Happy International Women’s Day! March 8th is all about celebrating the immense power, strength, intelligence and beauty of women around the world. It’s an inspiring day as we continue to create and provoke change, especially in the workplace.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke to six women in business about the trials and tribulations of running a successful beauty brand. Keep on reading to discover their inspirational stories.
6 Female Founders Chat to Us About Being Women in Business
Michelle Doherty, CEO Alpha-H Skincare
“Being a female CEO of an award-winning international skincare company has taught me to be empathetic while remaining competitive in a fast-paced over-crowded market. As a woman, I am conscious of the needs of my customers as well as those working within the company.
“I am aware of my influence as a leader and the impact on those around me therefore being socially responsible is central to my decision making and approach to business.”
Read more about Michelle: RY Chats to Alpha-H Founder Michelle Doherty
“I have been in my own business for nearly 20 years. I have learnt a lot along the way; in many ways as an entrepreneur you are pretty much out there on your own. Taking risks is not for everyone and your thought process sometimes leaves you on an island. This is further amplified as a woman, because there are fewer women at the heads of businesses. Particularly at the beginning when I would go in to a new potential customer, I would tell them my story and I would often get the comment, “Jose, we love your product, who owns the business?” — no one ever assumed that I owned it.
“I actually didn’t plan a business. I developed a wax formula for my personal use that everyone wanted and I reluctantly sold a couple of kilos, 40 years ago. What I have learned is that as a woman, I do not have to be pushy and competitive to win. I find if I do the right thing by people, be humble, not compare myself to others and be passionate about what I do, the business takes care of itself.