In March 2024, Loudoun Economic Development celebrated Women’s History Month by launching a social media campaign, “Words of Wisdom from Women in Business,” prompting women to provide words of wisdom to other women who have already started or are on their way to starting their entrepreneurial journey. These snippets of advice and encouragement are meant to uplift, inspire, and embolden women to explore entrepreneurship.
Robin Klombers, Posh Pixies
It’s extremely gratifying to “open” every day. That feeling of I did this, this is MY business, I’m proud of my accomplishments, never gets old. The hard work is worth it, because it’s all for you and the fulfillment of your vision and dream. Learn every day from those who have more experience and listen to your customers.
Jennifer Montgomery, Loudoun Hunger Relief
Authentic connections and relationships are the key to success. Be curious, be yourself and look for opportunities to network and collaborate.
Katy Lowitz, Loudoun Economic Development
One of the biggest things about being a woman is to understand the difference between confidence and arrogance, particularly in the professional environment.
Erin Lombardi, E.L Strategic
Believe in the power of yourself. Take the leap, have faith. It will never be the perfect time – just trust and do. Everything will work out.
Rathna Kong, Oh Graze Away
The biggest risk could be your biggest reward but you have to take that first step and just go for it. You might not be an overnight success but you just have to keep trying. Don’t quit too soon!
Colleen Kardasz, Loudoun Economic Development
The greatest skill you can ever attain is to know how to learn. Stay curious and seek out knowledge from a variety of sources because the world is always changing. Your ability to adapt and grow will determine so much more than you can ever imagine and will come in handy no matter where life takes you.
Chair Phyllis J. Randall, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
As you are starting your entrepreneurial journey, or for that matter any new venture, a strong support system is important. Surround yourself with people (especially women) who will encourage you while also giving you professional and solid advice. Even as you are pursuing your dreams, self-care is pivotal. As women we often put the needs of others before our own, but one cannot pour from an empty pitcher. So remember to stop, breathe, eat, rest, and build down time in your schedule. Finally, if you have a higher power, lean into that resource; it can provide you comfort and strength.
Tori Sullivan, BarnWiz
Professional women should take pride in their visions and believe in themselves. If you hear that constant voice to start a business, do it. Don’t let anyone tell you no. Follow your dream, work hard, and keep going. Dreams don’t come true overnight.
Shawn Flaherty, SpeedPro
Starting a business takes moxie. It’s important to develop a plan (Loudoun Economic Development and Loudoun Small Business Development Center are great resources). Know what you and your product are worth…and charge it—no apologies! Then deliver excellence. Equally important is to network, connect people, and pay it forward by giving back.
Jennifer Andos, Paperfish Creative
You will get a lot of advice on how to run your own business, and where you “should” take it. Only do what feels right to you. Want your business to remain small? Keep it that way. Looking to go global? Have at it! This is your chance to build your life the way you want it to be. If you have trouble deciding on a path, go back to your “why” for being in business and it will guide your way.
Katie Schneider, TMMG Promos
Surround yourself with the best. People you admire, people you look up to, people who are where you want to be. Learn from them, ask questions, and understand that there is no one path, no one correct way, and that you will succeed if you keep trying.
Clarisse Bethel, Clarys LPN School of Nursing
As a women-owned small business, I recommend women starting a business to focus on their strengths, set clear goals, and create a solid business plan.
It is also important to conduct thorough market research, identify your target audience, and differentiate your products or services from competitors.
Networking with other entrepreneurs and seeking mentorship can also be beneficial. Additionally, staying organized, managing finances effectively, and being adaptable to changes in the market are key factors for success.
Remember to believe in yourself and your abilities as you embark on this entrepreneurial journey.
Aleena Gardezi, The Great Xcape
Follow your dreams, even when they seem too good to be true! There is always a solution to the roadblocks you face along the way. Especially in Loudoun County because there are so many local resources to help you be successful, whether it’s advice, support, or mentoring.
Dr. Kelly Foltman, Dunthorpe Farm Equine Services
Be your own best advocate because work life is a long journey. Whether you stay as an employee or branch out as an entrepreneur, seek out advanced training or new skills to keep you fresh and motivated and then not only put those skills to work, make your business circle aware! If your work isn’t fulfilling, ask yourself if it’s you, the job or the organization and be willing to make course corrections.
Eiling Chao, Choice Insurance Network
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but be sure not to make the same mistakes.
Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park
Embrace the uncomfortable with an understanding that you are being presented with opportunities to be better. That can be through your own company’s innovation journey and not always knowing the answers right away or exposure to transformational leaders who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. The answers are out there, you just need to take on the challenge!
KC Tregoning, Loudoun Economic Development
Loudoun County is “a rising tide lifts all boats” community. I’ve seen amazing success when business owners learn how to leverage partnerships in the community. Be bold, know your brand and get out there! If you don’t know where to start, that’s okay, come and speak to someone on our Loudoun Economic Development team, we can help get you started.
