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What is life like at the top, and what does it take to get there?
When you think of successful women, you might think of people like Oprah Winfrey and Arianna Huffington. While these women have accomplished amazing things, they’re far from the only ones. Thankfully, we have a lot of examples that prove it’s possible to turn part-time work or a side-gig into a high-earning empire.
Today, we’ll examine four female entrepreneurs. We’ll look at the lives of these successful women, what it took to make it to the top, and what tips they have for other women who want to expand their employment options.
The life of successful women: Four women give advice
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could sit down with someone you admire and ask them how they built their business, as well as the pros and cons of living the life of a successful woman?
Fortunately, we can—with the help of journalists and women who are willing to share a bit of their stories. Keep reading for perspective about life, work, and entrepreneurial tips.
1. Sophia Vergara
Ms. Vergara is best known for her hit TV show Modern Family, as well as her modeling gigs. Perhaps like you, she decided to start a side gig—specifically a social selling company. In 2019, she co-founded a subscription company called EBY, which sells subscription boxes containing seamless underwear. Vergara and her business partner use 10% of their profits to provide small loans to female entrepreneurs.
Once it was clear her business would be successful, Ms. Vergara wanted to pay it forward. In her words, she had to do it because she wanted to help other women experience the freedom that she enjoyed.
Her tips:
- Pay it forward
- Believe in what you’re doing/selling
- Learn to be fearless
The things that have helped her in business have helped her in life, too. Her success has not protected her from tragedy. Her brother was murdered, she’s been divorced, and she’s survived thyroid cancer. Her love of life and fearless, determined attitude have been the force behind both her perseverance in the face of heartbreak and her business success.
2. Vera Wang
At 40, Vera Wang designed her own wedding dress. Then, she decided to start her own fashion brand. Her success came from talent, her experience in the fashion industry (she was a senior fashion editor at Vogue magazine), and her contacts. Now, her brand sells everything from clothes and accessories to houseware.
One of the things that has helped Ms. Wang over the years is realizing that the life of successful women doesn’t start once they reach their big goal. Success is something that you gain whenever you learn something on your entrepreneurial journey.
What can we learn from Vera Wang’s success story? She believed in herself. She honored her experience, knowledge, and opinions. She didn’t just look for a job opportunity—she created an opportunity that fit her needs.
Similarly, you can choose to start a part-time work opportunity based on your unique needs. What is there in your life that’s lacking or frustrating? For Ms. Wang, it was a limited selection of wedding dresses.
3. Angie Hicks
Like Vera Wang, Angie Hicks created a business out of something she needed, something that turned out to be a huge gap in the home services market. Originally, Ms. Hicks created Angie’s List. In 2017, her company merged with HomeAdvisor to become ANGI Homeservices Inc., which is an internet services company for people looking for reliable local businesses and contractors.
Recently, Ms. Hicks was interviewed by Bernhard Schroeder of Forbes. They discussed finding success despite the pandemic, which is a major concern for people with side-gigs right now.
To build a successful business—and keep it that way—Hicks recommends using technology to connect with people. Technology has been an important part of the workforce for decades but now with the pandemic, it’s more important than ever. Some employers are even considering having their employees work remotely on a permanent basis, once more safety precautions are lifted. You can take advantage of this by using technology to create, market, and sell your products or services.
4. Cindy Mi
Cindy Mi is the EO and co-founder of VIPKID, a company that connects North American teachers with children around the globe. The teachers can offer real-time English immersion in an online setting. The company is based in Beijing, boasts over 500,000 paying students, as well as over 60,000 North American teachers.
In an interview, Ms. Mi said success in business depends on your definition of success. What’s important to you? Hint: It may not be what society deems most valuable. For example, for her, the success of her company is intricately linked to the success of her students.
Her other tip? Commitment. She referenced a time when she got off a 25-hour flight and went straight to a conference to meet parents and teachers. She spent hours with them because people are so important—they are at the core of her business.
The life of successful women is busy, and it takes time, effort, passion, and tenacity to be successful. But if you’re doing what you love, it will be worth it.
Are you ready for a change? Starting a side-gig is one step closer to the top
Do you dream of making it to the top on your own terms? A side-gig might be right for you. Why work hard to make someone else’s dreams come true? Put your most valuable resources (time and energy) toward your unique goals and dreams.
Vector can help you take a step in that direction. You’ll benefit from a training program and ongoing flexibility, work toward your professional goals, and gain the tools to make your business thrive.
Curious if you and Vector are a great match? Contact us to schedule an interview!