BRITTA AMBAUEN
Artist and Jeweler at Britta Ambauen Jewelry
Britta handcrafts jewelry, creates artwork, and manages the business of selling my pieces—including photography, copywriting, and social media. But her favorite part is the creative process—making artwork and jewelry.
As a woman community leader, how do you cultivate and maintain mentorship relationships with younger or emerging women leaders? What lessons or approaches are you passing on to ensure that leadership, empowerment, and inclusivity endure beyond your own tenure?
I offer mentorship and coaching for art-based businesses, helping women build businesses that align with the life they aspire to live—rather than shaping their lives around their business.
If you had to choose a single word that captures your current approach to leadership, what would it be and why? Share a brief anecdote or turning point this past year that illustrates why this word resonates with you.
Listen. It’s easy to assume we know the root of a problem or why someone acted a certain way. But when we take the time to let people speak fully—without interruption—we give ourselves the opportunity to truly understand. Without understanding, we risk leading in an unhelpful direction.
Reflecting on the last year, what new quote, book, or piece of advice has most influenced you as a woman leader? Why did it resonate with you, and how have you applied it in your community work?
I took an online course on running a business with anti-capitalist values by Bear Hebert, and one of the biggest insights I gained was the importance of recognizing what is ENOUGH.
Capitalism teaches us that more and bigger are always better—that if you're not constantly growing, something is wrong. This mindset keeps us forever chasing a carrot on a stick, never reaching a sustainable place.
Defining what "enough" means for me has transformed how I run my business and lead others. Enough is achievable. We can reach it, have our needs met, and, beyond that, create space to breathe, support others, and truly enjoy life.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, which woman—past or present—continues to inspire your work as a community leader, and why? How has her example influenced the way you collaborate, advocate, or mentor?
For years, I have benefited from the words and wisdom of Becca Piastrelli through her podcast, Belonging. Her insights have helped me recognize, appreciate, and respond to my own internal seasons.
Instead of constantly pushing myself to be productive at all times—regardless of the toll it takes on my body and spirit—I’m slowly learning to create space for rest, stillness, and even aimless wandering. This practice is guiding me toward a more sustainable way to work and live.