So, here’s the tea ☕️: I never thought I’d be running my own business, let alone thriving in a space that’s historically been dominated by men. But here I am, breaking barriers, one hustle at a time. And let me tell you, it’s not all glamorous Instagram posts and fancy coffee meetings. It’s messy, it’s hard, and it’s absolutely worth it.
When I first started out, I was met with a lot of raised eyebrows. “You’re doing what?” “Isn’t that a male-dominated industry?” “Are you sure you can handle it?” Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been underestimated or outright dismissed. But here’s the thing: every time someone doubted me, it only fueled my fire. I’m not just doing this for myself; I’m doing it for every woman who’s ever been told she couldn’t.
Let’s talk about the challenges, because they’re real. First off, there’s the funding gap. Did you know that female entrepreneurs receive significantly less venture capital than their male counterparts? It’s like, we have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves, and even then, we’re often overlooked. But guess what? We’re finding ways around it. Crowdfunding, angel investors, bootstrapping—you name it, we’re doing it.
Then there’s the whole balancing act. As women, we’re often expected to juggle a million things at once—running a business, managing a household, maintaining relationships, and somehow still finding time for self-care. It’s exhausting, but it’s also empowering. Every time I manage to pull it off, I feel like a superhero.
But let’s not forget the wins, because they’re just as important. The first time I landed a big client, the first time I saw my product on a store shelf, the first time I was able to hire a team of amazing women—those moments made all the struggles worth it. And the best part? Knowing that I’m paving the way for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
One thing I’ve learned is the importance of community. Surrounding myself with other ambitious, like-minded women has been a game-changer. We lift each other up, share resources, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey. Because let’s face it, entrepreneurship can be lonely, especially when you’re trying to break into a space that’s not always welcoming.
So, to all the women out there thinking about starting their own business: go for it. Yes, it’s going to be hard. Yes, you’re going to face obstacles. But you’re also going to discover strengths you never knew you had. And who knows? You might just change the world in the process.