Women are making significant contributions in every section of the world's business landscape. Here, we talked about 10 successful women in eCommerce.
Since the beginning of creation, men and women have been working alongside each other. They are equally contributing towards the development of the society. However, in the past, men and women often had distinct roles but today they work together across all sectors.
For example, modern men contribute more to housework and childcare. On the other hand, Women are performing in diverse roles and careers. From political leadership to entrepreneurs, there are lots of examples of successful women.
Today, let's celebrate these incredible women who are breaking barriers and setting new milestones in the eCommerce business world. Their achievements inspire not only thousands but countless individuals worldwide.
Here are a few remarkable women making waves:
1. Julie Wainwright
Julie L. Wainwright is the founder and CEO of The RealReal. She is a successful eCommerce businesswoman and an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.
From where Wainwright Got the Idea of RealReal
The idea of The RealReal came into Wainwright's mind after a shopping trip with a friend. She watched her friend spend $5,000 in 20 minutes on a consignment of luxury goods. It got her thinking about the potential of an online marketplace for pre-owned luxury goods.
Wainwright had a background in eCommerce. Previously she operated an online business Pets.com. She also had a passion for fashion and luxury goods. So, in 2011, she launched The RealReal.
After the failure of pets.com, she got a huge success in RealReal. From her experience, she stated-
When you fail, things get real. In fact, they get real real. If your success was a high-profile success, then your failure will be a high-profile failure. Opportunities and ‘friendships' will evaporate. Failure shines a bright light on all relationships. The ones that last are pure and true, which is a true gift.
The RealReal is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell pre-owned luxury goods. The company has a team of experts who authenticate all of the items before they are listed for sale. This helps to ensure that buyers are getting the real thing.
The RealReal has Brought a Significant Change in Luxury Products Industry
- Authenticity assurance: One of the most distinctive features of The RealReal is its rigorous authentication process. The company employs a team of experts who carefully inspect and verify the authenticity of each luxury item listed on the platform.
- White Glove service: For high-value items, The RealReal offers a white glove service. They provide additional support and expertise in the consignment process.
- Real-time pricing: The RealReal uses data analytics and market trends to provide real-time pricing for consigned items. This ensures that sellers receive fair and competitive prices for their luxury goods.
- Physical locations: In addition to its online platform, RealReal has physical locations. It includes luxury consignment offices and retail stores.
The RealReal has helped to change the way that people buy and sell luxury goods. The company has raised over $288 million in funding, and it is valued at over $1 billion.
If you're also planning to build a luxury marketplace like a jewelry marketplace, this guide will be the perfect roadmap to your success.
2. Huda Kattan
Huda Kattan is the founder and CEO of Huda Beauty, a billion-dollar cosmetics brand. Her journey from a beauty blogger to founding Huda Beauty showcases her unparalleled ability to connect with consumers.
Business Journey of Huda Kattan
Kattan was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Iraqi parents. She began her career as a makeup artist in Dubai, where she worked for several fashion magazines and beauty brands. In 2010, she started her beauty blog, Huda Beauty. It quickly became one of the most popular beauty blogs in the world.
In 2013, Kattan launched her own cosmetics line, Huda Beauty. The brand was initially focused on false eyelashes. But gradually it includes a wide range of beauty products such as eye shadow palettes, lipsticks, highlighters, foundations, and concealers.
Now more than 1,500 stores are selling Huda Beauty products worldwide. This brand is popular with celebrities and beauty enthusiasts.
In 2017, Huda Kattan was named one of Time magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
Here are Some of the Crucial Factors that Contributed to Huda Beauty's Success
- Unique brand proposition: Kattan is a charismatic and relatable figure who has built a strong personal brand around her love of makeup. She is active on social media, where she shares makeup tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from her life. Her fans feel like they know her personally, which makes them more likely to buy her products.
- Innovative products: Huda Beauty products are popular for their high quality and innovative formulas. For example, the brand's false eyelashes are made with a special type of fiber that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- Savvy marketing: Huda Kattan and her team have mastered the art of social media marketing. They use platforms like Instagram and YouTube to reach a global audience and generate excitement for new products. Huda Beauty has also collaborated with celebrities and influencers to promote its products.
