14 Girl Bosses Share Their Tips on Running a Successful Business

Girlboss: “A confident, capable woman who pursues her own ambitions.”

Entrepreneurship has always been my number one passion. I’ve been launching businesses since I was in high school and have no plans on stopping. Starting a business or other venture and growing it from the ground up is one of the most rewarding experiences you can create for yourself.

Aside from my own ventures, I love reading/learning/talking to other women about their entrepreneurial endeavors. I’ve always been inspired by #girlbosses, aka women doing the damn thing in business and in their careers. For the longest time, women were denied so many opportunities, so the girl boss movement is long overdue. Women business owners are launching businesses at the highest rate ever. And they’re finally being celebrated – there’s even a National American Business Women’s Day on September 22nd (this Saturday)! Yet, to this day, women are paid less than men, have less business longevity than men, and are less likely to receive startup or other funding for their business than men.

There are a ton of well-known girlbosses, like Sophia Amoruso who coined that term, Beyonce, Sara Blakeley, and multimedia queen, Oprah, of course, who are everyday inspirations. But equally inspiring to me are the women whose faces aren’t on magazine covers or in the latest entertainment news. They are the ones making a difference in their communities, launching lucrative side hustles, and simply pursuing their passions.

I often receive a lot of business advice from male friends who are very successful in business. One of the most common tips I’ve heard from them is to start your day earlier, which is a challenge for a night owl like me, but apparently is directly linked to success. But I wanted to hear from my entrepreneurial sisters too. So I reached out to a bunch of badass girl bosses I know who are paving and forging their own paths to success, and are inspiring thousands of other women along the way. I asked these 14 girl bosses to share their tips for running a business. Check out what these writers, artists, stylists, designers, influencers, producers, creators, innovators, and of course, entrepreneurs, had to say! (And don’t forget to check out their websites too!)

“Be persistent. Business does not have to come natural to every one and a lot of it appears to be about opportunity, persistently seeking opportunity and exhibiting bravery when opportunity comes!”
-Kamilah House, Attorney & Founder and Artist, K.O. House Art (also here)

“Yes, there’s only one YOU and no one will ever replace you, but even if you’re great in a lot of things, there’s only so much you can do a day, in a week. The workload will never end, so learn how to delegate. Start with small tasks you never have time for and eventually you want to delegate anything you’re either not so good at or something you’re absolutely dreading. This will save you time for things that matter (like your family) and things you actually enjoy doing (binge watching Netflix on Sunday nights totally counts)!”
-Ksenia Pro., Owner & Photographer, Ksenia Pro Photo

“Resilience is key to running a business. There are a lot of ups and downs in running your own business. You have to be able to keep pushing through the hard times and not let them discourage you. Instead of looking at a problem as a setback, you should look it as an opportunity to grow. It is during the most difficult times that you learn the most important lessons. Keeping your eyes on the prize during the challenging times, will help position your business for long term growth.”
-Dana Hill, Founder & CEO, COCOTIQUE

“Have a thorough plan, adapt to necessary changes, and have a team you can trust and depend on.”
-Ashley Gordon, Founder, Gordon Williams Media and Executive Producer, Black Girl Single

“There are a few things that have worked for me, but if I have to narrow it down, it will be keeping a daily To Do list. My day is very busy, juggling a full time job and a passion business. So the To Do list helps remind me to do everything I need to do. Also, work life balance is very important for the sake of sanity. :)”
-K.T. Reed, Founder & Designer, KTR Collection

“Be your authentic/true self and stay consistent in everything you do for your business.”
-Krystle DeSantos, Creative Director, Krystle DeSantos LLC

“My number one tip for running a business is putting in the hard work, because running your own business is harder than any job you will ever have. You have to be creative, persistent, and always learning whether you want to or not. Even with all the hard work that goes into running a business it’s the most rewarding job because I get to do what I love and be the designer of my life.”
-Shannan Allen, Personal Stylist, The Closet Consultant, and Founder, Pynk Mannequin Boutique

“Believe you’re good enough. 😀”
-Grace Liang, Founder, Color and Grace

“My number one tip: Go the extra mile for your clients. If your offer a certain service, put out more effort than what you’ve advertised. It’ll keep your clients happy, and coming back for more business!”
-Julie D. Harbor, Owner, Stylish Paradox Personal Styling Services for the Refined Woman

“Discipline and routine are key to running a successful business. Being disciplined creates consistency and routine creates familiarity and functionality.”
-Keyma Morgan, Founder/Lifestyle Influencer, Style Weekender

“The tip for a business? No doubt! To have a personal vision! The world needs new and sexy ideas!”
-Nahia del Valle, Attorney & Designer, Ironic Lux

“I’ve learned that both organization and self-discipline are key to how my day plays out. Setting your brand objectives under reputation management goals, relationship management goals and task management goals will help you to set timelines that will keep you focused.”
-Tashieka Brewer, Head of Publicity, Melange PR

“My number one tip is “know your audience.” Once you know that, and make it your business to service that specific audience, you’re golden.”
-Lisa Jean Francois, Founder, Lisa à la Mode

“Try your best to respond to every opportunity, even if it’s a “no, not at this time” or “this isn’t the right fit for me, but please feel free to reach out with future ideas.” I wasn’t great about this when I first started, because I assumed if I couldn’t do it, the company wouldn’t want to hear from me. The truth is they appreciate hearing your feedback and interest level. Oftentimes they’re more flexible than you think or reach back out with a future opportunity that’s a better fit.”
-Elizabeth Pendergrass, Founder, District of Chic

Need even more inspiration? Check out my list of business books by girl bosses, below