Women are Becoming More Entrepreneurial

Forbes Magazine claims that we are busy entering a golden age for high-growth female entrepreneurs. In five years the percentage of female owned businesses in the US has increased by as much as 30%. The reason behind this tremendous jump is not only trends in the marketplace – but also improved financing options and a growing presence of influential women who have created their own opportunities – and have paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps, like these four remarkable women.

CEO of General Motors – Marry Barra

Marry Barra is one of the key people in bringing GM back on the global map after faulty ignition switches caused over 30 million cars to be recalled, bringing the company to the verge of total collapse. Barra’s role in the comeback was compensated with a massive pay increase that shot her net worth up to US$28.6 million.

Founder of Huffington Post – Arianna Huffington

Besides using her talent for writing to start the Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington was also a radio host and wrote 15 books, of which three became bestsellers. Arianna made her considerable fortune of around US$21 million when she sold Huffington Post to AOL in 2011.

CEO of Tory Burch Fashion – Tory Burch

Oprah Winfrey called Tory Burch ‘the next big thing in fashion’ and she was right. Burch transformed a quaint Manhattan store into a fashion empire worth billions of dollars. What makes Tory Burch even more inspirational is that she also launched the Tory Burch Capital Program that has given away over US$10 million to female entrepreneurs.

Founder of SPANX – Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely spent years doing dull jobs for very little pay – like selling fax machines door-to-door and greeting people going on Disney rides. Blakely was 27 when she invested her meagre savings into developing underwear that is figure hugging, but also comfortable. The SPANX line is now worth more than US$250 million.

Giving women like Barra, Huffington, Burch and Blakely global visibility is encouraging women everywhere to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.