- Inclusive brand: Huda Beauty also offers a wide range of shades that can flatter all skin tones. Huda Kattan also regularly features women of color in her marketing materials.
Huda Beauty is now a billion-dollar company, and Kattan is one of the most successful beauty entrepreneurs in the world. She is an inspiration to women everywhere and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
You can also step into this growing industry of makeup and fashion products by creating your own beauty products marketplace. According to Statista, The market of beauty & personal care is expected to grow annually by 3.53% in the time period 2023-2028.
3. Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the founder and CEO of Spanx. It is a shapewear company that she started in her apartment in 2000. Today, Spanx is a multi-billion dollar company and Blakely is one of the richest women in America.
Sara Blakely Started her Journey from Home
Blakely came up with the idea for Spanx when she was getting ready for a party and realized that she didn't have the right material to smooth out her silhouette under white pants. She cut the feet off of a pair of control-top pantyhose and created the first Spanx garment.
Blakely started selling Spanx out of her apartment, and the company quickly grew. In 2000, she appeared on the TV show “Shark Tank” and pitched her business to the sharks. She received a $200,000 investment from Kevin O'Leary. With this investment, Spanx became a huge success.
Sara Blakely shared her thoughts at Forbes Summit to inspire aspiring new startups. She said:
I always say, sell the problem you're solving, not the product. People are far more emotional about that.
She added:
When you make a mistake, or you have a failure, or you have an embarrassing moment, if you allow it to become a great story, you've got a great asset
Spanx is now a global brand. You can find their products in over 50 countries.
Spanx Revolutionized the Shapewear Industry
- Long-term vision: Blakely had a clear vision for Spanx from the beginning. She realized the need for a comfortable and effective shapewear product that would help women feel confident and beautiful.
- Invention of new material: Sara Blakely developed a unique blend of materials for her products. The combination of spandex and nylon makes the clothes highly elastic yet breathable and lightweight.
- Exclusive design: Spanx garments are designed to be discreet under clothing, with seamless edges and no visible lines.
- Product variety: Spanx has expanded its product range beyond traditional shapewear to include leggings, hosiery, activewear, and more.
Blakely is a self-made billionaire who started her business with nothing but an idea and a lot of determination. With her courage and hard work now she is leading a top brand in the USA.
Creating a fashion marketplace could be a great way to encourage clothing business owners to sell products on your platform. In turn, you can earn money from the commissions without having your own products.
4. Jennifer Hyman
Jennifer Hyman is the co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. It's a fashion rental company that allows customers to rent designer clothing and accessories for a fraction of the price of buying them.
Jennifer's Story and How She Started Rent the Runway
Hyman started the company in 2009 with her classmate Jennifer Fleiss while they were both MBA students at Harvard Business School.
The idea for Rent the Runway came to Hyman when she was on Thanksgiving break from Harvard. One day her sister told her that she had just spent $2,000 on a dress for a wedding. Hyman realized that there was a big market for women who wanted to wear designer clothing without having to buy it.
Hyman and Fleiss started Rent the Runway with a small inventory of dresses and a few thousand dollars in funding. They quickly realized that there was a huge demand for their service and the company grew rapidly.
Today, Rent the Runway is a major player in the fashion industry. The company has over 1 million members and a fleet of over 100,000 garments.
Hyman is a recognized leader in the fashion industry. She has been named to the Forbes “30 Under 30” list and the Fortune “40 Under 40” list. She is also a recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
“Rent the Runway” Introduced a Unique Approach to the Fashion Industry
- Strong business model: Rent the Runway offers a convenient and affordable way for women to rent designer clothing. The company's subscription model makes it easy for customers to rent as many items as they need. Also, the company's flexible rental terms make it easy to return items when they are no longer required.
- Energetic team: Hyman and Fleiss assembled a talented team of employees who are passionate about the company's mission. This team has helped to grow Rent the Runway into a major player in the fashion industry.
