From Scars to Stars: The Unique Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs

And no, I didn't say a word

And I guess that proves it

I'm a woman

I'm a very f.... brave woman

And I'll be damned if I let a man ruin

How I walk, how I talk, how I do it...

- ICE CREAM MAN, RAYE (UK record Brit Winner) - 2022

Today I had one of the most incredible experiences ever. Coincidentally timely, as it was the eve of International Women's Day.?

I was privileged to sit in a close-knit meeting of 15 women entrepreneurs who were brought together by a collaboration of the Diversity Business Incubator and Nudge. These two companies specialise in the incubation of micro and small businesses mostly from the Plymouth?BAME community.?

These entrepreneurs?shared their stories, their businesses, and their unique challenges.

And what struck me most were the hurdles they had to overcome, just to have the mental space to even think about starting?their businesses.

Something that I, as a straight black male, would never had to face or even?imagine.

Asmi Stanley was born in India in the 70’s. She lost her father and mother before she turned 14.? She was then forced into an arranged marriage in her teens,?and had a daughter shortly after. It was okay at first, but then the abuse started. First, it was emotional. Then verbal. Then it became physical. But Asmi was not one to take it lying down. She retaliated and as a result, she lost her marriage, her home, and the custody of?her?daughter. She and her brother became homeless, and at a point could barely afford a meal of rice and lentils. Because of the divorce, her entire family turned their backs on her.

She finally managed to get a cleaning job on a Disney cruise ship.

That was the day her life began to change.

Finally, for the first time, she was in control of her own destiny.

She educated herself, got another job with a major bank for over a decade, and finally, left to start her own business.

That business, a mortgage and insurance advisory service in the heart of the city has now grown to become one of the city’s premier independent award-winning services in its sector.?

Then there’s Purdy Giles.

Another entrepreneur, born in Punjabi, India. Her father came to the UK on an Indian Merchant Ship. Growing up in the 60’s she experienced racism and sexism that most of us have never heard of. She was expected to go through an arranged marriage. Expected to follow old norms and traditions. Expected to get a safe job. But there was one thing that stood out.

Her love for cooking authentic Indian Punjabi food.

Finally, after a burnout in her mid-fifties doing social work, she finally decided to quit and start her own business.

Purdy’s Punjabi Cuisine runs workshops for up to 6 people in her home and does bespoke catering and supper clubs. She is also now a sought-after speaker whose passion is to encourage young BAME entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Then there’s Esther. She finally got fed up with her managers and quit her job because the company wouldn’t give in to her requests for more flexible hours so she could look after her young ones. She had originally been accused of intentionally getting pregnant so she could enjoy maternity benefits. She had been through so much sexist and racist discrimination that she had vowed never to go back to normal employment and was looking to start her own business.

Then there was Slovaskynzna. Born in Eastern Europe, she had come to Plymouth to start a new and fresh life. In her hunting for a new job, she had been accused of being a Russian spy because of her accent. She finally found a job as a senior manager at the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau and transformed the office by bringing the Bureau to the people, not the other way round.

And the stories kept coming. Maya Lawrence, is a mixed-race entrepreneur and freelance writer who?had braved having two young children, a husband who was with the Royal Navy and multiple rejections to start an award-winning home leisure brand, MayaJoy.

Or Liliane, who had witnessed firsthand the Rwandan genocide, had four children and was now the director of a thriving brand, Jabulani Coffee which had just won an award for the best fairtrade coffee in the UK.?

Or Lala, a budding British entrepreneur?who had suffered sexism, as well as severe challenges with physical disabilities, and discrimination against her sexuality.

One by one, I listened to their stories. Saw their pictures. Witnessed their emotions and tears. Watched as they supported each other. Applauded each other. Listened to each other.

Their scars had become the vessels through which their lights shone through.

And on the eve of International Women’s Day, as I sat there listening in silence to their stories, I could not help but realise the privileges I had.

Simply by?just being male.

And so today, I dedicate this newsletter to all the wonderful women entrepreneurs I have encountered through this weird and wonderful journey of owning their own businesses.

Most men have never understood the unique challenges of women entrepreneurs.

But after that experience, I am glad to not be counted amongst most men.

Not any longer.

The unique challenges of women entrepreneurs are very real. And as men, we should be doing everything possible to support them.?

Why?

Research?shows that if they can get past the issue of raising funds, women entrepreneurs are at least 2x more likely to survive and thrive than their male counterparts.?

That's the truth.?

Whilst you're here... 1.?Work with me. I can public-speak, mentor, write or consult. Hop onto www.stevenadjei.com for a taste, read what people say about my work, and holler at [email protected] for a chat. I'd love some feedback as well on the above article.?

2.?Buy my book. You won't regret it. It's won several awards and has been number 1 on Amazon in more than EIGHTEEN categories. The direct links are below if you are in the UK or US. If you already have, I'd love an honest review on Amazon. Reviews really do help us out :)-.

3.?Talk to me: I won't judge. My strongest values are empathy and resilience, and as someone who's been through a lot of pain, I can work with you to help overcome (or manage) your business pain and turn it into victory. Rooting for you, Steven.

Amazon UK

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If you HAVE bought and read the book, please leave a review on Amazon + share it on social media. :)

Thank you!

Steven