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Celebrating National Women’s History Month

From the Google Small Business Community

We’re excited to take part in National Women’s History Month this March. The 2015 theme – “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives” – celebrates the impact that women-owned small businesses have on our culture and economy. Women have been a force in American business for generations, from Henrietta Johnston – the first professional American female artist in 1707 – to the eight million female business owners in the United States today.

Women continue to make a positive impact across many industries. Check out a few of our member spotlights on female small business owners including:

  • Pastabilities: An Italian restaurant in Syracuse, NY;
  • Red Chair Salon: A salon started by a hairstylist who grew from apprentice to owner in five years;
  • Jackalope Brewing: A brewery founded by two friends combining their passions; and
  • LSTN: A headphone company that pays it forward with every product it sells.

We reached out to several women who have successfully established and grown their own small business and asked them to share their perspective and advice with other women looking to make their start. Here’s what we learned:

“True success doesn’t typically come from singular big moments or ‘big breaks’ but from a great deal of big and small moments that keep you motivated to continue the journey.” – Emilie Whitaker of Beija-Flor.

“Create your map, be humble to recognize your weaknesses, and create a team that can support and love your dream too.” – Angie Shaltry of Périple Wines.

“Be prepared for rejection and use it as motivation to improve what needs to be improved instead of resenting it.” – Michelle Rollinson-Berry of Cynical Redhead Creations.

“Trust yourself. There will be one million pieces of advice from friends, colleagues, and articles across the Internet. But nothing is as valuable as having confidence in yourself and your strategy.” – Kit Whelan of Seek New Travel.

Want to learn more about the resources available to women in small business? Join the Google Small Business Community on March 19 at 1 PM PT for a conversation with Erin Andrew from the Office of Women’s Business Ownership in the Small Business Administration (SBA).

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Editor’s note: As our nation celebrates National Women’s History Month, America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network is proud to provide business consulting services to approximately 90,000 women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs each year. Click here to find your local SBDC today!

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