- Focus on innovation: Rent the Runway is constantly innovating to improve its service. The company has introduced new features, such as the ability to rent items from local boutiques, to make it even easier for customers to get the clothes they want.
- Commitment to sustainability: Rent the Runway is committed to sustainability. The company recycles all of its garments. And it partners with organizations that help to reduce waste in the fashion industry.
Hyman is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. She introduced a unique thought to the world and made it successful.
5. Mariam Naficy
Mariam Naficy is the founder and CEO of Minted, an online marketplace for custom and handmade stationery, home goods, gifts, and apparel. She started the company in 2007 with the idea of creating a platform that would connect artists and designers with a global audience.
Naficy was born in Iran and raised in the United States. She attended Williams College, where she studied economics and art history. After graduating, she worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.
Naficy Committed Herself to Working Hard & Get Success
In 2004, Naficy co-founded Eve.com, an online beauty retailer that was acquired by Sephora in 2007. After the acquisition, Naficy left Eve.com to start Minted.
Minted has grown rapidly since its inception. The company now has over 1 million artists and designers on its platform, and it generates over $100 million in annual revenue. Minted has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the United States for several years in a row.
Thinking back on her journey, Mariam Nacify encouraged new graduates of Northeastern University's Class of 2023 to chase their passions. She recalled a memory when she was presenting to an all-male venture capital audience and was interrupted by a partner who asked her to “repeat that but with the confidence of a CEO.”
Naficy told the audience that they would also encounter individuals who resisted change and preferred a safer path.
She added:
Success is not defined by what other people think. There is great value to independent thinking coming to your own conclusions and standing up for what you believe in.
Several Factors Have Contributed to Minted's Success. Such as-
- Crowdsourced Design: One of Minted's unique features is its crowdsourcing approach to design. They invite independent artists and designers to submit their work. The Minted community votes on the designs and the winning designs are then produced and sold on the platform. This model allows for a diverse and ever-expanding catalog of designs.
- Continuous Innovation: The company has consistently embraced technology and design trends to stay relevant and appealing to its customer base.
- Customization: Minted offers a high level of customization for its products. Customers can personalize stationery, cards, and artwork with their names, photos, and unique messages.
- Marketplace Model: Minted operates as an online marketplace. This means it can scale its offerings rapidly without the overhead costs of traditional retailers.
Naficy is a passionate advocate for women in business. She is a member of the board of directors of the Anita Borg Institute and the Female Founders Fund. She is also a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs.
6. Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar is the founder and CEO of Nykaa. Nykaa is one of the most popular eCommerce websites in India that sells beauty and personal care products. Currently, it has over 10 million customers. Nayar is a role model for women entrepreneurs in India.
Early Life and Education of Falguni Nayar
Nayar was born in Mumbai, India, in 1963. She studied economics at the University of Mumbai and then got an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. After graduating from business school, Nayar worked as an investment banker for Kotak Mahindra Capital. She later served as the managing director of Kotak Investment Banking.
Falguni Nayar Founded Nykaa with A Long Vision
In 2012, Nayar decided to leave her job at Kotak Mahindra Capital to start her own business. She founded Nykaa to create a one-stop shop for beauty and personal care products in India. Nykaa was India's first online beauty e-marketplace.
Nykaa quickly gained popularity in India due to its extensive range of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and wellness products.
Nayar has established a billion-dollar empire that serves as a remarkable testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. She made her debut on the ‘India's 100 Richest 2022' list, ranking 44th. Nayar became India's richest self-made woman after listing Nykaa and has a net worth of $4.09 billion as per the list.
Falguni Nayar was awarded the Economic Times Award for Businesswoman of the Year in 2022. The award recognizes outstanding women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the Indian economy.
Here are Some of the Factors that Contributed to Nykaa's Success:
- Falguni Nayar's vision. Nayar had a clear vision for Nykaa from the beginning. She saw a need for a one-stop shop for beauty and personal care products in India. Nykaa filled this void, and it quickly became the go-to destination for beauty products in India.
