16 Massachusetts Female Business Owners Share the Importance of International Women’s Day 2025

At Massachusetts Business Network, we’re all about celebrating entrepreneurship and local businesses. As we honor International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting and amplifying incredible female entrepreneurs based in the Bay State as they answer this question:

What does being a female business owner in Massachusetts mean to you?

Learn about talented female business owners throughout the area and what they value the most about working for themselves.

Perspective from Massachusetts Female Business Owners

What Entrepreneurship Means to Them

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means being part of a community that truly supports and empowers women entrepreneurs. From the moment I started my journey, I’ve never felt alone (even while working 100% remote!) There are so many incredible resources, networking groups, and spaces designed to help women succeed. Organizations like the Massachusetts Business Network make it easy to connect with like-minded professionals. What I love most is the sense of belonging. Whether it’s through workshops, networking events, or simply grabbing coffee with fellow founders, I always feel welcomed and encouraged. Massachusetts isn’t just a place to do business — it’s a place where women-led businesses are truly celebrated.” – Emily Bucklin of Get Social with Emily

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means carrying on a tradition of determination that goes back generations. As the founder of a regional lifestyle magazine, I’ve built something that showcases what makes the South Shore special while creating opportunities for local businesses, writers, and artists. Running my own business here has taught me that success isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about building real connections. When I started out, other women business owners helped me find my footing. Now I make it a point to do the same for others, whether that’s featuring them in the magazine or sharing what I’ve learned about running a meaningful, successful business. Massachusetts has always been home to strong, innovative women, and I’m proud to be part of that story. To me, being a female business owner here means having the freedom to pursue my creative vision while making a real difference in my community. It’s challenging, rewarding, and exactly where I want to be.” – Jane Cournan of South Shore Home, Life & Style

“Being a woman entrepreneur means embracing both the challenges and opportunities of leading a business while navigating a landscape historically dominated by men. It involves harnessing creativity, resilience, and determination to turn innovative ideas into viable ventures. Women entrepreneurs not only contribute to economic growth but also serve as role models, inspiring future generations to break barriers and pursue their passions. They often prioritize collaboration, community-building, and social impact, blending traditional business acumen with a unique perspective that fosters inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” – Patricia Juba of Growth Arise Consulting, LLC

“I employ over 40 women, all who work part-time. I love that I’ve created a workplace for women in all stages in life to exist professionally. Young teachers can supplement their income, mothers on maternity leave or home raising their children can stay relevant in the field, and retired teachers can stay engaged with education. I encourage all my teachers to build a case load of clients that suits their schedule and helps them reach their professional goals. While working at Cohasset Learning Studio, my teachers are playing a vital role in the south shore community by supporting families of children ages 3 through 8th grade.” – Abigail Sullivan of Cohasset Learning Studio

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means that I have the opportunity to use my knowledge, skills, and experience to help other women achieve their goals. When someone asks me how I measure my success as a business owner, I say that my success is measured by what I do with my power and position to positively impact other women.” – Susan DiClemente of SD Coaching & Consulting

“Going through a divorce ignited my passion to change the way people navigate the divorce process in Massachusetts. When I emerged from my divorce in the early 2000’s with three children under the age of six, my high school diploma was not going to get me very far, so I was determined to pursue a new path because I discovered a new passion: to recreate the divorce process into a better one than I had gone through that emphasized the personal growth necessary to build a successful post-divorce life. With this dream, I enrolled in community college, completed my undergraduate degree, and ultimately attended law school, all with the goal of opening my own family law firm. That dream became a reality in 2016 when I founded O’Connor Family Law. What it means to me to be a female business owner in Massachusetts is really wrapped into the mission and values of our firm, which is to initiate C.H.A.N.G.E. We strive to always emphasize the characteristics of Courage, Honesty, Ambition, Navigation, Growth, and Empowerment. With being a leader in the Commonwealth, I hope to inspire others who find themselves in challenging situations to keep pushing through and to achieve for greatness. Many women who lived through the women’s rights movement have expressed their admiration for seeing a female-led law firm competing with other established firms. It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made and the possibilities that lie ahead. Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means more than just running a business in the state; it’s about transforming the lives of those who live in our community and creating a brighter future for them and for our children. I am committed to showing others that, regardless of their current circumstances, they can achieve their dreams and overcome any challenges that come their way. Together, we can find success.” – Heather O’Connor of O’Connor Family Law

