Every March 8, women across the globe celebrate their achievements for International Women’s Day, which falls at the beginning of Women’s History Month in the United States. The holiday dates back to 1911, when feminists celebrated in a few European countries; it was recognized by the United Nations in 1977. Now, women spend the month-long observance uplifting each other and promoting their hard work.
To that end, GotPrint is sharing testimonials from female business owners about how their background has guided their creative decisions and business strategies.
Crystal Guillory — The Birria Queen
Describe your business and what inspired you to launch your company.
I started my business during the pandemic—a time when everything seemed uncertain. After being laid off from my 13-year position as a GM with Hertz Car Rental, I found myself at a crossroads. I decided to channel my passion for cooking by offering virtual cooking classes. One of my most popular classes was teaching people how to make birria tacos. The response was overwhelming, and, soon after, I began selling the tacos directly from my apartment. The demand was so high that, after just three months, I realized I couldn’t keep up and needed to expand. This led to the decision to launch a food truck, which allowed me to meet the growing demand while continuing to share my love of cooking with the community.
What is your guiding philosophy as a female business owner?
As a female business owner, my guiding philosophy is rooted in resilience, empowerment, and authenticity. I believe in the power of hard work and persistence, especially as a woman navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. It’s important for me to create a business that reflects my passion for cooking and my commitment to serving the community. I also strive to be a role model for other women, showing that with determination and the right mindset anything is possible. My goal is not just to succeed personally, but to lift others up, inspire them, and create a space where everyone feels welcome, heard, and appreciated.
“I believe in the power of hard work and persistence, especially as a woman navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.“
What are some professional highlights you’ve experienced since starting your business?
Since starting my business, we’ve consistently experienced year-over-year growth of 25%, which is a huge milestone for us. We’ve had the opportunity to participate in numerous food festivals, which has significantly increased our exposure and customer base. One of the most exciting moments was when Tabitha Brown, a well-known vegan influencer with millions of followers, visited our food truck and absolutely loved our food. Her support was a huge validation for our brand and helped us gain even more recognition. These milestones have been a testament to our hard work, and they motivate us to continue pushing forward and growing the business even further.
What advice do you have for other women starting their own businesses?
My biggest piece of advice would be: don’t use your own money to fund your business if you don’t have to. When I first started, I took $30,000 from my savings to fund my business, and while I was committed to making it work, I wish I had explored other funding options. There are so many opportunities out there, from grants to loans to investors, that can help you grow without putting your personal finances at risk. It’s also important to do thorough research and talk to other entrepreneurs to understand all the options available to you. Starting a business is tough enough without the added stress of depleting your personal savings.
Tamecka Sandifer — Honeyprint
Describe your business and what inspired you to launch your company.
Honeyprint is a stationery brand that designs its own unique products, including party décor, stationery, and lifestyle goods such as journals, mugs, and candles. My goal is to create products that inspire, uplift, and bring joy to everyday life. I was inspired to launch Honeyprint because I’ve always had a passion for creativity and self-expression. I wanted to build a brand that reflects my love for beautifully designed, high-quality stationery and lifestyle goods—something that feels both personal and empowering.
What is your guiding philosophy as a female business owner?
My philosophy is simple: create with intention, lead with integrity, and build a brand that uplifts others. As a female business owner, I believe in the power of resilience, self-determination, and community. I prioritize authenticity in everything I do, whether it’s the products I design, the messages I share, or the way I engage with my customers. Honeyprint isn’t just about selling products. It’s about creating meaningful connections and celebrating the beauty of everyday moments.
“As a female business owner, I believe in the power of resilience, self-determination, and community.”
What are some professional highlights you’ve experienced since starting your business?
Growing a loyal community of customers who appreciate and connect with my designs has been incredibly rewarding. Building partnerships with our production partners has played a key role in scaling the business, allowing us to provide high-quality products to our clients on a greater scale. A major milestone for Honeyprint was having our notecards selected for the GBK Emmy Awards celebrity gifting suite, which significantly boosted our brand visibility. Most importantly, seeing Honeyprint products become part of people’s daily lives, whether through a journal that helps someone stay motivated or a candle that brings a sense of calm has been a fulfilling and meaningful achievement.
What advice do you have for other women starting their own businesses?
Start where you are, with what you have—don’t wait for the perfect moment, just begin. Know your why, as having a strong purpose will keep you going during tough times. Prioritize consistency over perfection because small, consistent actions will build your business over time. Trust yourself and your vision; you don’t need permission to pursue what you’re passionate about. Most importantly, build a community and surround yourself with like-minded women who support and uplift each other.
Meghan McColley — Chicka & Co.
Describe your business and what inspired you to launch your company.
