Seek the roads, less travelled and off you go.
Starting a business is one of the most exciting, yet daunting, things you can do. For many women, the idea of starting a business feels overwhelming—not because of a lack of ambition but because of uncertainty about what to do. Often, the hesitation comes from thinking the business needs to be trendy or fit into what is currently popular. But the truth is, a business doesn’t have to follow trends or mirror what others are doing. A business can simply be an extension of your heart’s desires, built on something you love and cannot find anywhere else.
Instead of looking outward for answers, what if you turned inward? What if you asked yourself, “What do I truly want to create?” When you honor that desire—when you give life to your own unique idea—you’re not just starting a business. You’re creating something meaningful that can bring joy to yourself and others.
Your business doesn’t have to be perfect from the start. It doesn’t have to bring in massive profits immediately. What it does need to do is light you up inside. That energy of joy, fulfillment, and authenticity will attract the right people to you. Even if it doesn’t grow into a global phenomenon, it can still be enough—because you’re enough. And often, following that path of joy can lead you to something even greater.
Four Stories of Women Who Followed Their Hearts
To inspire you, here are four incredible stories of women who listened to their inner voice, followed their passions, and created businesses that are as unique as they are:
Carrie Green
Carrie Green, based in the UK, is the founder of the Female Entrepreneur Association, an online platform where women from around the world come together to share their business journeys and learn from one another. Carrie, a lawyer by profession, started her entrepreneurial journey while still in university. She wanted more out of life—to live on her own terms and escape the loneliness of being an entrepreneur. This desire gave her the idea to create an online community for like-minded women to connect and support each other.
Carrie is also the author of the book – She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur, a must-read for any aspiring businesswoman. Learn more about her incredible journey at www.femaleentrepreneurassociation.com.
Iffath Lotallah
Iffath Lotallah is a coach, writer, and Reiki healer who once felt stuck in the roles she was playing and the circumstances she was born into. She felt helpless, resentful, and unsure of how to change. But then, Iffath made a bold decision to take full responsibility for her life. She wiped the slate clean and rebuilt from the ground up, putting back only the things that felt good and aligned with her true self.
Today, Iffath helps women reconnect with their most authentic selves. She understands that many women are out of touch with their true desires, and her mission is to guide them back to a life of purpose and fulfillment. Learn more about Iffath’s story and her work at www.iffath.com.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae is a trailblazer in the world of storytelling, known for her work as a writer, director, and actor. She began her journey creating the YouTube web series Awkward Black Girl, which showcased her unique voice and perspective. Her commitment to authenticity and creativity resonated with audiences, eventually leading her to create and star in the hit HBO series Insecure. Through her work, Issa has opened doors for diverse voices in entertainment and inspired countless women to follow their own creative paths.
Issa’s journey is a testament to the power of starting small and staying true to your vision. From self-producing content on YouTube to becoming a major force in Hollywood, she has shown that when you honor your unique talents, incredible opportunities can follow.
And she is also the co-founder and investor of the business Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. https://www.findyourhilltop.com/
Kenzi Soliman
Kenzi Soliman lives in Alexandria, Egypt, and began her digital entrepreneurship journey in 2015. Since then, she has achieved extraordinary milestones, selling her courses to over 150,000 people worldwide. Kenzi has given two TEDx talks, self-published two audiobooks, and created courses in collaboration with women from around the globe. Recently, she launched her first-ever physical journal, available on Amazon in both English and Arabic.
Kenzi’s journey is a testament to the power of self-expression. She gave herself permission to share her creative gifts with the world, and in doing so, she has impacted countless lives. Learn more about Kenzi’s work on her website: www.kenzsoliman.com.
Follow Your Heart’s Desires
These women didn’t wait for permission or follow trends. They listened to their hearts, acted on their desires, and created businesses that reflect their unique visions.
If you’re dreaming of starting a business but feel unsure of where to begin, start by asking yourself: What lights me up? What do I love that I wish existed? Write it down, brainstorm ideas, and don’t worry if it doesn’t fit into what’s popular. The most successful businesses come from authenticity and passion.
To get started, consider these steps:
- Write down your desires: What kind of life do you want? What kind of business would bring you joy?
- Take small steps: You don’t have to start big. Use the resources you have now to begin.
- Honor your uniqueness: Remember, your business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You are a niche, all by yourself.
When you honor your desires and follow your heart, something magical happens. You start to create a ripple effect of joy, authenticity, and abundance—not just for yourself, but for those around you. And who knows? What starts as a small step might one day lead to a journey greater than you ever imagined.
With all my heart,
Salima
