williams+ co

When I first started my journey as a business owner, I quickly realized that the path I was walking wasn’t always easy or welcoming. There are unique challenges that women face in business, and some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way have been both eye-opening and humbling. Here are five things I’ve learned, the hard way, about being a woman in business.

1. Women Business Owners Are Still a Minority
One of the most surprising moments in my career came when I attended a women-in-business Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The room was filled with 75-100 women, all seemingly empowered and accomplished. But when the question was asked, "Please stand if you own a business," only two women stood—myself and my close female entrepreneur friend.

That moment was a wake-up call. In a room full of women, only two of us were business owners. I honestly thought there would be more representation, more women proudly standing to say they built something of their own. It was a stark reminder that despite how much progress we've made, women are still underrepresented in the business ownership space.

2. Imposter Syndrome Is Real—And It’s Common
There are many days when I feel like I’m not equipped to be running my own business. I question whether I have the knowledge, the skills, or the experience to succeed. The hardest part? These feelings aren’t something I’ve ever heard from my male counterparts.

I’ve spoken to countless other women business owners about this feeling of inadequacy, and every single one has admitted that they’ve struggled with imposter syndrome at some point—some even feeling it every day. Despite building our businesses from the ground up, many of us still feel like imposters in spaces we created. It’s a challenging mental hurdle that women face, and it’s something we need to talk about more openly.

3. Women Leaders Aren’t Always Seen as “Likeable”
As a business owner, I’ve learned that women in leadership positions are often not afforded the same respect as their male counterparts. A man can demand authority and set high standards for his team without question, but when a woman does the same, she’s often labeled as "overbearing," "bitchy," or "difficult."

I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I enforce policies, hold employees to high standards, or demand results, I’m sometimes met with resistance that a man in the same position wouldn’t face. It’s frustrating, but it’s also a harsh reality for many women in leadership roles. We have to walk a fine line between being authoritative and being liked, and unfortunately, the expectations are often much higher for women than for men.

4. The Support System for Women Entrepreneurs Is Crucial
Building a business as a woman can be isolating. Many times, you’re the only woman in the room or the only one facing a specific set of challenges. That’s why building a support system of other female entrepreneurs is absolutely essential.

I’ve found that connecting with other women in business, whether through networking events or casual meet-ups, has been incredibly valuable. Having that support, knowing that other women face the same struggles and triumphs, helps me feel less alone and more empowered. The solidarity among women in business is real—and it’s something we need to nurture.

5. The Work-Life Balance Struggle is Real
When I first started my business, I thought that success would come from working around the clock. I believed that in order to build something great, I had to sacrifice everything else—my time with my family, my personal life, and my own self-care.

But over time, I’ve learned the importance of balance. Women in business often feel the pressure to juggle it all—being a mother, a wife, a business owner—and it’s easy to burn out. I’ve had to learn that my business doesn’t need to consume my entire life. Prioritizing personal time, setting boundaries, and learning when to step back are all essential for long-term success and mental health.

The Hard Truths Are the Lessons We Need to Learn
Being a woman in business isn’t always easy, and sometimes the challenges can feel overwhelming. But each of these hard truths has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. They’ve taught me the importance of resilience, the power of community, and the need to advocate for myself and other women in business.

If you're a woman considering starting your own business, know that the road won't always be smooth. But if you're ready to face these hard truths head-on, you'll find that the rewards are well worth the effort. Let’s continue to support each other, break down barriers, and create a future where women in business are no longer the minority, but the majority.