There’s a story behind every business.
Long before the branding, the polished websites, the product launches, and the milestones worth celebrating, there was usually a moment, a frustration, a gap, an unmet need, or a quiet realization that something was missing. For many female founders, business doesn’t begin with the simple desire to become an entrepreneur. It often begins with necessity. It begins with seeing a problem no one seems interested in solving. It begins with wanting flexibility to raise a family while still building financial independence. It begins after career disappointment, limited opportunities, personal hardship, or the growing discomfort of living inside systems that no longer align with who they are becoming.
Sometimes, it begins with inadequacy, not in who they are, but in what the world has offered them.
- A lack of access.
- A lack of representation.
- A lack of opportunity.
- A lack of solutions designed with women in mind.
And so, many women do what women have always done so brilliantly, they create. They innovate where resources are limited, and they build where infrastructure feels uncertain. They solve problems not because it is easy, but because waiting for someone else to solve them is no longer an option.
This is why female founders are such an essential part of the Caribbean ecosystem.
Across our region, women-owned businesses are doing far more than generating income. They are creating employment, strengthening local economies, preserving culture, fostering innovation, and proving that impact does not have to wait for perfect conditions. When a Caribbean woman builds a business, she is often building more than a company. She is building possibility and she is rewriting what leadership looks like for younger women watching her. She is creating options for herself and her family, she is transforming ideas into opportunities and obstacles into systems that work better for the people around her.
Entrepreneurship gives women something deeply powerful: agency.
- The agency to make decisions that align with their values.
- The agency to create financial freedom.
- The agency to choose vision over limitation.
- The agency to shape a life on their own terms.
And when women have agency, communities benefit. We see it in the jobs they create, the people they mentor, and we see it in the confidence they awaken in others who finally believe, if she can do this, maybe I can too, and that ripple effect matters.
This Female Founders Month, we’re proud to celebrate some of the incredible women we’ve had the honour of featuring in TheBeyondWoman Magazine. These women represent the resilience, creativity, and determination that continue to shape the Caribbean business landscape in extraordinary ways. Behind each of their brands is a story of courage, discipline, sacrifice, and vision. Their journeys remind us that businesses are rarely built because the path was easy. They are built because someone cared enough to solve a problem, serve a need, and trust that their idea deserved space to grow.
Today, we honour their hard work. We celebrate their impact. And we recognize that every woman bold enough to build is helping create a stronger, more innovative, and more empowered Caribbean for all of us. Because when female founders rise, they do not rise alone. They bring entire communities with them.
And that is always worth celebrating.
Anna-Kay Ledford
Founder of CAW Accessories
For women aspiring to start their own businesses, Anna-Kay offers sage advice:
First, believe in yourself and the value you can offer—whether solving a problem or adding value.
Second, resist the urge to perfect everything from the start. As a Wired to Win DNA Coach, I am part of a community that embraces the process of ‘building the plane while it’s flying.’ It is quite unconventional, but effective, especially in combating procrastination.
Third, engage with a community and elevate your network through meaningful connections because ‘men are doors and doors are men.’
Fourth, seek out a mentor.
And Last, I will share this guiding principle from my Apostle, Dr. Courtney McLean, ‘Movement attracts resources.’
Gabrielle Burgess
Founder of Suga Lifestyle | GW Art
Thoughts for Female Founders
Gabrielle encourages female founders to be confident, recognize what sets them apart, and appreciate the memorable moments along their journey. She advises finding balance, embracing joy when it comes, and knowing that things happen for a reason. Be faithful and trust in God. He never gives us a responsibility or burden without also equipping us with the strength to overcome and emerge victorious.
Victoria Gordon
Founder of Frangipani Palm
Victoria Gordon, the creative force behind Frangipani Palm, has infused Caribbean culture into her fashion brand in a way that is both vibrant and meaningful. Inspired by a unique leather bag she encountered in Guyana, Victoria’s journey from dream to reality is a testament to her passion for celebrating Caribbean heritage.
Thoughts for Female Founders, especially as it relates to consistency and staying true to themselves and their brand.
Remember, there’s room for every idea and every entrepreneur. Just because someone else is doing something similar doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your vision. Keep experimenting, stay true to your unique approach, and breathe—you’ve got this!
Sasha Bowie
Makeup Artist, Vegan Coach, and Fierce Advocate for Women’s Health
I’ve learned that success comes from honoring both the creative flow and the structured grind.” She understands that both elements are essential to her growth.
When reflecting on what helped her through difficult times, Sasha shares a surprising source of strength: the Harry Potter series. “Even in darkness, there’s magic, resilience, and unexpected sources of strength,” she says, reminding us that even in the most challenging moments, there’s always room for light.
Suzan Foster
Founder: Femme Essentialz
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
Do not compare your journey to anyone else’s. Go at your own pace. Everything will fall into place with prayer, patience, and perseverance. Start with what you have. Trust your instincts. Your story, your scars, your dreams—they all matter. You are more powerful than you think.”
“Take up space. Speak your truth. Prioritize your health. Your body is a temple, your voice is a weapon, and your purpose is divine.
Avalon Gomez
CEO: Avelle Brand Management Co.
Founder: EmpowHER TT
As a founder, marketer, and changemaker, Avalon knows the importance of staying grounded amidst her many roles. “I pray! I remind myself often: this is bigger than me, I am a servant, and what I am doing is being obedient to my calling.”
