How Women Entrepreneurs Are Writing Their Own Success Stories

Discussion with Mikaela Messiou

Mikaela Messiou, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Damaris Health & Wellness Center, has dedicated her career to empowering women through business leadership and financial literacy. With decades of experience across industries such as fashion, international trade, and wellness, she has observed firsthand the challenges that women encounter in balancing business growth with societal expectations. She is also the author of “The Goddess In You” book series, which provide women with guidance on achieving financial independence, personal balance, and entrepreneurial success. In this discussion, she shares insights on how women can move beyond launching startups to building long-term, financially independent enterprises.

The Intersection of Financial Literacy and Female Entrepreneurship

One of the key barriers to women scaling their businesses is financial literacy. Too often, women hesitate to take control of their financial future, either due to a lack of confidence or ingrained societal norms. “Many women remain in unfulfilling jobs or even abusive personal relationships because they lack financial independence”, Messiou explains. “Understanding finance is  a critical skill for women to achieve autonomy and security”.

Messiou emphasizes that financial independence is not just about securing funding but about developing a mindset that allows women to take calculated risks and expand their businesses beyond the small-scale level. While many women successfully establish businesses, they often choose to remain  within their comfort zone, reluctant to pursue the high-growth strategies required for large-scale success. “Women have been conditioned to be satisfied with less—to stay within their means, to not expect enormous success. That needs to change”, she asserts.

Beyond mindset, Messiou advises women entrepreneurs to actively seek out funding opportunities tailored to them. While venture capital is still largely male-dominated, alternative funding sources such as angel investors, impact investing, and women-focused grants are emerging. “There are funds and investors looking to support women-led businesses, but you have to knock on the door. If you don’t seek opportunities, you won’t find them”.

Overcoming Setbacks: Building Resilience in Business

Resilience is one of the defining characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, and Messiou believes it is an essential trait for women aiming to scale their businesses. Every entrepreneur faces setbacks, but women often internalize failures more deeply, allowing self-doubt to take over. “Mistakes are part of business”, Messiou states. “The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the ability to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures”.

She suggests taking a step back when faced with challenges, allowing time to assess the situation objectively. This approach enables entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities that may not have been visible in the moment. “Every setback forces you to reevaluate, to see things from a different angle. More often than not, if you look closely, you’ll find a new door opening”, she says.

Another critical element of resilience is having a strong support system. Women often try to navigate challenges alone, but Messiou stresses the importance of mentorship, networking, and peer support. “You need people around you who understand your journey—mentors, peers, even other female entrepreneurs who can provide insight and encouragement”, she says.

Mission-Driven Businesses: Balancing Purpose and Profit

Many women-led businesses are deeply mission-driven, often prioritizing purpose over profitability. While this passion is an asset, Messiou warns that sustainability must remain a key focus. “A business that isn’t financially viable will not survive to fulfill its mission”, she states. “You have to strike a balance between impact and profitability”.

Messiou believes authenticity is key to achieving this balance. When an entrepreneur genuinely believes in their mission, it resonates with customers and fosters long-term loyalty. “Customers can tell  whether a brand is truly committed to its mission versus  if it’s just a marketing angle”, she notes. “If your values are authentic, they will translate into business success”.

A well-structured business plan is essential for ensuring that a purpose-driven venture remains profitable. Entrepreneurs should outline clear financial goals alongside their mission objectives, ensuring that their revenue models are sustainable. Messiou advises entrepreneurs to develop strong customer relationships based on trust and shared values. “When you build a community around your brand, those customers become your biggest advocates, and that in turn drives both impact and revenue”, she explains.

The Role of Policy and Leadership in Advancing Women Entrepreneurs

While personal resilience is key, Messiou acknowledges that systemic change is also necessary to create a more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. Governments and businesses play a vital role in leveling the playing field. “Women need to be visible in leadership roles to help inspire the next generation. If we don’t see women leading, we don’t believe it’s possible”, she says.

She emphasizes the importance of government policies that create real opportunities for women, such as flexible work arrangements, accessible childcare, and funding programs specifically for female entrepreneurs. “It’s not just about giving women opportunities—it’s about creating an infrastructure that allows them to thrive”, she explains.

Messiou also stresses that organizations need to be more intentional about appointing women to leadership positions. “Appointing women in key roles isn’t just about diversity—it’s about recognizing the value women bring to leadership. We lead differently, and that difference is an asset”. She believes that companies that actively promote women into executive positions will ultimately drive better business outcomes, as diverse leadership leads to more well-rounded decision-making.

The Power of Writing: Sharing Knowledge and Experience

Beyond entrepreneurship, Messiou highlights the importance of writing as a means of sharing knowledge and inspiring others. “Before I started writing, I felt like I was in my own little world, closed off from others. Writing opened up a window for me—it connected me with people who shared my struggles and found value in my experiences and knowledge”, she reflects.

Messiou encourages aspiring authors to start documenting their journey, whether through books, articles, or even social media posts. “You don’t have to be an expert to start writing. Whatever your journey is—your struggles, your successes, or even your unfulfilled dreams—just start writing. Structure your thoughts, make them understandable to others, and put them out into the world”.

She also emphasizes that writing doesn’t have to take the form of a full-length book. Entrepreneurs can share their insights through shorter texts, newsletters, podcasts, or interviews. “Communicating your message can take many forms. The key is to start somewhere. Your experiences are valuable, even if you don’t think you’ve reached your final goal yet”, she advises.

Key Takeaways for Women Entrepreneurs

Scaling a business is not just about strategy—it’s about mindset, resilience, and taking action. Here are Messiou’s top three takeaways for women entrepreneurs:

Prioritize financial literacy: Women must educate themselves about finance and investments to ensure long-term autonomy and success. "Financial independence allows you to make choices based on your goals, not your circumstances”, Messiou emphasizes. Developing a deeper understanding of business finance and investment opportunities will enable women to take calculated risks and grow their enterprises confidently.

Develop resilience and adaptability: Business success requires perseverance. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and setbacks should be viewed as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Surrounding yourself with a network of mentors and peers who support your journey is crucial in maintaining resilience.

Seek visibility and leadership opportunities: Women need to be represented in leadership positions to drive cultural change. By actively seeking leadership roles, networking, and advocating for policies that support women, female entrepreneurs can pave the way for future generations.