap; it's about embedding your objectives with purpose and drive. In doing so, you provide your business aspirations with a robust framework, synchronized with the broader patterns of success. Ensure you maintain clarity, align your goals with your values, and keep your focus undistracted to fully harness this law.
The Law of Giving and Receiving: Cultivating Abundance
The universe operates on a harmonious cycle of giving and receiving. In the business realm, this translates to generosity, value creation, and fostering lasting relationships. By wholeheartedly giving your best to clients, customers, and the community, you keep the flow of abundance circulating in your life, laying the groundwork for enduring success. Avoid blocking this law by practicing generosity, expressing gratitude, and building strong relationships.
The Law of "Karma" or Cause and Effect: Seeds of Success
Every action in business creates a ripple of energy that returns to us. Choosing actions that bring joy and success to others initiates a cycle of positive karma. Ethical practices, integrity, and a commitment to value creation cultivate a legacy of goodwill and positive impact, extending beyond financial success. Stay mindful of your actions, uphold your integrity, and be aware of the long-term effects of your decisions.
The Law of Least Effort: The Power of Flow
Nature operates with a graceful ease, and so can your business. Embrace working smarter, not harder, aligning your efforts with harmony and love. Challenges transform into opportunities for growth, as you navigate the business landscape with a sense of flow and alignment. Avoid forcing outcomes, embrace change, and focus on solutions to align with this law.
The Law of Inspired Action: Moving with Purpose
With a clear vision, strong relationships, and ethical practices in place, the stage is set for inspired action. Move confidently towards your goals, with the knowledge that each step is guided by purpose and backed by the universe’s infinite wisdom. Ensure you take necessary actions, trust the process, and be willing to take calculated risks to benefit from this law.
The Law of "Dharma" or Purpose in Life: Your Unique Contribution
Every individual has a unique gift to offer the world, and in business, this translates to a unique contribution. Blend your talents with service to others, aligning your business with your life’s purpose. Build a legacy that reflects your core values, and makes a positive difference in the world around you. Utilize your unique talents, serve others, and invest in your personal development to unlock the full potential of this law.
Unlock Your Potential: A Special Opportunity Awaits!
In the coming days, we’ll unveil a structured approach to help you navigate these Universal Laws, setting the stage for your business success in 2024. Define your trajectory, craft a compelling vision for your business and give momentum to your ambitions. Get ready for a journey of profound transformation.
What to Expect:
- Cast Your Vision: Gain crystal clarity on your desires and dreams for 2024
- Set Powerful Goals: Craft actionable steps to turn your visions into tangible reality
- Manifest with Purpose: Learn proven techniques to harness the dynamic energy of intention and manifestation
- Plan for 1st Quarter: Walk away with a meticulously clear roadmap to ignite your 2024 journey