- User-Friendly Website and App: Nykaa offers a seamless and user-friendly online shopping experience through its website and mobile app. The interface allows customers to easily browse, search for products, and make purchases.
- Excellent customer service. Nykaa has a reputation for excellent customer service. The company's customer service team is always available to help customers with their orders and questions.
Nayar is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Women's Empowerment. She guides many women entrepreneurs to start their businesses.
7. Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver started her business MOSH in 2021, on World Alzheimer's Day. She was inspired to start the company after her father Robert Sargent Shriver. Her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003.
Maria Shriver is an American journalist, author, and activist. She is the former First Lady of California and a member of the Kennedy family. She also served as the First Lady of California from 2003 to 2011.
MOSH is A Brand to Take Care of Your Brain Health
They started MOSH with the vision to solve multiple problems and raise awareness about the importance of brain health. Her company produces many high-quality brain health products in partnership with brain health doctors. They also support research into Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
MOSH is leveraging a global brain health supplements market that is expected to be around $16 billion by 2030.
MOSH's first product is a protein bar. This is specifically designed to support brain health. The bar contains a variety of ingredients beneficial for the brain. It includes omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
MOSH also sells a variety of other brain health products like supplements, snacks, and beverages. The company also maintains a blog that provides information about brain health and Alzheimer's disease.
MOSH Hepls People To Set a “Mindstyle” Lifestyle. People Love This Brand for
- A strong social mission: MOSH is committed to raising awareness about brain health and supporting research into Alzheimer's disease. This mission helps many people who are going through a rough patch.
- Address a unique solution: According to Schwarzenegger, MOSH is a mission-driven brain health and wellness company. They are working to explore the relationship between proper nutrition and proactive brain care.
- Serve people with high-quality products: MOSH uses high-quality ingredients to make their products. Within 2 years they got 100,000 customers and generated approximately $10m by selling protein bars. Their strong commitment to mankind leads them to immense success.
MOSH is a relatively new company but it quickly grabs the attention of consumers who are looking for high-quality brain health products. You can find their products online and at select retailers.
8. Ghazal Alagh
Ghazal Alagh is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Mamaearth. Mamaearth is a popular Indian brand that specializes in natural & toxin-free personal care and baby care products.
A Mother's Desperation Fuels Ghazal’s Entrepreneurship Journey
Ghazal Alagh comes from a business-oriented family and has a background in business management. She studied at the Indian School of Business (ISB) and gained valuable experience working in the corporate sector.
The idea of Mamaearth came to her mind when she struggled to find products for her son. She was concerned about the harmful chemicals and toxins present in many baby care and personal care products. This concern led her to start researching and exploring natural and safe alternatives.
In 2016, along with her husband, Varun Alagh, Ghazal co-founded Mamaearth.
Soon the company gained popularity all over the India to sell organic products,l free from harmful chemicals. Mamaearth joined the unicorn club with a more than $1 billion valuation in 2021.
To encourage other female entrepreneurs, Ghazal said in an interview that-
I needed a mentor when I started out but couldn’t find one. Today, I try to be a mentor, but I still have only six years of experience. So I simply share my journey, and people can relate to it. I'm also an active angel investor, mostly in companies started by women who need mentors.
Ghazal's hard work and dedication gave her remarkable financial success. Her net worth is approximately ₹150 crores as of 2023. She became an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Selling Organic Products Makes Mamaearth Popular
Mamaearth has achieved rapid success by providing its consumers with organic and eco-friendly products. It offers many exclusive features like-
- Safe and Natural Formulations: Mamaearth uses natural and organic ingredients to create effective and gentle products for both babies and adults.
- Research and Development: Mamaearth always focuses on finding natural alternatives to common synthetic ingredients used in personal care products.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The brand has introduced eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials to reduce its environmental footprint.
- Expanding Product Range: They have introduced innovative products like mosquito repellents, toothpaste, hair care products, and more.
- Certifications and Transparency: Mamaearth's commitment to transparency and safety is reflected in its certifications. They often obtain certifications such as “Made Safe” and “ECOCERT”.
