Starting a business is never easy, but starting one as a female founder in a highly regulated industry brings its own unique set of challenges.
What does it mean to be a successful woman? Is it about breaking barriers, defying stereotypes, or simply staying true to ourselves?
At 17, I wanted a darkroom in the garage and to take photos all day… at 30, I was still convincing myself photography wasn’t a ‘real’ career.
In the end of 2019, just before the world would change forever with COVID-19, my co-founder and I (both seasoned veterans in the HR and global employment space) decided to take a bold leap.
I remember early in my career how happy and motivated I felt when I was entrusted with some task that was out of the ordinary.
In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging, recognising, reflecting, acting, speaking up, celebrating, and empowering women, I’m reminded of the immense power we each hold through PR and our own publishing platforms – such as our social media profiles, personal blogs, websites, newsletters, podcasts, video channels, online courses/webinars. These all allow us to create and share our stories and messages directly with the world.
What do a controlling bully, a serial adulterer, and an alcoholic fraud have in common? I married them all. Big mistake!
The last Issue of Startups talked about how sustainability had to be a focus for startups in 2025, and I couldn’t agree more. As a founder committed to solving the planet’s biggest problems, I support SMEs with digital transformation and sustainability.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, emphasises the significance of moving beyond the surface and committing to the long-term inclusion of women in the workplace. While the gender gap is narrowing globally, it will likely take another five generations – over 134 years – to fully close this gap. The call to #AccelerateAction is urgent.
The potential of AI to level up entrepreneurship was showcased in London last week, as fresh research finds over half of the UK’s Disabled entrepreneurs are embracing AI and many believe the technology could be a game-changer for their business.
For many women, financial independence is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. Despite earning more and holding higher positions than ever before, women still face significant financial challenges.
More women are founding businesses than ever before, according to data from Gender Index. But founding is just the first step – YFM Equity Partners says that far more support is needed to enable female entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and to achieve entrepreneurial equality.
Right now, we are seeing a movement where women are no longer prepared to wait. No longer prepared to wait for the equality that, as children, we were taught was a done deal.
While headlines celebrate female entrepreneurship, there’s a concerning trend hiding in plain sight. The percentage of women-led SMEs in the UK has declined from 19% in 2021 to just 15% in 2023. Yet, at a time when nearly half of businesses are turning to freelancers to drive innovation, female micro business owners could be the key to unlocking economic growth.
At 12 years old, my world shifted in a way I never expected. My mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and overnight, I became a carer – not just for her, but also for my four younger siblings.
In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, where uncertainty and self-doubt can often creep in, one of the most powerful tools us women can have at our disposal is connection.
Women in business face unique challenges. Whether it’s breaking into leadership roles, securing funding, or simply being seen and heard – the path is often harder for us than for men. But one of the most powerful tools we have in our armoury to change that? Community.
In the UK, 18% of businesses are female-owned, while 82% are male-owned. Yet, women are starting more businesses, and 16-22-year-olds are starting more businesses than any other age group.
I want to be a billionaire, and I’m not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Why? Because the world needs more women in business who dare to dream this big – and act on it.
What if optimising your hormonal health was the key to showing up as the strongest, most authentic version of yourself – working with your biology, not against it?
