Sacrifice and Success

Hard-earned success is its own reward. This is especially true for female entrepreneurs.

For many, it takes years before all the hard work pays off. After all, 49 percent of new businesses last just five years.

Though running a company is not for the faint of heart, budding CEOs should stay encouraged.

Michelle Newson, CEO of Onederland Events credits constantly being available on a personal level for her clients as key to her success.

“You have to be willing to invest all of your time into your business. This is a sacrifice I feel every owner has to make, but if your business is service-oriented then this sacrifice is even greater.”

Start up costs, operating expenses, and other financial obligations require business owners to make decisions to find investors or borrow money.

Many owners dig into their own pockets to cover business expenses. That’s what Davita N. Thomas-Odoi, owner of DNT Dynamite Design, did.

“I used my own money to start my business so generating a profit, especially in the beginning, was very important to me.

She continues, “when I first started my business I felt as if I was on level playing field with male business owners, but now that I have a child I feel differently.”

As a mother and a business owner, Thomas-Odoi says trying to achieve balance between time spent on her business, and with her child, is “always worth the sacrifice.”

Bonus PINK Link: Taking your business global could be sacrifice that makes sense.

What did you give up for success?

By Christina Caldwell

“It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.”
Sarah Bernhardt