The Story Exchange is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit digital media company dedicated to telling the personal and professional stories of women business owners — and to exploring the role of entrepreneurship in advancing women’s economic independence. Begun in 2011, it is led by an award-winning documentary filmmaker and a former banking executive. The team stands out for its background in broadcast and print journalism, interlaced with decades of experience in the business and financial world. We adhere to journalistic standards and maintain our editorial independence.
We believe women are a powerful economic and social force too often unrecognized. The Story Exchange was founded to change that by showcasing entrepreneurial women around the world who are contributing to their communities and collectively making an impact on the global economy. In doing so, we aim to provide role models to other women pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. We know that economic power gives women power in all areas life. Financial independence gives women self-respect and self-confidence, and the courage to stand up for their needs and those of their families and communities. Indeed for many women, purpose and social value are as central to business “success” as growth and profit. We aim to examine women’s under-appreciated role as forces for economic and social good.
Mission: We aim to create a positive, welcoming community of women and men on Facebook and beyond. We value thoughtful comments that represent a range of views and make points that are on-topic and polite. We do not allow on our page: personal attacks, obscenity, vulgarity, profanity (including expletives and letters followed by dashes) and commercial promotions. Thank you for being a part of our community!
Good stuff, Inc. Magazine. We want to see more women-owned businesses reach their full potential.
Women entrepreneurs looking for how to find investors can try the Fundery, a searchable venture capital database for female founders.
In UglyDolls, Janelle Monáe plays a lonely doll who doesn't fit in. But in real life, she's an entrepreneurial role model for the LGBTQ community.
Grammy-nominated pop star, CEO of her own record label, and actress Janelle Monáe stars in a new animated movie, Ugly Dolls (now showing in theaters), but she’s also making waves as an LGBTQ voice in the entertainment industry.
In light of drastic new restrictions on abortion, we're re-sharing our coverage of Amy Hagstrom Miller, who operates Whole Woman's Health.
Amy Hagstrom Miller is on a mission to provide women with clinics offering high-quality reproductive care like abortions in Texas.
"Immigrating is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being." -- Claudia Mirza of Akorbi
Successful entrepreneur Claudia Mirza came to the U.S. to reunite with her father. She says immigration is painful -- and wants to prevent other people from having to make that choice.
College friends. Sisters. Former co-workers. Lots of people have combined savvy and skills sets to turn startups into powerhouses. Here's how.
College friends. Sisters. Former co-workers. Lots of people have combined savvy and skills sets to turn startups into powerhouses. Here's how.
It is not hard to find immigrant success stories, especially in the world of entrerpeneurship. Claudia Mirza, who came to the United States from Colombia, turned her small business idea into a global company, @Akorbi, which provides multilingual business services in over 170 languages. She is now a naturalized U.S. citizen who wants to help other women entrepreneurs succeed in their home countries.
Rihanna is starting to have a lot in common with Oprah Winfrey and Kylie Jenner.
The performer and business owner just broke a serious glass ceiling in the fashion world for women of color. She’s also the latest celebrity to turn star power into sales.
If you've ever let doubt get in your way, read this.
Hoes before bros. Uteruses before duderuses. In the bottomless pit of Leslie Knope aphorisms, Amy Poehler still has more to say on female empowerment in 'Wine Country.'
This one is our favorite: “If you don’t do it, who will?” #momwisdom
In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the unique power of a mom’s influence by sharing the maternal words of wisdom that motivated the women entrepreneurs in their lives.
A friendly reminder! Mother's Day is Sunday.
Here’s a list of Mother’s Day gift ideas featuring presents made by women business owners who are also parents. From luxurious robes to facial serums, we’ve got you covered.
In honor of #NationalSmallBusinessMonth, we asked Becky O'Neil of Becky's Pet Care for her best growth strategies. Learn from a pro!
Becky O’Neil of Becky’s Pet Care says she learned to evolve with the times -- even if that means caring for chickens.
Can you guess which it is?
Researchers say seven major cities in this larger-than-life state are prime for entrepreneurs looking to launch. Here are several female founders who are proving them right.
“We need more female label heads. I want more women ... calling the shots.” -- Janelle Monáe of Wondaland and UglyDolls
Grammy-nominated pop star, CEO of her own record label, and actress Janelle Monáe stars in a new animated movie, Ugly Dolls (now showing in theaters), but she’s also making waves as an LGBTQ voice in the entertainment industry.
