To subscribe, click here.To submit a letter to the editor, click here.To pitch a ‘My Turn’ guest column, email [email protected].
Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations.Sign up for our daily newsletter hereThere are more than 12 million of them nationwide, including several dozen right here in our own backyard. The businesses they own generate $388 billion in annual revenue for the U.S. economy, selling everything from commercial real estate to car detailing and operating in every sector imaginable, from hospitality, travel and tourism to dentistry, legal services and animal care.With National Women’s Small Business Month about to wrap up, Editor JEFF D’ALESSIO recruited 37 local entrepreneurs for a roundtable-style conversation about changes, challenges and more.
Julee Gay
Jim Rossow/The News-Gazette
JULEE GAY (Westville’s Julees Shooting Star Tavern): “Well, being a bar owner for 38 years, that’s kind of a funny question. Sometimes, I tell people it’s been hard living in a man’s world. But as we all know, female bar owners go way, way back, clear to Miss Kitty on ‘Gunsmoke.’”
Ghada Adhami
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
GHADA ADHAMI (Champaign’s All Smiles Family Dentistry): “In general, there is an assumption by others that women do not know as much — more naive, less business-savvy, more gullible. “I remember going to a dental conference and one of the dental representatives made a snide remark, (inquiring) if I had permission from my husband to attend the conference and make financial decisions.”
Jackie Sampson
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
JACKIE SAMPSON (Champaign’s Esquire Lounge): “I get a good chuckle when people don’t know I’m the one they want to see. A customer who wants to talk to the manager, and points to the male bartender standing behind me, or someone filling out an application, who wants to see the person in charge of the hiring. “There’s usually no point in arguing. I just hand the situation over the male employee they are pointing to, who listens to them, and then sends me back over.”Probably about four times a year, we will have someone turn in a job application, and want to turn it into a man behind the bar, and although I offer to take it, they refuse and say they will wait for the ‘owner.’ I let them wait for whatever male employee they are waiting for, who then hands it to me. “It’s men and women both who do it, and it honestly always surprises me how many people still think that way.”
Isis Griffin
Provided
ISIS GRIFFIN (Champaign’s CBPB Popcorn Shop and Sooie Bros Bar B Que Joint): “It’s bad enough that they think that women aren’t as smart as men when it comes to business, but when you’re young, it’s double the challenge.”
Jennifer Johns
Provided
JENNIFER JOHNS (Monticello’s Simply JJ): “Overtly? No. But there have been instances where individuals have attempted to persuade me to change my mind about something I wanted for my business and I had to hold my ground. I don’t think a man would have had that same experience.”
Jill Guth
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
JILL GUTH (Champaign’s Guth & Associates): “Being in a male-dominated industry — commercial real estate — there are many times I feel like the outsider looking in, especially in the beginning of Guth & Associates.”I learned that hard work and dedication to the business pushed me through the perceived roadblocks.”
Mary Enright
Provided
MARY ENRIGHT (founder/creative director of Champaign’s Hunny Bunny Bakes): “I would say that my biggest challenge as a woman in small business is also something that is kind of a weird work perk, in a way — childcare.”It seems like, still, the majority of childcare responsibilities fall on women, regardless of whether or not there are additional responsibilities for them outside of the home. I’ve had wonderful jobs that attempted to be as understanding as possible regarding childcare situations, but the reality is that unless systems are set up to encourage women to be able to fit work into their home life versus home into their work life, it’s not going to happen in any way that doesn’t feel extremely stressful for the woman doing double-duty.”I needed a job that would allow me to set my own hours, miss days of work on short notice and disconnect when away from the shop, so I had to create it. Then I had to figure out how to make all of these accommodations work for my business in a way that kept us profitable.”Those things need to be intentionally thought about, in advance, and I just still don’t think it’s on most businessmen’s minds because it doesn’t have to be.”
Stefanie Pratt
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
STEFANIE PRATT (Champaign’s Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group): “In real estate, with the inspection items needing done, explaining and getting costs is key. I have had male figures — normally a parent or friend that isn’t involved in the transaction directly that wants to help — not listen to my knowledge or not take me seriously when at the inspection, or looking at the house even.
