Amy Maan is the founder of 123 Petit Pas, which offers engaging virtual French-language classes for children and parents to take together.
Entrepreneurship
Her Mobile Coffee Cart Creates Gathering Spaces Wherever it Goes
Iasia Montana-Maye’s business on wheels, Espressate, brings specialty coffee to events around Durham, North Carolina.
A Champion for Women of Color in the World of Comics
Have no fear – Shequeta Smith is here! The founder of Shero Comics aims to bring better representation to comic books, games and more.
Her Kitchen Gadget Makes Cooking Safer
Ever found yourself struggling to drift off because you’re worried you left the stove on? Akshita Iyer’s smart knob, Ome, is designed to help you sleep soundly once more.
She Inspires Children to Stay Positive in Tough Times
Cat Kozuch spreading empowering messages to kids with her Believe a Buddy teddy bears.
A Clean, Inclusive Beauty Brand Inspired by Her Daughter
Lakeisha Turner, founder of Keisha Elise Cosmetics, wanted to sell vegan beauty products while also promoting diversity and giving back to her community.
This Chef’s Culinary Creations Can Be Found on Your Grocery Store Shelves
Cassi Gregory is the proprietor of culinary line Chef Cassi’s Table – a growing food firm that grounded her after a significant scare.
This Entrepreneur Wants To Help You Manage Your Stress
Kate Couchman is a wellbeing coach who assists clients with creating healthier lifestyles – and in some cases, startups.
She Helps Professionals Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Orianne Gambino is a leadership development coach who works with those looking for a mindset shift in their professional lives.
5 Leadership Qualities Business Owners Should Strive for in 2024
We asked 5 CEOs about what it takes to succeed. Here’s what they said.
The Story Exchange’s 10 Most Popular Stories of 2023
It’s no surprise that you really liked a post this year about easy-to-use AI tools. But there was lots of interest in Gen Z slang and brilliant business ideas, too.
She’s Helping Children Become Confident Readers Through Play
Jacquelyn Davis is the founder of Clever Noodle, a company selling a fun, learn-to-read tabletop game.
Known for Her TikTok Videos, a Menopause Expert Launches a New Brand
Dr. Mary Claire Haver has used social media to educate women about hormonal transitions. Now, she’s launching ThePauseLife.com.
Their Community Space Centers Black Artists
Dante Clemons and Brittney Williams are the co-founders of Origin Studio House, a safe haven offering art, food, drinks and belonging to Austin’s Black community.
Her Luxury Handbags Are Customizable and Sustainable
Anita Thomas designs accessories made from vegan cactus leather through her company, Lavāda Handbags.
For Years, She Wrote Children’s Books. Now, She Prints Them
Tish Rabe runs her eponymous independent, kid-focused printing press from her Connecticut home.
She Turns Her Playful Watercolors into Unique Stationary
Kyle Sommer’s scribbly works of art become thoughtful greeting cards, notebooks and planners through Sommer Letter Co., her stationary business.
Her Boxing Gym is for Every Body
Emily Stork’s gym, Worth The Fight Boxing, is proudly woman-owned, LGBTQ-owned and BIPOC-owned. And she wants everyone in the ring.
Her Warming Tech Fits Seamlessly Under Everyday Wear
Kristen Carbone’s company, Brilliantly, produces portable, rechargeable, easily concealed pads that effectively warm its wearers.
She’s Producing Branding Tools and Training for Entrepreneurial Individuals
Keva Epale’s eponymous storytelling studio teaches companies and creatives how to tackle branding themselves.
She Creates Music, Videos and Picture Books for Kids
Sukey Molloy is a musician who uses her talents to bring joy and learning opportunities to young children.
Her Business Teaches Kids to Code
Marliis Reinkort’s company, Code Galaxy, offers online coding and technology classes designed for children.
An Ode to Suzanne Somers, the Sitcom Queen Who Fought the Pay Gap
The “Three’s Company” star is remembered for her sharp comedic timing and charisma. But her behind-the-scenes equal pay struggles were no laughing matter.
Financial Planning for Women Who Aren’t Millionaires (Yet)
Crissi Cole is the founder of Penny Finance, an online financial planning platform tailor-made for women.
Creating Community and Support For Disabled People
Tiffany Yu is the founder of Diversability, an event-coordinating community built to helps disabled people feel less isolated and excluded.
