Podcast Summary: The Bossbabe Podcast - Episode 445

Title: How Women are Reclaiming Success in Entrepreneurship in 2025: Ceremony, Motherhood, The Erasure of Sacred Feminine in History + Pursuing Passion with Sarah Jenks
Host: Natalie Ellis
Guest: Sarah Jenks
Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 445 of The Bossbabe Podcast, host Natalie Ellis engages in a profound conversation with Sarah Jenks, a priestess, entrepreneur, and advocate for the sacred feminine. The episode delves deep into Sarah's transformative journey from a successful businesswoman battling personal struggles to embracing her true self through sacred ceremonies. Together, they explore themes of entrepreneurship, motherhood, historical erasure of the sacred feminine, and the pursuit of authentic passion.

Sarah Jenks' Business Career Journey

[00:20]
Sarah opens up about her early career in advertising, working with notable clients like Dove Chocolate and Footlocker. She shares a pivotal moment when her struggle with a binge disorder led her to question her path:

Sarah Jenks (B): "I ate an entire bag of Dove Chocolate Promises in the supply closet at my ad agency. In that moment, I snapped and realized that I had to figure out what was going on."

Determined to understand her addiction, Sarah considered becoming a psychologist but was deterred by the financial implications. Instead, she pursued a degree at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2009, founding a successful online company focused on emotional eating, initially targeting brides preparing for their weddings.

The Turning Point: Embracing the Sacred Feminine

[08:51]
Sarah recounts her move to San Francisco and the facade of success she maintained externally while feeling utterly miserable internally. This dichotomy led her to therapy, where a visit to her therapist's home sparked a profound realization:

Sarah Jenks (B): "I met myself for the first time and understood the difference between my personality and my soul."

This epiphany prompted Sarah to seek deeper spiritual connections, leading her to ceremonies led by her mentor, Elaine Khalila Dowdy, an ordained priestess. Over five years, Sarah underwent extensive training and was ordained two years prior to the podcast, integrating her priestess role into her professional life.

Challenges in Marriage and Motherhood

[09:13]
Sarah discusses the struggles within her marriage during a challenging period when her husband, Jonathan, was in medical residency. The pressures of being the primary breadwinner, combined with an unplanned pregnancy at 28, intensified her internal conflicts:

Sarah Jenks (B): "My core wound is wanting to be loved and accepted by others to feel worthy within myself."

The postpartum phase became a sacred portal for her awakening, forcing her to confront deep-seated conditioning about motherhood and self-worth. This period underscored the necessity of internal liberation before external changes could manifest.

The Erasure of the Sacred Feminine in History

[16:09]
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the historical suppression of the sacred feminine. Sarah provides a detailed account of how ancient cultures revered goddesses and the divine feminine, a practice that was systematically erased around the time of Jesus:

Sarah Jenks (B): "Around Jesus's time, the sacred feminine began to be erased in ancient Hebrew texts, leading to the oppression of women."

She emphasizes the deliberate nature of this erasure, which accompanied colonization and various genocides, systematically dismantling women's roles as leaders and healers. Sarah posits that reclaiming the sacred feminine is pivotal for restoring balance and empowering all individuals.

Bridging Ceremony and Business

[25:55]
Sarah elucidates how her understanding of history and her spiritual practices interweave with her entrepreneurial endeavors. She sees ceremonies not just as spiritual rituals but as foundational to authentic business practices:

Sarah Jenks (B): "The information is important, but the way we actually touch our power and embody it is in Ceremony."

Her approach integrates ancient sacred practices with modern business strategies, fostering environments where women can authentically express themselves and build businesses aligned with their true selves.

Authenticity and Success

[43:31]
Authenticity stands out as a central theme. Sarah discusses the importance of running a business that reflects one's true self rather than mimicking others:

Sarah Jenks (B): "We’re making it up there. There’s nothing to replicate. We get to be different and make it up."

She encourages entrepreneurs to infuse their businesses with personal values and spiritual practices, ensuring sustainability and preventing burnout by staying true to oneself.

Managing Business and Personal Life

[47:58]
Balancing personal life with a deeply integrated business presence is another key discussion point. Sarah explains her approach to maintaining personal boundaries despite the close proximity required with clients:

Sarah Jenks (B): "When we're vulnerable and connecting soul to soul, we often feel pressured to be friends with everyone. I've learned to hold boundaries and allow deep connections without the obligation of friendship."

This strategy enables her to maintain a tight-knit personal circle while professionally engaging with clients in a meaningful and spiritual manner.

Conclusion and Final Insights

[54:56]
As the conversation wraps up, Sarah offers heartfelt advice to listeners feeling trapped in unfulfilling careers or personal struggles:

Sarah Jenks (B): "Develop a relationship with your soul and know your authenticity. Stand as yourself, and things will rearrange around who you really are."

She emphasizes the importance of internal work for external transformation, advocating for authenticity as a pathway to personal and professional liberation.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Jenks (B) [00:40]:
  "I wrote some of those [Dove Chocolate promises]."

• Sarah Jenks (B) [08:51]:
  "I met myself for the first time and understood the difference between my personality and my soul."

• Sarah Jenks (B) [16:09]:
  "Our most important role is to be a mother and a wife... brainwashed by a patriarchal Christian system."

• Sarah Jenks (B) [25:55]:
  "We’re making it up there. There’s nothing to replicate. We get to be different and make it up."

• Sarah Jenks (B) [43:31]:
  "We get to be different and make it up."

• Sarah Jenks (B) [54:56]:
  "Develop a relationship with your soul and know your authenticity."

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Entrepreneurship: Embracing one's true self and integrating spiritual practices can lead to sustainable and fulfilling business success.
2. Sacred Feminine: Reclaiming and honoring the sacred feminine is essential for restoring balance and empowering women in modern society.
3. Personal Transformation: Internal work, such as deep self-reflection and spiritual ceremonies, can catalyze profound personal and professional transformations.
4. Balancing Roles: Successfully managing the dual roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship requires intentional boundaries and authentic self-expression.
5. Historical Awareness: Understanding the historical suppression of women's roles provides context for current challenges and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming lost aspects of feminine power.

Resources Mentioned

• Sarah Jenks' Programs:

  • Emerge: A retreat held every fall equinox focusing on joy, aliveness, and personal emergence.
    SarahJenks.com/emerge
  • Holy Woman Membership: Monthly new moon ceremonies and educational content on the sacred feminine.
  • Council Group: An intimate group for those ready to undertake deep spiritual work.

• Sarah Jenks' Contact:

  • Instagram: @sarahjenks

Closing Remarks

Natalie Ellis expresses profound gratitude for Sarah's presence and insights, highlighting the transformative impact of ceremonies and authentic living. Sarah reciprocates the appreciation, emphasizing the shared journey of personal growth and community building.

Natalie Ellis (A): "Thank you for the work you do because I freaking love being in ceremony with you."

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for women seeking to reclaim their power, integrate spirituality with entrepreneurship, and live authentically amidst societal pressures.