"Women have an opportunity as business owners to really change what business means." -- Rachel Budde of Fat and the Moon
Rachel Budde of Fat and the Moon wanted makeup with recognizable ingredients. When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, she set out on her own -- learning lessons about self-care, waste reduction and entrepreneurship along the way.
Happy National Small Business Month! We know you want to start up...need some help?
Thinking of starting up? There’s no time like the present - especially since it’s officially National Small Business Month! Check out our shortlist of business ideas for inspiration.
A girl has no boss: Experts say #GameofThrones' woman warrior Arya Stark embodies traits that women entrepreneurs should strive for - even if your business exists off the battlefield.
Find out what they are (though, be warned, there are spoilers ahead!):
Women entrepreneurs could learn several valuable lessons from this fan-favorite “Game of Thrones” character and her journey.
Overworking can lead to burnout and health problems.
Barbara Weltman looks at why you should nix the long hours for you and your employees -- and shares some ideas for boosting productivity.
Is your favorite movie on this list? If not, let us know...we have the power to update. 😀
This weekend, watch these fearless women dominate the business world on-screen.
It's called the "Femme Fatale Effect."
New research suggests the “Femme Fatale Effect” makes some people believe attractive business women are schemers when they are often anything but.
If you want to create buzz on social media, then learn these 2 lessons from Taylor Swift.
The singer has captured the attention of millions through cryptic-yet-savvy social media updates. How can women entrepreneurs similarly intrigue clients and customers?
Hey Amazon.com. Small business owner Judi Henderson-Townsend of Mannequin Madness is no dummy. She's figured out a way to compete with you.
Judi Henderson-Townsend of Mannequin Madness isn’t using drones for delivery. But she does offer a small business personal touch.
There are good decisions, and there are bad ones. Barbara Weltman of Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc. has advice on how to avoid the latter.
When Walmart announced it would phase out its store "greeters," it suffered a media backlash. Barbara Weltman of Big Ideas For Small Business provides tips on how to sharpen your leadership skills with a better decision making process.
When you're an entrepreneur and your idea makes money AND saves the world, that's pretty cool. #EarthDay
As climate change continues to wreak havoc on our lands and seas, we’re spending our Earth Day considering women entrepreneurs who started up to take action.
Due to popular demand, we've extended the deadline! Ladies who started up later in life, we want to hear from YOU.
We want to spotlight senior entrepreneurs who are proving that any time is a good time for starting up. Powerful 50+ women can submit entries by April 28.
The IVF process can be costly and confusing. Claire Tomkins of Future Family is trying to make fertility stress-free.
Claire Tomkins’ struggles to conceive children changed everything. The former clean energy executive now leads a growing fertility services business - when she isn’t raising her three kids, that is.
Hurry - deadline for entries in our Fearless #Over50 contest is this Sunday!
We want to spotlight senior entrepreneurs who are proving that any time is a good time for starting up. Powerful 50+ women can submit entries by April 21.
In case we needed more proof that Serena Williams is the GOAT, here it is.
America’s most-buzzed-about professional tennis player took to Instagram to reveal her portfolio, which favors diverse leadership.
Need an extra pair of hands?
Tax expert Barbara Weltman runs through everything you need to know about summer interns, including tax credits and payroll costs.
Here's more proof you should never stop chasing your dream.
The embattled golfer won his fifth Masters, after years of struggling. His return to glory reminded us of several women entrepreneurs who overcame incredible odds and found success.
Here's a great business tip from restaurateur Ana Sortun, who owns Oleana Restaurant, Sofra Bakery & Cafe and Sarma.
Chief among Ana Sortun’s leadership skills is the ability to embrace change. Here’s how she does it, at popular restaurants Oleana, Sofra and Sarma.
Time is ticking! If you started a business later in life, we want to hear from you.
We want to spotlight senior entrepreneurs who are proving that any time is a good time for starting up. Powerful 50+ women can submit entries by April 21.
Not a fan of Uber or Lyft? There are alternatives, from family-friendly Kango to Go Safr, SheTaxis and DriveHER
A comedienne’s terrifying recent experience with a Lyft driver and a lawsuit against Uber have added new urgency to conversations about the safety of rideshare apps for women and families.
Would you start a business with your sibling? #nationalsiblingsday
These women entrepreneurs didn’t pick their families, but ended up picking their sisters (or brothers) to be business partners
When it comes to leadership skills, entrepreneurs need to think about how they conduct themselves, personally and professionally, writes Barbara Weltman.
