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!
For companies that wish to release a statement, but are unsure of the best approach, here's some advice.
Communications professional Amber Williams tells us what brands must do when issuing statements on racism. (Hint: You can’t phone this one in.)
What brands must do when issuing statements on racism. (Hint: You can’t phone this one in.)
Communications professional Amber Williams tells us what brands must do when issuing statements on racism. (Hint: You can’t phone this one in.)
Looking for black women entrepreneurs to support? Here are 12. 👍
The black women entrepreneurs featured on our site are changing up old industries, creating opportunities and encouraging fellow black women to feel powerful.
It's a whole new world out there. Whether you use Facebook, Instagram or TikTok — here's the best way to connect with customers.
We're looking for older women who can either recount stories they heard about their mothers/grandmothers/aunts voting for the first time in the 1920s, or who wish to share their own story about voting for the first time. We'll include during the breaks in our upcoming podcast, "100 Years of Power" (check our trailer, below!) to mark the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage. Drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll hook you up with a producer.
We're working on a special 3-part podcast series to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
Make sure to check out our new video (click below) about how small businesses can best use social media as they re-open.
Want to up your Instagram marketing game? Or give social platforms like TikTok a try? Here's what to know about social media marketing during a pandemic.
She's officially out-earned even GOAT Serena Williams.
The superstar has officially out-earned all other female sports pros, including fellow tennis greats Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.
The Vermont company King Arthur Flour is on the rise -- thanks to #stressbaking.
The Vermont company is turning huge profits and connecting with audiences finding new comfort in baking.
We've been busy! Here's a 30-second teaser for our upcoming 3-part podcast, celebrating the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote.
We're working on a special 3-part podcast series to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
As the nation's restaurants slowly get back to business, we speak to owners about the process of re-opening.
As the nation's restaurants slowly get back to business amid the coronavirus crisis, we speak to owners about the process of re-opening.
Opening the doors won't be easy, but companies can learn to operate safely for employees and customers, writes Barbara Weltman of Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc.
Opening the doors won't be easy, but companies can learn to operate safely for employees and customers, writes Barbara Weltman.
The famous aviator didn't want to be referred to as “Mrs. Putnam."
The famous aviator didn't want to be referred to as “Mrs. Putnam,” according to the New York Times' Mrs. Files project.
Now that we've perfected whipped coffee and White Claw slushies, what can your business bring to TikTok?
Want to up your Instagram marketing game? Or give social platforms like TikTok a try? Here's what to know about social media marketing during a pandemic.
Think entrepreneurship might be for you? Now could be the time to find out.
Think entrepreneurship might be for you? Now could be the time to find out. Here are small business ideas you can launch while quarantined.
Worth a listen: Despite isolation, Dianne Berkun Menaker's Brooklyn Youth Chorus is still making music. #brooklynsings
Despite isolation, Dianne Berkun Menaker's Brooklyn Youth Chorus still finds ways to make music together.
Yes, you can have your cat's DNA analyzed.
Anna Skaya founded Basepaws to help you get a little closer to your cat.
From vaccine developments to vital testing kits, women in science are helping humanity combat the novel coronavirus.
From vaccine developments to vital testing kits, women in the science world are making critical strides in helping humanity combat the novel coronavirus.
In honor of Mother's Day, we share inspiration from these ladies.
These stars of the stage, screen, sports and more are using their platforms to share words of inspiration. We’ve rounded up the quotes that give us a bigger boost than our morning coffee.
The pandemic could wipe out gains that women business owners have made in raising venture capital.
According to a new study, the pandemic could wipe out gains that women business owners have made in raising venture capital.
Is the pandemic making cat lovers a bit crazier than usual?
Anna Skaya founded Basepaws to help you get a little closer to your cat.
When Etsy sellers include notes or special packaging, it's "so thoughtful and so connecting and such an art form in this time." -- Drew Barrymore.
The world-renowned performer and beauty business owner sang the praises of online makers whose small, at-home ventures are “sparking joy” despite the pandemic.
Whether you're wondering how to reduce employees' wages or eliminate certain perks, expert Barbara Weltman of Big Ideas for Small Business, Inc. has answers.
Whether you're wondering how to reduce employees' wages or eliminate certain perks, expert Barbara Weltman has answers.
"It’s the leadership challenge of my career.” -- Brenda Stoner of PICKUP.
Brenda Stoner’s shipping and logistics business, Pickup, took a significant hit when the novel coronavirus changed everything.
The woman who might change the world...
Sarah Gilbert, a UK-based scientist, is working around the clock with her team to find a vaccine for Covid-19 by fall.
This post may resonate with many of you.
Many entrepreneurs started the year with major plans for growth. They've had to adjust, writes Deborah Sweeney of MyCorporation.
Over the past month, Hello Alice has been distributing grants of $10,000 each to entrepreneurs impacted by Covid-19.
The online resource wants to help small businesses run by women and others who traditionally have more challenges raising capital.
Now could be a great time to turn your skills into a startup -- based completely from home.
There’s no right or wrong way to survive a pandemic. But now could be a great time to turn your skills into a startup …. based completely from home. Here are...
Dating may be on pause, but luckily for matchmakers, love will never go out of business.
The economic fallout from coronavirus is devastating. But matchmakers are cautiously optimistic that people will still use their services to find love.
