As one of many successful female entrepreneurs, it deeply saddens me that in this day and age, us women are still facing sexism in the workplace.
Female Entrepreneurs: Why These Founders Invented a Man
When LA female entrepreneurs Penelope Gazin and Kate Dwyer launched their weird art e-commerce marketplace, they went to the extreme lengths of fabricating an imaginary cofounder called Keith. Why? Because they didn’t feel like they were being taken seriously.
Whatever their reasons, the idea seems to be paying off for the girls. Their brainchild, Witchsy, celebrated its one year anniversary in August. Since launching, Witchsy has sold over $200,000 worth of weird and wonderful art, with 80% going to the artists.
These girls found a clever niche. They created a marketplace for weird, dark, humorous and obscene art.
After reading their story, it angers me that female entrepreneurs still face such ridiculous obstacles and challenges. One example being their first website developer, who attempted to delete all of their website development milestones simple because Gazin politely declined to go on a date with him. Starting a successful business is challenging enough without dealing with such inappropriate behavior.
The recent news stories about male actors and producers in positions of power trying to take advantage of ambitious younger stars? Probably just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve probably all heard similar stories shared by our girlfriends and loved ones.
After a few more patronizing emails and meetings, these creative-thinking ladies introduced Keith. Suddenly, emails received quicker responses with a more respectful tone and helpful attitude.
My advice to you ladies is to go out there and get whatever it is you want. Don’t let anyone, man or woman, make you think you’re not deserving of the appropriate respect or professionalism. Us ladies are fierce and are slaying more than ever in the business world. Don’t let anyone, or anything, stand in your way!
Further reading: How to Slay Entrepreneurism
