Heather Nelson-Tapia

I attribute my success to the journey I’ve taken over the course of my career — one built through experience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to growth.

I’ve been shaped by the influence of inspiring leaders like Rachel Hollis, along with the guidance and wisdom of many mentors who challenged me to think bigger, trust myself, and lead with intention. Their influence helped me understand that success isn’t just about strategy or execution — it’s about mindset, relationships, and how you show up for others.

A defining thread throughout my work has been serving as a connector. Through my podcast and professional network, I’ve focused on helping people build meaningful relationships and gain access to the right opportunities at the right time. I’m genuinely curious about others’ goals, and I believe that listening — truly listening — is one of the most powerful tools a leader can have.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of my approach. I make it a priority to support others by sharing resources, making introductions, and offering guidance whenever possible. That spirit of generosity has shaped my community and, in turn, opened doors I never could have planned for on my own.

My path has also been influenced by education in many forms — from attending a local junior college to ongoing sales training and professional development throughout my career. Those experiences reinforced the value of continuous learning and adaptability.

Ultimately, I believe my success comes from staying grounded in relationships, remaining open to growth, and trusting that when you lead with authenticity and service, the right opportunities follow.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep taking risks and pursue the things you’re genuinely passionate about.

I’ve learned that growth rarely happens when you play it safe. The moments that shaped my career the most were the ones where I trusted my instincts, stepped outside my comfort zone, and followed what truly mattered to me — even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Passion brings clarity, resilience, and momentum, especially during challenging seasons.

When you build a career around what energizes you, the work feels more aligned and meaningful. That alignment not only fuels creativity and confidence, but it also attracts the right people, opportunities, and collaborations along the way.

Taking risks doesn’t mean being reckless — it means being willing to grow, evolve, and trust that your experience and values will guide you forward. That mindset has influenced every chapter of my career and continues to shape how I show up in my work today.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to build your career the same way you build trust — slowly, intentionally, and with integrity.

Focus on relationships just as much as skills. Learn how to listen, follow through on your word, and show up consistently. In relationship-driven industries like hospitality, events, and business development, your reputation will take you farther than any title or job description ever could.

Stay curious and be willing to learn from every experience — even the ones that feel uncomfortable or challenging. Ask questions, seek out mentors, and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something yet. Growth happens when you stay open and willing to evolve.

Most importantly, don’t lose sight of what you’re passionate about. It’s easy to get caught up in doing what’s expected or chasing someone else’s version of success. Give yourself permission to take risks, trust your instincts, and create a path that feels aligned with who you are.

And finally, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Build community, support other women, and be generous with your knowledge and connections. When women lift each other up, everyone rises — and that’s where the most meaningful success lives.

One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face right now is navigating growth in a landscape that constantly demands more — more visibility, more content, more hustle — often without clear direction or support. Many women are building businesses while also managing full lives, and the pressure to do everything can quickly lead to burnout and overwhelm.

Another challenge is the noise of the online world. With endless advice, trends, and “quick wins” being promoted daily, it can be difficult to stay grounded and confident in your own approach. Too often, women are encouraged to chase strategies that don’t align with who they are or how they want to grow.

At the same time, this moment presents powerful opportunities.

There’s a growing shift toward relationship-based, community-driven business models — where trust, authenticity, and connection matter more than perfection or performance. Women entrepreneurs are recognizing that sustainable growth doesn’t come from doing more, but from doing what matters most and building meaningful relationships along the way.

There’s also an incredible opportunity for women to lead differently. By prioritizing collaboration over competition, clarity over chaos, and support over isolation, women are redefining what success looks like. Community, mentorship, and shared experiences are becoming essential tools — not extras.

Ultimately, the biggest opportunity right now is for women entrepreneurs to build businesses that reflect their values, support their well-being, and create impact beyond revenue. Those who embrace clarity, connection, and intentional growth are not just building successful businesses — they’re shaping a more human and sustainable future for entrepreneurship.

The values that guide both my work and personal life are connection, integrity, growth, and community.

Connection is at the heart of everything I do. I believe meaningful relationships — built on trust, curiosity, and genuine care — are essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success. I approach my work with the intention of truly understanding people, not just what they do, but what they want and need to grow.

Integrity is equally important to me. I strive to show up consistently, follow through on my word, and lead with honesty and respect. Whether I’m working with clients, collaborating with partners, or supporting my community, I believe how you do things matters just as much as what you do.

Professional development is a lifelong value for me. I’m committed to continual learning — through training, mentorship, and real-world experience — because growth doesn’t stop once you reach a certain level. Investing in yourself strengthens not only your skills, but also your confidence, perspective, and ability to lead others well.

Community involvement is deeply personal to me. I believe we grow stronger together, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where women feel supported, encouraged, and empowered. Giving back, mentoring, and building community are not side projects — they’re essential to who I am and how I measure success.

Ultimately, I aim to build a life and career rooted in purpose, connection, and contribution — where growth is shared, relationships are valued, and success is defined by impact as much as achievement.