Quinta Brunson, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche. Megan The Stallion, Celine Dion, Meryl Streep, and Melissa Fredericks are icons now, but their success didn’t happen overnight. I love hearing interviews where they share the more challenging parts of their journeys. Inspired by their stories, I reached out to women across various industries to gather insights and tips to share with you in 2025.
This year, more than ever, we are focused on building generational wealth and lasting success. In this series, I asked 25 women from different backgrounds to share the strategies that propelled them forward—starting with these five incredible entrepreneurs.
Proven Strategies from Five Successful Business Women
Roxie Lubanovic co-founded Frostbeard Studio, a successful handmade candle business for book lovers. In 2008, at 24 years old, she started a local artist and farmers market in Minneapolis, MN. Four years later, she and her husband, Tom, started a small pottery business, and two years later, they became the best-selling candle business on Etsy. Based in South Minneapolis, MN, their super unique candles are produced, fulfilled, and sold locally (and they are still a highly-rated shop on Etsy). Tips from a DIY superstar:
For women entrepreneurs, I recommend finding a unique angle or niche where you can offer something distinct. Embrace community involvement and build partnerships with local businesses to enhance visibility and authenticity. Keep your offerings dynamic and customer-focused, and don’t be afraid to make bold, strategic moves that align with your brand’s ethos. – Roxie Lubanovic
Life experience inspired Katie Lewis to choose family law as a profession. As a child of divorced parents, she saw first-hand the powerful impact a good divorce attorney can have on a family. Her commitment to compassionate, client-centered representation while carefully considering the impact on family relationships has earned her significant recognition. In 2023, she was honored as one of the top 50 women attorneys in Texas in all areas of the law and one of the top 100 attorneys in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Tips from a Family Law Attorney:
When running a business with an ex-spouse or any partner, clear legal documents outlining roles and responsibilities prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations. This approach has been instrumental in handling complex divorce cases, setting a robust framework for professional and personal boundaries that anyone can adapt to their business dealings. Also, fostering mentorship, creating a supportive network, and sharing expertise can impact career growth immensely. – Katie L. Lewis
Dr. Dominique Aimee Jean is a New York City-based, Double-Board-Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist and Author of The Script Rx: An Insider’s Guide to Thriving & Staying Fabulous in Medical School. After completing her medical training, she brought her flair for fashion to the red carpet, styling celebrities and curating looks for top magazines. Dr. Jean then combined her passions to create the Haute Healing Foundation, a non-profit charity that provides head-to-toe makeovers and gifts to chronically ill, terminally ill, LGBTQIA, and disadvantaged youth in LA.
Her diverse background gives her deep insight into helping women recognize their gifts and achieve new goals—a philosophy she calls the ‘Power of the Pivot’. Tips from a Fab Physician:
Block out your age. This means that we can talk ourselves out of success because we think it’s too late. I have been there. Just because you haven’t achieved your goals by 40 doesn’t mean you can’t. Also, be open to the fact that the dream you have for yourself will shift and change. – Dr. Dominique Aimee Jean
June Escalada is not just a graphic designer—she’s a creative problem solver with over 12 years of expertise in Adobe Illustrator. Her journey began at Michigan State University, where she studied Advertising, eventually leading to a role as Creative Director for an event company. Inspired by a mentor’s wisdom that teaching is the ultimate form of learning, June launched IllustratorHow in 2021. As the founder and creative force behind IllustratorHow, she creates customized plans and step-by-step guides to help others create impactful work. Her work has been featured on platforms like Shutterstock, Rasmussen University, Lifewire, Snappa, and The Muse.
Infusing what you love into what you do cultivates happiness in the workspace. I combined my love for design and education, and it’s this satisfaction that keeps me motivated. Also, in fast-transforming industries like digital design, constant upskilling is key – I am an advocate for lifelong learning. – June Escalada
Jodi Blodgett is a personal photographer and storyteller extraordinaire with over a decade of experience.
As a mother, wife, and outdoor enthusiast, she channels her passion for life into crafting visual narratives, from newborns to branding photography. She strongly believes that “every moment, big or small, holds significance and deserves to be cherished.” Her fascination with the transformative power of light has driven her to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary, and business is booming. Tips from behind the lens:
As a seasoned photographer specializing in capturing life’s most precious moments, I’ve learned that one of the best strategies for professional success lies in personal storytelling through visual narratives and being authentic. [And Regarding photography specifically]: understanding the transformative power of light in photography mirrors the importance of clarity and focus in business.
Each of these women demonstrates that success is built on persistence, strategic choices, and constant learning. Stay tuned for more invaluable lessons from women reshaping their industries in our next influential women feature.