“I have learned to read that situation and prepare to show my worth to each person differently to ensure they know I know what I am talking about. I am a different type of Realtor; I am very involved. I will listen to contractors, ask questions of them and understand how things need to be done so I can be a benefit to clients.”I like to learn, though. It’s even more interesting when a contractor is working at my house. I am super hands-on with what is being done and costs. I will shut someone down if they try to upsell me and it’s not needed.“Then the party bus and limo business, it’s always entertaining when I say I own the business and the vehicles and bought the building I house them in. It’s not common for a female to own and run this type of business.”I felt some resistance at first when I started really building it, but it seems to have settled. In the past three years of building the business, I have gained more respect as this type of business owner. I also run a very good business.”Explaining the insurance and how the vehicles run can sometimes get some pushback, like I don’t know what I am talking about. Mainly, males will try to know more when it comes to limos and party buses because they relate them to normal vehicles. They are a different vehicle and I do understand them. I also know how they need to be fixed after learning and asking questions as things pop up.”
Landria Seals Green
Provided
LANDRIA SEALS GREEN (Savoy’s ExcelPrep): “I think as a business owner, the challenges have been the audacious questions asked of me as we build ExcelPrep. And one of them is: Did you do this for money?”I chuckle because I did this because of a heartstring. But those questions about economy and business development are not necessarily asked of people who do not look like me. As a speech language pathologist, I can appreciate the candor and style of communication. And at the same time, these questions really propel me to rise above and heighten my level of focus.”
Diana Stewart
Provided
DIANA STEWART (Danville’s EnvirOx): “The female experience is dramatically different than the male experience in life. Business leadership is no different. I’ve watched businessmen make inappropriate comments, be reactive in explosive, emotionally uncontrolled ways. I’ve seen this behavior brushed aside, laughed off or generally accepted. “The damage to a woman’s reputation would be far greater and impact employee trust and confidence in her leadership. Women are still held to a different standard and not everyone is comfortable with female leadership — yet.”We’re getting there. And we’re raising the bar on workplace behavior in a way that increases psychological and physical safety for everyone in the process.”
Leah Bodine
Provided
LEAH BODINE (Monticello’s Blue Dragonfly Catering): “When starting my business, I was often asked what culinary school I attended. I have what we call in the business the ‘back alley culinary degree.’ I was taught by outstanding chefs as I worked my way through the ranks.”When I told people this, I would get a simple: ‘Oh, interesting.’ One time, I was with a male chef friend of mine who also has the back alley degree; while both of us were standing there, someone came up and asked both of us the culinary school question. He laughed and said ‘I didn’t go to culinary school; I have the back alley degree.'”We all laughed and the person said: ‘That’s fantastic.’ When I answered, the reply was: ‘So how are you qualified to get a chef’s job?’”
Michelle Benjamin
Provided
MICHELLE BENJAMIN (Champaign’s Benjamin & Co. Esthetique): “When I was leading a meeting with a potential product line, I arrived at the meeting prepared with data, projections and a solid proposal. However, during the discussions, I sensed that my expertise was being overshadowed by my male colleagues. The client seemed more inclined to engage with the men in the room, often directing questions to them instead of me.”This experience highlighted the importance of confidence and assertiveness as a woman in business. While men may not often have to navigate similar dynamics, I learned that advocating for myself and my capabilities is crucial in overcoming these challenges. It also reinforced the need for mentorship and support networks for women entrepreneurs to help address these types of biases.”
Jen Shelby
Provided
JEN SHELBY (Champaign’s Shatterglass Films): “Oh, I have too many anecdotes for this one. During my 29 years in the auto industry, the last 13 of them as the dealer principal, there were no shortage of crazy incidents that I went through that my male counterparts never even had to think about.”I was at a dealer meeting for Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Florida. We were all meeting at a hotel for three days. This was the dawn of the online shopping age for vehicle purchases.
