So, here’s the tea ☕: I never thought I’d be running my own business. Like, ever. I was that girl who just wanted a stable 9-to-5, maybe a cute desk plant, and a paycheck that didn’t bounce. But life, as it turns out, had other plans for me. And let me tell you, the journey to becoming a female entrepreneur has been anything but boring.
It all started with a side hustle. You know, one of those “I’ll just do this for fun” things that somehow turns into a full-blown obsession. For me, it was creating handmade candles. I’d always loved the cozy vibe they brought to my apartment, and one day, I thought, “Why not make my own?” Fast forward six months, and I was up until 2 a.m. every night, pouring wax, testing scents, and trying not to burn down my kitchen.
But here’s the thing: starting a business as a woman is a whole different ball game. It’s not just about the product or the hustle; it’s about navigating a world that wasn’t exactly designed for us. I remember my first pitch to a potential investor. I walked into that room, and before I even opened my mouth, I could feel the skepticism. Like, “Oh, she’s cute, but can she actually run a business?” Spoiler alert: I could. And I did.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building a tribe. Women supporting women is not just a hashtag; it’s a survival strategy. I joined a few female entrepreneur groups early on, and let me tell you, those ladies saved my sanity. They were the ones who cheered me on when I landed my first big order, and they were also the ones who talked me off the ledge when I thought about quitting. Because let’s be real, there were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel.
Another thing no one tells you? The guilt. Oh, the guilt. As women, we’re often taught to be everything to everyone—boss, partner, friend, daughter, you name it. And when you’re running a business, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing at all of it. I remember one particularly rough week when I had to cancel plans with my best friend because of a last-minute client meeting. I felt like the worst person in the world. But then I realized: I’m not failing; I’m prioritizing. And that’s okay.
Now, let’s talk about money. Because, honey, money matters. One of the biggest challenges for female entrepreneurs is access to capital. Studies show that women receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts, even when their businesses are just as viable. It’s frustrating, but it’s also motivating. I’ve learned to get creative with funding—crowdfunding, grants, even bootstrapping. And you know what? It’s made me a better business owner. When you’re working with limited resources, you learn to be scrappy, resourceful, and downright ingenious.
But here’s the real kicker: success doesn’t look the way you think it will. When I started this journey, I had this vision of what “making it” would look like—a fancy office, a team of employees, maybe even a feature in a glossy magazine. But the truth is, success is way more nuanced than that. It’s the first time a customer tells you how much they love your product. It’s the moment you realize you’ve created something that truly matters. It’s the freedom to set your own schedule and live life on your own terms.
And let’s not forget the failures. Because, oh boy, there have been plenty. I’ve launched products that flopped, made decisions that backfired, and had moments where I questioned everything. But here’s the thing: failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process. Every misstep has taught me something valuable, and every setback has made me stronger.
So, if you’re a woman thinking about starting your own business, here’s my advice: just go for it. It won’t be easy, and it won’t always be pretty, but it will be worth it. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Because at the end of the day, being a female entrepreneur isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building a life that you’re proud of.
And hey, if I can do it, so can you. 💪✨