Mamaearth is also known for its social activities. This company has launched programs like “Plant Goodness” where they plant a tree for every product purchased. Such initiatives not only promote a positive brand image but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
9. Maggie Wu
Maggie Wei Wu is the chief financial officer of Alibaba Group. Alibaba is one of the world's largest eCommerce companies, with a market evaluation of over $300 billion.
Maggie Wu is an Example of Excellence
Wu was born in Beijing, China in 1969. She received her bachelor's degree in accounting from the Capital University of Economics and Business. After graduating, she worked as an audit partner at KPMG in Beijing for 15 years. In 2007, she joined Alibaba as the chief financial officer of Alibaba.com Limited. She was appointed chief financial officer of Alibaba Group Holding Limited in 2013.
Wu has been with Alibaba for over 15 years and played a key role in the company's growth and success. Under Wu's leadership, Alibaba has completed several successful IPOs and acquisitions.
She has been named one of the world's most powerful women by Forbes and Fortune.
She has also received numerous awards for her work, including the FinanceAsia Asia's Best CFO Award in 2010 and the China CFO of the Year Award in 2014.
Achievements
- FinanceAsia Asia's Best CFO Award (2010)
- China CFO of the Year Award (2014)
- Forbes World's 100 Most Powerful Women (2018)
- Fortune Most Powerful Women in Business (2019)
- Listed as one of the “50 Most Influential People in Global Finance” by Bloomberg Markets (2020)
Wu is a highly respected figure in the business world. She is known for her financial expertise, her strategic thinking, and her commitment to excellence. She is also a role model for women in business.
10. Shan-Lyn Ma
Shan-Lyn Ma is the co-founder and CEO of Zola, an online wedding registry and planning platform. She has played a significant role in shaping the wedding industry by introducing modern and innovative solutions for engaged couples.
Being an Entrepreneur was Lyn’s Childhood Dream
From an early age, Lyn always wanted to build her own business and earn money. However, she began her career in the tech industry, working for notable companies like Yahoo and Gilt Groupe. But in the back of her mind, she always had the dream to start her own venture.
In 2013, Lyn was facing problems in picking personalized gifts for her friends' marriage ceremonies. She shared the unhappiness with her friend and former colleague, Nobu Nakaguchi from Gilt Groupe. Nobu also told about the poor experience with wedding registry sites during his marriage. Out of their problems, they saw a business opportunity.
Consequently, both of them made the bold decision to depart from their corporate roles. And in that very same year, they introduced Zola to the world.
Zola Revolutionized the Wedding Industry
Zola is an online wedding registry and wedding planning platform. It offers a wide range of features to help engaged couples plan their weddings and create personalized registries. It facilitates its users with many exclusive features like-
- Wedding Registry Creation: Couples can create and customize their wedding registries. Zola allows them to add items from a wide range of products like home goods, cash funds, and more.
- Cash Funds: Zola allows couples to create cash funds for specific purposes. Such as a honeymoon fund, home renovation fund, or charity donation fund.
- Guest List Management: Zola offers tools for managing the guest list. It helps them to send digital invitations and track RSVPs. Couples can also use the platform to communicate with guests.
- Wedding Website Builder: Zola provides customizable wedding website templates where couples can share information about their wedding like event details, venue information, and accommodation options.
- Vendor Directory: Zola has a directory of wedding vendors to assist couples in finding and booking services. Such as photographers, florists, caterers, and more.
Right now, Zola is partnered with over 600 brands and offers over 70,000 products through its online gift registry. Zola is valued at over $600 million with an estimated annual revenue of up to $120 million.
There are Many Inspirational Women in eCommerce Who've Just Started Their Journey
Besides these renowned brands, there are many inspirational women in eCommerce who've just started their journey. Let's know about some of them-
Colleen Humphrey
Colleen Humphrey is the founder and owner of Wild Violetta. Her company produces natural and handmade skincare and beauty products.
With a passion for organic ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, she've created a line of products that not only nourish and rejuvenate the skin but also leave a positive impact on the environment.