“One of the things that Chrysler did at this meeting was to invite several different online content providers to come and try to sell their programs to us. I wandered into the area this was happening and was quickly approached by a man asking me if I was here for the Chrysler meeting — as if I might be in the wrong place. I simply said ‘yes.’ He then asked me if I worked in the office of the dealership, to which I replied: ‘You could say that.'”At this point, I’d decided to give him all the rope he needed to hang himself. The next question he posed was: ‘Are you in a position to make any decisions at the dealership?’ I told him I was — and on and on. He continued to try to fit me into the role of a receptionist that might get to make choices about which coffee to buy, and what size Kleenex box might work best in the restrooms.”I had finally had enough of his demeaning questions, looked him in the eye and said: ‘I am the dealer principal. Is that enough decision-making power for you?'”I then told him that if he were selling the only product in the market, I would not buy anything he was selling.”This sort of thing happened countless times — I could write a book on the number of times I was talked down to in the auto industry. On the bright side, they now make T-shirts and coffee mugs that say: ‘Go ahead, underestimate me. That will be fun.'”
Regina Johnson
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
REGINA JOHNSON (Savoy’s RegCakes): “When I started my business, I encountered so many unknowns, and I thought to myself: ‘I’ll bet everyone else knows how to do this better than I do.'”But the more I rub shoulders with other small business owners, male and female, I’ve realized that the vast majority of others are just winging it, too. Imposter syndrome tries to get in my head frequently.”Fellow women business owners: You are completely capable of doing this. Capitalize on your strengths, and learn the rest step by step with help. Everyone in small biz has do-overs, failures and wish-they-wouldas, but grit up and don’t give up. You’re in good company.”
Shayla Maatuka
Anthony Zilis/The News-Gazette
SHAYLA MAATUKA (Champaign’s Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC): “One thing I wish I had been told early on is: It’s not a business unless I can afford to hire other people to run it. Otherwise, it’s just a job.”Now, when I evaluate opportunities, I make sure that I’m not just creating another job for myself, because I already have a job. I don’t need another job.”Additionally, I wish someone had advised me to scale slowly. I see a lot of people jumping into businesses, buying vehicles and other things they don’t really need, just to set up the business, before they really know if it’s going to make money. We did that with one of our businesses and paid for it later.”
Talisha Johnson
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
TALISHA JOHNSON (Champaign’s AMT Hair Salon): “Embrace the power of networking and mentorship. Early in my journey, I underestimated the value of building relationships and seeking guidance from those who have walked a similar path, even if their journey looks different than my own.”Collaboration over competition. It’s OK if you didn’t think of it on your own. When you take it and put your spin on it, it’ll conform to you.”
Emily Brown
Provided
EMILY BROWN (Hoopeston’s 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe and Boxcar Books and Vinyl): “Opening a new business isn’t easy. There are so many details to consider, challenges to face and issues that will pop up that you never even dreamed of. “Having said that, when your concept comes together and people walk in and enjoy what you have created, there is no greater satisfaction.”My advice is to choose something you are completely passionate about and let that passion guide through the hard times. Also, and I cannot emphasize this enough, have a great marketing plan. The single most difficult aspect of owning a new business is getting people to know that you exist.”ISIS GRIFFIN: “Don’t think that your degree, experience working for someone else or hands-on knowledge is going to benefit you into becoming an entrepreneur. Although this is helpful for you, it is in no way an advantage.”I learned that business isn’t about what you can do or what your product is. Business is about understanding all the legal, codes and rules that are all put there to control something that you think you’re in control of. It’s about understanding all the hurdles and obstacles that will never go away.”
Tara Allen
Provided
TARA ALLEN (Champaign’s greener goods shop + refillery): “This is something that I accidentally stumbled into early on: Surround yourself with other female entrepreneurs that support you, that have your back, that will listen to you vent about your small business problems and celebrate your small business victories.”
Becca Powers
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
BECCA POWERS (Savoy’s Industrial Donut): “Find your ‘why’ and never forget it. The day-to-day work can sometimes get mundane, and your ‘why’ can easily get lost in the shuffle. You must always remember that your power lies in your ‘why.'”
Monica Samii-Porter
Provided
MONICA SAMII-PORTER (Champaign’s Mr. & Mrs. Auto Detailing): “Do your research and make friends. There is an abundance of valuable resources available to support you on your business journey. A key starting point is conducting thorough research, and the local library is an excellent resource for this.
