Female bosses impacting the World
When I began working on Greether, I knew three things:
Women empowerment is fundamental to creating positive change, it is also key to reducing safety risks and increasing income opportunities for us.
Other female entrepreneurs are my allies and not my enemies, their success doesn’t take away from mine, we are in this together.
If someone isn’t going to open a door for me, I will keep on knocking, because being a woman, a woman of color nonetheless. This means I have a higher responsibility of showing my sister, nieces, and younger women; That it’s possible to follow your dreams, it is possible for you to create change, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or what your expertise is.
As the founder of Greether; a travel and safety platform for women. I have learned so much by trusting my gut, following my vision, and being persistent. However, it is still a journey, one that I love to share amongst other hard-working and ambitious women.
Even though we are a travel platform for women, one of our missions is to support the exposure of small and big women-led businesses around the world.
I invite you to scroll down, and read all the inspiring stories from women creating social impact through their initiatives.
The following list is only a fraction of the number of women creating change. I applaud every one of them for working hard to make our world a better one. #girlpower
-Vanessa Karel (Greether Founder)
Abigail Gibbons
Business website: https://thewowseries.org
Location: NYC
Instagram: @the_wowseries
Why did you start your business?
I started The WOW Series because I needed a community and platform like it in my own life to help navigate life and career challenges as an early 20-something.
How does your business create social impact?
We create social impact by amplifying the voices of women from around the world to advance gender equality: regardless of age, education, background, racial and gender identity, we work to ensure everyone has a platform to be heard so that no woman has to feel alone in navigating their careers. As a result, we have helped hundreds of women start businesses or careers that they did not previously think were possible because we provided them a platform for them to step into their power or they learned and received mentorship from our experts who are featured.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Find your community at the very beginning of starting your business because the entrepreneurial road can be lonely, confusing, and difficult. A community that you can relate to, can lean on, and can ask questions throughout your journey will be key to your success!
Anjali Nair
Business website: https://theanjalinair.com/
Location: Tampa, Florida
Instagram: @adesigirlinus
How does your business create social impact?
Desi Girl in the US is a community based mentoring and education platform to help immigrant women restart their career in the USA. Our mentors, courses and content have helped +500 immigrant women regain confidence, integrate with American culture, form new female friendships and land jobs! Our goal is to create this social impact on the immigrant community that in turn also results in economic growth, better mental well being and fostering a better transition to lead an independent life.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Before you start a business, talk to your ideal audience to validate two things - 1. Is this a real problem for someone? 2. Will someone pay to resolve that problem? If the answers to both are YES then you are good to go ahead and start that business!
Gabrielle Carreira
Business website: https://www.bingedigital.com/
Instagram: @bingedigital
Location: Los Angeles, California
Why did you start your business?
To leverage my skills in business & marketing by making a positive change in consumer behaviors.
How does your business create social impact?
Building sustainability, wellness & social impact companies through business and marketing support.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
The relationship you have with yourself will affect all you do in business. It all starts with you so love yourself and know the value you bring to every table you sit at.
Le’Marqunita Lowe
Business website: www.blackandcreme.com
Location: Palo Alto, California
Instagram: @blackcreme_
Why did you start your business?
I started Black & Cremè to create an ecommerce retail platform where sustainable designers, Black-owned businesses, small businesses, and local designers can make an impact in the sustainable fashion industry.
How does your business create social impact?
We are a sustainable boutique that provides opportunities for sustainable designers, Black-owned businesses, fair trade organizations, and local designers to diversify their sell channels. We are changing the way in which sustainable fashion reaches audiences who want to transition to a sustainable lifestyle.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Be true to yourself! Being true to yourself drives your company's mission.
Pamela Wirth
Business website: https://www.hello.health
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Instagram: @hellohealth__
How does your business create social impact?
To provide needed brain, gut and immune support to those with autoimmune, autism and neurodiversity.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Stay focused and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Ana Gabriela Guerra
Business website: Www.longlivetheclothes.com
Location: CDMX
Instagram: @longlivetheclothes
Why did you start your business?
We want to reduce clothes waste by creating functional clothes that last long.
How does your business create social impact?
We create functional long-lasting garments under a fair trade production lead by women.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Be very consistent and enjoy the process
Andal Balu
Business website: https://cocoatown.com/
Instagram: @cocoatown
Why did you start this business?
