Tessa Arneson is more than a real estate developer—she’s a visionary shaping the future for women entrepreneurs in Salt Lake City. As the founder of the Maven District, Tessa has built a community of over 100 locally-owned businesses, 85% of which are women-owned. Her mission is clear: to create spaces that empower women, giving them the opportunity to lead and grow successful businesses. In my latest interview for The Soulpreneur Podcast, Tessa opened up about her journey, her passion for community building, and her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.

Creating a Legacy for Women in Business

For Tessa, entrepreneurship is about more than profit; it’s about purpose. “We build spaces for women to fill up,” she explains. At the heart of Maven is a focus on locally-owned businesses, giving women a platform to create and thrive. This focus on community has turned Maven into a hub of collaboration and growth, a place where businesses support each other and where women, in particular, find the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.

The Maven District has grown from a single building to an entire neighbourhood, home to wellness studios, restaurants, boutiques, and creative spaces, all owned and operated by women. Tessa’s vision was to create not just businesses but an ecosystem where women can thrive professionally and personally, surrounded by a supportive and empowering community.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Tessa’s path hasn’t been without setbacks. A major challenge came when she suffered a brain injury five years ago, which impacted her ability to function at full capacity. “I couldn’t even zip up my coat or remember simple things,” she shares. This injury forced her to slow down and reassess her approach to life and business. Through meditation, mindfulness, and learning to manage her nervous system, Tessa found a way to heal and continue leading her team.

Another challenge was overcoming the self-doubt she felt as a woman in a male-dominated field. “For a long time, I didn’t feel like my work stood on its own without my husband’s support,” she admits, reflecting on her journey of building confidence and embracing her own strengths. Through it all, Tessa learned to trust her instincts and let go of control, leaning into her team and community to support Maven’s growth.

The Power of Community and Purpose

Tessa’s passion for building empowering spaces extends beyond her own success. She sees Maven as a blueprint for creating environments where women can succeed on their terms. “I want my daughters to grow up in a world where they don’t need anyone’s permission to have power,” she says. By focusing on mentorship and collaboration, Tessa has cultivated a community that lifts each other up, with Maven serving as a model for women-led businesses.

Her approach to business and life is grounded in purpose. “If I did nothing else the rest of my life, I’d be proud that we opened doors for these women,” she says. Tessa’s goal is to continue expanding the Maven District, creating more spaces where women can feel empowered and supported in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Words of Wisdom for Future Entrepreneurs

Tessa’s story is one of resilience, vision, and dedication to a mission bigger than herself. For women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, she offers this advice: “Embrace your full self. Trust that you’re enough, and that you’re the perfect person for the adventure you’re on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t feel like you have to do it all on your own.”

Her experiences have taught her the importance of trusting the process, building a strong support network, and not being afraid to take risks. “You don’t have to know all the answers right away. What’s important is that you’re willing to learn and grow along the way.”

Looking Ahead: Building a Future for Women

As Tessa looks to the future, she’s excited about the impact Maven can continue to make. She’s committed to creating spaces that not only support women in business but also redefine what power and success look like for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Listen to Tessa Arneson‘s full story on The Soulpreneur Podcast.

What advice would your future self give you today?

In Tessa’s words, “Embrace who you are. Trust that you’re enough. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be on this journey.”