Latest news with #FemaleFounders
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Girlbosses Deserve Second Chances, Too
Women, Money & Power The female founders of brands like Outdoor Voices, The Wing, and Reformation are returning to business after public downfalls. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Beth Kowitt explains why it's a win for women. (Source: Bloomberg)
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
From Group Chat To Global Platform: Female Founder World
Jasmine Garnsworthy always knew she wanted to run her own business. What she didn't expect was that she'd end up building an entire universe to help other women do the same. Her platform, Female Founder World, has become a go-to community and content hub for women building consumer brands. With a mission to support entrepreneurs 'from idea to launch and beyond,' it offers tactical resources, founder-led advice, and a sense of solidarity that's often missing in the startup space. Female Founder World is leveling up, starting with a new partnership alongside Adobe Express designed to supercharge its mission and expand access to creative tools for the next generation of founders. 'Our community is hungry for specific, tactical content to help move them towards their goals, and they want to learn from real-world founders and operators,' says Garnsworthy. 'This partnership with Adobe Express will span four new, live workshops on the topics our community is asking for — turning real experiences into actionable courses.' What started as a casual group Zoom call has evolved into a full-fledged movement. Today, Female Founder World is powered by a chart-topping podcast, a global group chat with nearly 4,000 founders, and a high-engagement Instagram presence that reached over 11 million users last year. Its sold-out Female Founder World Summit in New York City drew over 700 attendees in 2024, and this year, that number is expected to top 1,000. But before Garnsworthy built a brand that resonates with thousands, she built one that didn't scale. 'I didn't have one big idea. I had a lot of small ones. I started side hustles, ran a mini PR agency when I was still in school, tried blogging… I was always experimenting,' she shares with me over Zoom. It's also worth noting that before becoming a founder herself, Garnsworthy was a fashion and beauty editor and writer, working for publications like Popsugar, StyleCaster, Refinery29, Byrdie, and Allure. That's what inspired her to launch her own skincare brand and it's what makes her skilled at podcast interviews and storytelling. She is also a former consultant to UN Women, further cementing her commitment to supporting women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journeys. The common throughline in her work? Giving women the tools — and the mic — to tell their own stories. In 2016, Garnsworthy launched The Buff, a personalized skincare brand born from the Glossier-era beauty boom. She studied organic skincare formulation, launched with a few hero oils, and leaned into customization. But the backend, everything from manufacturing and fulfillment to cash flow, proved to be a steep learning curve. 'It was 2020. Sales had plateaued, and I couldn't crack the logistics. I didn't have the capital to fulfill larger orders. I was tired, overwhelmed and it just wasn't giving me enough back to keep going,' she says. That moment — go all in or let it go — became a turning point for Garnsworthy. 'Letting go gave me distance. The space to reflect. One of the biggest lessons I learned was: you have to protect what makes your brand special, and also trust other people to help you scale it. I didn't know how to do that when I was 27.' That same vulnerability is what makes Female Founder World work well. She's not afraid to talk about what didn't work and founders are craving more of that honesty. 'There's a fine line in how much you want to share, but the storytelling that resonates the most is always the honest stuff,' she says. 'When I was building my skincare brand, I told that story through the lens of my own skin journey. Now, with Female Founder World, I speak to the small business owner experience because I've lived it.' What began as casual founder Zooms during lockdown became the early blueprint for Female Founder World. 'At first, they were super casual. I had no plan. I'd just invite people from Instagram or my network to join. But quickly, I saw how needed it was.' Determined to build with intention, she recorded over 50 podcast episodes before publishing a single one. 'I needed to prove to myself that I'd follow through.' Eventually, the podcast and Instagram account launched simultaneously, giving the project a name and a foundation to build from. A few months later came the first group chat, which quickly became the heartbeat of the community. Today, Female Founder World has built several ways to offer members (and non-members) resources, such as live virtual 'Mentor Sessions' with notable female founders and executives, as well as downloads like a list of editors to pitch to. So what's next for Female Founder World? 'We're relaunching our membership platform in January with re-filmed resources and refreshed tools,' Garnsworthy shares. 'Next year is about refinement. Doing what we already know works, but better. And we'll be scaling our events thoughtfully. It's not about doing more, it's about doing it right.' That sense of focus — of slowing down to build with clarity and conviction — is one Garnsworthy has earned the hard way. After shutting down The Buff, she spent time unpacking what she wanted her next chapter to look like, not just professionally, but energetically. 'The business can't grow faster than I can,' she says. 'So I invest in myself, with coaches, mindset work, inner development. It's non-negotiable.' Garnsworthy credits tools like Lacy Phillips' To Be Magnetic manifestation work with helping her rewire her sense of worth and possibility. 