To me, the “small” in “small business” meant moving faster than any bigger or better-funded competitor. And most importantly, I wasn’t afraid of failure. Matter of fact, I welcomed it.
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!
Kelly Drescher: The Highland Dog
I started my endeavor because I went through a divorce and wanted to change my challenging military/traveling lifestyle to a more “normal”, home every night life.
Joan Duncan: Joan Duncan LLC
To inspire, direct & motivate new entrepreneurs in the fashion business.
Nandini Das Ghoshal: Insights & More
Corporate life takes a heavy toll on independence, freedom, family life and most of creativity. We wanted to prove to ourselves that its possible to achieve the highest quality without sacrificing any of these.
Kim Osterhoudt: Jams by Kim
I was laid off (early retirement) from a major financial services firm in the spring of 2009. Initially I looked for another job,and then a good friend asked me “what do you love to do?”
Coletta Dorado: AZZLY
My mother taught me through her life and now her death. That is why I became passionate to bring about a better healthcare delivery system called AZZLY, for patients, for providers and for better outcomes.
Shivani Ballesteros & Jana Wallis: Stiletto Escape–Traveling with your Girlfriends
Over time we noticed a common problem: we wanted to travel with our girlfriends, but the planning was a constant obstacle.
Katherine Wichmann Zacharias: KSWZ Insurance Services
[I define success as] doing what you love and at the same time helping others.
Dr. Shikha Suman: Sampling Research
I wanted to do justice to my home and work and this has given me enough freedom to do the same.
Payal Gandhi Hoon: Tamarainlp
I wanted to do something that would add value not just to my life, but to many others; to make a difference at a deeper level and bring a smile to many, by helping them realise their true potential.
Maja Svensson: ELSA AND ME
I’ve always wanted to run my own business… After I finished college in Sweden (where I’m from) with a major in Economics, I went to New York for an internship at the Consulate General of Sweden.
Amanda Aitken: The Girl’s Guide to Web Design
My goal is to smash a few key beliefs: that web design can’t be learned, that you need to pay thousands to a pro to get a site or blog designed, and that coding is boring and only for geeky men.
Ali LaRaia: Marianberry Cookies
Landing another woman entrepreneur with a Wall Street background was the final piece of the puzzle. We developed a strong business model, established a brand identity, marketing strategy and launched our online store.
Mili Nath/Losita Bhattacharya: The First Green Store
We always decided on the products that have a design perspective while at the same time being environmentally friendly.
Claire Charamnac: Women LEAD
We started Women LEAD because we both strongly believe that the lack of female leaders around the world is one of the biggest inequalities of the 21st century.