“At the Champaign Public Library, Lauren Gramly offers expert guidance on launching a business and is a highly knowledgeable resource for entrepreneurs. Additionally, consider joining business organizations such as the Executive Club of Champaign County, the Women’s Business Council and Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, where you’ll find invaluable insights and extensive networking opportunities.”
Rhea Morallos, left, and daughter Aundie (Morallos) Owens
Provided
RHEA MORALLOS (Monticello’s Adegacha! Premium Coffee): “As a child, I was very timid and my mom — a very confident and empowered woman — would send me to ballet, piano, singing and even to modeling classes just to boost my confidence. I did not understand why she insisted on making me take these classes at a young age until late in college and early in my career.”To reach your goals and have success in any field, you need to have faith in yourself and have the courage to be uncomfortable in facing adversities in life. Most especially, when you are there as a woman trying to be an accomplished provider, wife and mother. Easier said than done, but confidence leads to other things, such as resiliency and perseverance.”Though I realized the significance of these values later in life, my mother’s lessons taught me this — there is power in having a sense of confidence and building that sense to others.”AUNDIE (MORALLOS) OWENS (Rhea’s daughter and Adegacha! Premium Coffee co-owner): “Be fearless and fight for the future that you dream of. You absolutely do not have to give up being an amazing mom because you want to be a successful entrepreneur and vice versa.
“Don’t let anyone else tell you that you should just settle with a job you’re ultimately not passionate about because of the fear of not being able to provide for your family. That is never going to be sustainable.”
Susan Norris
Provided
SUSAN NORRIS (Urbana’s Good Friends Animal Hospital): “Never give up. It’s a tough road, but we are all warriors who can succeed. Being focused and driven are, of course, important. But perhaps believing in yourself and embracing your strengths are the biggest boon to your business.”Show your heart. Keep on going. Bad times happen but there is light at the end of that tunnel. Keep going.”
Hopscotch Bakery + Market owners past (Kaya Speagle, left) and present (Jenny Kim).
Facebook
JENNY KIM (Champaign’s Hopscotch Bakery + Market): “You will not make it alone. It is absolutely necessary to seek out and spend time with other women entrepreneurs and leaders, colleagues with whom you can talk through the joys and challenges and shared experiences of business ownership.
“Entrepreneurship has the potential to be very isolating, and the value of sharing one moment of understanding with someone who has gone through the same struggle as you cannot be overstated. I’m still very early in my journey, and this is something that I have to remind myself of often.”We’re very fortunate to live in a community with so many impressive women business owners who are able to learn from one another and lift each other up.”MICHELLE BENJAMIN: “Embrace failure as a crucial part of the journey. Early on, many might fear making mistakes or facing setbacks, but those experiences are often the best teachers. Each failure provides insights and opportunities for growth, helping you refine your strategies and build resilience.”
Cindy Somers
Provided
CINDY SOMERS (Savoy’s Spherion Staffing & Recruiting): “Have patience, which I learned as I matured. It’s never going to be an easy ride — there will be good, there will be bad, you just have to ride the waves and stay patient.”
Sisters Caity Peterson, left, and Ellen Saathoff
The News-Gazette
CAITY PETERSON (Champaign’s Sprouts Art & Nature School): “My sister Ellen and I started Sprouts in 2014. Many childcares pre-date us and are still going strong, but many more have come and gone within that time period.“My best piece of advice is to get a business partner that you trust inherently. Having Ellen by my side is essential to keeping this going and I wouldn’t have even attempted it without her.”JACKIE SAMPSON: “Frequently, you’re just not going to be treated the same as a male boss. You’re just not, and sometimes it’s frustrating or irritating, but the sooner you realize it, the sooner you can adapt strategies to interact in better ways. Most of my role models in bosses are men, so I try to emulate the characteristics that make them successful. “But over time, I had to adapt and understand that much of what they do receives different responses than when that same interaction comes from a woman. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way, it’s just not the same.”
Kaitlin Mennenga
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
KAITLIN MENNENGA (Champaign’s Elite Bridal): “Early in my career, I underestimated the power of relationships. Having a diverse support system can provide guidance, open doors and offer different perspectives.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out, seek advice and collaborate. Networking is not just about advancing your career; it’s about creating a community that can uplift and empower you through the challenges of entrepreneurship.”
