After 12 years in the corporate world, I was pulling out of my driveway after my third maternity leave ended, I knew I had to make a change to be financially free, and achieve a better work/life balance.
1,000 Stories
More than 1,000 women entrepreneurs from around the world have told us about their personal business journeys. Here are their stories, in their own words. Tell us yours!
Abimbola A: La Bella Vita Ltd.
Running a business is very challenging, you have to be a quick thinker, a risk taker, be very optimistic, educate yourself and know about the business by doing your research.
Kristin Forselius: Oopsie Loopsie
My sister-in-law, Anna Forselius, and I started Oopsie Loopsie because like other new moms we were struggling with our weight in our post-pregnancy days.
Michele French: Michel French Technical Services
I was laid-off from my regular job almost 2 years ago, but during my tenure as an employee, I worked part-time on building my own business.
Dee Dee Mozeleski: Trois Coccinelles Publishing
I started Trois Coccinelles as a way to bring together independent writers and help them launch writing platforms that will connect them to their readers.
Ramona Fantini: Pino Gelato
I discovered gelato while visiting Italy in 2002 where I became enamored with the taste and quality of the product. It was disappointing to not be able to find the same quality of product in the United States.
Ali Rittenhouse: Ali Rittenhouse International
After being in another position working for the man who looked down on me and my abilities, I knew I was done. I found the exact answer in starting my own business.
Calla Gold: Calla Gold Jewelry
When I started out at 19-years-old I tried to dress older and felt a bit of a fraud in that I was so young to have employees and be out getting business.
Tenille Dixon: Girl Friday Services, Inc.
I initially started my business as a means to make money while going back to school for a second degree, but my love to help others and the ability to watch something grow that I was directly responsible for became my focus.
Susan Vernicek: S&J Identity Inc
I used to manipulate faces in photoshop, but it wasn’t until I had to manipulate my face when it struck my anger with how society and media portray the “perfect” woman.
Roxanne Martinez: Roxstar Marketing
“As I recovered from treatment, I decided I wanted to utilize my skills and talent to pursue my dream of being an entrepreneur.”
Luz Garcia-Pennock: Lovely Gal Posh
With faith, savings and courage I decided that as my name is Luz (light in Spanish) I was to live my life following my light and passions to support people to follow theirs.
Erin Baebler: Magnolia Workshop
Once I started my training, it became clear to me that helping other new mothers navigate their changed world was the way to go. I’ve been coaching for 10 years and absolutely love helping moms navigate life with children.
Elizabeth Legere: Alexandria Pet Care, Inc.
Anyone who takes risks, pursues their passions (for business or not), takes time to honestly evaulate what makes them happy and eager to greet each day: those are my role models.
Yvette Garfield: Handstand Kids Goods & Services
Yvette’s experience in children’s rights led her to create the Handstand Kids cookbook series with the intention to introduce children to the world through their own kitchen.