The 11 Most Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs To Follow On Instagram (And The Key To Their Success)

By Ashley Stahl, Originally Published in Forbes

What’s the key to your success??

That’s a question I get all the time. As a successful woman in business, people always want to know my secret. How I did it. How they can do it, too. But my success story isn’t the be-all-end-all for success. Every successful woman has her own secrets, and her own key ingredients to her success… Plus, everyone defines success differently

As a female entrepreneur, I’m always on the look out to connect with and learn from incredible women who have cultivated their own amazing brand, business, and name for themselves. And thanks to the digital age we live in, I’ve met many of my friends and business inspirations on Instagram, where they share impactful wisdom and insights. That’s why I reached out to some of my favorite female entrepreneurs: to find out what they consider the key to their success, and why.

If you’re looking to get inspired, check out their answers (and follow their accounts for even more revelations!).

1. Alyssa Nobriga, @alyssanobriga

Business: Alyssa Nobriga International

Title: Leadership coach

Key to success: “My willingness to take full responsibility for my wins and losses in my business and life. This helps me use everything for my growth, rather than getting stuck with blaming people or situations for any perceived setbacks. It’s an empowering way to live and work and encourages me to keep taking risks outside my comfort zone.”

Key takeaway: Taking responsibility can be hard. But Alyssa’s right when she says it helps her grow, in all aspects of her life. It can help build trust with the people in your life, and help you learn from your mistakes, both essential factors for personal growth.

2. Sarah Anne Stewart, @sarahannestewart

Business: Sarah Ann Stewart International

Title: Holistic Health Practitioner (AADP), Health Coach

Key to success: “Learning how to translate my message and share my story in a deep and meaningful way. Most individuals do not take the time to learn about copywriting or how to write power of copy because they don’t want to sound ‘salesy.’ But as an entrepreneur, you are always communicating with your audience. You can have an incredible story, brand, product, but if it doesn’t translate in compellingly and powerful ways to your ideal customer, they will leave without knowing the benefit of what you have to offer. As I evolved as an entrepreneur, I realized the more I connected with individuals and shared my own personal life, the more impact I was having on a greater scale. Honest, vulnerable stories are not ‘salesy,’ they are relatable!”

Key takeaway: Being a great writer is so critical for success, but it’s something people often overlook. But honing in on your writing skills will make you a more effective communicator, which will help you connect to your audience and customers on a personal level. I recently Amanda Steinberg, founder of DailyWorth, on my podcast, and she agrees: Being a great writer is key to success. So how can you improve your writing skills? Try reading more, taking classes, or having a mentor read and edit your business emails. The more engaged you are with writing, the stronger your skills will become.

3. Libby Crow, @libbycrow

Business: Libby Crow

Title: Entrepreneur and Writer

Key to success: “My ability to respond then adapt to every wild turn the journey of entrepreneurship takes you on, both internally and externally. With this kind of attitude, you see everything as for you vs. happening to you, and that keeps you in the driver’s seat of vision.”

Key takeaway: Adaptability is a trait humans have been developing forever… It’s biological, to try to adapt to your environment. But when it comes to business, adapting to those twists and turns can be difficult, especially if your road is really throwing you for a loop. But research shows adaptability leads to greater job satisfaction and performance. Remember that learning to adapt to all changes in your life, especially in business, will only lead you toward success.

4. Erin Haskell, @drerin.tv

Business: Erin Fall Haskell, International, Inc.

Title: Doctor of Divinity, Minister, Author, TV host

?Key to success: “My spiritual connection has given me every ounce of success…

1. Purpose and calling—it revealed my truth.
2. Confidence—it allowed me to heal within and release my limiting beliefs.
3. Innovation—it allowed me to develop my ability to focus on innovation instead of problems.
4. Collaboration—when I gained a higher consciousness extraordinary people automatically came into my life.”

Key takeaway: Studies indicate that spirituality can indeed drive success, and Dr. Erin’s feedback certainly shows that. When you manage to tap into your deep self, connect your mind and body, and really connect with yourself and the world around you, you’ll be more in-tune with how to catapult your success. Try staying in the moment, doing breathing exercises, or meditation for a few minutes each day to start developing your spirituality.

5. Kylie McBeath ,@beingisbeautiful

Business: Zura Health

Title: Co-founder of Zura Health

Key to success: “Vulnerability, because it has given others the permission to be seen share, and feel less alone on this beautifully wild and sometimes challenging human experience.”

Key takeaway: There is power in vulnerability. Other female leaders such as Brené Brown have spoken up about this, too! But how can you do it? Try accepting your worthiness, opening up to others, and don’t be afraid of honesty. I know vulnerability can be scary, in any aspect of your life, but Kylie’s really on to something when she says that vulnerability keeps us from feeling so alone. The more you’re willing to share with others and open up to yourself, the more you’ll realize you have support!

