While we think of the risky world of entrepreneurship being mostly dominated by the male gender, many brave females have ventured out into this field and have come out on top, achieving great success and fortune. Such women include Oprah Winfrey, Anita Roddick, Martha Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Debbi Fields Rose, as well as many others.
Oprah Winfrey
One of the world’s most famous females, began her career as a news reporter in Nashville at 17 years of age. In 1984, she became the host of the talk show “AM Chicago,” now known as “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” The highly successful show soon became the number one talk show in national syndication. In 1986, Winfrey began her own production company known as HARPO Productions, Inc. HARPO currently produces the shows “Dr. Phil,” “Rachael Ray” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and is slated to produce the upcoming show titled ” The Dr. Oz Show.” In March of 2009, Forbes estimated Winfrey’s net worth at $2.7 billion.
Anita Roddick
British businesswoman Anita Roddick founded the cosmetic company, The Body Shop, on March 26, 1976. The company, which prohibited the use of animals for testing, achieved great success, quickly becoming the second largest cosmetic franchise in the world. In March of 2006, The Body Shop was purchased by L’Oréal. There are currently 2,400 stores located in 61 different countries. Roddick tragically died on September 10, 2007, as a result of a brain hemorrhage. She is remembered for her activism in human rights and globalization. Before her death, Roddick reportedly donated her $100 million fortune to charity.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart founded the media and merchandising company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., in 1997. The company is divided into four divisions: publishing, Internet, media and merchandising. The merchandising division of the company sells various home goods at Kmart stores under the brand name Martha Stewart Everyday. With hosted sharepoint empowering small businesses, the media division produces the television shows “Martha Stewart Everyday,” “From Martha’s Kitchen,” “The Martha Stewart Show” and “Everyday Food.” In January of 2008, Stewart was listed on Forbes’ “20 Richest Women” list with a fortune worth nearly $650 million.
Jennifer Lopez
As well as being a famous actress and singer, Jennifer Lopez has also found success as a businesswoman. In 2003, Lopez launched the clothing line JLO by Jennifer Lopez. Two years later, she launched a second line called Sweetface. Retiring her JLO line in 2007, Lopez launched a line geared towards juniors called JustSweet. Forbes estimated Lopez to be worth $110 million in 2007.
Debbie Fields Rose
Debbie Fields Rose founded Mrs. Fields Bakeries in 1977 in Palo Alto, California. Achieving great success, the company currently has 390 locations in the United States and over 80 internationally. Rose has also published three cookbooks titled “100 Recipes from the Kitchen of Debbi Fields,” “I Love Chocolate” and “Debbi Fields’ Great American Desserts.” Rose sold the company in the early 1990s, but still acts as the company’s spokesperson.
These women have proven that the business world isn’t just for men. Despite entering into this field highly dominated by men, these women have taken their chances and their bravery has paid off. This should be an example for all of us women. If we set our mind to something and work at it hard enough, anything is within our reach.
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