Starting a new business has never been easy, and for women in history, it was even tougher. They couldn’t open bank accounts, get loans, or vote. But despite these challenges, some women found ways, often starting from difficult situations. In various fields, these trailblazing women had to overcome huge obstacles to leave their mark. Most of them did this while facing hardships. Let’s look back and celebrate the stories of these historical female entrepreneurs who started with very little.
1. Eliza Tinsley (1813–1882): A Victorian Visionary’s Resilience
In the midst of Victorian England, Eliza Tinsley emerged as a symbol of entrepreneurial resilience. After inheriting her husband’s self-employed trade in 1851, Eliza reshaped it into the Eliza Tinsley Company, evolving into a hardware manufacturing powerhouse that employed a staggering 4000 individuals. Today, the legacy of her name lives on as the company continues to thrive.
2. Estée Lauder (1908-2004): Beauty Empress and Cosmetics Pioneer
Estée Lauder, born Josephine Esther Mentzer, emerged as a beauty industry icon and cosmetics pioneer. Founding the Estée Lauder Companies, she transformed her passion for skincare into a global empire. Lauder’s innovative marketing strategies, including the introduction of free samples, revolutionized the cosmetics industry. Her dedication to quality and elegance established her as a trailblazer, and the Estée Lauder brand remains synonymous with luxury and beauty worldwide.
3. Martha, Esther, and Mary Sleepe (1700’s): Crafting Success in 18th Century London
Breaking free from the norms of 18th Century London, the Sleepe sisters – Martha, Esther, and Mary – became pioneers in the art of fan-making. Having mastered the trade from their mother, these enterprising sisters each established their own fan-making shops in Cheapside, London, challenging the prevailing notions of women’s roles in commerce.
4. Lydia Estes Pinkham (1819-1883): Herbal Healer and Women’s Health Advocate
Lydia Estes Pinkham, a pioneer in herbal medicine and women’s health, made significant contributions during the 19th century. As the creator of Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, a herbal remedy for women’s health issues, she became a trusted figure in the medical community. Pinkham’s advocacy for women’s well-being and her entrepreneurial spirit left an enduring legacy, marking her as a trailblazer in holistic healthcare for women.
5. Katherine Wright Haskell (1874-1929): Aviation’s Unsung Hero
While the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville, captured the limelight of aviation history, Katherine Wright Haskell played a crucial, albeit lesser-known, role in their success. Graduating from Ohio’s Oberlin College, Katherine became an international figure accompanying her brothers to Europe. Her charm and business acumen contributed significantly to the Wright brothers’ legacy.
6. Bessie Coleman (1892-1926): Breaking Barriers in the Skies
Bessie Coleman, a trailblazer of the skies, shattered racial and gender barriers as the first woman of African-American and Native American descent to obtain a pilot’s license. As a stunt pilot, she earned the moniker “Queen Bess,” leaving an indelible mark on aviation history and inspiring future generations.
7. Eliza Lucas Pinckney (1722-1793): Agricultural Innovator and Entrepreneur
Eliza Lucas Pinckney, an influential figure in 18th-century America, played a pivotal role in transforming agriculture and trade. Recognized for her innovative approach, Eliza successfully cultivated indigo as a cash crop in South Carolina, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s agricultural achievements underscore her lasting impact on the agricultural landscape and her trailblazing role in early American commerce.
8. Coco Chanel (1883-1971): Fashion Revolution and Timeless Elegance
Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, a fashion icon, revolutionized the industry with her timeless brand. Post-World War I, she introduced a sporty casual chic, challenging conventional silhouettes. Chanel’s influence transcends fashion, earning her a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
9. Rebecca Lukens (1794-1854): Iron Queen of Coatesville
Rebecca Lukens, hailed as the “Iron Queen of Coatesville,” was a pioneering industrialist in 19th-century America. As the owner and operator of the Brandywine Iron Works and Nail Factory in Pennsylvania, Lukens became the first female industrialist in the United States. Her visionary leadership and business acumen propelled the iron industry forward, establishing a legacy of innovation and resilience that paved the way for future generations of women in business.
10. Mary Kay Ash (1918-2001): Empowering Women through Cosmetics
Mary Kay Ash, a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry, founded Mary Kay Cosmetics to empower women. Frustrated with gender bias in her sales job, she defied the odds, building a global empire with $1.2 billion in sales. Mary Kay’s legacy lives on, inspiring women to forge their paths in entrepreneurship.
11. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919): Philanthropy and Beauty Empowerment
Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, became the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. Overcoming adversity, she pioneered beauty and hair products for black women, establishing the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy continue to shape the beauty industry and society.
12. Muriel Siebert (1928-2013): Wall Street’s First Woman
Muriel Siebert, often known as the “First Woman of Finance,” broke through gender barriers on Wall Street in the 1960s. In 1967, she became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. Siebert’s trailblazing achievements extended beyond finance; she also served as the first woman Superintendent of Banks for the State of New York. Her legacy as a pioneer in the male-dominated world of finance continues to inspire women in the financial industry today.
As we reflect on the incredible journeys of these extraordinary women, it becomes clear that their stories are not just tales of individual success but chapters in the broader narrative of women’s resilience and tenacity in the face of formidable challenges. From Victorian England to the bustling streets of 20th-century New York, each of these entrepreneurs carved a path, not only for themselves but for generations of women to come.
Their legacies continue to resonate today, echoing in the achievements of women who lead businesses, challenge norms, and break barriers. As we celebrate these pioneers, let us also acknowledge the countless unsung heroines, past and present, who persist in the pursuit of their dreams.