Tanya Wall
Provided
TANYA WALL (Monticello’s Back Alley Boutique & Collectibles): “Really do your research in all that is required to start your business. I would also recommend meeting with the local small business development center to take advantage of all their free info and help. I took part in our community’s business boot camp program and gained a lot of useful information as well.”JEN SHELBY: “I wish I had learned earlier not to take things personally. It used to really upset me when an employee or a customer would get upset, or be disrespectful. You have to develop a tough skin to be successful.”Sadly, you will find that there are just some people that will not be happy, no matter what you do.”LANDRIA SEALS GREEN: “I learned the power and value of my voice. Early in my career, I would source and vet the opinion of other people to support the direction that I would take. There was a part of me that wanted someone to help me decide and I needed to feel the support of other people as I continued on.
“My mother noticed that I was seeking validation and she gave me this advice. At the time of receiving her words, I could not absorb them — they were too big for me — but I frequently reflect on the nugget that my mother gave me. Her words were simply ‘make a decision and be unafraid of it.’ Be decisive, be clear, be informed and move forward.“In this landscape of women, specifically Black women, there are so many words that are used and misused in leadership development. And one of them is collaboration. Collaboration is often mixed in with validation and sponsorship.”Not every space is primed and ready for collaboration that includes diversity of people and thought. Not everyone holds responsibility when it comes to mentorship and sponsorship. So it is important to be able to evolve to a space of discernment to understand who are the collaborators, where are the collaborators and if they are worthy of your collaboration.”
Taylor Reifsteck
Provided
TAYLOR REIFSTECK (Tuscola’s Shimmer & Sheek Boutique): “Never give up on yourself. You will hit a lot of lows before you hit your highs. I have owned my boutique for five years, and it’s only been within these last six months I have finally seen all of those years of hard work starting to pay off. You have to believe in yourself and be your own cheerleader.”DIANA STEWART: “Forge your own path. And forge it based on who you are as a person and a leader. Conforming to other’s expectations is unnecessary, exhausting, slows evolution and is a lot less rewarding.”
Lisa Allen
Provided
LISA ALLEN (Paxton’s Prairie City Wine Room): “Don’t let being a female in the business world be a roadblock. Be willing to take risks and be confident in your decisions as a business owner.”MARY ENRIGHT: “Have a dream, and a goal, and a business model, but don’t be so tied to the specifics of it that you miss the opportunity to pivot into something bigger/better/more appropriate.”When Hunny Bunny Bakes was first forming, and the dream of a brick-and-mortar was just starting to take shape, I had a very specific idea of what kind of shop I wanted to have. Within a few months of being open, we started to realize that some of the ideas that we had didn’t actually transfer very well to this space or this community.”My original concept for Hunny Bunny Bakes is gone, and that’s OK, because we’re still here.”
Katie Kemen
Provided
KATIE KEMEN (Monticello’s KDK by Design): “Never be afraid to ask for advice. Asking for advice or help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”Surrounding yourself with mentors and colleagues who can offer different perspectives and insights is invaluable. They can help you to navigate challenges and expand your understanding. Building these relationships builds a supportive environment where everyone can grow together and learn from each other.”
Gigi Henderson
Provided
GIGI HENDERSON (Tuscola’s Travel Simple 4 You): “My journey led me to my purpose in life, being a mom and a nurse, to my passion, being the owner of Travel Simple 4 You. … What I learned along the way, is that I already had all of the skills that I needed to be a successful business owner.“Being a female naturally equips you with skills and qualities that translate well into the world of business. Females are encouraged to be empathetic, collaborative and strong.“Motherhood adds to your business skills. Moms master multitasking, patience and organization. They need to think quick, handle unexpected challenges and think strategically to balance priorities. They understand resilience, patience, consistency and commitment, qualities that are necessary for business.
