The Realities Of Women Taking The Leap Into Entrepreneurship

What are the crucial things to keep in mind for women entrepreneurs while taking the leap into business ownership? Starting a business is a leap – one that takes guts, determination, and a whole lot of planning. But for women, that leap can sometimes feel even bigger. There’s no shortage of advice out there, but these are some things that have learned from my experience as a mother of two young sons and building a business. These are in the order of importance, as per my experience. 

Realities Of Women Taking The Leap Into Entrepreneurship 

Work-Life Balance – Or Something Like It

Let’s face it, the idea of a perfect work-life balance is a myth, especially when you’re building a business. But you can still set boundaries. Don’t burn out trying to do everything yourself. Delegate, outsource, and take breaks when needed. Prioritize your health—both mental and physical—because no business is worth sacrificing yourself for. Be prepared to miss out on some parties, parent-teacher meetings, or sports events at school, especially in the early years of your business. Trust your partner to step in when you can’t. Aim for prioritization over balance. 

You might feel pressure to ‘have it all’—the thriving business and the perfect home life—but it’s okay to let some things slide. Make “The Guilt” your companion because you’ll face it often, sometimes multiple times a day. But here’s the thing: no one has it all. Men make these decisions all the time, but they don’t carry the same burden of guilt because, for centuries, they’ve been entitled as breadwinners. Recognizing this will help you manage those guilt trips better and pace yourself for the long haul. 

You’ve Got to Back Yourself – Every Single Day

One of the biggest challenges we face as women is internal. We question ourselves a lot – probably more than we should. You might have all the skills, experience, and drive, but that little voice of doubt will still creep in. You need to recognize it and shut it down. Remember, confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything – it comes from knowing you’ll figure it out as you go. Trust your instincts because, in business, you’ll often have to make decisions without all the information, and self-belief is what’ll get you through. 

Get Financially Savvy – Even if You Hate It

Let’s be honest, not everyone loves crunching numbers, but if you’re going to own a business, you need to get comfortable with finances. Knowing where your money is coming from, where it’s going, and how to stretch it is half the battle. And funding? It’s still tougher for women. So be prepared. Have your numbers locked down when talking to investors or banks. Know your worth and be ready to fight for it. Financial literacy is a game changer, and the more confident you are with your finances, the stronger your business position will be.

Build Your Circle – And Be Strategic About It

No one builds a business alone. From mentors to friends who’ll give you honest feedback, having the right people around you is critical. Seek out those who’ve done it before – not just women entrepreneurs but people whose journeys inspire you. There will be times when you’ll doubt your decisions, and having a trusted group that gives you perspective can make all the difference. This isn’t just about emotional support either; you’ll need a strong professional network too – financial advisors, legal help, business strategists – people who can guide you with facts when emotions start to cloud your thinking. 

Passion is Great, But Keep Your Head in the Game

Yes, passion drives us to start businesses – it’s often the spark that gets things going. But you need to balance that with cold, hard reality. Passion will carry you through rough patches, but you need to ask yourself the tough questions: Is there a real market for this? How scalable is your business? What’s your competition doing? And, most importantly, when should you step back, reassess, and possibly pivot? Passion is your fuel, but don’t let it blind you from making clear-headed, strategic decisions.

Use What Sets You Apart – Don’t Conform

Being a woman in business can feel like you’re constantly being judged against a set standard. But that’s where your power lies – in being different. Don’t feel pressured to fit into traditional leadership moulds. Lead in a way that feels right for you. Whether that’s being more empathetic, collaborative, or simply bringing fresh perspectives to the table, own it. Authenticity has a magnetic pull, and in today’s world, people are drawn to leaders who are real. 

Taking the leap into business ownership is no small feat, and for women, it sometimes feels like we’re leaping over a higher bar. The good thing is, we’re in an era where you’re surrounded by women who are doing it, and it’s no longer a battle you’re fighting alone. Before you embark on this journey, having a serious conversation with your spouse, parents, and in-laws will set the right expectations and help you create a more cohesive support system. The key is to stay grounded, trust your instincts, and remember that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

Authored by Janoo Motiani, Founder & CEO, Reed & Willow

Views expressed are the author's own.