Lessons Learned from Female Entrepreneurs: Overcoming Failures

We have selected three interviews to provide you with insight into how various startups encounter and overcome similar challenges while growing their businesses. 

Erica, Anne, and Emily, three ambitious women, have faced different mistakes. Take a look at how you can learn from these failures, the main takeaways, and ensure a successful startup!

Key lessons from early mistakes by Erica Surace of The D2 Collective

  1. Confidence in Vision: Overcoming the challenge of not being taken seriously required confidently communicating their vision.
  2. Monetization: Delaying monetization initially was a mistake; recognizing the need to value their offerings led to introducing sponsor charges.
  3. Sustainable Business Model: Balancing membership and corporate clients was crucial for sustainability.

These lessons emphasize the importance of valuing your offerings and assertively sharing your vision.

For more details, visit the full interview here.

Anne Dijkstra's experience with Feelou offers key lessons:

  1. Supplier Selection: Choosing the wrong supplier led to significant losses and stock issues. It’s crucial to ensure the supplier meets quality expectations.
  2. Product Complexity: Recognizing the technical complexity of their product helped in finding the right partners.
  3. Early Sales: Starting sales early enabled validation and understanding of the customer base.
  4. Resilience: Embrace setbacks and continue moving forward.

These lessons underscore the importance of careful partner selection, early product validation, and resilience.

For more details, visit the full interview here.

Emily Hinks' journey with Mischief Makers highlighted several key lessons:

  1. Team Well-being: The pandemic increased demand, leading to team exhaustion. Seeking support and implementing coaching were essential to maintain morale.
  2. Celebration and Promotion: Initially neglecting to celebrate achievements and promote their work, they learned the importance of recognizing successes and authentic marketing.
  3. Adaptability: Quickly adapting their model to meet industry needs during the pandemic was crucial.

These lessons underscore the importance of team support, celebrating milestones, and adaptability.

For more details, visit the full interview here.

Summing up the overall take aways

  1. Confidence and Vision: Strong belief in your vision and clear communication are vital.
  2. Supplier and Partner Selection: Carefully choose suppliers and partners to avoid costly mistakes.
  3. Adaptability: Be ready to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances.
  4. Team Support and Well-being: Prioritise team morale and seek external support when needed.
  5. Celebration and Promotion: Regularly celebrate successes and promote achievements authentically.

These insights underscore the importance of strategic planning, resilience, and team management.

Would you like to share your insights with the rest of the entrepreneurial community? Become a member! Join us to connect, share your story and learn from other female entrepreneurs.

Become a member

Would you like to share your insights with the rest of the entrepreneurial community? Become a member! Join us to connect, share your story and learn from other female entrepreneurs.
Become a member

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