When it comes to leadership skills, here's how to make honesty and integrity pervade your workplace, writes small business consultant Barbara Weltman.
After living through the Woolsey Fire, Deborah Sweeney of MyCorporation provides these disaster-planning tips for small businesses.
After living through the Woolsey Fire, Deborah Sweeney of MyCorporation.com provides these disaster-planning tips for small businesses.
“My personal philosophy is, there’s plenty of business for everybody.” -- Felena Hanson of Hera Hub
Felena Hanson launched her own co-working space Hera Hub in 2011. And then WeWork became a household name. But that’s been great for business, she says.
If LGBT business owners were to break off and form their own nation, “it would be the 10th wealthiest country — and the fiercest place to live.” -- Jonathan Lovitz, NGLCC - The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
As more cities and states enact legislation to ensure contracting opportunities for LGBT business owners, advocates rejoice - and set their sights on federal-level policy shifts.
Brian Weisfeld’s upcoming book The Startup Squad aims to empower girls to be entrepreneurs -- one lemonade stand at a time.
Author Brian Weisfeld talks to The Story Exchange about his upcoming book that aims to empower young girls to be entrepreneurs -- one lemonade stand at a time.
Give us 22 minutes, we'll give YOU a way to solve world problems. In our latest podcast, we talk to Steffanie Lorig and Heidi Dunham of Art with Heart, who have developed a surprisingly simple way for children to cope with trauma.
Childhood trauma is on the rise in today's world of school shootings, natural disaster and terrorist attacks. Art With Heart helps kids cope, in a surprisingly simple way.
We are honored to receive a "Best in Business" award from SABEW - Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing for this video of Scarlett Lewis, founder of Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. Her perseverance in the face of personal tragedy is truly awe-inspiring.
That time Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg decided to recreate the iconic 'Titanic' scene...
The 77-year-old business mogul shows no signs of slowing down - as the ad for her new cooking competition show demonstrates. That’s the kind of spirit we want to see more of in the world.
Like a fine wine, entrepreneurs are better with a little age on them. Submit your entry today for our Fearless #Over50 competition!
We want to spotlight the senior entrepreneurs who are proving that any time is a good time for starting up.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming," emphasizes the importance of this 1 key resource for girls and women:
Michelle Obama’s new book, “Becoming,” is flying off the proverbial shelves - and reinforcing the positive effects of having female role models to its millions of readers.
Female founders 50 and over: Make sure your weekend plans include applying for a spot on our first-ever Fearless #Over50 list!
For more info, and to submit your application:
We want to spotlight the senior entrepreneurs who are proving that any time is a good time for starting up.
Rochelle Clarke, who started up Succession Strength to advise family businesses, has the key to cultivating employee loyalty.
Rochelle Clarke, who advises family businesses, says any business owner can learn employee retention strategies. Here's how.
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Some 328 million women are starting or running businesses in 83 economies, according the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. They are creating millions of jobs, generating trillions of dollars in revenue and transforming countless lives. Yet, the stories that capture mainstream media attention are typically those of high-growth startups, often owned by men and not representative of the small businesses that are the bedrock of the global economy. We want to change this narrative and tell the stories of female entrepreneurs in an array of industries who are breaking through barriers, making a difference and driving economic growth.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Story Exchange posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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It is not hard to find immigrant success stories, especially in the world of entrerpeneurship. Claudia Mirza, who came to the United States from Colombia, turned her small business idea into a global company, @Akorbi, which provides multilingual business services in over 170 languages. She is now a naturalized U.S. citizen who wants to help other women entrepreneurs succeed in their home countries.
We are honored to receive a "Best in Business" award from SABEW - Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing for this video of Scarlett Lewis, founder of Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. Her perseverance in the face of personal tragedy is truly awe-inspiring.
Debby Shore of Sasha Bruce Youthwork has worked with homeless young people for 45 years. Watch this inspiring video to learn about how she started and the surprising way she found funding.
We caught up with JJ Ramberg, who just wrapped a 12-year run as host of MSNBC's "Your Business," and talked life, career and the entrepreneurial journey.
In the spirit of the holidays, we share the startup story of Brooklyn Youth Chorus, which will be performing "Home Alone" in concert with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, tonight and tomorrow!
It's been 6 years since Scarlett Lewis lost her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook shooting. In this remarkably positive video, learn how she has funnelled her sorrow into a new calling: the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, a nonprofit that tries to prevent school shootings by bringing social and emotional learning to schools.
