It’s a man’s world, they say. But after many years of ceaseless efforts and confidence-building, women have cemented themselves into every stratum of different societies across the world. While the collective history of women put them in subservient positions, we see empowered women everywhere change the landscape of every field. In the entrepreneurial world, hundreds of women challenge the status quo and prove that they can do greater things. Here are the top 10 Female Entrepreneurs of 2020:
1. Sara Blakely
Photo: Women on Topp
Sara Blakely is a woman that needs no introduction. She’s the founder and owner of Spanx, a multimillion-dollar shapewear brand. Spanx has grown to be a leader in providing intimate wear for women, such as undergarments, leggings, swimwear, and maternity wear. The company has over 65 branches across the States. In 2016, Sara Blakely became one of Forbes’ Power Women and Global Game Changers. Her success gave her a spot in Forbes Magazine’s America’s Self-Made Women and Billionaires in 2019.
Instagram: @sarablakely
Website: www.spanx.com
2. Viviana Puello
Viviana Puello is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, Founder/CEO of ArtTour International. This multimedia platform includes print and digital publications, international events, and an award-winning TV show, reaching ten million viewers worldwide!
After two decades of working as an artist and curator, she decided to utilize her experience to support creative entrepreneurs in expanding their business and making a living doing what they love. Viviana has helped hundreds of artists transition from their 9-5 jobs to full-time entrepreneurs with her coaching programs.
Viviana Puello is the host for her show “ArtTour International,” which airs every week on Spectrum 1993 and received the Public Media Award of Excellence in 2018 and 2019. She has featured on CBS News, ABC, Fox, The NY Weekly, The Washington Post, LA Wire, NY Wire, The American Reporter, and New York Weekly’s Top 20 people to follow on Instagram in 2020.
Instagram: @vivianapuelloart
Website: www.vivianapuello.com; www.arttourinternational.com
3. Christie D. Taylor
Christie D. Taylor is the proud founder and owner of the childcare chain “KIDZ R’ KIDZ” in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Taylor is preparing to open her 3rd KRK Location to accommodate as many “Kidz” as well as bring comfort to as many parents as possible. In addition to that, she’s the newest Black Female Entrepreneur to join the roster of Black Branding Guru Chadd Black, CEO of 713 Agency LLC in Houston, Texas. With her eyes set on elevating not only her business and brand but Cleveland’s community of “Kidz” as a whole, Christie D. Taylor is set to experience many years of continued success in the childcare industry!
Instagram: @kidzrkidzohio
4. Tephanie Delaney
Tephanie is a business and lifestyle maven. Known as the “Wild-Eyed Visionary,” Tephanie’s been in the real estate industry for nearly two decades. In 2013, she started a successful business development firm and found coaching like-visionaries fulfilling. Nationally, she’s helped hundreds of individuals, businesses, brands, and projects unlock their greatest potential.
Tephanie leverages extensive experience to empower others. She’s founded multiple companies of her own, including the online marketplace BlackBuyBlack.com. Her greatest accomplishment is being a proud single mother of her son, currently in his second year of college. A servant leader, her volunteer efforts in multiple non-profit organizations is a testament to her character.
Website: www.tephaniedelaney.com
5. Sherrikka Myers
Sherrikka Myers is an author, national speaker, and founder of Every 1 Voice Matters Inc. and Lil Herbie Series. Her nonprofit is designed to help and provide community outreach, education, and support to individuals and families of children who stutter, to build proper speech techniques, self-esteem, self-confidence. Sherrikka works hard to improve their quality of life by breaking down communicative and social barriers.
Website: www.every1voicematters.org
6. Lisa Collum
Entrepreneur, educator, and proud mom of four, Lisa Collum has dedicated her life to inspiring others. Through Top Score Writing and Coastal Middle and High School, she helps students at all levels master key writing skills. Lisa regularly presents at conferences and events on topics related to business development, female empowerment, and education.
While teaching, Lisa identified a need for better writing instruction. So with $100 and almost no business experience, she founded and grew Top Score Writing into a million-dollar venture. The curriculum has been adopted nationally by hundreds of public, private, and charter schools.
Website: www.lisacollum.com
7. Kimberley Hill
Kim is a Real Estate Investor and the Managing Partner of Hill-Johnson & Weinstein Corp, a federally recognized woman and minority-owned company. Kim is also a licensed general contractor with over 26 years of experience in new construction and renovations. She is also currently spearheading the development of a 90-acre vacation home resort in West Tennessee.
Added to her list of accomplishments are her three Mink Lounge Lash Salons, Marshae Tress, a wig products manufacturing company, and being the author of No Cash No Credit Real Estate. She is also a proud alumna of the University of Memphis.
Website: www.hilljohnsonweinstein.com
8. Dr. Sharel S. Sly
Recently coined “The Queen Of Fly Smiles” by Branding Expert Chadd Black is the proud Founder and CEO of Hermann Park Smiles and the 1st Black-owned dental practice directory in Houston, Texas, and abroad.
Dr. Sly has become one of Houston’s most sought-after and celebrated Black dentists and overall entrepreneurs over the last year as she serves her ever-growing community of clients with the utmost care and dental excellence!
Website: www.hermannparksmiles.com
9. Jennane Filat
A few years ago, at age 36, when most people were well into their careers, Jenanne Filat took a risk and invested everything she had into her menswear brand, Barakat Bespoke, and built the business against all odds. Since then, she has grown the company into a multi-million dollar globally recognized brand and has expanded the line into streetwear and women’s couture dresses with no sign of slowing down.
Website: www.barakatbespoke.com
10. Joanna Lewis
Joanna Lewis is a 22-year-old actress, model, and producer taking over the film industry in Los Angeles, CA. Joanna is the CEO and founder of upcoming entertainment company Lewis Entertainment Inc. and recently partnered directly with Amazon Prime Video. Currently, Joanna is creating and producing several groundbreaking TV and film projects in pre-production and intends to start filming early next year. In 2019, Joanna started a trendy swimsuit company called JoJo Swim. Her products sold in over three hundred locations within the first six months of launching, leading up to designing a modern high fashion collection that will launch in spring 2021.
Website: www.jojoswim.store
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
