why i’m no longer using the word solopreneur

When I first started my own business I was really proud of the term solopreneur. It felt like a badge of honour and there was this little voice in my head saying ‘Girl, look at you doing it all on your own!’

Until recently when I acknowledged this word feeds into the cult of individualism, which is hugely problematic and a lie. Individualism keeps us separate from each other, and when we are separate from one another then we will flail and hurt and miss out on the essence of living - to love.

Plus, here’s the thing:

I am not, nor have I ever done any of this on my own.

I have worked for the last 4 years with a business coach and community.

I have participated in group gatherings - in person and online. 

I regularly go for walks or coffee with friends also running their own businesses. 

On a daily basis, my partner and I talk about what’s working and not working in our business. 

I rely on the input, encouragement, and pride offered to me by my closest friends and family.


And because of all these things, I am not a solopreneur. 

The conclusion I’ve recently reached is that believing so is a very colonial idea. It’s a concept that aims to keep us separate from each other, competing with each other and believing that we must go it alone for it to mean something. Oh, hey late-stage capitalism. I’ve got my eye on you.

That’s reason number one. The other reason is about the energetics of the word: solo.

How can I, someone who values Connection and Community to my core even entertain the idea of solo? It does not in any way honour who I am and what I believe, and if I’m constantly using that word it’s my belief that the world will reflect back to me lots of opportunities to be just that - solo.

I don’t want to be solo. I want to be in community, creating community and welcoming folks into connection. The lack of community and disconnection that so many of us experience I believe is at the root of what is not working for us, our communities, our families, our sense of self, our relationships and most of all our connection with the earth.

So, where does that leave me? Well, as a values-driven, community connector, sometimes storyteller and avid wanna-be crafter, who I am is not my business. My business is simply a manifestation of where what I love to do meets where I’m most of service. Some days I don’t know what that is, and when that happens I drop into the spaces and hearts of people who know me, and with ease, grace, and sometimes a few eyerolls they remind me...

I am Jennie Alexis.

So once again, friends, I am declaring this simple truth: This Is Jennie Alexis. It’s good to have you here.