“Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you.” There are two types of women in the world: those who find those lyrics conceited and arrogant, and those who see those words as fuel to catapult them towards their dreams. In this post, we’ll cover five young female entrepreneurs who believed they could do anything better … and did. Here are some of their inspiring words about breaking down barriers and stereotypes to turn their little ideas into big, big business.
(Photo Credit: xJason.Rogersx/Flickr)
1. Amber Venz Box, rewardStyle and LikeToKnow.It
If you’re an avid user of Instagram, then you’ve probably seen this entrepreneur’s brilliant business. Amber Venz Box is the president and co-founder of rewardStyle and LikeToKnow.It, which have both revolutionized the fashion retail and blogging sphere forever. Here’s what Box had to say about trying to do it all yourself:
“Do NOT try to do it alone. If it takes a complete set of markers, don’t try to be the red, the orange, the yellow … find a really brilliant orange, yellow…. Make sure you have a clear, attainable roadmap.” (The Everygirl)
2. Erica Nicole, founder and CEO of YFS Magazine
YFS stands for “Young, Fabulous, and Self-Employed,” and it’s an extremely appropriate name when you consider YFS Magazine‘s founder and CEO, Erica Nicole — who is all of those things and then some. In a nutshell, “YFS Magazine is where entrepreneurship and pop culture collide,” according to the company’s site, and its aim is to provide entrepreneurs with the information and resources needed to start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Here’s what Nicole had to say about believing in yourself:
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
3. Lauren Conrad, LaurenConrad.com
Lauren Conrad used to make headlines for the drama that ensued on the once-popular reality show, Laguna Beach. Now, Conrad is still in the news, but, this time, it’s for her booming lifestyle brand, LaurenConrad.com.
Conrad put her reality TV fame to good use and created a brand that offers women tips on fashion, beauty, DIY, fitness, and cooking so that they can become confident, classy women. When confronted with an incredibly awkward and inappropriate question during a live radio interview, Conrad responded with the best possible answer ever:
Question: “What is your favorite position?”
Answer: “CEO.”
4. Adora Svitak, Flying Fingers
Would you believe this young entrepreneur turned 8 when her first book was published? Adora Svitak penned Flying Fingers: Master the Tools of Learning Through the Joy of Writing, which is a compilation of adventure stories that teaches kids the art and joy of writing. Svitak proves that entrepreneurship can be fun and enjoyable, especially when you’re doing something you absolutely love. Here’s her advice for people who may be too afraid to take that first step as an entrepreneur:
“There’s no committee that says, ‘This is the type of person who can change the world – and you can’t.’ Realizing that anyone can do it is the first step. The next step is figuring out how you’re going to do it.”
5. Leah Busque, TaskRabbit
If you’ve ever had a million things piling up on your to-do list and not enough hours in the day, then you need TaskRabbit, and you can thank Leah Busque for creating this life-saving service. TaskRabbit helps everyday people like you and me get things done, by outsourcing tasks to someone else who has the time and energy to do them. Everyone from people to do household chores or handyman jobs, to party planners, to personal shoppers are at your service with the click of a button. I know, it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” scenarios — it’s okay, let’s just be grateful someone did. Here’s Busque’s advice on keeping track of your million-dollar ideas:
“Keep a notebook next to your bed. Some of my best ideas have come to be by waking me up in the middle of the night. Because of this, I keep a notepad next to me while I sleep. When something comes to me and I wake up, I quickly write it down so I don’t forget. Then, when I wake up, I’m extremely motivated to bring whatever idea it is to life!”
Hopefully the success and strength of these young ladies will encourage you to be fearless in your career, whether that means you become an entrepreneur or climb the corporate ladder and shatter the glass ceiling.
Tell Us What You Think
What other young female entrepreneurs do you admire and why? Share your pick with our community on Twitter, or feel free to leave a comment below.
I think you all are doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work !
Thank you for allowing me to share this great information with my students.