There's nothing better than women supporting women. It’s what drives our mission here at Create & Cultivate, as a women-owned business ourselves. In a year that’s been challenging on so many fronts, women in particular have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s an important time to support and champion women's passions, ideas and small businesses to help them to flourish–and that is exactly what Fleurs de Prairie Rosé has set out to do through its Seeds of Beauty grant program.

Now in its third year, the Seeds of Beauty initiative will continue to fuel creative spirits and uplift women by awarding "Seed Grants" to entrepreneurial female creatives who are making a difference by way of their passions, whether that be through art, design, food, writing and beyond. As part of this year’s program, three seed grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to women who share in the brand’s ethos to create a more beautiful world. Interested applicants can apply online by filling out a submission form and answering a few questions demonstrating how they will use the funds to grow their biz. Submissions are open now through July 23. 

Fleurs de Prairie is more than just a delicious wine, it is a true expression of the splendor of Southern France where it is sourced. More importantly, it is a brand that stands for something. With the annual Seeds of Beauty campaign, Fleurs de Prairie aims to elevate the visibility of female entrepreneurs and creatives who are dedicated to creating beauty in their communities – a mission that is important now more than ever. The economic and implications of last year, from loss of income to balancing work and family responsibilities, threaten the progress of entrepreneurial women and business owners alike, especially considering that over the past decade women-led companies have grown five times faster than the national average.

In addition to the support funds, Seeds of Beauty grant recipients will also receive one-on-one mentorship from this year's brand ambassadors who champion beauty in their own digital communities, lifestyle influencer and content creator, Caila Quinn and blogger Grace Atwood. Because research has shown that early mentorship can have a major impact on a small business’s revenue and growth, we tapped Grace Atwood, who pens the blog The Stripe, to share some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs along with some stories of her own personal and professional mentors who helped her flourish. Keep scrolling to read her sage advice.

What three tips would you give to other women who aspire to be entrepreneurs and turn their passion project into a successful business? 

1. Be prepared to work really hard and be patient! It took me five years of running my website, The Stripe and social channels before going full-time. It took up my nights, my weekends... I didn't have a life but I didn't mind as I was passionate about what I was building and I believed in myself. It was worth it in the end but I definitely sacrificed a lot during those "building" years.

2. As you build, outsource! Think about the things that make you/your brand YOU, and figure out what else you can outsource. This has been a struggle for me. Every word on my site and Instagram will always be written by me, but I outsource graphic design and photography as those particular things are not my strengths.

3. As you network, think about how you can help the person you're making the ask of. I personally hate the phrase "can I pick your brain," for example. But when someone sends a thoughtful email and I can tell they really care about my business and aren't just making a blind request, that's when I'm more likely to listen.

Mentorship is a critical component of entrepreneurship– but they’re not always easy to find. Who has been the strongest mentor and advocate for you in furthering your personal and professional goals? 

I wouldn't say it's one specific mentor, but different friends and contacts have helped me throughout the years. My parents were entrepreneurs (they owned their own restaurant for 40+ years!), so I picked up a lot from them. My friend (and business partner for my podcast) Becca always has great practical business advice. And in the beginning, other influencers would share and amplify my content which is why I make sure to do that  too!

Seeds of Beauty is designed to fuel creative spirits and uplift women who are making their own communities more beautiful by way of their passions. How would you describe your own connection to Fleurs de Prairie Rosé and the Seeds of Beauty Campaign, and how do you strive to celebrate the beauty within your own life and community?

First of all, Fleurs de Prairie is my favorite rosé. It's the perfect outdoor drinking wine - it's refreshing and crisp and not too sweet. But I love the brand's mission - helping women! And with regard to celebrating beauty within my own life and community, I am a Libra. I need my home to feel beautiful and inspiring. And I love art. One thing I really miss about living in New York (I moved to Charleston in April) is all of the art galleries and museums. I'm still figuring out how to get more involved in the art community here in Charleston - there's a really incredible creative community here!

Are you dedicated to creating beauty in your community? Do you have a passion project that you’d love to see come to life? Click HERE to apply for a “Seed Grant” to help grow your brand! Applications are being accepted now through July 23, 2021. The entry form is easy to complete and takes five minutes.