When I started keeping bees to harvest beeswax for my artwork, I never imagined it would lead to a thriving woman-owned business on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This International Women's Day, I'm reflecting on the journey that transformed a creative hobby into Bee Inspired Goods, and what I've learned about entrepreneurship, perseverance, and taking leaps of faith as a female business owner.
What Is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8, dedicated to honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a powerful call to action for accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment.
The roots of this significant day trace back to March 19, 1911, when it was first observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. This initiative was spearheaded by Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and women's rights activist, who proposed the idea at the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910. Since then, International Women's Day has grown into a worldwide movement, reminding us of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true gender equality.
The Journey from Artist to Woman Business Owner
My path to entrepreneurship began with my passion for encaustic painting, an ancient art technique that uses beeswax as a medium. I needed a sustainable source of wax for my artwork, which led me to start keeping bees at our family farm on the Chesapeake Bay.
As I ventured into beekeeping, I quickly became fascinated by these remarkable creatures and their complex social structure. The practice of beekeeping is deeply rooted in historical and national traditions, reflecting the cultural heritage of many societies. Through my research and hands-on experience, I learned that beekeeping isn't just about harvesting honey or wax, it also plays a crucial role in pollination and preserving our natural environment.
The declining bee population due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change motivated me to continue beekeeping not only for my art but also to raise awareness about the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
When Your Side Hustle Becomes Your Main Business
When I began keeping bees, my purpose was simple: harvest wax for my paintings. I even started a blog called Waxing Kara to document my experiences as an artist-turned-beekeeper.
However, when I started harvesting wax from the hives, I was amazed by the copious amount of honey the bees produced. This revelation prompted me to swiftly alter my approach. What started as a byproduct became the foundation of a woman-owned business.
I worked with a talented graphic designer who created a captivating label to market our raw, Eastern Shore honey. That decision transformed everything. What was once an artist's hobby evolved into a full-fledged artisanal goods company offering honey, honey-based skincare products, soy candles, and artisanal teas.
The State of Women in Business Today
Understanding the current landscape for women entrepreneurs provides important context for my journey and for anyone considering starting their own business.
Current Statistics on Women Entrepreneurs
Despite significant progress, substantial gaps persist for women in business. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 reveals modest but important progress: the global gender gap improved from 68.4% closed in 2024 to 68.8% in 2025—a gain of 0.4 percentage points.
However, at this pace, it will take 123 years to achieve full global gender parity, down from 132 years projected in 2024. The report evaluates 148 countries across four critical dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity (61.0% closed), Educational Attainment (95.1% closed), Health and Survival (96.2% closed), and Political Empowerment (22.9% closed—the largest remaining gap).
Despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs are driving remarkable change in the United States. In 2024, women started 49% of all new businesses—a dramatic 69% increase from just 29% in 2019, representing the highest rate in the past five years. As of 2024, women own 14.5 million businesses in the United States, comprising 39.2% of all U.S. firms. These woman-owned businesses generate $2.1 trillion annually and employ more than 11.4 million people.
The growth rate tells an even more compelling story: between 2019 and 2024, the number of women-owned businesses increased 43.5% faster than men-owned businesses. Women of color are particularly driving this entrepreneurial boom, representing 47% of all women entrepreneurs and accounting for 64% of new women-led businesses started in 2023.
These statistics highlight both the progress made and the urgent need for continued support for women entrepreneurs. The economic impact of closing the gender gap would be transformative—if women-owned businesses matched the average revenue of male-owned businesses, they could add $10.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy.
Lessons Learned: Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Sometimes You Simply Have to Take a Leap of Faith
When I started this business, I initially felt unprepared. I was intimidated by the effort and cost involved in startup and growth, which caused me to pass on several opportunities that appeared unexpectedly. I told myself, "I'll be ready soon, just not yet."
As the early years progressed, I carefully evaluated each new opportunity and made my own decision about readiness. Here's what I learned: sometimes, you simply have to take a leap of faith and prepare as much as you can.
I realized that pushing for absolute perfection often hindered forward movement and personal growth. The perfection syndrome challenges women disproportionately, making it even more crucial to provide targeted support and encouragement.
Encouragement for Aspiring Women Business Owners
Whether it's landing your dream job, exploring the world, pursuing further education, or dedicating your days to creating, these aspirations hold significance. Sometimes, they come in smaller forms, like applying for grants, acquiring new skills, or launching a side business.
We tend to delay these goals until we feel prepared, but here's the truth: you're never truly ready until you take the leap. Just like my experience with Bee Inspired Goods.
Women everywhere need to "take the leap." I felt called to use our woman-owned business as a platform and an example to address broader social issues and inspire other female entrepreneurs.
"Being ready is funny like that. You're never truly ready until you start."
Kara Brook Brown, Founder of Bee Inspired Goods
Why Investing in Women Matters
Investing in women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one for achieving gender equality and advancing human rights. The theme of International Women's Day 2025, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls for progress toward achieving gender equality.
By prioritizing investments in women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. When women succeed in business, entire communities benefit through job creation, economic growth, and increased innovation.
Growing Bee Inspired: From Hobby to Retail Store
Many women before me paved the way for our company's success. Thanks to their sacrifices, I feel limitless in what I can achieve. I've had strong examples of successful women entrepreneurs in my life who showed me what's possible.
