We love to bring you stories of the amazing women we’ve come to know through the Hatch Tribe Members Circle. Today we're excited to introduce you to Zoë Perissos of Southeastern Grappling Association.

As a child, what did you think you’d do when you grew up?
I wanted to go to Duke law and become a lawyer for people who were so obviously right but the justice system was not working in their favor. I always wanted to argue and change the law to reflect common sense. 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? 
Shove Josh until he turns his alarm off. Then streeeetch myself out of bed, and walk to the bathroom with my eyes closed to fill my water cup and take a nice long drink. 

Favorite book?
”Gone With the Wind” God I love that book. Wasn’t a fan of the movie, but I’ve read that book almost every year since I first picked it up. 

One Word. What is your life like as an entrepreneur? 
Tempest

Tell us about your business & how it came to be.
Southeastern Grappling Association is a community driven jiu jitsu experience company. We offer tournaments, open mats, and seminars to jiu jitsu practitioners of all ages and experience levels, with a specific focus on increasing the number of women in the sport. Josh wanted to improve the tournament experience so competitors weren’t left feeling like little more than dollar signs, and I wanted a way to bring more women into the world of self defense. With his level of jiu jitsu training and my experience as an event planner, SEGA felt like a long awaited destiny. 

What does a typical day in your life look like?
Chaos. I don’t really have a “typical” day, every single day is different. The mornings are all the same though. Usually wake up at 430 and turn on the diffuser with my Wide Awake oil mix. Get in a stretch, workout, meditation, gratitude journal. Let the dogs out. Wake my daughter up around 630, get her dressed (which has become incredibly easier since implementing days of the week drawers), cook her breakfast, feed the dogs, shower, drive her to school, and start my day. Try to get in a bjj/boxing/HIIT class, work on SEGA, network. Pick my daughter up from school (except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Josh gets her), head to her after school activity (dance or jiu jitsu), then my bjj or boxing class. Usually get home between 730/8; she takes a bath while I take a shower and Josh cooks. Eat dinner, get her ready for bed, read a bedtime story. Then stay up until 11 or 12 getting more work done. 

Fill in the blank. I'm on a mission to
Save the world.

Who inspires you to be the best entrepreneur you can be?
2 People. First, My Daughter, who watches my every move and is basically a carbon copy of me. I was never built for normal 9-5 and she isn’t either, so I want her to see the adventure of being your own person in the world. Second, Ben Toy, who taught me what it really means to be an entrepreneur and how to take the leaps of faith necessary to fly. 

How did you handle fear & doubt when it comes up?
I usually go to a jiu jitsu class. Something about getting choked out and laughing with friends makes everything else seem insignificant. If I can’t go to jiu jitsu then I’ll do breathing until the vibrating in my body ceases (12-12-12-12), and think of the absolute WORST case scenario I can conjure. When I see that even the worst case is manageable, I move on. Sometimes I do that Mel Robbins 5 second countdown, and just walk through the fear on BLASTOFF. Do it scared, ya know?  I thrive on chaos, so I have to face the chaos head-on to feel alive. 

What would you say are the top 3 skills or traits needed to be a successful business owner?
Tenacity, Resilience, and a wicked sense of humor.

How do you define success?
Being at peace, content with your life. For me, it’s being able to spend time with my family doing the things we love, and helping others to find their strength.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do EVERYTHING you want to do, even if you fall flat on your face and embarrass the hell out of yourself. Just do it all. Don’t hold back, and don’t hide who you are. Don’t shrink your light just to make others feel comfortable in your presence. Be all that you were made to be. Every little bit of it. 

To connect with Zoë Perissos directly join us INSIDE THE TRIBE! Become a member today or join the VIP Waitlist at www.hatchtribe.com/memberscircle.

She can also be found on her Website, Facebook or Instagram.