'I had to shift a lot of subconscious beliefs. That I had to hustle constantly to be worthy. That things had to be hard. The more I did that inner work, the more aligned opportunities started showing up. It wasn't magic — it was clarity.' That blend of strategy and soul now threads through Female Founder World. It's why the brand resonates so deeply with thousands of female founders, because it doesn't just share success stories. It demystifies them. Which is exactly what makes its new partnership with Adobe Express such a natural fit. 'Creativity is one of the most powerful tools an entrepreneur can have, but too often it can be limited by time or out-of-reach tools. This partnership is about changing that. By bringing Adobe Express to such a community driven by entrepreneurs, we're empowering more founders to design smarter and move faster," shared Elise Swopes, Senior Adobe Evangelist and Community Advocate. The partnership launches with Launch Lab, a free four-part digital workshop series that brings tactical education to life, kicking off on July 1 with the topic, 'How I Secure Six-Figure Sponsors: Secrets Behind FFW's Success,' hosted by Garnsworthy. 'In this workshop I'll be teaching the partnership strategy and pitch process that's working in our business, and walk the community through how to use tools like Adobe Express to build a beautiful and impactful deck that can sell your vision," she shared. 'We asked our community what they needed help with — pitching, content creation, sponsorships — and built the series around that. These aren't coaches. These are founders who've actually done it.' Garnsworthy's hope? 'Confidence. Practical skills. Templates. And a reminder that good storytelling, paired with the right tools, can open a lot of doors.' What started as one founder's group chat has become a movement and a mentorship loop for a new generation of women in business. And as Garnsworthy says: 'There's no one path to success. Just your own.'
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bedfordshire business group 'puts women in the spotlight'
Business group 'puts women in the spotlight' 19 minutes ago Share Save Alex Pope BBC News, Bedfordshire Reporting from Bedford Share Save Emily Bateman Photography Lauren Troiano set up the Female Founders group so she did not "feel as lonely" A woman who set up a networking group connecting female entrepreneurs said she wanted to "put women in the spotlight" who "don't shout about what we do and our achievements". Lauren Troiano, 32, started the Female Founders Club in Bedfordshire six months ago to highlight local businesses and boost collaboration. She said the free group, which has gained about 52 members, offered a place for women to meet, communicate, network and support each other. Monika Czuj, one of its members, said: "It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business world that would not have been possible without this network." Emily Bateman Photography The Female Founders group has about 52 members including shop owners, yoga instructors, beauty therapists and dance teachers Ms Troiano, from Bedford, started The Little Marketing Company last year after having her son. She said she became a "female founder" because she wanted to "highlight and put women in the spotlight who own their own business - and too many times are quiet and don't shout about what we do and our achievements". During her maternity leave she made new connections, met other mums and "came across so many wonderful women with their own businesses". It led her to start the group, to provide "a free community coming together occasionally to support each other, network and form collaboration". "It's collaboration over competition every day of the week," she said. Emily Bateman Photography Monika Czuj said being part of the group meant you could listen to and help other members, and it "works both ways" Member, Ms Czuj, 38, started her business Veggie Crush in 2020, which has transitioned to a meal preparation company. "I joined the network to get support and be part of the community - that is something women are so good at," she said. "It was a massive help for building my business that has now gone nationwide. "It's like a trampoline - you meet one person, then you meet someone else. It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business that would not have been possible without this network." Emily Bateman Photography Lulu Cato-Olude said the group "shows we're in the same space, that we can support and champion each other" Lulu Cato-Olude, 36, runs the Bedford franchise of the Mum Club - a group that supports mothers - and works full-time in events, alongside caring for her 18-month-old. She moved to Bedford from London three years ago and initially "didn't know anyone". "The business world is heavily dominated by men, but in the group about 50% are mums - they've found a new work-life balance that works for them," she said. "I'm in awe of how many amazing women there are. Their energy is electric. "It's bringing women together, it's just put an amazing spotlight on everyone's business. "Now I'm part of a community, not just the ex-Londoner." Emily Bateman Photography Danielle Cox said she felt "empowered", adding "we all bounce off each other" Danielle Cox, 29, runs her own wellbeing business at Cox Hair Holistic and Beauty Therapies, in Bedford. "I realised how important it is to lean on one another. It's allowed me to gain my own confidence in holding group workshops and different events," she said. "It's to break the stigma that it's not about competition, it's about collaboration. All of us members can offer something different, we're learning from each other. "It's lovely to connect with like-minded women who understand others' struggles and come up with resolutions." The Little Marketing Company Photos of the "female founders" were shown at a special exhibition in Milton Ernest to mark International Women's Day Since its launch, the group has been "phenomenal", said Ms Troiano. "It's been so lovely to see people willing to work together. "People often think you are competing against each other, but if you have an open conversation, nine times out of 10 people are open, want to support each other and then that can lead to collaboration." