Beyond Barbie: The Rise of Women Empowered by Business Ownership
Barbie, the iconic doll that has been a staple in the lives of millions of children worldwide, held more than 250 careers — from astronaut to interior designer. Barbie traveled into space in 1965, nearly four years before man walked on the moon, and ran for president for the first time in 1992. Yet, despite her extensive job history, Barbie’s foray into entrepreneurship was barely a footnote on her resume. Times have changed, and today’s women are not only breaking glass ceilings in the corporate world but are also taking the entrepreneurial plunge. This shift is largely thanks to initiatives aimed at introducing women to the power of business ownership.
The Changing Landscape for Women in Business
Decades ago, the idea of a woman owning a business was not as common as it is today. The corporate world was largely male-dominated, and opportunities for women to rise through the ranks were limited. Fast forward to the present, and women are not just employees — they are CEOs, founders, and business owners. Organizations like The Entrepreneur’s Source® (TES) are at the forefront of this evolution, offering career ownership coaching and resources specifically tailored for women.
The rise of female entrepreneurship is not a trend — it’s a movement. Since I founded The Entrepreneur’s Source nearly 40 years ago, we’ve been instrumental in guiding women like from a corporate role to business ownership. After years of dedication in the corporate world, many women are finding themselves at a crossroads, yearning for more control over their careers and lives. Our coaching techniques enabled her to reevaluate her career trajectory and take the bold step into the exciting world of business ownership.
We launched WEBB, or Women Empowered by Business, in 2005. It’s an initiative that aims to provide women with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. TES coaches offer invaluable guidance to women looking to make this transition. Our coaches understand the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the business world as they strive to find work-life balance and make a meaningful impact. We support clients as they explore business ownership and reach a point of clarity about their future.
Many franchise businesses align perfectly with the goals and values of female business owners. Nearly 43.86% of female business owners partnered with a franchise as part of their entrepreneurial journey, according to a study conducted by Guidant Financial. Women are leveraging franchising as a viable path to entrepreneurship, drawn by its turnkey operations, proven business models, and supportive networks. Whether they are leading in sectors like healthcare, education, or food and beverage, female franchise owners are making their mark, proving that the future of franchising is not just inclusive but increasingly female-led.
The Future is Female
Barbie’s big-screen debut is drawing renewed attention to the challenges women continue to face in the workforce. The movie hit $1.03 billion at the box office only three weeks after it premiered this summer. In the new movie, Barbie has an existential crisis as she struggles to live as a woman in a patriarchal society, making her relatable to females across the globe. In addition to its thought-provoking message, the movie’s success can also be attributed to its wide audience, large marketing budget, and star-studded cast.
With the support of organizations like TES and initiatives like WEBB, more women are empowered to take control of their careers and lives. Unlike Barbie, who hopped from job to job searching for career satisfaction, today’s women can be their bosses, make their own rules, and build their own empires.
If you find yourself at a career crossroads and yearn for more control, remember that the path to business ownership is for everyone. It’s a road that is increasingly being paved by strong, empowered women who want to take control of their future and launch a career revolution.
To learn more about entrepreneurship, contact a Career Ownership Coach™. For more information about TES, visit www.entrepreneurssource.com, or check out our guidebook, “Your Career Revolution: Reimagine and Reclaim the Life of Your Dreams.”
