A beginner’s guide to entrepreneurship – lessons from a woman entrepreneur

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your idea into a full-on business? I’ve been in those shoes before. After reading this blog, I hope you feel equipped and inspired to start your journey as a woman entrepreneur.

If you’re new here, I’m Viv – a marketing professional, a financial content creator, and the founder of First-Gen Wealth, LLC. As a first-generation college graduate and a former low-income child, I’ve helped immigrants, women, and other first-gens overcome generational poverty and build generational wealth through my platforms and newsletter.

I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, which is why I spent the last six years teaching financial literacy to immigrants. Along the way, I built a business and grew @overgenpoverty to a community with over 120k followers across my social media platforms.

Today, on International Women’s Day, I want to reflect on the importance of uplifting women entrepreneurs. This day is a reminder of the incredible power women have, as they revolutionize every industry. In today’s day and age, more and more women are starting businesses. QuickBooks’ 2025 Women’s History Month Report found that the majority of women-led small businesses currently report profitability (84%), with a record 88% experiencing positive returns in the last three months—the most prosperous period since April 2023. I know you could be one of them. So where do you start? Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

Lesson #1: Give yourself grace

Starting a business while juggling a 9-5 job, grad school, wedding planning, and being a content creator can sometimes feel like an impossible balancing act. When I first started growing my business, I often stretched myself thin–and sometimes, I still do. As a business owner, it’s normal to feel guilty for taking a break. After all, you don’t want to break the momentum. 

However, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to give myself grace. There will be times when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and that’s normal. Recognize when you’re pushing yourself too hard and when you need to take a step back.

It’s also essential to know when it’s time to outsource help. Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant or working with a freelance marketer, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks that drain you so you can focus on what matters most to you – like growing your business.

Lesson #2: Keep business finances organized

One of the most crucial aspects of entrepreneurship is managing your business finances. Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for a while, staying organized will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

The number one rule when setting up your business finances is to make sure to separate your personal and business accounts. This is key to preventing any mix-ups come tax season. Open a business bank account (QuickBooks has a great one), and once you’re ready, get a business credit card to leverage your cash flow and maximize rewards. Having your business finances separate from your personal will give you a clear view of your business’s financial health.

QuickBooks is my favorite tool to manage my finances. As a business owner, this is a must-have platform. It helps you track expenses, create invoices, and organize receipts. It also integrates with your bank accounts, making it easy to see where your money is going and how much you’re making. Plus, QuickBooks offers various reports that give you a clear picture of your profit margins, so you can make more decisions backed by actual numbers.

Your ability to keep your finances in order directly impacts your ability to access funding, qualify for business loans, and attract investors down the road. So prioritize your business finances now by keeping them organized and transparent. Remember, you're building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Lesson #3: Invest in your business

When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to do everything on your own to save money (trust me, I’ve been there). While this is understandable in the beginning, there comes a time when investing in your business is essential. You don’t have to start big – small investments can go a long way.

Start by leveraging free social media platforms to market your business. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are excellent ways to get the word out without having to spend money upfront. Consistent content, personal branding, and engagement with your audience are all key components of growing your online presence. When I committed to posting once a day in 2024, that is when I saw the most growth, the most momentum, and the most sales. Consistency is key when starting your social media accounts, and sometimes the most valuable investment we can make is time.

And once you put in the time, you may want to put in money. Before you do so, don’t overlook minority women-specific grants that are available to you. Many organizations and government programs provide funding and resources specifically aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs of color. Do your research! These grants can help you take your business to the next level without putting you in debt or sacrificing your personal capital. 

Remember, investing in your business isn’t just about spending money – it’s about spending it wisely to create a strong foundation for future growth.

Lesson #4: Celebrate Wins – Big and Small

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate the journey and every achievement along the way. As women entrepreneurs, we often struggle with imposter syndrome. The constant questioning of whether we’re good enough or if we deserve success. I’ve felt it countless times. Here’s your reminder to combat those thoughts and acknowledge all the roadblocks you’ve had to overcome and the hard work you’ve put into your business.

After all, starting a business, in and of itself, is a huge win. Gained your first customer? Celebrate it. Created your first product or service? Big win! Even if you’re just learning how to manage your business finances or focusing on growing your social media presence, celebrate your knowledge.

Make sure you carve out time for rest and self-care as well. Entrepreneurship can be mentally and physically exhausting, and sometimes, the best way to keep going is to give yourself permission to take a break – especially after a win! 

Lesson #5: Network, Network, Network

Running a business requires hard work and dedication, but networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. 

My advice? Take advantage of online communities and local groups. As a woman entrepreneur, it’s important to find a community of like-minded women entrepreneurs who understand your struggles. 

These mentors, professional groups, or networks can offer valuable support, resources, and motivation, keeping you energized and inspired along the way. 

In my experience, these connections have led to opportunities for collaborations, mentorship, and even investments. And the best part? You’re surrounding yourself with others who understand your struggles and successes! For me, these people have turned into friends that I know will uplift and support me in every chapter.

Conclusion

Building a business as a woman entrepreneur is not just a journey – it’s a transformation. It’s an opportunity to break boundaries, chase your dreams, and create something meaningful. 

By giving yourself grace, staying organized with your finances, investing in your business, celebrating your victories, and connecting with others, you’re laying the foundation for a future filled with growth and success.

But I won’t sugarcoat it – the path to success is rarely a straight line. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed with moments of doubt, and setbacks that feel disheartening. But remember: every setback is a lesson, and every challenge a chance to come back even stronger. As long as you keep moving forward.

So, don’t wait for that "perfect" moment. Embrace the journey, trust in your resilience, and take that next step toward it. 

I hope you’re feeling inspired and empowered to build the business of your dreams. I truly believe that if I can do it, so can you. Thank you so much for reading through the end and for allowing me to play a small part in your entrepreneurial journey.