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Prince Harry's security row is ‘all about the money' – he wants to ‘cut his own costs & try to win back status'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOURCES claim Prince Harry's long-running battle over security is "all about the money" as he wants to cut down on bodyguard costs. The 40-year-old yesterday lost a three-year, multimillion-pound fight after his round-the-clock royal protection was axed in the wake of Megxit. 9 Prince Harry lost his appeal over the downgrading of his personal security Credit: AFP 9 The royal is reportedly splashing out millions on bodyguards Credit: Getty 9 Sources claimed the row is "all about the money" for the royal couple Credit: AFP The Duke of Sussex had declared "my life is at stake", bizarrely claiming to be the victim of an establishment stitch-up and said he 'can't see a world' in which he would bring his wife and kids here. However The Sun understands that Harry wished he could win the case to cut his security costs and try and get back his status as an International Protected Person. He spends millions on bodyguards and a source said: 'It's all about the money'. Harry claimed stripping him of his security was a plot to force him and his wife Meghan back to Britain. Earlier this month, the prince returned to the UK for his two-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London. But Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean and Lord Justice Edis yesterday ruled against him in a humiliating blow. The loss - his second unsuccessful appeal against the decision - could be the final nail in the coffin for his security row, although Harry could still take his fight to the Supreme Court. It also means he faces paying the legal costs for both sides, which is estimated to amount to more than £1.5million. Prince Harry's biggest bombshells: Harry and Meghan were stripped of their round-the-clock protection when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. He was allowed security when he stayed at royal residences or attended royal events but had to fend for himself if he wanted to see friends in a bespoke arrangement. Harry wanted to fund his own Met Police armed bodyguards but officials refused - with insiders insisting cops are not "guns for hire". The Met said in its 2023 statement: 'To allow an individual to pay for protective security would create a precedent in which other wealthy individuals could argue that they too should be permitted to pay for such services.' Page Six reported in 2023 that Meghan and Harry pay two million dollars a year on security. Since Megxit, Meghan and Harry have unfurled a number of podcasts and TV deals. These include the recent productions With Love, Meghan and Polo - part of a $100m Netflix deal. Meghan also recently launched a new podcast called Female Founders after her Archetypes series on Spotify. But their $20m podcast partnership with the music giant ended in 2023. A Palace spokesman said of the long-running security battle: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.' It comes after Harry lashed out in a TV interview last night, despite claiming to want 'reconciliation' with his family. The father-of-two also revealed that King Charles refuses to speak to him "because of this security stuff". He said of yesterday's court decision: 'The other side have won in keeping me unsafe. 9 Prince Harry lashed out at the royal family in an interview after the loss Credit: BBC 9 rince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured promoting their Archewell podcasts Credit: pixel8000 9 Meghan and Harry have unfurled a wave of podcasts and productions Credit: Netflix 9 Prince Harry in a trailer for his first Netflix series without Meghan Markle Credit: Netflix 'I can't see a world in which I will be bringing my wife and children back at this point.' He told the BBC that verdict was 'a good old-fashioned establishment stitch up', and blamed the Royal Household for influencing the decision to reduce his security. Harry also chillingly suggested it would be the Firm's fault if anything happened to him or wife Meghan Markle. The Duke was asked why the taxpayer pay for police security. He answered: "First off, private security can only do so much, I can't go into details but most will be able to work that out. "One of the major things is that they don't have jurisdiction in a foreign country, they don't have any jurisdiction. "Police protection is effective protection, which is what my grandmother made very clear that we needed. "If you know that other people that are being protected, people that have made a choice for public office, then why would you be comfortable or happy with someone in my position that has given 30 to 35 years service to his country, two tours of Afghanistan and the threats and risks to my life… I was born into this position. I was born into those risks and they've only increased over time along with my marriage to Meghan." Referring to his incendiary memoir Spare published more than two years ago, he added: 'Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. They will never forgive me for lots of things. 'There's no point in continuing to fight any more. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has. He won't speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.' 9 Meghan Markle seen on her Archetypes Spotify podcast Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 9 Meghan has recently launched a new podcast called Female Founders Credit: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why There's No Substitute For The Power Of In-Person Networking
