Over spring break, I had the pleasure to attend a feminist pop-up shop that centered around female-owned businesses. It was an exciting place to connect with other powerful women. I had a chance to speak to some of these wonderful kick-starter ladies and would like to pass along that knowledge given to me.
The event I attended was actually—in partial—the launch for the online organization Dough who partnered with Tech Ladies to host this lovely event on International Women’s Day. Dough is an online organization that allows you to search up female owned businesses without having to scourge the internet if you want to shop all female-owned and lead companies. Here are some of the top three things I learned about starting your own business.
1. Money:
Make sure you have more than you think you will. In talking with Sipho Gumbo, owner of Yangu Beauty, she talked about how she had begun running out of money at the beginning of getting her business out there. “Try to have a bit more money. You will always run out,” Gumbo said.
2. Hustle:
It is all about the work you put into your business. Working hard for your business will get it going if you have that drive. Ashely Herman, owner of Rhea of Light discussed the use of social media and pop-ups. “Basically, it’s just a lot of hustle. You’ve got to put yourself out there continuously talk to other entrepreneurs. Pop-up shops is the big bang. You know been doing a lot of networking,” Herman said.
3. Ask for Help:
Most importantly is to connect yourself with other female entrepreneurs and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Both of these women emphasized the importance of asking for help. “Connect yourself with other strong entrepreneurs, other strong voices. Don’t be scared. And talk about, and talk about, your dreams. That’s the big thing. Talking about it to other women so they can kind of help alongside you to move you along,” Herman said. Gumbo had similar thoughts on asking for help, “Look for help. It’s amazing when you go out there. And say to people, I need to help. People are more willing to help you when you ask for it. Most of the times I think that most of us women, we are shy to ask. So, I say ask. Ask for help, ask for direction.”