Five Lessons From Top Entrepreneurs, Who All Happen To Be Women

Taking inspiration from powerhouse Sheryl Sandberg, this article highlights the strength and impact of female entrepreneurs. Women in business are not only working hard but also changing perceptions in the world. Every day, they find innovative ways to assert themselves. In celebration of International Women’s Day on August 8th, we’ve rounded up five essential lessons from leading women entrepreneurs:

Lesson 1: “Define Yourself Differently” by Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook and the first woman on its board of directors, emphasizes the importance of self-definition. In her book, Lean In, she asserts that while it’s vital to be proud of being a woman, this should not solely define one’s role in business. She points out that the term "female" often comes with a note of surprise, like "female COO" or "female surgeon." Sandberg believes that one day there will simply be leaders, without the gender qualifier.

Lesson 2: “Invest in Yourself” by Bassie Kumalo
Bassie Kumalo, who gained fame as Miss South Africa in 1994, has become a successful entrepreneur. She highlights that learning is a strength, not a weakness. Kumalo views education as an investment in oneself, having pursued business courses to enhance her knowledge. She advises that each morning, one should think of oneself as a brand and act accordingly, which is essential for brand success.

Lesson 3: “Differentiate Yourself” by Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely, the founder and CEO of Spanx, urges entrepreneurs to identify what makes them unique and the specific needs of their customers. She emphasizes the importance of having a clear definition of one’s differentiation, especially during challenging times. Blakely also warns against sharing fragile ideas too early, noting that ideas can be vulnerable. She advises waiting until you’re fully prepared to invest in your idea before revealing it to others.

Lesson 4: “Don’t Be Afraid to Think Bigger” by Sibongile Sambo
Sibongile Sambo is a trailblazer in South African aviation and the founder of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100% black female-owned aviation services company in the country. Her lesson is about thinking big and pivoting when necessary. After being rejected for a flight attendant position due to her height, Sambo decided to create her own path in the aviation industry by starting her own company. She emphasizes investing in her employees, helping them obtain their private pilot licenses, and believes in paying forward the support she received.

Lesson 5: “Learn, Test, Fail, Repeat” by Nneile Nkholise
Nneile Nkholise encourages patience in the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting that failure is a crucial part of learning. She believes society has made failure seem daunting, discouraging young women from pursuing careers in tech. Nkholise advises women entrepreneurs to remain grounded in their passion and goals, understanding that achieving success takes time and that expectations may not always align with reality.

What We’ve Learned
Women in business bring valuable skills, deep commitment, and fresh perspectives to the workplace. Underestimating them is a mistake. Wishing all our merchants, both men and women, a very happy International Women’s Day!