We have interviewed quite a few business women on our business blog, from innovators and philanthropists, to working moms and all around girl bosses. And it’s safe to say we’ve learned a thing or two. These female entrepreneurs have paved the way for those of us who have a product we dream of seeing out in the market, those of us who have ever thought we need to choose a career or a family, those of us who desire to see the world change, and every woman in-between. They are successful women in business, yes, but also moms and creatives and much much more.
Here are just a few of the business women we have had the privilege of chatting with over the years and some of the meaningful things we have walked away with. If you find yourself particularly inspired by one – or all – of them, be sure to click through to their complete interview and walk through their journey with us.
Caitlin Crosby of The Giving Keys
“Anyone can make change. It’s not that difficult. Get passionate about something you know can be better in this world… And then start with throwing a party with your friends bringing awareness to it & donate proceeds of the party to someone you can help. Let yourself dream up other creative ways to improve the issue you’re passionate about. YOU can do it.” – Caitlin Crosby
Julie Solomon, Host of The Influencer Podcast, and Pitch it Perfect Founder
“Not only do you have to love what you’re doing when it comes to the content you’re creating, but you really have to understand that it’s a marathon and not sprint and if you want to be here a year from now, five years from now, or 10 years from now, you’re going to have to stick with it, test a lot of things out, have a lot of trial and error, and be able to step up to the challenges when they come.” – Julie Solomon
“I think this is something all moms should hear more often: be kind to yourself. Being a parent is impossibly hard, but you’re doing a better job than you think you are. The next time you’re tempted to guilt yourself about something instead tell yourself that you are enough.” – Elle Rowley
Katie Dean of Katie Dean Jewelry
“The harsh truth is that you may not succeed but it’s better to try and learn from it than never try. I can assure you that even if it doesn’t go how you imagined, you will learn SO much and that experience will help you in anything you go on to do. And the flip side of that is you may be wildly successful!” – Katie Dean
Manuela Testolini of In A Perfect World Foundation
“It’s important to remember that anyone can make a difference. I would encourage anyone reading this to think about what drives you, what are your passions that call you to do more? Take a look at what organizations are out there giving back that excite you. There are so many ways to give back, whether by lending your time and talents, donating to a cause that inspires you, or simply spreading the word. Every act of service makes a difference.” – Manuela Testolini
Jacqui Saldana of Baby Boy Bakery
“If you say yes to something that doesn’t make you happy it won’t be your best work. It seems so simple, but a lot of times we say yes just because. Just because we need experience, just because it’s a big partner or promotion or just because we need the money. But if it doesn’t make you happy at the start it isn’t worth it. Life is too short for un-happy.” – Jacqui Saldana
Jessica Camerata & Cathy Anderson of The Blog Societies
“Set short and long term goals, both individually and as a team. Be open about your objectives and how you reach them, and be sure to support each other’s individual goals.” – Jessica Camerata & Cathy Anderson
“I draw inspiration everywhere I go, but mostly I focus on what draws me in — whether that’s an eye-catching storefront, a delicious meal, or a new place I visit. I am constantly trying to expose myself to new experiences so there is a constant flow of ideas or projects that will inspire others as well.” – Joy Cho
Lauren McGoodwin of Career Contessa
“There are so many good ideas and so many directions you can take your business, but if you lose focus, you can wind up going too many directions and not getting very far with any.” – Lauren McGoodwin
“The tough part about owning your own business, especially a creative one, is that the wheels never stop turning and there is always always something more to do. I’ve had to really discipline myself with my time and create boundaries. I have to be intentional about the time I spend with my husband, my kids and my friends…otherwise my workaholic tendencies can easily take over.” – Kelli Murray
Jessica Honegger of Noonday Collection
“Abandon the belief that another woman’s success diminishes yours. So often, we feel the need to put other women down to guarantee our own success, but it doesn’t work that way. Every woman that succeeds is paving a way for other women to succeed. Not only do we each need to run the race we are called to run, but we also need to cheer other women on as they run theirs.” – Jessica Honegger
“We really consider ourselves a family business, and we’ve welcomed spectacular talent from outside our networks into BOXFOX with open arms. Our fox family is all about togetherness, whether we’re singing in the warehouse packing orders, swapping soups on Mondays, or sharing insights in our business book club. We work really hard, but we always try to make room to explore everyone’s interests and have fun.” – Jenni Olivero
Who should we interview next?!