From Rihanna to the Barefoot Contessa, today we’re sharing the stories of just a few of our favorite female founders.
Here at eWomenNetwork, we’re on a mission to help one million women entrepreneurs each achieve $1 million in annual revenue. We work toward this goal every day by empowering over 500,000 women through 2,000-plus in-person and virtual events annually. Not to mention, we also provide plenty of inspiration through our newsletter, blog, and more.
Today, we’re sharing the stories of just a few of our favorite, fabulous female founders. Take a page from their book and follow your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. No matter your focus or phase of the journey, you’re not alone, and the eWomenNetwork community will be here with you every step of the way!
Arianna Huffington
The Huffington Post | Thrive Global
Arianna Huffington co-founded the Huffington Post in 2005, a trailblazing, Pulitzer Prize-winning news website. Born in Athens, Greece, she later relocated to the U.K., launching a career as a writer and journalist and gaining attention with her political commentary. Following her tenure at the Huffington Post, she shifted her focus to health and wellness with the launch of Thrive Global in 2016. Today, Arianna Huffington continues to advocate for stress reduction, sleep improvement, and work-life balance by authoring books, appearing on news programs, and speaking at prominent events.
Funlayo Alabi
Shea Radiance
Funlayo Alabi is the co-founder and CEO of Shea Radiance, a beauty and skincare company known for its high-quality shea butter products. Originally from Nigeria, Alabi brings a deep understanding of the cultural and traditional significance of shea butter, as well as a mission to empower women in West Africa, to her nearly 20-year-old brand. She has been recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social impact, and Shea Radiance has gained a loyal following for its effective, high-quality products and ethical business practices.
Ina Garten
Barefoot Contessa
Ina Garten is a renowned chef, author, and television host best known as the Barefoot Contessa. Following an initial career in the White House Office of Management and Budget, she transitioned to the culinary world with the purchase of a specialty food store in the Hamptons in 1978. She authored the first of many bestselling cookbooks in 1999, and her television show, "Barefoot Contessa," premiered on the Food Network in 2002, showcasing her simple, yet elegant, recipes. Ina Garten has received Emmy Awards and James Beard Awards, creating a lasting legacy in the world of home cooking and entertaining.
Rhianna
Fenty | Fenty Skin | Fenty Beauty | Savage X Fenty
Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados, is a celebrated recording artist – and her entrepreneurial journey is as impressive as her music career. She launched her first business venture in 2017 with the founding of her cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty. She has since expanded her portfolio with the Savage X Fenty lingerie and activewear line and Fenty Skin skincare. In 2019, she collaborated with the luxury conglomerate LVMH to create the fashion house, Fenty, making her the first woman of color to lead an LVMH brand. All told, Rihanna’s entrepreneurial success has represented a deep commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and innovation.
Estée Lauder
The Estée Lauder Companies
Estée Lauder, along with her husband, launched her budding brand in 1946 with just four products. Through its namesake’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, the Estée Lauder Companies has expanded to include a global beauty and personal care line sold in over 150 countries. It has also launched prestigious brands including Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, and La Mer. Estée Lauder received numerous accolades throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and her company continues to innovate while emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing.
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