Navigating the coronavirus crisis with kids? Angelina Jolie has some parenting advice.
The producer, actress and humanitarian had some comforting words for fellow parents trying to navigate the coronavirus crisis while caring for their kids.
Believe it or not, there are some people who like being trapped in their home.
Believe it or not, there are some people who like being trapped in their home, writes The Story Exchange's extrovert editor.
Jules Pieri started The Grommet to spotlight original products made by small businesses. But she believes many makers will shutter because of their dependence on Amazon.
Jules Pieri started The Grommet to spotlight original products made by small businesses. But she believes many makers will shutter because of their dependence on Amazon.
Lady Gaga may well be the first woman to organize a high-profile entertainment event in times of crisis.
The international singing sensation helped coordinate an online concert that generated over $100 million for Covid-19 relief.
Need something smart - or just plain fun - in your life right now? Don’t we all. To help, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite podcasts.
Need something smart - or just plain fun - in your life right now? Don’t we all. To help, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite podcasts.
These local businesses have turned to GoFundMe Fundraising as a lifeline to keep from shuttering forever.
Local businesses from around the country turn to the fundraising site to stay afloat during Covid-19.
While the Covid-19 epicenter has moved from Washington to New York, other states are feeling the pain.
Small business owners around the nation are still reeling amid the coronavirus pandemic. This report reveals which states’ firms are getting hit the hardest.
New York, NY
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.
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It's a whole new world out there. Whether you use Facebook, Instagram or TikTok — here's the best way to connect with customers.
When she learned that horses are regularly abused and sent to slaughterhouses, Lynn Hummer decided to take action. In 2006, she formed Pregnant Mare Rescue, a nonprofit near Santa Cruz that specializes in rehabilitating female horses and letting them bond with their foals in a peaceful setting. In this video, see the work that Lynn does at her California ranchette. She has rescued over 400 mares and foals.
After years of living in Toronto, Danielle French left her city life behind to move her family to a farm in rural Ontario. Today, that property has become South Pond Farms, a “culinary destination” for barn weddings, retreats and special events. Her startup story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of escaping an unfulfilling career or a hectic city life and launching a home-based business.
Bookstore owner Kalima DeSuze's love letter to her native New York City borough has taken the form of Cafe con Libros, Bk, a sanctuary and community space for residents to share their love of reading. DeSuze is one of a growing number of women who have opened independent bookstores in recent years.
In this inspirational video, learn how Leslie Bradford-Scott started Walton Wood Farm in her kitchen, making bath and body products in small batches with all-natural ingredients.
On a farm in Canada, Leslie Bradford-Scott is growing a home-based multimillion-dollar business. In 2014, she started Walton Wood Farm in her kitchen, making bath and body products in small batches with all-natural ingredients. Her bath salts, lotions and creams are now in all 50 states and every province in Canada, making over $2 million in annual revenue. In this inspirational video, Bradford-Scott talks about how she started to diversify revenue on her small farm, and how she devotes proceeds to restoring old barns.
Angela McIver wanted her own children to learn strong math skills in elementary school, so she founded an after-school math program that quickly took off in popularity. In this inspiring video, learn how McIver created Trapezium Math, a Philadelphia company that uses fun games and brainteasers to teach math to kids. She has also created educational products that parents can use at home, and a curriculum for teachers. Now, children who learn math through Trapezium are performing math skills beyond their grade levels.
Meet Paty Funegra, founder of La Cocina VA, a social enterprise that helps unemployed Latino immigrants find jobs in the food industry by teaching them food and language skills. For the past five years, she has run the culinary-training organization from the lower floor of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virgina. But now, she’s ready to scale -- and recently raised $2 million to open the Zero Barriers Training & Entrepreneurship Center, which will include a state-of-the-art kitchen incubator, a community cafe, and, she hopes, the promise of a successful future for newly arrived immigrants. Watch her startup story in this inspirational video.
In this inspirational video, learn how plastics engineer Erin Keaney started Nonspec, a company that makes affordable prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing nations.
After realizing that girl superheroes on the market were really designed for adult male collectors, Julie Kerwin decided to take on the tiny-waisted big-boobed female action figure. Her company IAmElemental makes figures that are “fierce, strong females worthy of an active, save-the-world storyline.” These products for kids aim to empower girls (and boys) and change they way they think. In this motivational video, learn how Kerwin started up without any business experience.
When it comes to children's education, Beacon Academy is a unique place. Founded in 2004 by Cindy Laba and Marsha Feinberg, the school offers kids from low-income backgrounds an extra year of intense schooling between eighth and ninth grades, which in turn helps them win scholarships to competitive high schools. In this motivational video, learn how Cindy and Marsha were inspired to start a place that provides opportunity to Boston school children.
In Tyler, Texas, the mother/daughter team of Janie Clapp and Katherine Crow run Janie's Cakes -- a family business founded in 1987 that sells nothing but poundcakes. In this video, listen to how Janie started the business and how these women entrepreneurs run a bakery whose slogan is "Spread a little kindness, one cake at a time." The poundcakes are made with all-natural ingredients like farm-fresh eggs and real creamy butter.
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:
We believe women are a powerful economic force that too often go unrecognized. The Story Exchange, an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit digital media company, aims to change that. Through our articles, videos and podcasts, we showcase 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.
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