“Nursing experience adds service for others, clear communication, a drive for learning and the responsibility for caring for others with empathy. “Together with the skills from being a female, mom and a nurse, a woman brings a truly well-rounded approach to leadership. She can balance empathy and efficiency, prioritize with a focus on what truly matters, and foster a supportive environment while making thoughtful decisions. The combination of these life experiences helps shape a leader who is not only skilled and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate and resilient — qualities that elevate her business and inspire those around her.“My advice: Embrace the lessons of your past, because you already have all the skills you need. You can do it.”JILL GUTH: “Find a mentor or a group of female entrepreneurs to meet with on a regular basis. Having a support system of women with similar career goals/aspirations is critical. But don’t just have people that tell you want you want to hear, have women in your group that will call you out when needed.”
Jada Burr
Hannah Knight
JADA BURR (Champaign’s Beyond Bonded Permanent Jewelry): “Customer service goes a long way. We have heard that a million times but it stays true. You can have top-quality products and the perfect image of your company but if you are not forming the customer relations, you will not see the growth that you want as a business owner.”Also, I never knew how hard social media actually is until I started my business. Running social media is a full-time job on top of Beyond Bonded. Being two years in, I have a routine down but in the beginning it was very trying.”JULEE GAY: “Let your customers know — or anybody affiliated with your business know — how much you appreciate them and are thankful for their contribution to your business.”I’ll never forget: I was 27 years old at my grand opening and I was just sitting off to the side. My daddy came and got me. He said: ‘You get up there. Stand by that door and tell every person that comes to that door thank you for coming and how thankful you are.'”
Kelly Finet
Steve Hoffman/Journal-Republican
KELLY FINET (Monticello’s Kelly’s Accounting Service): “Communication is the key to great customer service. People will tolerate a lot if you just keep them informed on what’s going on.”JENNIFER JOHNS: “The 3 Cs have transformed my business: commitment, consistency and community. I had the first two nailed down pretty early on based on experience in my previous business, but some business coaching several years ago truly transformed how I run my current business.”I stopped viewing those who support my business as customers and they became my community. I have worked really hard to nurture that community over the last nine years and I am so grateful for the amazing women — and a few men — who not only show up to support me, but they also support each other.”
Morgan Stone
Provided
MORGAN STONE (Urbana’s Michelle’s Bridal and Black Tie Tuxedo): “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since taking over the bridal shop is the importance of building and nurturing relationships.”When I first started in the family business in 2010, I focused heavily on the day-to-day operations, but I soon realized that connecting with customers, your team and even fellow entrepreneurs is what truly drives success. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about creating an experience and fostering a community.
“Invest time in understanding your customers’ needs and preferences, and don’t underestimate the power of networking. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire and challenge you. This support system can provide invaluable insights and encouragement during tough times.”
Mary Manzella Racz
Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette
MARY MANZELLA RACZ (Champaign’s Manzella’s Italian Patio Restaurant): “Absolutely. When I joined the family business, I was young and timid with no knowledge of the food industry. The restaurant was always operated by the men in the family, so I knew I had some really big shoes to fill.
“It took some time for me to build the confidence that I needed to feel accepted as a female leader in a business that for 28 years prior to me had been the Manzella men. I can proudly say that I have now surpassed the 28 years the men worked as I currently have just over 36 years in.
“So, yes, it’s definitely and significantly less daunting a prospect now.”AUNDIE (MORALLOS) OWENS: “I grew up playing golf, a male-dominated sport, and competed with a lot of boys growing up. Coincidentally, I went to law school and entered the male-dominated legal field as well. So, I never really considered successful businesses or the prospect of creating a successful business something that would be daunting because of all of the male entrepreneurs out there.”Thankfully, I grew up with the experience to still dominate in fields where others would consider out of the ordinary for a female to do so. Just like it’s become a normal feeling to play from the back tees with a group of guys and keep up with them, it feels normal to start a business and create a successful one despite most entrepreneurs being male.”If it’s something you’re truly passionate about, whether it be becoming a successful entrepreneur or building a thriving family, you’ll make it happen, no matter the odds. I hope all these new female entrepreneurs inspire the next generation that it’s possible to make it happen.”STEFANIE PRATT: “I think women have realized they can do more and want to be their own bosses. The corporate world can be restrictive at times. Women have also empowered other women more over recent years than ever before.”TARA ALLEN: “Nope. It remains daunting. Small business is hard for a zillion reasons but being a woman was never one of those reasons for me.”
