Women entrepreneurs are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and redefining success on their own terms. Yet, the path to business ownership and leadership is often filled with unique challenges—imposter syndrome, advocacy, and work-life balance, to name a few.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the voices of women who have built their careers with resilience, strategy, and a deep commitment to lifting others as they climb. Their experiences offer valuable insights into what it takes to succeed, from overcoming self-doubt to defining success on their own terms.
We interviewed Heather Allen, Founder of Reality Saving, Courtney Brown, Founder of Harvest Pursuit, kiandra davis, founder of kreative Candle, and other select women business owners and entrepreneurs. Here’s what they had to say:
What inspired you to start your business or pursue your current career path?
Heather: The financial literacy gap in communities across America motivated me. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and many lack basic money management skills. I saw family and friends struggle—even those with college degrees—because they didn’t have the necessary financial tools. I wanted to change that. That’s why I created Reality Saving LLC—to provide real, practical financial education to those who need it most.
Anonymous: I got fired, looked for a job, and then thought, “I can design this on my own.” When I later described what I was doing, people would say, “Oh, my God, you’re doing my dream job!” That reinforced that I was on the right path at the right time.
Kiandra: For years I have always enjoyed burning candles in my home and have relatives and friends
who enjoy the same. So, I thought, “Why not create candles with long lasting fragrances that can be
enjoyed by families all over the country?” There, in the middle of COVID-19, Kreative Candle Co.
was created.
What advice would you give to women looking to break into your industry?
Heather: If you have a passion for finances and community impact, go for it! Building trust with people and their money takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Define your target market and identify needs within that community. Become a trusted resource by offering free workshops, sharing valuable content, and building relationships.
Courtney: Just go for it. We often overthink or feel overwhelmed, but real growth comes from action. In digital marketing and business consulting, finding clients who trust you is tough. When I started, I was flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn. I networked, took free webinars, and even did free work for friends and family to gain experience.
Anonymous: For speaking, you need expertise—being a great speaker alone isn’t enough anymore. No one starts at the top. Speak for free, be fabulous, and keep working on your craft.
Kiandra: I have 4 very important points of advice for any future entrepreneurs. 1. Trust God’s process. 2. Stay organized. 3. Have a Mentor or Accountability Partner. 4. Always research how to improve, and grow as an CEO
How do you define success for yourself and your business?
Heather: Success, for me, is about impact—helping someone finally understand budgeting, guiding a young adult toward financial stability, or sharing knowledge that leads to smarter financial decisions. Success also means continuous growth, learning from others, and staying open to new opportunities.
Courtney: My definition of success evolves. It’s not just about revenue—it’s about growing my team, strengthening processes, and building strong relationships. Many want overnight success, but without a solid foundation, scaling becomes difficult.
Anonymous: Success includes profitability, but also alignment with the goals I set when starting my business—alignment with my values, lifestyle, and the people I want to work with.
Kiandra: Success can be measured by the quality of my candles and how happy our customers are with
them. Positive reviews, repeat customers, and word-of-mouth recommendations are all signs of
success for Kreative Candle Co.
Have you had mentors or role models who shaped your career?
Courtney: I haven’t had one standout mentor, but every job, boss, and coworker has influenced my journey. I’ve taken note of what I’d do differently and what I’d replicate in my own business.
Anonymous: Yes, many. Mentors provide perspective, support, validation, and sometimes challenge you. You need that, and then you need to be that for others as well.
Kiandra: Yes, Shan Greggs has been a significant role model for me in starting my candle business. I
learned the craft of candle-making from her, and her guidance has shaped many of the steps
I’ve taken in building my business. Her expertise and approach to both the art of making
candles and running a business provided me with a solid foundation. I followed her lead in areas
like choosing quality materials, perfecting techniques, and even branding my candles. Her
success inspired me to pursue my own journey, and I continue to draw from the lessons she
shared as I grow my business.
How do you handle imposter syndrome when it arises?
Heather: I call it out and push through. Before workshops or coaching sessions, I remind myself: “You are more than capable of teaching the skills you’ve mastered.” Then I do it scared.
Courtney: I give myself grace. When I look back at my journey, I realize I didn’t have it all figured out at the start—but I kept moving forward. Having a supportive team helps combat self-doubt.
Anonymous: I approach it objectively. I assess whether there are actual areas I need to improve or if I’m being too critical. I look at numbers, seek multiple perspectives, and take a scientific approach rather than dismissing or ignoring it.
Kiandra: I don’t think I’ve ever truly experienced imposter syndrome. I’ve always felt confident in my
abilities and trusted the process, especially when it comes to starting my candle business. While
challenges and doubts can arise, I focus on learning from them rather than letting them hold me
back. For example, when I first began, I wasn’t sure how my products would be received, but
instead of feeling like an imposter, I used that uncertainty as motivation to improve and grow. I
learned to trust my skills, my creativity, and the hard work I was putting in, which helped me
overcome any moments of self-doubt.
What strategies have helped you advocate for yourself and other women in business?
Courtney: Showing up and owning my space. Networking, introducing myself in new rooms, and creating opportunities for other women. I advocate by sharing resources and ensuring our work speaks for itself.
Anonymous: I focus on facts and objectivity. I use spreadsheets and ethical decision-making processes to ensure inclusivity. I recognize that even with these efforts, unconscious bias can still exist, so I stay aware and open-minded.
Kiandra: To advocate for myself and other women in business, I focus on building a strong network,
offering support, and sharing knowledge. I believe in amplifying women’s voices by
collaborating, offering mentorship, and creating opportunities for growth. I also actively seek out
spaces where women can share their experiences and encourage each other, helping to build
confidence and community.
How do you manage work-life balance?
Anonymous: Strategic resilience. Plan, implement, and follow what research says works.
Kiandra: I stay focused and resilient by maintaining a daily routine that includes setting clear goals,
prioritizing tasks, and taking regular breaks to avoid burnout. I also practice mindfulness, stay
organized, and make time for self-care to keep my energy up and my mind clear.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Heather: Hope isn’t a strategy. You need a plan. You need a clear strategy to build and grow. Just hoping things will work out isn’t enough—you have to take action.
Anonymous: Two of my mentors told me, “Yes, but not right now.” I was eager to take on too much, and they advised me to focus on what was already in front of me. Thankfully, I listened, and they were right.
Kiandra: The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and
keep moving forward, because growth often comes from the challenges we face.
What legacy do you hope to leave for future women entrepreneurs?
Heather: Mentorship and accessibility are crucial. I want young women entrepreneurs to know their biggest dreams are possible and that I’m here to help.
Anonymous: The best legacy is to do your thing, do it well, and support others in doing their thing—not just sharing what you did, but helping them succeed in their own way.
Kiandra: I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, showing future women entrepreneurs that with
determination, creativity, and community support, they can build successful businesses and
break down barriers in any industry.
The stories and advice shared by these women underscore a common theme: success is not a solo journey. It’s built on mentorship, perseverance, and the willingness to show up, take risks, and advocate for yourself and others. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s take inspiration from these entrepreneurs and commit to fostering a business world where more women can thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, remember—your work, your vision, and your leadership have the power to shape the future.
Connect with Heather and Reality Saving LLC
Connect with Courtney and Harvest Pursuit
Connect with Kiandra and Kreative Candle Co