Here are Some of the Factors that Contributed to Wild Violetta's Success:
- Natural and handmade products: Wild Violetta is known for using natural and organic ingredients in its product formulations. Colleen Humphrey is committed to creating products that are free from harsh chemicals and additives.
- Eco-friendly philosophy: The company is dedicated to eco-friendly practices and packaging. They use recyclable and sustainable materials whenever possible and aim to minimize their environmental footprint.
- A wide range of product variety: Wild Violetta offers a diverse range of products. It includes skincare essentials like moisturizers and cleansers to specialty items like scented candles and natural perfumes.
Wild Violetta aims to make skincare products effective yet sustainable. They often incorporate botanical extracts and essential oils into their formulations.
Gemma Smith
Gemma Smith is the founder of the Canadian company Re-vive the TEE. Her company upcycles old t-shirts into quilts and pillows.
Gemma Smith's Journey and Achievements
After giving birth to her second baby, Gemma decided to work full-time rather than spend more time with her kids. But the growing expenses need some other income sources as well.
Gemma purchased her first sewing machine in 2020. She started sewing memory blankets and sold them through Facebook. It brought her a handsome amount of money. But she was looking for something big.
One day she realized that she had a lot of old t-shirts that she no longer wore. Smith stitched together a few of her old t-shirts into a quilt. She posted the quilt on social media and it quickly gained a lot of attention.
Gemma's Commitment to Protect the Earth
Smith decided to turn her hobby into a business and she started Re-vive the TEE. The company now upcycles t-shirts and produces quilts and pillows. They get about 10 blanket orders per week from all over Canada.
Gemma is happy with her contribution to making the world greener. Her initiative has saved over 12000 tees from ending up in landfills. According to her-
Textile waste is one of Canada’s largest waste streams, so having an impact really does make me feel like I am on my way to achieving success.
She also wants other female entrepreneurs to come forward and make their strong appearance in the eCommerce industry. She advised them to be persistent in their journey.
If you want to try your luck in the eCommerce business, then follow this guide and build an organic products marketplace. It requires zero coding knowledge. In fact, you don't need to have any product to start your online store.
Lisa Lane
Lisa Lane is an inventor who is the founder and CEO of Rinseroo. Her company makes innovative cleaning products. She is known for her creativity and her passion for solving everyday problems.
Lisa's journey to Rinseroo began when she was struggling to rinse her shower clean. She was frustrated with the traditional method and wanted something better. She started brainstorming ideas and eventually came up with the concept for Rinseroo.
In one of her interviews, Lisa said that she is greatly inspired by the quote of Seith Godin- “The only thing worse than starting something and failing… is not starting something”
Lisa's Advice to New Entrepreneurs
Lisa suggested people follow some steps before jumping into a new venture. As the first step, she emphasizes market research. She said-
Do market research and be able to answer this question: How many people could potentially use my product? For example: If you have a product for horse enthusiasts, how big is that market? If you are selling something that only appeals to a small group of people, you are not going to sell millions of units. You need to determine whether or not your market aligns with your goals.
These are just a few examples of the many successful women-owned eCommerce businesses that are out there.
As we celebrate these successful women in eCommerce, let us remember that gender should never limit one's potential for success. Let them serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs around the globe.
Final Words to the Immense Success of Female Entrepreneurs
Women are increasingly starting their own eCommerce businesses. In fact, women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of male-owned businesses in the United States.
In our today's list, we cover inspirational female individuals from different industries. Some of them are ruling the eCommerce industry, some of them are contributing to helping people live more sustainably, and some of them serving consumers with their innovative products.
However, all of them are great inspirations for not only female entrepreneurs but also everyone who wants to make a unique identity in the online business arena.
From pioneers like Julie Wainwright to trailblazers like Huda Kattan, these extraordinary individuals have not only revolutionized their respective industries but also inspired countless people to chase their dreams fearlessly. Their stories teach us valuable lessons about determination, resilience, and the power of innovation.
Are you a female eCommerce owner? Or do you know any woman entrepreneurs from your friends & family? Do share your story with us in the comment section. If it is really inspiring we want to add it to your list indeed!