CINDY SOMERS: “I was fortunate to have my father lead the way and stay involved as I got my footing. “I do think there are more women-owned businesses now and the great thing is in our community there are several supporting groups that help to empower women and support them in their efforts.”EMILY BROWN: “I cannot say that the fact that I am female has ever caused me to take pause on anything that I wanted to pursue in life. I know that historically this hasn’t been the case for women.”For the strong women who have come before me and made it possible for me to never doubt that I can do anything in life, I’ll forever be grateful.”
Anne Carlson
Provided
ANNE CARLSON (Champaign’s Anne Carlson Designs): “I believe today, the ease of starting and scaling a business is much less daunting than when I first started my interior design business in 2002.
“Garnering the potential of social media allows women to create more connection for coaching, mentoring and education as one begins the process. Networking is an obvious advantage through social media, but so is connecting for resources — financial and otherwise can be done through this tool.”There is significantly more funding available that there was 20-plus years ago. I have been able to meet so many talented women business owners from all over the world as suppliers that I use in my interior design business.“Building a client base and creating a brand where there are no geographical limitations creates the largest upside.“There are many ways for women to enter business ownership as well — whether you are a stay-at-home mother and want a side-hustle, or are wanting to shift gears after a long career and start something of your own. The opportunities are endless and it is easier to mitigate risk by not having to have a physical storefront or office.”In today’s world of working from anywhere any time, a woman has the flexibility to juggle different schedules and work at different times throughout the day.“I am optimistic that the number of woman-owned businesses will continue to rise because of fewer obstacles.”
LEAH BODINE: “I wouldn’t say significantly less but there seems to be a trend toward the positive of owning a business.”ISIS GRIFFIN: “I do feel like business is less daunting now because I have a better understanding to see what’s coming before it happens.”JILL GUTH: “I think it depends on the industry. Women are supporting women more than ever, which creates a foundation for more women-owned businesses to be created and be successful. Women business owners always need to reach back down the ladder and pull the next generation upward.”CAITY PETERSON: “The childcare sector has gotten increasingly more difficult to enter and to sustain since we started.”State regulations continue to grow in number and in stringency for everything from teacher education to building requirements, while the profit margins and average salaries are still some of the lowest of all professions and businesses in the U.S.”It might actually be harder than ever.”
KAITLIN MENNENGA: “For me, it hasn’t changed much in terms of how daunting it feels. While it’s great to see the rise in women-owned businesses, the fundamental challenges of entrepreneurship remain. Issues like access to funding and finding a work-life balance can still feel overwhelming.”That said, I appreciate the growing conversation around these topics, which helps build awareness and support. Each journey is unique, and while progress is encouraging, the challenges I faced when I started are still relevant today.”SHAYLA MAATUKA: “Over the years, I’ve gained wisdom and confidence that I didn’t have when we started our first business 28 years ago. Having more women-led businesses definitely helps me market my business more easily.”MICHELLE BENJAMIN: “It certainly feels like a more empowering environment for aspiring female entrepreneurs compared to the past. The increasing visibility of successful women in various industries, along with supportive networks and resources, has made the prospect of starting a business feel less daunting.“Initially, the challenges might have seemed overwhelming, with fewer role models and resources available. However, the steady growth and recognition of women entrepreneurs have created a more encouraging landscape. This shift not only helps in alleviating fears but also inspires confidence and motivation to pursue business goals.“So, while the journey may still have its challenges, the overall atmosphere is much more supportive and optimistic, making it easier for new women entrepreneurs to take that leap.”
JEN SHELBY: “Starting your own business is daunting, no matter who you are, so while this statistic is good, I am not sure it makes the process any less daunting. Happily, now there are programs for female- and minority-owned companies, and when you go to meetings or seminars you see more women, so it is easier to connect and find people that are going through the same process that can offer support and encouragement.”I think you can find that with men also — so really, the most important thing you can do is to be comfortable in your own skin, be confident with the path you’re taking and know that you are going to make mistakes.”People that don’t make mistakes are not trying to grow. A more interesting statistic might be to look at companies run by men versus women and how is this country doing on the equal pay question.”
