Paying it Forward: 6 Female Entrepreneurs Share The Best Lesson an Inspiring Woman Has Taught Them

From the beginning of time, women have formed the backbone of society and families, while also working tirelessly to advance women’s rights and opportunities in a world that didn’t favor them. We’ve made progress (see: Kamala Harris, the first female and person of color to serve as vice president following 48 terms of white men), but there is still much to do. Often women are pitted against each other for the same seat at the table, but a better way forward is to help, empower, and inspire one another to make that table bigger to allow more people to sit at it. We asked six female founders what’s the best lesson they’ve learned from other inspiring women, in the hopes of paying it forward and inspiring others. Here’s what they said.

Iris Cherng, CEO and Founder of Honey Belle

Iris Cherng is the CEO and Founder of Honey Belle, a natural and organic skincare brand that also gives back; for every bar of soap purchased, they also donate one.

For Cheng, the best lesson an inspiring woman has taught her involves setting the right goals. “When your goal is to gain experience, perspective, and knowledge, failure is no longer a possibility.”

Jimena Lopez, Winemaker of Graffito

Jimena Lopez, of Graffito,  is one of Argentina’s most treasured female winemakers. Her winemaking principles reflect her personality in their ease and sincerity. “I believe there are three things that make the difference to great winemaking: know-how, obsession for details, and above all, passion.”

“I have always been most inspired by strong female role models that helped encourage and shape my career in wine. The moment that my University Professor, Estela Jaime, told me during my second year in university ‘If you want to be part of this industry you need to be strong and a great professional. The decision is yours, no one else’s.’ Or the time Zelma Long, a famed American vintner, told me ‘Don’t let anyone stop you.’ These brief but impactful moments have always fueled me to continue on in my work.”

Miho Imada, President & Toji Fukucho Sake

Miho Imada is a master brewer and the tōji (chief brewer) of Imada Saké Brewery, known for its Fukucho-brand sake products. Sake brewing has been previously known to bar female participation; there are around 50 female tojis in Japan.

“Although this is an imaginary character, I have always loved and been inspired by the story of Pippi Longstocking.  She is a girl with endless energy and strength and a great sense of humor. In Japan, girls quickly grow up to become demure women. To encounter this fun-loving, outspoken female character always inspired me to speak up for myself and to be generous and kind.”

Ericka Rodriguez, Founder of Axiology Beauty

Ericka Rodriguez is the founder of Axiology Beauty, a brand dedicated to making ethical makeup.

Rodriguez says she’s inspired by Jane Goodall, who said, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Justine Tiu, Co-Founder of The Woobles

Justine Tiu is the co-founder of The Woobles, which makes beginner-friendly crochet kits.

Tiu says the best lesson she learned is “Live your life doing what you want to do, and not what you think others expect of you. 

Some context on that lesson: Before starting The Woobles, I was a product designer at a big tech firm. When I was deciding if I should leave to pursue my own business ideas, I had a really tough time. I felt like I had worked my whole life to achieve this traditional idea of success, and I was afraid to walk away from it all. I kept asking others for advice, and it was actually my mentor/manager/friend who refused to give me her opinion. Instead, she told me not to listen to anyone–that I should do what I wanted to do. When I was finally honest with myself about what success meant to me, I was able to take that leap of faith and be at peace with my decision to leave my job.”

Allison Ryan, Co-Founder of Explore Ranches

Allison Ryan is the co-founder of Explore Ranches, a company that partners with historic and picturesque ranches around the open their gates to the public and educate travelers about conservation.

For Ryan, she puts an emphasis on passion and purpose for her work. She says, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” 

Have a question for any of these female founders and entrepreneurs? Ask in the comments–and tell us the best lesson you’ve learned from another woman!