Chicka & Co is a groovy company inspired by everything retro and crafty. I launched my business in 2017. I had always wanted to sell something tangible and what better product than rad clothes? Through the years I’ve molded from a modern boutique to a colorful, handmade, and groovy one.
What is your guiding philosophy as a female business owner?
My guiding philosophy is to have a business that reflects my passions and values and encourages others to express their true selves through funky fashion and crafty things. I do mix personal and business. Using my voice and platform to speak for others who can’t or draw attention to important issues is very important to me, and is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I hope it encourages other entrepreneurs to do the same.
“There are going to be a lot of people in your field. What makes you stand out is YOU.“
What are some professional highlights you’ve experienced since starting your business?
My favorite highlights of nearly 8 years in business are: building my dream workspace! I have a 16×20 pole building, my dream hippie she shed. Teaching myself to sew and create products. Selling to all 50 states plus outside the U.S. Hitting 5,000 orders shipped. Getting finalist for best boutique in Central Delaware. Offering wholesale in addition to retail. Creating a community!
What advice do you have for other women starting their own businesses?
My advice for other women starting their businesses is to stay true to yourself and create from a place of passion. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what you think will work, but the magic happens when you’re having fun and truly love what you do. Lastly, comparison. Change comparing to admiring, and your life will change for the better. Be proud of others and use those you look up to as motivation, not negativity towards yourself. There are going to be a lot of people in your field. What makes you stand out is YOU.
Jacqueline Vigil — Muchas Flores Studio
Describe your business and what inspired you to launch your company.
My brand Muchas Flores Studio is named after my grandparents whose last name is Flores. I was inspired to launch my stationery and apparel brand in May of 2020 after I graduated art school during Covid. I decided to launch my own business during a time when jobs were uncertain and used my art as a way to keep myself busy and stay positive during quarantine. My brand aims to spread positive vibes and promote more self-love through cheerful and empathetic stationery, apparel, and more!
What is your guiding philosophy as a female business owner?
My guiding philosophy as a female business owner is to focus on what I do have and work with what I have. Instead of focusing on what is out of my control, I put my energy into what feels right for my business and create designs that make me happy!
“Instead of focusing on what is out of my control, I put my energy into what feels right for my business and create designs that make me happy!“
What are some professional highlights you’ve experienced since starting your business?
Since starting my business, I have had the opportunity to travel and sell my creations at markets outside of my hometown of El Paso, Texas. Networking like this has led me to make so many small business friends, connect with people from all over, and gain confidence as a creative to continue to create and put myself out there.
What advice do you have for other women starting their own businesses?
Trust your intuition, trust your heart, and honestly just go for it! We all start somewhere, so once we allow ourselves to bloom, great opportunities and things will happen. Trust the process and have faith in your abilities and ideas!
Karol Garfias — Karolitarte
Describe your business and what inspired you to launch your company.
Karolitarte is a Latina-owned business from Cicero, IL. My name is Karol Cassandra Garfias and I began this business in 2020, at the start of the pandemic. What started as a Pinterest search in lockdown soon became a small business that allowed me to financially cover my bachelor’s degree. After a couple batches of earrings, I knew this was my passion and dreamed of this becoming my full-time job as art has always been a big part of my identity. Since then, it has grown to other mediums of handmade products, such as necklaces, bracelets, charms, and even home decor like photo holders; our most popular is a butter stick!
What is your guiding philosophy as a female business owner?
As a female business owner, my guiding philosophy is driven by innovation. Karolitarte Handmade prioritizes the creation of handmade products. As such, improving and creating new products for our wide customer base is the most important value.
“Having a clear brand identity is your biggest ally when presenting yourself either online or in person.“
What are some professional highlights you’ve experienced since starting your business?
Since starting our business, our social media presence has been growing organically. We have gone viral several times on TikTok, reaching half a million views on multiple videos. In May 2023, Karolitarte shipped products to all U.S states and territories! Karolitarte has also been shipped to multiple countries around the world such as Taiwan, Italy, Switzerland, and Australia. Most recently, Karolitarte has participated in well over 10 pop ups and markets, which has gained us a new audience and strong success in a new sales medium!
What advice do you have for other women starting their own businesses?
To any woman starting their business, my biggest advice would be to create a brand identity. Having a clear brand identity is your biggest ally when presenting yourself either online or in person. Picking a logo, color palette, and even packaging materials can be the best visual representation of your business personality as well as your own!
When March ends, your intentional support of female artists and small business owners shouldn’t. After all, avoiding big retailers can be easy once you make it a habit. All the women featured here recommended people shop small, share the company or purchase on social media, and leave positive reviews. Simple actions that can help women entrepreneurs thrive year-round.