Today, Bee Inspired Goods operates a retail honey store in Owings Mills, Maryland, where we manufacture our honey-based body care products, facial skincare, and hand-poured soy candles. We source raw honey from our own bees and partner with small ethical beekeepers across the USA and internationally.
Our product line has expanded to include:
- Eastern Shore Honey varieties including Wildflower, Spring, Orange Blossom, Linden Basswood, and Sourwood
- Natural body care products like body butters and scrubs
- Lip care products made with honey and beeswax
- Artisanal tea blends
- Hand-poured soy candles in seasonal scents
- Curated honey gift sets
Key Principles for Success as a Woman Entrepreneur
Through building this business, I've learned that passion, grit, and focus are the key ingredients for inevitable success, regardless of gender.
The stories of women who have succeeded stand in sharp contrast to those with ongoing struggles. International Women's Day reminds us of both the victories and challenges women face globally. It highlights that gender equality remains one of the greatest human rights challenges, emphasizing the necessity of investing in women as a fundamental issue essential for building inclusive societies.
Rights create opportunities. That's why women's rights are central to International Women's Day, aligning it with various movements that seek to empower women and address issues like reproductive rights, economic equality, and ending violence against women.
Looking Forward: The Future of Women in Business
We still have a long way to go as a society, but we'll get there. As more women start businesses, share their stories, and support each other, we're creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Every purchase from a woman-owned business like Bee Inspired Goods supports this movement toward equality. When you choose to support female entrepreneurs, you're not just buying products, you're investing in a future where women have equal opportunities to succeed in business.
If you're considering starting your own business, know that your story matters. Your unique perspective, experiences, and ideas deserve a place in the marketplace. The world needs more women entrepreneurs willing to take that leap of faith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women-Owned Businesses
When is International Women's Day celebrated?
International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor women's achievements and advocate for gender equality worldwide. The day has been observed since 1911 and is now recognized globally as an important opportunity to celebrate progress while calling attention to ongoing challenges women face.
What percentage of businesses are owned by women?
Women currently own 39.2% of all businesses in the United States, representing 14.5 million woman-owned firms as of 2024. This represents significant growth—the number of women-owned businesses increased 43.5% faster than men-owned businesses between 2019 and 2024. In 2024 alone, women started 49% of all new businesses, the highest rate recorded in recent years.
How long will it take to achieve gender parity globally?
According to the World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, at the current rate of progress it will take 123 years to achieve full gender parity globally. While this is an improvement from the 132 years projected in 2024, it highlights that significant work remains, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment where the gaps are largest.
What are the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs?
Women entrepreneurs commonly face challenges including limited access to funding (women receive only about 2.4% of venture capital funding), balancing business with family responsibilities, overcoming perfectionism, building professional networks, and navigating male-dominated industries. However, many successful women business owners have overcome these obstacles through perseverance, alternative financing methods, and community support. Women entrepreneurs often rely more on personal savings, family financing, and debt rather than equity funding.
How much do women-owned businesses contribute to the economy?
Woman-owned businesses in the United States generate $2.1 trillion in annual revenue and employ more than 11.4 million people. Between 2019 and 2024, revenue from women-owned businesses increased by 53.8%. If women-owned businesses matched the average revenue of male-owned businesses, they could add an additional $10.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, demonstrating the enormous untapped economic potential.
How can I support women-owned businesses?
You can support women-owned businesses by shopping directly from female entrepreneurs like Bee Inspired Goods, sharing their products on social media, leaving positive reviews, recommending them to friends and family, and choosing woman-owned businesses for corporate partnerships and purchases. Many women-owned businesses also appreciate networking support, mentorship opportunities, and word-of-mouth referrals which help overcome traditional barriers to growth.
What makes Bee Inspired Goods a woman-owned business?
Bee Inspired Goods was founded, is owned, and operated by Kara Brook Brown, a female entrepreneur on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The business started from her passion for encaustic art and beekeeping and has grown into a full-line artisanal goods company specializing in raw honey, natural skincare products, soy candles, and artisanal teas. As a woman-owned business, we're proud to be part of the growing movement of female entrepreneurs driving innovation and economic growth.
Are women entrepreneurs more likely to succeed than male entrepreneurs?
Success rates vary based on many factors, but research shows women entrepreneurs demonstrate particular strengths in certain areas. Women-owned businesses are 32% more likely to pivot and adjust their business models during economic downturns compared to male-owned firms. Additionally, 65% of women-owned small businesses report being profitable. Women entrepreneurs often bring strategic approaches to hiring, emphasize sustainability and community impact, and demonstrate strong financial management—all factors that contribute to long-term business success.
Is beekeeping common among women?
While beekeeping has historically been male-dominated, more women are entering the field each year. Women beekeepers bring unique perspectives to sustainable agriculture and often focus on environmentally conscious practices, education, and building connections between beekeeping and other creative pursuits. The growth of women in beekeeping mirrors the broader trend of women entering traditionally male-dominated industries and finding success through innovation and passion.
What resources are available for women entrepreneurs?
Numerous resources support women entrepreneurs, including the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership, Women's Business Centers across the United States, and organizations like the Female Entrepreneur Association. Additionally, many communities offer local networking groups, mentorship programs, and grants specifically for women-owned businesses. Women entrepreneurs should also explore online communities, business coaching programs, and educational resources designed to address the unique challenges female business owners face.
Bee Inspired Goods is a proud woman-owned business based in Owings Mills, Maryland. Visit our retail honey store or shop our Eastern Shore honey, natural skincare, and artisanal goods online.
