History Shows Women Have Always Been Entrepreneurs

Even though it might seem like the concept of a woman business owner is relatively new. In the United States, women have operated their own entities since before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

Whether they inherited family-owned businesses or had to run companies while their husbands battled in wars, women have been entrepreneurs even with limited societal rights.  

Much has changed since women didn’t even have the right to vote on matters impacting their wellbeing. As of January 2023, the US has 12.3 million women-owned businesses (40% of all the country's companies).  

We asked some members of the Enthuse Foundation community who their woman business owner role model was. Here are the responses.  

"Madam C.J. Walker is an inspiration and a role model for many reasons, primarily for her perseverance. No matter what obstacles she faced, she found a way to overcome them. Beyond that, her ability to be successful not only as a black and woman entrepreneur and founder but as a leader and mentor to burgeoning founders.” 

Alexandra Baker, In the Kitchen with Alexandra

"I am inspired daily by my mom, who owns a small business in my hometown. She built her medical spa up from nothing when that business was new. She had to do a lot of consumer education. When I think about how we educate people about our brand since we are disrupting the category, I am inspired by how she did that -- pre-social media!!" 

Drew Lederman, Resist Nutrition  

"The woman founder that I admire is Fiona Co Chan of Youthforia. She was recently on Shark Tank, has impressive negotiation skills, and an innovative brand!"  

Amanat Anand, SoaPen  

“I admire Ali Bonar, CEO and founder of Oat Haus Granola Butter. Oat Haus is pioneering a new category in the food space, their Granola Butter can be used across so many great recipes. In some ways, Oat Haus reminds me of my own business Farmer Foodie. We're following a similar path and approach in the plant-powered market, creating a new and delicious Cashew Parm category.”  

Alison Elliott, The Farmer Foodie

"Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. She is not a founder but is changing the world and helping women and children. I want to use my company to change the world, bringing people a healthy lifestyle and happiness." 

Lei Nichols, Wise Mouth Tea 

“Shiza Shahid is the founder and marketing genius behind Our Place, the award-winning and, let's face it, epic always pan. She took an outdated product in an oversaturated market and gave it a much-needed facelift. The branding alone makes you want to buy the products. Still, the item is just as excellent, especially if you live in a tiny NYC apartment like me. She is a real inspiration in how she approaches business and tackles what she wants. I can only hope to make my company a fraction of what she has made hers."  

Allison Ullo, Leaves of Leisure 

“My co-founder Pauline Ang and I are daughters of immigrants. Our moms have made sacrifices so we could have the “American Dream”. They left their home country and families seeking a better life. Through food, our moms found ways to keep our heritage a part of our upbringing. These memories are what inspired us to create Twrl Milk Tea. Our moms instilled in us values of hard work and being proud of being Chinese-Taiwanese American.”  

Olivia Chen, Twrl Milk Tea   

Women entrepreneurs are everywhere and in all industries. “Entrepreneurship has no age or time limits...it thrives on hope and inspiration," said Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies. "Those who participate can only make the world a better place." One way to make the world a better place and provide inspiration to other women is to mentor an up-and-coming entrepreneur. Check out this blog on “How to Not Be Afraid of the Mentoring Dynamic.”