For Women’s Day this year, we are giving a voice to Europe-based female entrepreneurs, who set up their own businesses with passion and motivation.
We spoke with nine Wish Local participants from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Great Britain, and Germany, and asked them for their expertise.
Tell us more about how you began your business
Sabrina, the owner of C’era Una Volta di Virga Sabrina, in Italy, tells us how hard it was for her to find a job with a baby. With a willingness to work, she rolled up her sleeves, saved up money, and started her own business.
Patrícia, owner of Cantinho dos Sabores, in Portugal, tells us that her business didn’t begin as she had expected. Her first coffee shop didn’t take off, but she didn’t give up. She says that it is important to have the right mentality and value for your customers. She continues, “Women still have the mentality of ‘I can’t do it’…We have to get rid of this mentality. We women are equal to men and have all the rights to have everything that men can have.”
What inspires you to work every day?
Audrey, the owner of Maison de la Presse, in France, finds her motivation from her customers and from everyday contact with other people. According to her, it is important to work every day with motivation and enthusiasm and to listen to the needs of your customers.
What advice would you give other women who are starting their own businesses?
Andrea and Jessica, owners of Happy Feet – Fish SPA, in Germany, tell us to remember that “Women are not weak. They are strong and can do anything they want!”
Laura, owner of Craft Room Angels, Great Britain, agrees. She suggests that every woman should take control of her situation, as she did when she laid the foundations for her business. She says to remember that women can be as successful as men.
How has Wish Local helped your business?
The women all agree that Wish Local has been a great discovery for their businesses. Wish has brought foot traffic and many more customers have gotten to know their store and their services.
A ton of customers come by to pick up items that are useful to them, which makes Gabriella, owner of Esposito (Italy), feel extra helpful. Some stop by to chat and ask questions about the store’s services.
Laura of Great Britain tells us that the earnings from participation in the program are a welcome boost to her business. She was initially a Wish customer and is now also a Wish Local participant. Her own goods and Wish stock complement one another, so the partnership is a great fit for her business, which sells personalized handmade items.
Overall, the female business owners of Europe send their encouragement to the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Take the words of Montse, owner of Pajareria Gideon, in Spain, to heart. “[Women] have to be strong and brave, and they can do everything!”
