“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner.”
As of 2019, only 10-15% of the start-ups worldwide were founded by women.
In spite of the steady strides made, female entrepreneurs continue to face challenges to set up their own enterprise. Whether it be the lack of financial aid, unfair discrimination, or the struggle to balance the business and family, they are forced to deal with significantly greater issues than their male counterparts.
However, with indomitable grit and a strong penchant for learning, female business owners can overcome these challenges and emerge victorious.
Let us take a look at the story of one of ELGi’s partners, Sandra Felip Riba, and how she successfully battled the stereotypes she faced, while being at the helm of Grup Air Sa.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #ChoosetoChallenge mean to you?
We are living in a challenging world and we want a better world for woman leaders. And the slogan #ChooseToChallenge is an empowering step towards that.
Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
Because I feel that being a female entrepreneur empowers me to fight for my goals for the projects that I undertake.
How has your journey been running a business?
My experience has been largely positive, but if I’m honest with you, it hasn’t been easy. To combat the challenges I’ve faced, my main virtues are hard work and resilience.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women become entrepreneurs in the near future?
Entrepreneurship supports gender equality, and it has been proved that women are capable of leading companies outstandingly, while providing more benefits to the company and to society.
What do you think helped you get so far in your career? How can we mentor young girls to dream big?
It was, of course, intense. I don’t think there is any professional career than doesn’t require effort, tenacity, endurance, and determination.
As female entrepreneurs, we also must fight the stereotypes that young women face. Women, too, ought to have an open mind while choosing their careers, just like men. And then accomplish what they set out to do, so that they can make their dreams come true and be independent!
Yet, it’s very rewarding if you achieve your goals as an entrepreneur to be able to relish them!
Do you feel that you have achieved what you wanted to?
Yes of course, although I still have new projects that I want to bring to light and accomplish my goals for them.
What is the one piece of advice that you would share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself! Work hard, have a clear vision, take risks and most importantly, you must have a good team.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Think better about things before doing them, be more patient and persevering!
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Cooperation is always positive. It helps us and gives women the best visibility in this world, for which we have a lot of work to do, due to the inequalities we have to battle. Through active cooperation, there is a positive synergy, which encourages us to achieve our goals.
On International Women's Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about pursuing entrepreneurship?
Fight for your dreams, it's much more rewarding after you have achieved your own goals!