Ready to launch your own venture? Here’s practical wisdom from female entrepreneurs who built successful businesses from scratch. March is a special month to celebrate women's achievements, but every day is an opportunity to honor their contributions. If you aspire to become a leader or entrepreneur, it can be daunting figuring out where to start. The path to success is often not straightforward, but that's what makes it so remarkable. Fortunately, these ten inspiring women share their journeys and invaluable advice for transforming your big ideas into reality.

Just Begin

In sharing my entrepreneurial journey, I often emphasize that I had doubts about its feasibility. I believed it could work, but I was uncertain if everything would align for success. There’s no perfect time to start. Had I waited for all the right conditions, I’d still be waiting. I began small, promising to continue if things progressed positively. My first sign of being on the right track was when I could trademark Glowbar. Five years later, it's grown beyond my wildest dreams.

—Rachel Liverman, CEO and founder of Glowbar. Recently, Glowbar secured $10 million in Series A funding, aiming to double its studio count by the end of 2023, with plans for expansion in the New York tri-state area and along the eastern seaboard.

Invest in Yourself and Expand Your Knowledge

“Launching your own venture requires learning many skills and industry insights. You'll need to proactively seek training programs, self-study resources, and mentors. Without a boss to hold you accountable, it's essential to track your progress and recognize when more knowledge is needed. No task is beneath you when starting out. As a self-made leader or entrepreneur, you’ll juggle various roles—from CEO to delivery person. Passion for success means embracing all responsibilities, even those you may not enjoy.”

—Kelly Fair, founder and executive director of Polished Pebbles. The organization has helped create over 20 businesses for girls and their mothers, serving around 1,500 students annually and doubling revenue in recent years.

Find Your Niche

“Deep expertise in a specific area allows you to establish authority and be recognized as a leader. By narrowing your focus, you can immerse yourself in your field, stay updated on trends, and connect with key players. You must actively present yourself as an expert; no one will simply label you as such. Confidently showcasing your niche expertise enables others to view you as a credible authority.”

—Jen Berson, founder of Jeneration PR and Jeneration Academy. Her agency has surpassed seven figures by offering expert strategies to agency owners, serving 4,000 members across 30 countries.

Collaboration is Key

“I launched my first tea company, Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, as a single mother facing financial struggles. I transformed a tea cart into a brand available in 20,000 stores through a mission to support Fair Trade for tea workers. After my company was taken over and I was dismissed, I rebirthed my business with Magic Hour, reconnecting with loyal customers eager for my new offering.

“True self-made success requires community support. Once you’re confident in your idea, seek feedback from trusted individuals. Only involve investors if you can manage group dynamics effectively. Align your vision with your values; remember, ‘With a mission to serve, you cannot fail.’”

—Zhena Muzyka, founder of Magic Hour. Serving over 60,000 tea enthusiasts, Magic Hour is a $5M+ business.

Embrace Your Unique Path

“After two decades in a major pharmaceutical firm, I transitioned to entrepreneurship without retail experience. My company has made the Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years, with projected growth of 50 percent this year. Avoid the comparison trap; it can hinder your progress and lead to self-doubt. Your unique talents and gifts are needed.”

—Deeannah Seymour, CEO and co-founder of pH-D Feminine Health. Their revenue reached $20 million in 2022, with consistent growth between 40 to 100 percent annually.

Self-Made Doesn't Always Mean Entrepreneurship

“You can be a self-made leader within an organization without starting your own business. Identifying opportunities for improvement, creating new partnerships, or mentoring employees are all ways to lead effectively in a corporate environment. Entrepreneurship is often romanticized, but leading within an established company is equally commendable.”

—Connie Lo, co-founder of Three Ships Beauty. From a $4,000 investment, they’ve grown to multimillion-dollar sales, with a 40% increase in e-commerce and 60% in retail from 2021 to 2022.

Be Prepared to Adjust Your Lifestyle

“In 2021, my bold goal was to start my own company. While working two jobs and managing debt, I launched Leaves of Leisure in Fall 2022. I dedicated late nights and weekends to bring my brand to life. Being a self-made leader requires commitment, often at the expense of leisure time. You must prioritize your ambitions but remember that success often takes longer than expected. Small, consistent efforts lead to significant achievements.”

—Allison Ullo, CEO and founder of Leaves of Leisure. Since launching in Fall 2022, they’ve produced over 50,000 tea bags.

Bet on Yourself Every Time

“There will be days when you feel like giving up, but remember that pushing through discomfort is crucial. Learn the ins and outs of your business; it helps build empathy, structure, and foresight. Approach challenges as puzzles and maintain gratitude throughout the journey. Prioritize what matters most—family, faith, and friendships.”

—Jamie O’Banion, CEO and founder of BeautyBio. Their retail presence has expanded by 415% in two years, now reaching over 2,000 stores globally.

Patience and Perseverance Are Essential

“Reflecting on my life, I left Syria to escape turmoil with my daughter. We faced immense challenges, leaving everything behind. I learned the importance of support networks and privilege. My family played a crucial role in helping me rebuild my life and business, Afia. Entrepreneurship is a long journey filled with obstacles, but optimism and determination will guide you through tough times.”

—Farrah Moussallati Sibai, co-founder and president of Afia Foods. Afia has doubled its distribution for two consecutive years, achieving 200% growth in retail last year.

Stand Out in a Male-Dominated Field

“I grew up in a middle-class family and attended MIT. After graduation, I joined Barclays in investment banking. Following a decade in finance, I pivoted to entrepreneurship after discovering a gap in the spirits market. Instead of feeling out of place, I embraced the attention as the only woman in the room. My confidence grew, and I was recognized as a key contributor in high-stakes meetings.”

—Jenn Toyzer, co-founder and CEO of UME Plum Liqueur. In the past year, they increased revenue over five times and tripled retail sales in six months.