There's no denying that we live in an increasingly digital age. For many, this has had a direct influence on how they approach networking. One need only look at the growth of LinkedIn, which now claims over 1 billion members in over 200 countries and territories. Many professionals now use LinkedIn or other online resources as their primary networking method, whether they are joining industry groups, looking for jobs or reaching out to potential collaborators. While such resources have definitely opened up new opportunities and connections for many, they are still no substitute for in-person networking. Quite frankly, in-person networking has key advantages that can never be fully replicated in a virtual space. Online networking events have certainly come a long way, but they still tend to focus on efficiency rather than true opportunities for connection. As Aneta Pawlik, marketing communications manager at Female Founders, writes, 'Online events are organized to accommodate presentations and question time – and they tend to strip the social parts because, historically, it has been very difficult to connect with other people during webinars or live streams. And let's be honest; we have all been part of events where other attendees are happily not turning their cameras on and staying silent in the chat. This attitude makes it difficult to truly build relationships with other participants or speakers compared to in-person interaction.' As a result, online networking events often result in one-way communication rather than true connections. Networking through social media can take time due to delayed responses. On the other hand, in-person events allow for more spontaneous and natural conversation. Body language, tone and other factors enable more natural conversation that build rapport and make interactions more meaningful and memorable. Because of this, in-person networking lets you demonstrate your authentic personality and expertise. Your demeanor during these conversations can create a lasting impression that builds trust and connection much quicker than if you were to connect exclusively online. Even if you don't immediately start doing business with someone, that in-person connection will help you remain in their memory for when they need to consider business partners in the future. Another advantage of in-person networking events is that they often provide unexpected opportunities to connect with people you wouldn't have met otherwise. These unplanned interactions can sometimes lead to the most important partnerships and connections — whereas online, you are generally limited to connecting with the people you originally planned to connect with. For example, Caribbean event-planning agency Mystique highlighted the power of in-person events through its work on the Jamaican premiere of the Paramount Pictures film 'Bob Marley: One Love.' The event brought together 900 VIP guests, including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. For the guests of this premiere, attending an in-person event provided the opportunity to meet actual royalty. While you probably won't encounter royalty at your next industry-specific event, in-person networking opportunities can still provide chances to meet with similarly important people in your niche. You might bump into a presenter and get the chance to ask more in-depth questions about their area of expertise. You might meet a manager for a different company who is looking to partner with someone with your own skill set. These spontaneous meetings can often be more worthwhile than planned activities and meet-ups, leading to lasting partnerships. On the other hand, simply attending an online webinar with little to no opportunity for interacting with other attendees will completely eliminate these kinds of opportunities. In that case, you aren't really networking at all, and potential partners may never even learn you exist. Perhaps the most powerful advantage of in-person networking is that it is generally more likely to serve as a breeding ground for collaborating with others. As you connect with other businesses and individuals in a natural, in-person setting, these conversations that build rapport can also help you and others recognize common goals and interests. Having time to talk together in-person can lead to more in-depth discussions where you share ideas and ways you can collaborate to make different projects a reality. And with in-person networking, it is much easier to find ways to continue the conversation even after the official portion of the event is over. This isn't to say that online networking can't help you discover these opportunities as well. However, the inefficiencies of online networking can make it much harder to get to this point. Case in point: A study from the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that making a request in person is 34 times more successful than making that same request via email — largely due to the emotions conveyed during in-person conversation. Better communication is foundational for stronger collaboration, and in-person networking can lay the groundwork for these partnerships. Digital networking opportunities are undeniably powerful, allowing collaborators who are geographically distant to work together effectively. But don't neglect in-person networking. Meeting and networking in-person can help you build rapport and trust, while also creating unexpected opportunities that wouldn't have been available through a digital event. By strategically using in-person networking, you can create new connections that lead to even more powerful collaborations.
