My Story
My story of being an entrepreneur isn't just about tea. Its about business and sometimes hard lessons. I no longer look at the hard lessons as negative because those lessons helped me learn. One of the biggest lessons was giving my power away to male partners or employees and I asked myself 'Why do so many women do this?'
The Growth of Women Entrepreneurs
In recent years, the entrepreneurial landscape has been changing dramatically. While men have historically dominated business ownership, recent statistics show that women are starting businesses at a faster rate than men. According to a study by American Express, women-owned businesses grew by 21% between 2014 and 2019, compared to 9% growth among all businesses. In Canada, women now account for nearly 40% of all entrepreneurs, and this trend is only accelerating globally.
Why the surge? Factors include increased access to resources like funding and mentorship, greater emphasis on work-life balance (a challenge many women solve through entrepreneurship), and the sheer determination to break through systemic barriers. Women are building businesses that are innovative, resilient, and community-focused, reflecting diverse priorities that often challenge traditional business models.
Why Women Sometimes Give Away Their Power
Despite this progress, many women in business face challenges in asserting and maintaining their authority. This can manifest in a variety of ways: overly deferring to male partners, hesitating to negotiate for better terms, or feeling reluctant to take full control of decision-making.
Why does this happen? A mix of societal conditioning and imposter syndrome often plays a role. Historically, women were socialized to avoid conflict, prioritize harmony, and second-guess their expertise—traits that can lead to the unintentional transfer of power in business relationships.
Personal experience has taught me that trust in partnerships and employees must be balanced with accountability. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I made the mistake of giving too much control to others—a male business partner and even an employee—thinking it would lighten my load. But instead, I learned the hard way that no one will care about your vision as much as you do.
Taking Back Control
For me, the turning point came when I reclaimed my power, ensuring I knew every aspect of my business. Today, Domo Tea is proudly women-run, and I’ve made it a priority to understand and oversee all critical processes, even the ones I delegate. This approach ensures that my company’s values remain intact and that I am always prepared to adapt and lead when challenges arise.
The Power of Women Helping Women
One of the most powerful tools for growth is collaboration. I firmly believe in the power of women supporting women, which is why I’m excited to share a new initiative launching in 2026. A friend and I will bring together a small group of women entrepreneurs for monthly meet-ups. These gatherings will be more than just networking—they’ll be opportunities to inspire one another, share hard-earned advice, and build meaningful connections that fuel both personal and professional growth.
Setting Boundaries: A Business Superpower
Another vital lesson I’ve learned is the importance of setting boundaries. Women in business often feel pressured to overextend themselves, but clear boundaries are essential to sustainable leadership. A game-changer for me was the audiobook Unf*ck Your Boundaries. This resource helped me understand how to protect my energy, communicate my limits, and maintain control in both personal and professional relationships. I believe every woman in business should listen to it—it’s that transformative.
Empowering Future Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs are redefining leadership by blending traditional business acumen with empathy, creativity, and collaboration. To maintain this momentum, we need to support each other:
- Education and Skills: Women should invest time in learning every aspect of their businesses, from financials to marketing to operations. This builds confidence and minimizes reliance on others.
- Mentorship and Networking: A strong support system is invaluable. Seek out women leaders who have faced similar challenges, and share your own journey to inspire others.
- Setting Boundaries: Trusting others in business doesn’t mean losing control. Clear boundaries and regular oversight prevent power from slipping away.
As women continue to launch businesses at unprecedented rates, the future of entrepreneurship is increasingly female. By learning from past missteps, embracing our strengths, and standing firm in our authority, we can create a new narrative—one of equal power, thriving businesses, and collective success.
Let’s continue breaking barriers and showing the world what women in business are capable of.