9 Women Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Success Secrets

Sitting in a room full of thriving women entrepreneurs, a journalist asked the question every aspiring business owner wants answered: What's your secret to success?

At the How I Got Here Small Business Summit in New Jersey, nine female small business owners opened up about the single factor that made all the difference in their journeys. Their insights prove that success comes in many forms.

Schivane Bonhomme of Dear Sis, Believe Again discovered her power after years of feeling she had to shrink herself. Now she helps other women break free from their own safety bubbles by sharing her story openly, even when it feels uncomfortable.

For Dawn Kelly of The Nourish Spot, her public relations background became her superpower. She used those skills to make sure the world knew her business existed, turning marketing expertise into real growth.

Dre Harvey of Dre's Beauty Supply had to push past crippling shyness. Two years ago, she needed her sister to attend networking events with her, and even today she calls family from her car before walking in, but she shows up anyway because something good always happens.

Realtor Zulekha Gordon found success by becoming a resource for others. After hustling as a single mom to save for her first home, she now hosts webinars teaching families how to navigate homeownership, proving that wealth building is more achievable than many think.

Why This Inspires

These women aren't selling fairy tales. They're sharing real strategies that worked: Teisha Peralta of Brown Sugar & Spice Co. focuses on making client experiences easy and memorable. Erika Wright-Rich of Myx Lokal brings infectious positive energy that attracts good people. Denaya Melvin of Rich Florals moved forward in faith without knowing the how, starting a flower business with zero experience that's now her full-time job.

The common thread? Every woman had to push past something, whether fear, doubt, or inexperience. They built community, told their stories, and kept showing up even when it felt hard.

These entrepreneurs prove that success isn't about having all the answers upfront; it's about finding your unique strength and using it to serve others while staying true to yourself.