How Women Entrepreneurs Escape The Chains Of Typical Success

How would you describe your day as a successful woman entrepreneur? We might not know your exact answer, but one thing’s for sure: you’ve got your story of success. So, why do women feel so pressured to “fit in” with society’s archaic ideas of success? It just doesn’t add up.

From childhood, women see images of what success "should" look like – and surprise, surprise, it’s often from a man’s perspective. These unrealistic views rarely align with the reality of being women entrepreneurs.

But here’s the twist: some women are breaking free, smashing through the glass ceiling, and succeeding on their terms. They’re inspiring little girls everywhere to dream big. What’s their secret? How did they defy the norms and carve out their unique paths to success?

In this blog, we’ll dive into their stories, uncover what they did differently, and explore how you can reimagine success for yourself. 

Business success as we know it

There are a million ways to define success, but let’s break it down into two main categories. First, there’s the traditional route: think of financial performance, growth rates, profits, and market share. Then, there's the more holistic view: success that goes beyond just numbers and includes social contributions, work-life harmony, the legacy you leave behind, and your overall happiness and well-being.

The traditional route to success

Most people recognize success by the first definition. Picture a huge company with branches all over the globe, a CEO with money pouring in, jet-setting on expensive vacations, and flaunting luxury items. Sure, these are signs of success, but they're only part of the story.

Traditional success is loud, flashy, and all about material wealth and external validation. This portrayal creates a pressure cooker where success is all about how much you can show off rather than the real substance of your achievements. It’s glamorous, it’s public, and let’s be honest – it’s exhausting.

We don’t judge those who chase this path; after all, it’s plastered everywhere, from social media to reality TV. But for those who feel there’s more to success than what you can flaunt, they’re all about the second version – the more holistic one.

Success in a holistic perspective

The second version is more chill and deeply personal. It’s about building a business that aligns with your values, creating a work-life harmony that doesn’t burn you out, and making a positive impact on your community. 

A holistic perspective is more about those quiet moments of joy when you see your dream come to life, the thrill of working on something you’re passionate about, and the pride of overcoming challenges your way. It’s about legacy, contribution, and the meaningful connections you make along the way.

Holistic success is more than what you have. It involves who you are and how you live your values. It’s quieter, more personal, and deeply fulfilling. So, while the traditional path to success might dazzle with its glitter, the holistic path shines with authenticity, purpose, and genuine happiness.

Why typical success doesn’t work for women entrepreneurs

What if these versions of success don’t apply to you? Well, the reason may be that typical success doesn’t always cater to women entrepreneurs. A successful businesswoman acknowledges and accepts that success means different things for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, and status in life.

Typical success often totally ignores the real struggles women face, like juggling family chaos with work demands, scraping together funds, and battling gender bias head-on. Let’s not forget the struggle of getting loans or finding mentors who actually get it. Your path is anything but ordinary, and your milestones are a fierce reflection of that.

So, instead of squeezing yourself into a traditional mold, find harmony between financial achievements and personal fulfillment. Define your own success story—one that honors your values, supports your well-being, and celebrates your personal milestones. 

Successful women entrepreneurs who reimagined success for themselves

Let’s take a look at some fiercely successful businesswomen and how they redefined success and reached their status.

Brené Brown

Brené Brown, a research professor and author, flipped the script on success by embracing vulnerability and authenticity. 

Forget the typical corporate ladder—Brené made a career out of her passion for human connection and courage. Her work on vulnerability and shame broadcasted through her best-selling books and viral TED Talks, hit the feels of millions. 

Brené's success inspires women everywhere to live authentically and bravely. She shows that true success for women means being genuine and vulnerable, challenging the usual ideas of strength and leadership.

Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo, a powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and the brain behind the hit show "MarieTV," reimagined success by blending her passions into a killer personal brand. 

Starting as a life coach, Marie didn’t stick to just one niche. Instead, she blended her passions—business, creativity, and personal development—to unleash "B-School," a program inspiring millions of ladies globally. 

Marie’s mission is about helping others achieve their dreams. Her motto, "Everything is figureoutable," encapsulates her belief that success comes from resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to solve problems.

Ashley Dwyer

Ashley Dwyer, Founder of  The Bellamy Co., is a living example of reimagining success. Her journey started in the military, where she soared through the ranks and made a mark. But after a serious injury and some soul-searching, Ashley had a major wake-up call. Inspired by Brené Brown’s wisdom on vulnerability, she realized her true calling was way beyond the military grind.

Ashley made a bold pivot to consulting, tapped into her passion for inspiring others, and launched The Bellamy Co. She created a space where women can craft their own success, harmonizing professional achievements with personal fulfillment. 

Her story proves that real success isn’t about fitting into someone else’s idea of success. It’s about creating a life that matches your own values and dreams.

Brené, Marie, and Ashley are just three of the many women who didn’t fit into society’s mold but smashed it and created their own definitions of success. They seized their strengths and passions, showing us that true success isn’t monochromatic.

What does success mean for you?

So, we ask you again, “How would you describe your day as a successful woman entrepreneur?” 

Maybe success means living a slow-paced, zen life, making one killer sale a day, finally nailing down that business name, or hitting that sweet six-figure milestone. It could also mean more time to hang out with your family, a headspace to dive into a passion project, or building a tribe that totally gets your vision.

Reimagining your success is about syncing your goals with your values and celebrating even the littlest victory. Our quick guide will help you craft your unique version of success.

1. List out your values.

What really matters to you? Family, freedom, creativity, impact? Jot down your core values and let them guide your business decisions. This will keep you true to yourself and ensure your business reflects what’s most important.

2. Define your personal goals.

Set clear, specific goals for your personal and professional life. Want to launch a new product, expand your team, or spend more time with loved ones? Break these goals into actionable steps and review them regularly to stay on track.

3. Visualize your ideal day.

Picture your ideal day. What does your work-life harmony look like? How do you spend your time? Use this vision to design a lifestyle that makes you happiest.

4. Build a support network.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Join communities of like-minded entrepreneurs, find mentors, and build relationships with those who get your journey. A strong support network is invaluable.

5. Celebrate every win.

Celebrate all your achievements, big or small. Acknowledge your progress, treat yourself, and share your success with loved ones. Every step forward is a win, so keep that momentum going!

6. Embrace failure as learning.

Don’t fear failure. Every stumble is just a detour on your road to success, so use it to get smarter and better. Remember, each setback is really just a step forward in disguise.

7. Stay authentic.

Be unapologetically you in every move. Authenticity is your secret weapon for building trust and creating real connections. When you’re genuine, your audience can’t help but vibe with your brand, making your impact much stronger.

The Bellamy Co. - supports women entrepreneurs in every phase

The business world can be a scary place, especially with fear-mongering stereotypes and critiques that often undermine women’s potential. But that doesn’t have to be your experience. With The Bellamy Co. at your side, you’re equipped with the support, knowledge, and encouragement you need to redefine success for women on your own terms.

We’re your sisters, partners, and besties in this entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting out, touching up your systems, scouting new team members, or becoming more tech-savvy, we’re here to make sure you thrive. Our mission is to help you achieve the life you’ve possibly imagined for yourself and your family. From brainstorming sessions to celebrating milestones, we're all in every step of the way.

Ready for your success? Chat with us, and light your path to endless wins!