6. Rachel Luna, @girlconfident

Business: Rachel Luna & Company

Title: Expert, Mindset and Sales

Key to success: “The fastest way to build your business is to build your confidence. Why? Because when you develop a true confident mindset, you’re able to take leaps and risks even when you’re scared. You’re able to show up, increase your visibility, and put out your offers consistently without worrying about judgment or rejections. When I stopped telling myself stories and focused on the facts, I discovered a sense of confidence I’d never experienced. After having helped hundreds of clients not only experience the same but also increase their revenue time after time, I’m convinced no strategy will work as well as first having the confidence to adopt that strategy.”

Key takeaway: Building your confidence won’t happen overnight, but there are a few research-proven ways to improve it little by little, so you can become the most assured version of yourself possible! Some of these ways are to be around people that support you, always keep learning, build consistency in your routine, and set small, manageable goals.

7. Samantha Skelly, @samanthaskelly

Business: Hungry for Happiness & Pause Breathwork

Title: Spiritual Teacher, CEO, & Best-selling author

Key to success: “The key ingredient to building a seven-figure business in less than 12 months was to truly care more about our client’s transformation than our bottom line. As long as we continue to care deeply about the lives we are changing we will be an abundant, ever-growing empire that will leave a legacy on this planet. Business is all about humans, truly understanding the pain points of humanity, and offering life-transforming solutions so people can be aligned with the highest versions of themselves.”

Key takeaway: Samantha’s advice echoes that of top leadership expert Jay Abraham, who happens to be a mentor of mine. Samantha’s insights remind me of Jay’s advice to fall in love with your client, and that once you add value money follows. You can hear Samantha talk more about caring about your clients on her podcast Hungry For Happiness.

8. Natalie Elizabeth Ellis, @iamnatalie

Business: Boss Babe

Title: Founder

Key to success: “My sheer determination. I’ve always been willing to go the extra mile and do whatever it takes. I’ve never seen any other option than succeeding — celebrating failures as learnings and picking myself back up to keep going.”

Key takeaway: Angela Lee Duckworth has an amazing speech on grit, and how it has the power to catapult you to success. It’s all about stamina, continuing to push through even when it feels impossible. After all, it worked for Natalie!

9. Natalie MacNeil, @nataliemacneil

Business: Natalie MacNeil

Title: Producer, Best-selling author, and mentor to ambitious women.

Key to success: “Most of the notable successes I’ve experienced have roots in rejection. I’ve heard nope so many times, from agents to publishers, investors to sponsors. Collaborating with an amazing agent, being signed to my dream publisher, and having so many doors open for me now is a direct result of the resilience I built and cultivated from countless rejections. Keep asking, keep pitching, keep unapologetically being you, knowing the yesses are on their way and will feel so good. Just keep going.”

Key takeaway: We’ve all been there… That painful no when we were so hoping for a yes. But rejection is a huge part of success. I know rejection can be hard, but there are ways to get through it so you can keep pushing toward your success! A few great ways to overcome rejection and continue being in pursuit are feeling your emotions, being kind to yourself, and not letting it stop you.

10. Alexi Panos, @alexipanos

Business: LXE Group, The Bridge, and E.P.I.C.

Title: Life and Business Strategist, Author, Humanitarian

Key to success: “Deeply and genuinely caring about and connecting with people. It’s not just “customers,” “audience,” or “tribe” — every person that comes into my ecosystem has a story, fears, hopes and dreams, has people in their lives that count on them, that love them, and have something that they’re facing off with (just like me). These are humans … not sales… and I keep that at the forefront of my business from start to finish. Connect to the person and then find a way to listen and then serve.”

Key Takeaway: You may be wondering… How can I connect with the people in my life? Studies show some of the best ways to forge connections are being genuine, paying attention, and standing out. As long as you’re your true self with others, they will be more receptive to your words. And the better connected you are with your audience in business, the better you’ll be able to serve them!

11. Dr. Jen Esquer, @docjenfit

Business: DocJenFit

Title: Doctor of Physical Therapy

Key to success: “Giving value and being consistent! It’s built credibility and trust to keep my audience engaged, growing, and looking forward to purchasing what I have to offer.”

Key takeaway: It’s no secret that consistency builds credibility, whether in business, leadership, or personal relationships. The more credible you are, the more your audience will be willing to trust. And when it comes to business, an engaged audience is key, so it’s no surprise Dr. Jen has had such success with her methodology! If you want to engage your audience and build credibility, try working on your consistency. Follow through on your promises, go to all your meetings, and always show up on time.

Unlocking the key to success isn’t a straightforward path. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s different for everyone. Every success story is unique. From personal connection to pure determination, confidence to vulnerability, these women have built their businesses in ways that make sense for them.

I hope you found these women as incredible and inspiring as I do!

For a FREE course to land a new job you love, launch your dream business, or find your purpose, visit https://ashleystahl.com/