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
Start with clarity, not pressure. Build your foundation first, and let your passions layer naturally. And most importantly, rest is also a strategy. Don’t let hustle culture convince you otherwise. Don’t wait until it’s perfect. And when it gets hard, remind yourself why you began. Your ‘why’ is always your anchor.” Build with faith, build with heart, and never be afraid to take up space.
Nicole Beal
Founder: Blackwood Premium
Three things every female founder needs to drive success.
Resilience, confidence, and support. Resilience carries you through the inevitable setbacks and challenges that come with building something meaningful. Confidence allows you to trust your instincts, own your ideas, and lead without shrinking yourself to fit into spaces not built with you in mind. Support reminds you that success is rarely built alone. The right mentors, peers, and community will encourage you, challenge you, and help steady your vision when the road feels uncertain.
To every woman reading this: you do not need permission to begin. Your voice, your vision, and your values are enough. Build boldly, lead with intention, and never forget that you belong in every room your purpose takes you into.
Candera Thompson
CEO & Founder: Bask & Bloom Essentials
Candera on supporting each other in Business
We have ways to go, and we can support each other more. It is one thing to clap and be happy for each other when we share good news, but if I see my friend posting something or talking about something, I am not going to say “go girl, you got this”. I am going to reach out and say, ” What do you need, and how can I get it to you; so I am helping to remove the current stress so you can move on. The question is, are we surface supporters or are we prepared to say, “Here is my number, let us talk this through. That is the level of support I am talking about.
We have to get more comfortable sharing information and resources as a whole
China L’One
Founder: We Run the World Female DJ Agency
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
Anything is possible when you are engaging in a creative business, and you have to have courage. It is a huge risk because the way is never clear.
You must not second-guess yourself, even if you can’t see the whole picture. For me, the agency was it; I had no plan B, and I was ready. I was at the bottom, not knowing where to start. I could see the big picture, but the journey to the big picture was obscure, and that is why my relationship with God is so important, because where I am now, I attribute to Him giving me the direction and boldness to go after all I could see and feel was mine.
Shanoy Coombs
Founder: Infinity Integrated Marketing Communications
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
You must decide your parameters and do not follow the crowd, stand in your authenticity and truth. While you are evolving, you may need to redefine who you are. It is okay to look at others for inspiration, but ultimately you must know who you are and stay true to that, then bravely walk in your authenticity, as it nullifies the comparison game and wanting to be like others.
Drs. Krystle and Kimberly Maragh
Founders: Blu Lotus Medical and Wellness Centre
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
More women are embracing self-care and seeking services to enhance their well-being, reflecting a broader trend towards self-empowerment. Give yourself grace and patience. Love yourself wholeheartedly and unconditionally, and always strive to see the best in you.”
Keda Wilks-Betty
Founder: Property Viewers
Words of encouragement to Female Founders and women in general.
Do something that you have never done before, try something new, even if it scares you. Step out of your comfort zone, take a chance on yourself, and venture into the unknown. You will discover courage and resilience you never knew you had.” Choose your people wisely; observe, listen, and learn from their experiences. Be a part of conversations and settings that bring you closer to God, ignite your passion, and fuel your drive. Though small, my ecosystem is dependable and has kept me grounded. Remember, no man is an island; no man stands alone.
As we celebrate Female Founders Month, these 12 women share wisdom, lessons, and encouragement not just for aspiring entrepreneurs, but for all of us navigating purpose, growth, and the courage it takes to build something meaningful.
They represent just a small number of the many incredible women we’ve had the privilege of featuring across 23 issues of TheBeyondWoman Magazine so far, and truthfully, we wish we could have highlighted them all. The Caribbean is filled with women whose stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated, and we look forward to continuing to feature more founders, creators, leaders, and visionaries who have so much to offer our region and beyond.
Because being a founder takes work. It takes sacrifice, discipline, courage, resilience, faith, and the willingness to keep showing up even when the outcome is uncertain. Behind every thriving business is a woman who has likely had to overcome self-doubt, setbacks, pressure, exhaustion, and moments where quitting may have felt easier.
So if you see a woman today who is building, growing, leading, creating, or simply trying to chart a different course for her life, acknowledge her effort. Celebrate her courage. Cheer her on. Sometimes support is not just financial, but emotional. Sometimes believing in a woman’s vision while it’s still growing can make all the difference.
And as we continue honouring female founders this month, we invite you to explore the rich and inspiring stories of Caribbean women featured inside TheBeyondWoman Magazine.
Their stories matter. Their voices matter. And their impact is still unfolding.
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Listen To Our Latest Podcast
There is a version of depression that doesn’t stop your life; it just quietly drains it.
In this episode, Jacqueline Johnson opens up a needed conversation around functioning depression in Caribbean women, the kind that hides behind productivity, responsibility, and “holding it together.” This isn’t about not showing up; it’s about showing up while feeling disconnected, exhausted, and slowly losing touch with yourself. We get into what this actually looks like for high-achieving women, for single women, and for women raising children while carrying emotional and mental loads that often go unseen. This episode goes deeper into the real drivers behind it, including chronic stress, emotional suppression, and role overload, and how these patterns don’t just affect your internal state but begin to shape your relationships, your boundaries, and the decisions you make when you are running on empty.
This is not just a conversation about what’s wrong; it’s about what is possible, how to begin reconnecting with yourself, how to rebuild your emotional capacity, and how to return to a life you are not just managing, but actually present in. And for those leaning on faith, this episode gently brings you back to the reminder that God meets you even in the quiet, functioning kind of brokenness.
