Top 30 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs in 2023
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, women have emerged as influential leaders, breaking barriers and inspiring others with their innovative ideas and remarkable achievements. This article celebrates the top 30 inspiring women entrepreneurs of 2023, who have made a significant impact in their respective industries and beyond. From tech moguls to social activists, and sustainable brand owners, these women have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and creativity in building successful businesses. Join us as we explore the stories and accomplishments of these inspiring women, who serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs and embody the spirit of empowerment and achievement.
1. Bonnie Comley
Bonnie Comley is a well-known figure in the theater world and one of the co-founders of BroadwayHD. BroadwayHD is an online platform that streams theater performances, including Broadway shows and other theatrical events. It was created to make theater accessible to a global audience and capture the excitement of live performances. Bonnie Comley, along with her husband Stewart F. Lane, launched BroadwayHD in 2015, and since then, it has become a popular destination for theater lovers to enjoy high-quality recordings of live shows from the comfort of their homes.
2. Sofia Shved
Sofia Shved is the founder and CEO of PR Novo, an award-winning PR Agency known for its personalized approach. PR Novo stays ahead of the ever-changing media landscape, delivering exceptional results in brand promotion, advocacy, reputation management, and business growth. With a team spanning four different countries, PR Novo operates as a fully remote company. The agency's journey began in 2019 with its first client, and they have since worked with a diverse range of businesses, from individual entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. Sofia's expertise has empowered numerous clients to enhance their market presence and establish authority within their industries. Notably, PR Novo has enabled some clients to triple their consulting fees and even secure funding of up to $175 million. Committed to fostering recognition and helping clients stand out from the competition, PR Novo continues to make a significant impact in the field of public relations.
3. Esther Jh Kim
Esther Jh Kim is the founder of Consider Beyond, a groundbreaking discovery app designed for conscious consumers around the world. The app simplifies the process of finding brands and places that align with users' values and locations. What sets Consider Beyond apart is its integration of professional knowledge and insights, empowering everyday consumers to make sustainable and conscious lifestyle choices. Launched in beta mode in April 2021, the app quickly gained traction, reaching users in 70 countries and featuring hundreds of brands across 26 countries. Consider Beyond has received significant interest and partnership requests from 20 countries, thanks to its unique offering. Esther's background as an ESG analyst and sustainability management consultant drove her to fill the gap in information and tools for small and medium-sized companies and consumers. Backed by impact investors, Consider Beyond aims to make a positive impact on the consumer market by promoting conscious choices and sustainability.
4. Kaitlin Christine
Kaitlin Christine the CEO and Founder of Gabbi, Inc., is a breast cancer survivor and ovarian cancer previvor dedicated to empowering women and promoting self-advocacy. With Gabbi, Kaitlin strives to reduce delayed diagnoses and improve women's understanding of their bodies. With over nine years of experience in women's health, Kaitlin has worked for prominent nonprofits and served as a sought-after national speaker. She has been recognized as Oregon's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and has received accolades such as Inc's Top 200 Female Founders in 2023 and Top 50 Digital Health Disruptor in 2023. Kaitlin has successfully secured funding for Gabbi and assembled a team of highly qualified experts and advisors. Gabbi is a specialized platform that provides women with personalized breast cancer risk assessment, care plans, and telehealth services. Kaitlin's personal experiences with breast cancer and the loss of her mother to the disease have fueled her passion to prevent late-stage breast cancer through prevention and early detection tools available on Gabbi.
5. Caroline Danehy
Caroline Danehy is the co-founder and chief brand officer of Fair Harbor, a renowned brand known for its eco-friendly swimsuits inspired by a coastal lifestyle. She embarked on this venture at the age of 17 and, in the process, has transformed over 30 million plastic bottles into Fair Harbor swimwear. Fair Harbor, a sustainable apparel company, is on a mission to create products that allow people to enjoy their favorite places while also protecting the environment. The brand draws inspiration from Fair Harbor, a charming town located off the coast of Long Island, where Caroline and her brother, Jake, spent summers immersed in swimming, surfing, and fishing, fostering a deep connection with nature. By utilizing recycled materials, Fair Harbor aims to provide an inclusive platform that connects individuals through shared experiences in the places they love and aspire to preserve. Their remarkable transformation of millions of plastic bottles has earned them recognition for their commitment to sustainability and innovative coastal casual apparel.