She’s Helping Runners Improve Their Physical – and Mental – Health
Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is the founder of Fast Bananas, an online resource for runners that was built by experts.
Over 50% of Black Women Business Owners Lost Income During Covid, Study Finds
New research from nonprofit Buy From A Black Woman reveals how Black women business owners were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and how they adapted to survive.
Her App Connects People Looking for Walking Buddies
Laura Wellington created the ZNEEX app to get avid walkers in step with one another.
She Takes Deadstock Materials and Turns Them Into Accessories
Yvette Rashawn Estime’s sustainable fashion line, Dirty Celebrity, upcycles e-commerce inventory and turns it into jewelry, bags and more.
She’ll Help You Learn a New Language
Jazz Cole is a private language tutor who works with professionals moving abroad through her company, Multilingual & Philanthropic.
Her Portraits Help Entrepreneurs Visualize Their Future Selves
Victoria Rose photographs entrepreneurs as they are – and as they aspire to be – through her photography company, Flaunt and Flourish.
Baby Socks That Won’t Get Lost
Danielle Ferrantello’s Snappy Socks are designed to keep babies from pulling them off.
From Struggling Teen Mom to Self-Made Entrepreneur
Rachel Neill is the founder of Figgy Play, which makes modular couch cushions for kids.
She Wants to Help You Create the Perfect Greeting Card
Laura Thomson’s company WishBird Greetings allows customers to design a personalized greeting card from hundreds of templates.
The Founder of Afghanistan’s First All-Girls Coding School
Fereshteh Forough opened Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women – but the Taliban’s ban on education prevents students from learning in-person.
Building a Performance-Enhancing Period-Tracking App
Elina Vale is the founder of Essence, an app designed to help women optimize their health and productivity according to their menstrual cycle.
A Private Online Community Focused on Mental Health
Ellen Line is the founder of ROAR Wellness Co.mmunity, where individuals can find affordable support and connection.
Journals Designed to Work Around a Mother’s Busy Schedule
Allie Mirosevic creates thoughtful gratitude journals through her company, Bliss’d Co, to help stressed parents carve out intentional moments for themselves.
Her Video Books Hold Sweet, Moving Memories
Ashley Kenny is the founder of Heirloom, a company that creates customizable books which play handheld home movies – perfect for sharing with loved ones.
She’s Bringing a World of Flavor Straight to Your Kitchen
Meaghan Thomas’ fair-trade spice company, Pinch Spice Market, whips up small-batch seasoning blends for adventurous home cooks.
Heavenly Brownies, Shipped Right to Your Door
Pamela Jablonski is the baker behind Pamela’s Brownies, which churns out the titular chocolatey sweet treats and ships them to hungry customers nationwide.
She Wants You to Stop Doom-Scrolling and Start Creating
Allie Cunningham is the founder of Set It Down, a company selling macrame kits and puzzles, and offering tips and tricks for putting down your phone.
She Quit Her Dead-End Job to Start the Company of Her Dreams
Hannah Chapman is the founder of Ava May Aromas, which sells handmade candles, scented oils and more, all inspired by designer fragrances.
Their Kids’ Fashion Line Celebrates Black and Brown Children
Cara Johnson-Graves and Jenae Johnson-Carr are the sister co-founders of EPIC Everyday, a line of accessories and apparel that features children of all races and ethnicities.
Her Shop Sells Sustainable Home Decor Made by Local Artisans
Teresa Olson is the founder of Olson House, a Milwaukee brick-and-mortar shop (and accompanying website) selling Nordic-inspired, locally made home goods.
She Wants Women to Feel Safe Traveling Alone
Vanessa Karel is the founder of Greether, a site that matches solo female travelers with verified local female guides.
This TikTok Mom Went Viral for Her Life-Saving CPR Idea
A horrific moment sparked a small business idea for Felicia Jackson. Years later, it has brought her success – and some serious internet attention.
She’s Using her Own Mental Health Struggles to Help Others
Former corporate executive Lisa Jones teaches people to better understand their brains through her coaching firm.
Reusable Wrapping Paper for the Gift of a Healthier Planet
Elizabeth Mueller created Swathe Gifts, a line of reusable, upcycled fabric gift wraps.
These 3 Sisters Are Making Period Underwear More Accessible
Jodi, Lori and Kari Caden are the trio behind Proof, which sells anti-leak underwear that guards against everything from period bleeding and postpartum incontinence.