Being a woman business owner came with challenges I never saw coming. For over 20 years, I juggled long hours, tough decisions, and the constant pressure to keep things going. I managed staff, helped customers, and wore every hat you can imagine. It was rewarding—but also exhausting.
Looking back, I’m proud of what I built. I’m also grateful I stepped away when I did. The reasons behind that decision are personal and deserve their own story. For now, I want to share what it was really like to be a woman business owner.
How I Became a Woman Business Owner
As a woman in my early thirties, I never dreamed of being a business owner. It happened more out of necessity than passion. My first husband and I were both hardworking and decided to open a retail store together. At the time, I didn’t fully realize what I was getting into.
In the beginning, I just wanted to help. I thought I’d support the business from behind the scenes, but that quickly changed. Before I knew it, I was taking on more responsibility—handling operations, leading the team, and making decisions that directly impacted the business. I stepped into the role of a business owner without much preparation, but I learned fast.
As a woman business owner, I constantly felt pressure to prove that I belonged. It wasn’t just about keeping the doors open—it was about earning respect in a space where women were often overlooked.
The Early Years: No Kids, All Work
Those first few years of running a business were intense. I didn’t have children yet, so I poured all my energy into the store. I worked six or seven days a week, often staying late to finish whatever needed to get done.
At that time, I did everything—buying, bookkeeping, training staff, and working the floor. I learned how to negotiate with vendors, talk to customers, and handle stressful situations on the spot. There was no guidebook. I figured things out as I went.
Being a woman in a business world came with a different kind of pressure. People often assumed I was just helping my husband. I wasn’t just helping—I was running things. And that reality pushed me to work even harder.
There wasn’t much room for rest or reflection back then. I was building something real, and even though it was exhausting, I felt proud of what we were creating.
Motherhood Changed Everything
A few years into running my business, I became a mom. My first daughter, Hannah, was born—and 19 months later, my second, Ally. Everything changed after that.
Balancing motherhood and being a woman business owner wasn’t easy. I was still working full-time, managing staff, and trying to be present at home. I remember nursing in the back office, answering customer calls with a baby in my arms, and feeling torn in every direction.
As a woman business owner, I often felt like I had to be everything to everyone. I didn’t want the business to suffer, and I didn’t want to miss my daughters growing up. That constant push and pull became part of my daily life.
There were moments of guilt, exhaustion, and doubt. But I also felt a deep sense of purpose. I was building a life for my family—both at work and at home.
Challenges of Being a Woman Business Owner
Being a woman in the business world came with more than just long hours. I often had to work twice as hard to earn half the respect. People assumed I was the owner’s wife—not the owner. I lost count of how many times I was asked, “Is your husband here?”
It was frustrating. I was making the decisions, managing the team, and keeping the business going day after day. Yet many didn’t see me as the one in charge.
There were other challenges too. Vendors sometimes spoke to my husband instead of me, even when I handled the buying. Male employees tested my authority. Some customers didn’t take me seriously until I proved I could help them better than anyone else.
Being a woman business owner meant standing my ground, staying confident, and learning not to shrink back—even when it was easier to stay quiet.
What I Learned as a Woman in Business
Running a business as a woman taught me more than any book ever could. I learned how to make decisions quickly, manage people with patience, and stay calm when things went wrong.
I also learned that I couldn’t do everything. Asking for help wasn’t a weakness—it was necessary. In the early years, I thought I had to prove myself by doing it all. Over time, I realized that delegating was a smart way to grow.
Another lesson was to trust my instincts. There were moments I second-guessed myself, especially when others doubted my role. But my instincts were often right. With each decision, I grew more confident in my ability to lead.
Most of all, I learned that being a woman in business is powerful. We bring strength, empathy, and perspective. Those qualities helped me connect with staff and customers in a way that made the business stronger.
Why I’m Glad I Moved On
After more than 20 years of running a business, I knew it was time to move on. I had grown, changed, and outgrown the life I once built. It wasn’t just about the stress or the long hours. It was deeper than that.
The truth is, running a business with my husband—who later became my ex—took a toll. That’s a story for another time. But stepping away gave me the space to breathe, reflect, and reclaim myself outside of work.
Leaving wasn’t easy. I had poured so much of myself into the business. But with time, I realized I didn’t need it to define me. I could still be strong, creative, and successful in new ways.
Looking back, I have no regrets. I’m proud of what I built and even more proud of the choice to walk away when it was right.
Final Thoughts for Women in Business
Being a woman in the business world was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It stretched me in ways I never expected and gave me strength I didn’t know I had..
If you’re a woman thinking about starting a business—or already in it—know this: your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You don’t have to do it all or be perfect to succeed.
Trust yourself. Build something you believe in. And when it’s time to let go or pivot, that’s okay too.
You’re allowed to grow beyond the business. I did—and I’m still growing.
