In a world where women are still getting paid less to do the exact same job as men, it’s amazing to watch women establish their own companies, make names for themselves in technology (an industry traditionally dominated by men), and build million dollar brands. They’re making their own rules and setting the stage for all the women who hope to also follow the entrepreneurial path.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of female entrepreneurs to admire in 2014, but these five women are particularly inspiring as they use their platform to either encourage other women or promote social change.
1. Marie Forleo
It’s hard to compile a list of female entrepreneurs and not include Marie Forleo. The jersey born entrepreneur helps people – but especially woman – unlock their potential and increase the profit of their businesses. She’s been interviewed by Oprah and Tony Robbins, and is considered a thought leader of her generation – and her entire multi-million dollar business started with a laptop and dream. Perhaps her most useful offering is B-School, which is an online program that provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a profitable online business. Many of the leading female entrepreneurs have taken her course, so she’s inspired a whole new generation of women. Remarkably, all of her for-profit courses and programs are also linked to a non-profit. From the very beginning, Forleo has concentrated on building a socially responsible business.
2. Angela Jia Kim
Angela Jia Kim is a concert pianist who also happened to start a successful organic skincare line, Om Aroma. Even though her skincare products were already successful, Kim decided to take a more active role in helping women achieve their dreams just as she had. Along with her husband, Kim started the popular website, savorthesuccess.com, which is a niche social network for women entrepreneurs. There she encourages women to live the life they desire.
3. Danielle Laporte
Danielle Laporte is a Canadian born writer, who takes a poetic approach to business, life, and self-love. She inspires woman worldwide to actualize their deepest desires, most recently through her workbook The Desire Map. While the Desire Map focuses on setting goals that align with your core desires, her previous book, The Fire Starter Sessions, is touted as a soulful and practical guide to achieving success on your own terms. Laporte’s entire business is geared towards helping other women succeed, and her generous attitude has helped her find huge success.
4. Shannon Keith
A trip to India in 2005 awakened Shannon Keith to a terrible reality: modern day slavery. Determined to do something to help, she started the International Princess Project. Keith wanted to help women exit the sex trade they were sold into, but knew that they needed an occupation if they hoped to survive. The International Princess Project teaches women to sew and sells their products through an online store. What started as six women sewing in a single room has grown into over 150 women and girls employed by the International Princess Project.
5. Kris Carr
When she was diagnosed with rare and incurable cancer in 2004, Kris Carr decided to go on a journey to wellness. That journey was filmed for her award-winning documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, and since then she has published five books, all of which inspire women to live a happier, healthier life. As a best-selling author, speaker, and wellness activist, Carr is dedicated to helping people take charge of their health. And we can’t nurture a new generation of female entrepreneurs without making sure they’re taking care of themselves!
These five women are inspirational because of how much they help other women, but it’s important to remember that they started in the same situation as many of us: with a dream and a laptop. Let them be a reminder that so much can be accomplished when you commit to your dream!
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