We got ahold of some super-cool presents for kids, all made by women entrepreneurs. 🤶🎄 Check out the cute, smart and tasty gifts selected for our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide (https://thestoryex.ch/10KidGifts) by editors Riva Richmond and Colleen DeBaise, seen here cheerfully opening the mail in Santa's workshop. 🌟🎁✨ Video by the sweetest of interns, Jenna Miller.
Our editors get into the holiday spirit UNBOXING and judging finalists' items for our upcoming GIFT GUIDE. ✨📦🎁🎄📯 Watch for our top gift ideas for kids, all made by women entrepreneurs, coming next week! 🤶🎅
Are you a woman with a business? We want to tell your story. Visit thestoryexchange.org to explore hundreds of stories of women entrepreneurs of every age, in every industry, from all around the world. Then tell us yours.
Dr. Laura Stachel used her medical knowledge to invent solar kits that provide health workers and midwives with reliable lighting, communication and medical devices like fetal dopplers. Her nonprofit, WE CARE Solar, has since saved countless lives in developing countries. Here's her story.
If you like survivor stories, watch this video about entrepreneur Pam Marrone of Marrone Bio Innovations, who's been to hell and back building a natural pest-control business.
This woman's best friend was a rescue dog named Heidi, who was euthanized because she was old and homeless. To change how old dogs are treated, Sherri Franklin founded Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco nonprofit that cares for old dogs and finds them forever homes.
The financial crisis and a string of personal tragedies inspired Kate Curran to quit her high-powered lawyer job, start a social enterprise and reinvent her life. The result: School the World, a nonprofit that builds schools for children in Central America with the help of U.S. student volunteers. Find out how she built it.
After a stint in the U.S., Rana Dajani returned to Jordan and noticed that kids didn't pick up books for pleasure. She has since raised millions of dollars and trained thousands of volunteers for We Love Reading نحن نحب القراءة, a nonprofit that fosters a love for reading in children. To watch more videos in our series about entrepreneurial women doing #GoodOnTheGround, visit: http://thestoryex.ch/GoodOnTheGround
Around the world, millions of girls miss school because of feelings of shame or lack of access to sanitary products. Celeste Mergens of Days for Girls is on a mission to change that. Here's the latest video in our series on entrepreneurial women doing #GoodOnTheGround.
Norine Hill founded Mother Nation (Native Women In Need) to help Native American women overcome abuse, alcoholism and homelessness — the bitter legacy of generations of trauma. Watch the latest video in our series on women doing #GoodOnTheGround:
For Art with Heart's Steffanie Lorig, loving her nonprofit meant letting it go. #GoodOnTheGround
Learn how Rebecca Thomley, CEO of Minneapolis-based Orion Associates, made volunteerism central to her 2,250-employee company's culture — and to how it develops leaders. Watch the latest video in our series telling the stories of women entrepreneurs who are doing #GoodOnTheGround:
Kristy Allen, founder of Minneapolis-based The Beez Kneez, LLC, has built an unusual, thriving honey and beekeeping business -- and taken a stand for the environment. Watch the video, and then check out more of our stories about women entrepreneurs doing #GoodOnTheGround.
Kelly Peeler believes that the next financial crisis is brewing in the student loan market — and that young people must get better educated about money, fast. So she co-founded NextGenVest to be Generation Z's advisor on student aid, scholarships and loans — and, someday, much more — delivering help straight students' smartphones. This is the latest in our #GoodOnTheGround series shining a light on women entrepreneurs taking on social problems. Learn more about Peeler, NextGenVest and the intersection of student debt and entrepreneurship here: http://thestoryex.ch/2mGUKU6
Watch our latest #GoodOnTheGround video featuring Jennifer Bolstad, co-founder of New York-based Local Office Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, who's architecting outdoor spaces to help coastal communities cope with rising sea levels.
Watch our video profile of Amanda Austin, founder of the Dallas Comedy House. She has created a successful business in the comedy world and in the community she loves. The rewards, she says, have been much more than financial.
New #GoodOnTheGround video: Meet young entrepreneur Julia Warren, who brings birthday joy to kids living in poverty. She started nonprofit Celebrate RVA to throw volunteer-staffed birthday parties in the Richmond, Va., area when she was just a high school student. See more videos here: http://thestoryex.ch/GoodOnTheGround
Amy Hagstrom Miller, founder of Whole Woman's Health, operates seven abortion clinics in four states. Making abortions available to women -- especially women in Texas -- has been a challenging business and personal undertaking. It has even taken her to the Supreme Court.
