Women-owned small businesses remain a minority, but their numbers are rising as more women launch their own ventures.
Related: How women are progressing in business
Many start for work-life balance, envisioning flexibility as their own boss. Yet early-stage startups demand intense effort, with over half failing in the first three years. Keeping operations small and "manageable" is tempting, but businesses under $50,000 in annual revenue have the lowest survival rates, while those exceeding $10 million fare much better.
Growth can feel daunting, but more women entrepreneurs must shatter the seven- and eight-figure ceilings to truly enjoy entrepreneurial freedom.
Don't let these myths hold you back from scaling:
Myth #1: Staying small means staying flexible.
Flexibility drives many female founders. Early on, I felt trapped because clients insisted on dealing with me directly; scaling seemed impossible. Counterintuitively, growth brings ease. When it's just you and a few team members, you're on-call 24/7. Build a reliable team to execute your vision, and you'll gain true freedom to step away.
I've scaled multiple startups, expanding my comfort zone each time.
Myth #2: If I want it done right, I have to do it myself.
At work: You'll never scale if you're the only face of your business. Instill your culture so your team operates like you would. Perfect partners are rare, but shared values build strong ones—follow key principles for healthy collaborations.
At home: A 2013 study found women out-earning partners still handled more chores. Delegating to partners, family, or help isn't weakness; it frees you for high-value work. Invite others to handle the rest.
Related: If you want to live more, you have to do less
Myth #3: I don't have the resources to break into the international market.
Global expansion feels overwhelming, but local growth demands equal effort. Invest wisely: pounding local doors or flying to high-stakes meetings in Beijing or New York yields bigger returns.
My business partner Janine blended lifestyle and business by basing in Los Angeles for Gutsii's U.S. launches, syncing with Australia. Collaboration amplifies impact.
Myth #4: It's better to be a big fish in a small pond.
True growth requires becoming a small fish in a big pond. I seek intimidating peers—smarter, wealthier, bolder—who challenge me.
Janine moved to L.A. for inspiration and tougher markets; five months later, she's the city's Wellness Leader—a feat impossible in her comfort zone.
Scaling risks emotional and financial strain. For women, tribe support is vital: a network for advice, resources, and expertise. The best way to grow it? Step into bigger arenas.
