Starting a business as a woman is like signing up for a marathon you didn’t train for, with everyone watching to see if you’ll trip. I’m typing this in my cramped Brooklyn apartment, surrounded by takeout containers and a sad, wilting succulent I swore I’d water. The radiator’s clanking like it’s got opinions, and I’m bundled in a hoodie that’s seen better days. This is me, trying to build something from scratch in 2025, and let me tell ya, it’s a hot mess. I’ve had moments of brilliance and moments where I legit cried over a spreadsheet. So, here’s my raw, unfiltered take on starting a business as a woman without totally losing your mind, straight from my chaotic life in the US.
Why Starting a Business as a Woman Feels Like a Reality Show Stunt
Starting a business as a woman isn’t just about having a dope idea or a fancy pitch deck. It’s like you’re on some reality show, expected to juggle fire while riding a unicycle. I’ll never forget pitching my eco-friendly period product subscription box at a startup thing in Manhattan. My hands were sweaty, my voice cracked, and this guy in a cheap suit goes, “So, is this a side hustle or…?” I wanted to yeet my water bottle at him, but I just smiled and rattled off my profit margins. That’s the deal—women entrepreneurs get side-eyed, like we’re playing pretend.
The numbers don’t lie, either. I read somewhere—okay, fine, it was a McKinsey report—that women-owned businesses get, like, 2% of venture capital. Two percent! Yet we’re out here launching companies left and right. So how do you keep going without turning into a zombie? It’s not about “girlboss” hashtags or chugging Red Bull. It’s about real strategies and admitting you’re human.
My Epic Fails (and What They Taught Me About Starting a Business as a Woman)
I’ve screwed up so bad, it’s almost funny. Like, when I started, I thought I had to do everything. I was up at 2 a.m. in my old Jersey City place, surrounded by empty Monster cans, trying to code a website that looked like it belonged in 2005. My cat was staring at me like, “Girl, go to bed.” Worst part? I sent a client an invoice with a typo—$10,000 instead of $100. I wanted to crawl into a hole when they emailed back, “Uh, is this a joke?”
Here’s what those facepalm moments taught me:
- Outsource the stuff you’re bad at. I’m not a web designer. Now I use Fiverr for that crap. Save your brain cells.
- Set boundaries, or you’ll hate yourself. I used to answer emails at midnight. Now I mute my phone after 8 p.m., and it’s glorious.
- Find your squad. I joined a women’s entrepreneur group through SheEO, and it’s like having a crew who gets the struggle. They’ve saved my sanity.
Starting a business as a woman means owning your mistakes and not pretending you’re Wonder Woman. It’s okay to ask for help.
How I Avoid Burnout While Starting a Business as a Woman
Burnout is real, y’all. I hit rock bottom last year—working 70-hour weeks, forgetting to eat, and ugly-crying in a Starbucks because I lost my charger. The barista probably thought I was having a breakdown. Here’s how I keep burnout at bay now:
Prioritize Like You Mean It
Starting a business as a woman means you’re juggling a ton—maybe kids, maybe a day job, maybe just the pressure to not suck. I started using this thing called the Eisenhower Matrix (sounds bougie, I know). Basically, figure out what’s urgent and important, do that first, and ditch the rest or pass it off. It’s like decluttering your brain.
Guard Your Energy Like It’s Gold
Every morning, I do this quick “vibe check” thing. I sit on my creaky couch, sip my coffee, and ask, “What’s stressing me out today?” Sometimes it’s a needy client, sometimes it’s me overthinking. Naming it helps me let it go. I use Headspace for meditations—they’re legit.
Learn to Say No
Saying no is hard when you’re starting a business as a woman and feel like you gotta prove yourself. I said yes to a “small” project once that ate my soul for 20 hours. Now I practice saying no in my bathroom mirror, like, “Nope, I’m good.” It’s weird, but it works.
The Weirdly Awesome Parts of Starting a Business as a Woman
It’s not all stress and tears. There’s this rush when your idea starts working. Like, I landed my first big client for my period box biz last month, and I danced so hard to Beyoncé I knocked over a plant. Totally worth it. Starting a business as a woman means you get to break rules. I decided no meetings before 10 a.m. because I’m a zombie without coffee. I also love working with other women-owned businesses, like my packaging folks at PackSavvy. It’s like building a little empire of awesome.
Wrapping Up My Rambling Thoughts on Starting a Business as a Woman
Starting a business as a woman is a wild ride—part dream, part nightmare. I’m still learning, still spilling coffee, still figuring out how to not burn out. My biggest tip? Be nice to yourself. You’re gonna mess up, and that’s fine. If you wanna keep this chat going, hit up the comments or join a women’s entrepreneur group. Trust me, finding your people makes all the difference.