Dianna Flett, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, has taken on a new kind of public service: teaching leadership and coping skills to 4th- and 5th-grade girls. Her Virginia company, Girl Smarts, offers workshops that help prepare about 800 girls a year for life challenges ahead. Read our related article here, http://thestoryex.ch/2f5btQH, part of our #GoodOnTheGround series.
#TBT our 2014 video profile of Melody McCloskey, co-founder of StyleSeat, an online booking platform for salon professionals. Hear about her struggles to land investors as a female founder in Silicon Valley -- until she won over Ashton Kutcher. (Find our article here: http://thestoryex.ch/1iK3XqH) Read about another StyleSeat investor, Jeremey Liew of Lightspeed Venture Partners, in our story last week on men who invest in women (Go here: http://thestoryex.ch/meninvestors) #womenintech #venturecapital
What we saw when we joined Sugartooth Tours' "Ice Cream Summer Sunday's Frozen Treats Tour," which started in Union Square and ended in Little Italy. Read our story about the women who founded Sugartooth here: http://thestoryex.ch/2vDzkMJ
Lynn Julian and Chance Claxton decided they wanted to do something about huge quantities of plastic waste created by food packaging. So they started eco-friendly food-container company, U Konserve.
Learn how Ann Siner and her sisters came up with their successful consignment-store concept and grew My Sister's Closet into a 15-store, $25 million business. #GoodOnTheGround
Alena gets much more than a riding lesson from Chelsea Harden of The HEART Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
The seven Ugandan women behind nonprofit Network of Women in Agribusiness and Development are creating a network of thousands of poor rural women who are dedicated to improving their lives, supporting their families and lifting up their communities. Below is a little look inside. Get the full story here: http://thestoryex.ch/2rlltcV #GoodOnTheGround #womenhelpingwomen
First, Danielle Gletow adopted a foster child. Then she showed thousands more that they matter with her nonprofit, One Simple Wish. Find out how she did it in the latest in our video profile series focused on women who started organizations are doing real #GoodOnTheGroud.
Tish Scolnik's Boston startup, GRIT, is bringing increased mobility to the disabled with the Freedom Chair, an all-terrain wheelchair that she and her cofounders designed to navigate rough ground in East African villages while students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is the latest video profile in our #GoodOnTheGround series. See more here: http://thestoryex.ch/2jVCfbR
When Tatiana Garcia-Granados started The Common Market, she just wanted to bring fresh farm food to her Philadelphia neighborhood of Strawberry Mansion. She never thought she would take on a national problem. Learn more in the latest video in our #GoodOnTheGround series profiling women entrepreneurs taking on social issues in innovative ways. The Common Market Mid-Atlantic, The Common Market Georgia
With immigration and the plight of refugees leading the news, we give you the story of Nada Kiblawi, pulled from our archives. Born and raised in a Palestinian refugee camp, Kiblawi survived multiple wars in the Middle East until she found a safe haven in the U.S. She also found economic independence as an entrepreneur by founding engineering firm NHK Consulting. Now mostly retired, Kiblawi is dedicated to philanthropy; she and her husband founded a program that has taught English to hundreds of students in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.
Fif Ghobadian, a San Francisco social entrepreneur, is using her luxury t-shirt brand, Road Twenty-Two, to create jobs for formerly incarcerated women. Watch this second video in our "Good on the Ground" series profiling entrepreneurial women who are addressing social issues in innovative and inspiring ways. Read our accompanying article here: http://thestoryex.ch/2iDf6ZL. #GoodOnTheGround
Want to be unstoppable? Get inspiration from Deb Olivo, founder of VidaAire. In an update we published today (http://thestoryex.ch/2gohEwY), we hear about challenges she has overcome since we first spoke to her in 2011 and learned about her "metal." Watch our original video below:
Today on our site, we have an update on Kimberly Crupi Dobbins' successful journey building the healthy snack company Simple Squares. Her bars seem to be flying off store shelves these days (see http://thestoryex.ch/2gYZtMm), but it wasn't that long ago that she was first mixing ingredients in her kitchen. Learn how she left Corporate America and tackled entrepreneurship in our 2014 video, posted below.
We checked in with Lyn Lee of Awfully Chocolate Singapore for the latest installment of our "Circling Back" series. Find out how her business is faring now in our update here: http://thestoryex.ch/2fJgwFw. And watch our original 2011 video below.
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