Mary Doherty, Academies of Loudoun
As an Entrepreneurship Instructor, my role is to help the next generation reach for the stars and dream big to find the solutions to tomorrow’s problems. When it comes to innovating, dreaming is the biggest motivator an entrepreneur can adopt- dreaming of a better world for themselves, their community, and their business.
Nancy Evanko, Loudoun Economic Development
Don’t be overcome by what you don’t know; make a conscious effort to be a life-long learner. It’s the journey that enriches our lives with unique and diverse experiences and perspectives.
Carmen Felder, Visit Loudoun & 89 Ways Foundation
Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fall. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness. Have integrity and do everything with passion and purpose.
Michelle Frank, Loudoun County Planning Commission
When a new opportunity arises, ask yourself “why not?”. The answer often makes the risk, reward, and sacrifices clear. It keeps you focused on what aligns with your personal and professional priorities while not letting self-doubt hold you back.
Natasha McGrath, You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia
Believe in yourself and pursue your dream. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and what you can’t do! Nothing is impossible if you try! Make sure to choose the right path and it has to be something you love to do to succeed. Keep in mind, it takes time to build your business. Don’t give up easily! Believe me if you do the right things, you will get where you want to be. First, it takes time, hard work and effort to get where you want to be. Surround yourself with trusted and loyal people in your community. After 7 years being CEO of my business, I still wake up in the morning and I ask myself: How I can push forward my company this week?
Valerie Meyer, ResQ BBQ
Starting your own business is an incredibly exciting and empowering endeavor. When it gets tough remember to believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and don’t hesitate to take risks.
Alison Badger, Between the Hills Events
You can start or restart at any age. Know your worth. Know when to ask for help (it always takes a village). Know who is part of your village and let them know you appreciate them.
McKenna Smet & Josi Pinheiro, Elite Wellness Performance and Recovery
As a woman-owned business in the ever-evolving realm of health, fitness, and sports performance, we continually rewrite the playbook with grit and innovation, transcending barriers, reshaping perceptions, and empowering individuals to redefine strength—inside and out.
Julie Leidig, Northern Virginia Community College
A teacher of mine often said, “If it’s right, it’s right no matter who says it. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong no matter who says it.” It became a touchstone for me to evaluate an idea based on its own merit, not on my opinion about the person who presented it.
Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones
Find your passion and then let that guide you in career or in service. Trust in your abilities, lift others as you rise, and be your authentic self—it’s your greatest asset.
Sharon Wright, Loud and Clear Marketing
Leaders have a mindset of strength, resilience, and perseverance. There are no such things as roadblocks. I prefer to call them inconveniences. When faced with a roadblock, there are always several workarounds to make it to your destination. Be the person who isn’t fazed by challenges but conquers them head-on.
Minnie Cruz-Tolentino, M.D., My Wellness Physicians
My three daughters stand as my greatest inspiration and the driving force behind my unwavering commitment to succeed in my business. Their limitless potential, unconditional support, and the dreams I hold for their futures ignite my ambition, pushing me to overcome every obstacle and achieve greatness. In every step I take, I am motivated by the desire to build a legacy of resilience, success, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, setting an example for them to follow and surpass.
Geneva Douglas, Loudoun County Government
As a working woman, I had to learn to embrace the rhythm of work and family life to find a balance that works for me. Productivity and passion for the job flourish when you take time out for rest and renewal. As a leader, I aim to foster a work culture where both ambition and well-being thrive, as success is not measured solely by the number of hours worked, but by the positive impact we make in the lives of others.
Angelica Hayag, Data Storage Science
Harness your curiosity as a superpower. Allow your curiosity to lead you through obstacles as it unveils avenues for innovation, development, and fresh opportunities.
Danelle Hayer, Loudoun Economic Development
Surround yourself with family, friends and mentors that will encourage and support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Dana Hamerschlag, Jellyvision
Are you unsure of yourself? Not sure you can do it? Do not waste any time or emotional energy worrying about that. Stay focused on your goals, put in the work, find people who can help you, and keep showing up!
Alice Frazier, Bank of Charlestown
Your thoughts, opinions and advice are worthy, that is why you were invited to the table. Sometimes you just have to take a seat at the table. Either way, use the opportunity to be heard.
Pooja Pyakural, Hair Sense
I am all about women empowerment, I believe all women are beautiful inside and my business allows me to make that inner beauty reflect on the outside too. I enjoy that and I love when I make people happy.
Dr. Ann N. Hebda, Complete Health Dentistry
Take your time to hire the right person for your team. If you do not have a “good feeling” about your prospective hire do not hire them; even if you are short staffed. If you do hire somebody and you see they are not the same person that was at the interview and not living up to expectations you should let them go as soon as possible. It is more challenging in today’s work climate to find good employees but it is more costly to hire the wrong person.