To create entrepreneurs.
How does your business create social impact?
We help farmers, women, and anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur through equipment, education & exposure. We have created about 5000 entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries so far.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Have a passion to help others and money will follow you; don't start a business just to make money.
Johanna Salazar
Business website: www.foodstreamnetwork.com
Instagram: @Foodstream_network
Why did you start your business?
To help transform the way nutritious food moves through our communities.
How does your business create social impact?
We’re disrupting the food insecurity space and connecting everyone to each other so food can move from places of surplus to places of need at a much faster rate.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Just do it. There’s a lot you need to know and learn but the best way to learn is by doing. Make sure you’re doing something you love because the learning will take time, endurance and perseverance.
Janet Navarrette
Business website: www.gymparty.com
Location: San Jose, California
Instagram: @gymparty_
Why did you start your business?
I wanted to create something approachable, fun, and welcoming for everyone.
How does your business create social impact?
We are not JUST about burpees and squats. We believe everyone deserves to be healthy and happy. Our program is for people of all sizes, colors, and ages. We make a point to highlight this on our social media, branding, and daily engagement with our community so EVERYONE understands we are a safe space. Other fitness companies often drive sales by feeding off people's, especially women's insecurities. We celebrate diversity, embrace body positivity, and hype up "imperfections".
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Be okay with being uncomfortable. You'll oftentimes find yourself in situations that challenge you and it can be really scary. Don't let the fear stop you from being your best.
Laura Sagen
Business website: https://www.thehairfuel.com
Location: Amsterdam
Instagram: @thehairfuel
Why did you start your business?
I wanted to share my own hair growth and scalp treatment with other people and help them regrow their hair just like I did mine.
How does your business create social impact?
Primarily, we give people their confidence back. And secondarily, we help them change the relationship they have with themselves through support, encouragement on their hair growth journey – and teaching them about self-care.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Done is better than perfect.
Megan Scruggs
Business website: https://wanderwear.co/
Location: Currently in NYC
Instagram: @itswanderwear
Why did you start your business?
To make philanthropy accessible to all women and power girls to really think about their purchasing power.
How does your business create social impact?
Wanderwear is a 501C3 nonprofit meaning every time someone purchases from our website those funds go directly to providing menstrual products to people around the globe. Girls helping girls through their everyday purchases.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Go for it but don't reinvent the wheel. Reach out to people who are doing similar things to what you hope to do and see if you can learn more about them first. Those mentorships will save you a lot of time and money - learning from their mistakes.
Joanis Duran
Business website: www.kalaniandwolf.com
Instagram: @kalaniandwolf
Why did you start this business?
What I’ve experienced firsthand, as a Queer Afro-Latina customer and a sustainable fashion entrepreneur in Florida, is the lack of accessible retail and creative safe spaces for BIPOC, LGTBQ+ brands that mirror our community under one roof. We’ve spoken with designers, our community and it became concrete, we want and need representation in Florida. After seeing no one couldn’t offer, nor fulfill the void of our community, I decided to become that person.
How does your business create social impact?
Located in Sunny Miami, Kalani + Wolf is a Queer Afro-Latina-owned sustainable fashion brand. Our entire collection is locally handcrafted from high-end vegan dead-stock fabric.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
If your company's ethos doesn't reflect your personal life then you can't expect anyone to build trust nor invest in your business. People forget that a business is created and run by humans for humans. Employees, consumers, and clients are more powerful than any corporation, no longer accepting greenwashing and expecting businesses to act ethically.
Natalie Ríos
Business website: www.littlelolatots.com
Instagram: @little.lola.and.tots
Why did you start this business?
Little Lola & tots were born out of a vision we both share of making the world a more accepting and tolerant place through early education and cultural exploration.
How does your business create social impact?
The idea of honoring diversity within early childhood is crucial therefore, we design educational programming that nurtures inclusiveness and empathy. We offer workshops for both parents and educators on how to adopt anti-racist parenting and raise future leaders and global citizens.
Tell us one advice you have for women that want to start a business?
Be passionate about the work you do because the work doesn't stop. You want to ensure that when obstacles come your way, you do not give up but rather, you'll pivot the business in a way that continues to align with your mission.