6. Aditi Daga
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Aditi Daga is a co-founder of Angara.com and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. She holds a BA in Economics and Architecture from Barnard College, Columbia University, and a Master from Harvard University. Aditi's role involves leading the development and distribution of licensing products for renowned fashion houses like Natori and prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, ensuring their availability in top retail stores. In the past, she has dedicated her time to mentoring immigrants in the Cambridge Public School District. Her brand Angara.com, established in 2005, specializes in custom-made, handcrafted, fine gemstone jewelry. With its headquarters in Los Angeles, Angara operates in 15 countries and delivers its products to 64 countries worldwide. As a vertically-integrated brand, Angara manages every aspect of the jewelry-making process in-house, from ethically sourced gemstones to creating designs that cater to individual customer preferences. The name "Angara" represents the vibrant colors that radiate from gemstones and the imaginative spark that inspires customers to create personalized jewelry reflecting their unique style.
7. Melanie Perkins
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Melanie Perkins is an influential entrepreneur and the co-founder of Canva, a popular online design platform. Born in Australia, Melanie started Canva in 2012 with the vision of making design accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical skills. Under her leadership as CEO, Canva has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of users worldwide. Melanie's innovative approach and dedication to user-friendly design tools have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. She has been featured in prestigious lists such as Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Fortune's 40 Under 40. Melanie's passion for empowering individuals to express their creativity through design has revolutionized the industry, making Canva a go-to platform for professionals and non-designers alike. Her entrepreneurial journey and impact on the design landscape continue to inspire aspiring innovators around the world.
8. Parmida Kate Zand
Parmida Kate Zand embarked on her career in the financial sector at the age of 21, where she discovered her passion for assisting individuals who lacked knowledge in credit repair. In 2019, Parmida founded Unlimited Credit Repair, aiming to introduce a fresh approach to the credit repair industry and provide valuable assistance to people with their financial requirements. Throughout the pandemic, the Unlimited Credit Repair team has aided thousands of individuals across the United States in avoiding financial crises. Parmida made history by establishing the first woman-owned business in the credit repair field, with an all-female staff. In recognition of their exceptional service, Unlimited Credit Repair received the esteemed Best Customer Service Award in 2022 in Simi Valley, Los Angeles.
9. Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Spanx, a prominent shapewear brand. Born in the United States, Sara started her journey as an entrepreneur with a mission to revolutionize the undergarment industry. She came up with the idea for Spanx when she couldn't find the right undergarment to wear under a pair of white pants. With determination and creativity, Sara created her own solution and launched Spanx in 2000. Under Sara's leadership, Spanx quickly gained popularity and became a leading brand in the shapewear market. Her innovative products offered comfortable and flattering options for women of all shapes and sizes. Today, Spanx offers a wide range of undergarments, activewear, and swimwear.
Sara's entrepreneurial success has earned her numerous accolades and recognition. She has been featured in prominent magazines like Forbes and Time and has been included in Forbes' list of billionaires. Sara is also known for her philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as women's empowerment and education.
10. Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd is an influential entrepreneur and the founder of Bumble, a popular dating and networking app. With a focus on women's empowerment, Bumble gives women the power to initiate conversations. Under Whitney's leadership, Bumble has expanded globally and includes features for friendship and professional networking. Whitney's innovative approach and commitment to creating a safe online environment have earned her recognition and acclaim. She became the youngest woman to take a company public when Bumble was listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Whitney's entrepreneurial success and dedication to empowering women make her a prominent figure in the tech industry.
11. Bershan Shaw
Bershan Shaw shines as a standout figure in the American entrepreneurial realm, encompassing a diverse spectrum of roles including serial entrepreneurship, business and life coaching, motivational speaking, authorship, podcast hosting, and real estate development, further underscored by her position as CEO Tech Founder of the Urawarrior app and ownership of an impressive array of real estate properties. Central to her achievements lies Warrior Training International (WTI), an organization she established to drive business growth through interactive leadership and business development training. Recognized as a foremost Female Motivational Speaker in the U.S., Shaw has shared stages with eminent personalities like Les Brown, Tony Robbins, and Pitbull. Her journey as a resilient two-time cancer survivor has solidified her image as an unflinching conqueror of life's trials, consistently inspiring others. Her estimated net worth exceeds $20 million.