#GirlBossNotes: Break your rose-coloured glasses

Hi there! I am back with my #GirlBossNotes and today I want to discuss a very sensitive topic, which definitely deserves to be examined.

Nowadays, nobody can be surprised by a female entrepreneur; it became ordinary for a woman to start her own business. The hype was real and it even provoked the emergence of certain terminology. For instance, the term #GirlBoss, which I myself often use, has been popularised by Sophia Amoruso (if you haven’t read her book #GirlBoss, I strongly recommend to do so, she shares her entrepreneurship journey in a very light way and gives some tips to #GirlBoss wannabes). 

If in any way we show our weakness, we will hear a sarcastic comment: “business is not for women”

It all came from the women empowerment. This subject has been widely promoted in the past decade, society has become much more accepting of female career success, in corporate the glass ceiling has become more fragile and the number of female entrepreneurs has increased significantly. 

Although the progress in this topic is definitely beneficial, it carries a major drawback which many mention: women are not allowed to be weak.

The fight for the women empowerment was so stiff, as male-dominated societies tried to prove, that there is no such thing as gender equality in the business world, so now if in any way we show our weakness, we will hear a sarcastic comment: “business is not for women”.

I personally heard it so many times. Once, I interviewed a female entrepreneur, who is coming from a Muslim patriarchal culture, who mentioned that, she was lucky enough to have a very modern and supportive family; otherwise, she won’t even consider launching her business, because of the society pressure.

So, despite the belief that equality is a deeply rooted conception in the modern world, this is still an illusion, especially in some parts of the world. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is to discourage you from becoming an entrepreneur; I just want you to remove your rose-coloured glasses, if you have any, and talk about the unvarnished reality of the ‘women in the business world’.

I could clearly read message on his face “You don’t know sh~t”. Until, I began to talk.

The start-up which I’ve launched with my friend was in the food industry (first article where I talk about it more can be found here), so I was dealing closely not only with the employees and customers, but with suppliers and distributors as well. I can say that it is a male-dominated field and even in our company I was the only woman. However coming from a certain region in the world could play a factor here. 

I have faced various unpleasant situations linked to sexism and ageism; from my subordinate constantly complaining about me to my partner, doubting my competence, to ignorance and disrespect during business meetings.

For instance, when the operations were going well and we were quite established in the market, we started approaching restaurants for potential partnerships. I reached out to the owner of a reputable restaurant chain through an email, and I signed it with my partner’s name. He responded almost immediately and we scheduled the meeting, mentioning that I will be the one representing our brand.

It is okay to cry and be upset. But then wipe those tears, get up and continue. Sometimes you will be rejected, simply because you are a woman, do not let that discourage you.

I cannot describe the expression on his face when he saw me; I could clearly read message on his face “You don’t know sh~t”. Until, I began to talk. I got him on board, though for contract signing he met with my male partner.

They never dropped a comment directly, however indirectly the discrimination was significant. When we went for business meetings together, I was like part of the furniture, nobody looks at me or communicates with, when I tried to comment on something, they were behaving, literally lika a chair began to speak.

This was not only my case, I have been in the community of female business owners, and they all had some stories to share. I want to share with you some points mentioned by #GirlBosses of different nationalities, age and religion and from various industries, which every female entrepreneur, present or future, should remember:

• You have to be really passionate about what you are doing and have the purpose, because at one point, when someone says to you that you don’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur, this passion will drive you towards your purpose.
• There will be downs in your entrepreneurial journey for sure, and only the strongest can go through it and have the light after darkness. It is okay to cry and be upset. But then wipe those tears, get up and continue. Sometimes you will be rejected, simply because you are a woman, do not let that discourage you, believe me, later they will be running after you, wanting your product, and then you will be deciding whether you are interested or not.
• Never underestimate yourself, you are capable of many things, believe in yourself. But also, be humble, it is not only about fancy packaging and cute photos, sometimes you will have to carry the fridge and do the deliveries.
• And always find time to appreciate yourself, just stop for a minute and tap your shoulder for even small things which you do on a daily basis, because at the end of the day you might have a successful business and a need to see a psychologist. 

Let me know in the comments, what do you think about female entrepreneurs, are they are in the same position as men business owners? Do you think that gender equality in the business world is the reality or it’s still an illusion?

XoXo,

#GirlBossNotes