“Being a women-owned business in Massachusetts means the world to me. The education I received here, the community I’m part of, and the journey my immigrant parents took to build a life here. I’m proud to have built a business from scratch and truly make an impact in other Massachusetts businesses.” – Stacy Braga of Stacy Braga Copy Studio

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts is an opportunity to do something I love – mentor employees to learn the art, while being challenged, open to learning, and forming lasting connections to lift up other women professionals.” – Cindy Dixon of RedBird Brands

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts is incredibly fulfilling. After a 20+ year corporate HR career spanning several states, I’m now using my expertise to support the small businesses that form the backbone of our Massachusetts communities. For me, this journey is defined by connection, impact, and inspiration. Massachusetts has a vibrant network of women entrepreneurs. We collaborate, share our knowledge, and champion each other’s success. This shared drive to build something meaningful creates a powerful sense of community. I’m passionate about helping businesses across diverse industries, bringing a unique perspective refined by my extensive corporate experience. I blend best practices with innovative, simplified approaches to support small businesses effectively. Expertise and business acumen transcend gender, and I’m dedicated to using my skills to strengthen our local community. Most importantly, this path allows me to be a role model for my three sons. They see me working diligently, pursuing my passions, and building a business from the ground up. I’m showing them that women are leaders and entrepreneurs who bring invaluable strengths to the business world. I want them to know that their own dreams are worth pursuing and having the opportunity to build a business of your own is a privilege and an honor. Ultimately, being a female business owner in Massachusetts is about forging my own path. It’s about building a business I’m proud of, one that makes a difference, and that allows me to contribute to my family and community. It’s about demonstrating what’s possible and inspiring other women to chase their dreams.” – Tara Bodine of True North People Consulting

“Being a female business owner in Massachusetts means freedom—the freedom to work on client projects I am passionate about while having control over which projects to take on. I have worked in technology product development for over 15 years, specializing in solutions for new markets and customer needs, from concept to completion. Two years ago, I decided to start my own company to help others with what I have learned and to be part of their projects and solutions. I love being able to learn about different industries and their needs, as well as how technology can address those needs. I also love collaborating with team members, learning from their expertise, and contributing to their growth.” – Jolly Pradhan of End-to-End Innovation Consulting

“Being business owners in Massachusetts—one of us a woman—means creating a space where people feel welcome and supported. At Emerald Yoga Studio, we focus on making yoga accessible to all, no matter their experience or ability. As co-owners, we believe a business should serve its community. Our goal is to offer a space where people can move, breathe, and find a sense of balance. We take pride in running a studio that values inclusion and connection. Massachusetts has a long history of strong women in leadership. Owning a business together allows us to contribute to that legacy while staying true to our values. Emerald Yoga Studio is a place where people can show up as they are and find what they need, and we are grateful to be part of that journey.” – Helen Trindall of Emerald Yoga Studio

“Having been in business for over 17 years, the eight I have spent in Massachusetts have been some of the best. Being a businesswoman here has been a blend of support, warmth, acceptance, and motivation. I have never lived in a place with so many women-centric business organizations whose primary goal is to climb together rather than compete with one another. It is truly inspirational and uplifting. Here, I have grown, I have thrived, and I have transferred the energy given to me by others to help those still climbing reach their full potential. In Massachusetts, I feel unstoppable.” – LaKenya Kopf of Kopf Consulting

“As someone born and raised in MA, I am grateful to be a business owner here in my home state. It is a gift to have the opportunity to build something meaningful that empowers other women here in this state and beyond. Business ownership is all about strength, grit, resilience, growth, and showing up—even when things get challenging. I love that my business helps me support other women in all those areas as well as in gaining confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and stepping into their full potential just like I have worked through in my entrepreneurial journey. Massachusetts has a strong community of women leaders and entrepreneurs, and I’m grateful to be part of that network and to learn and be inspired by them. The other women business owners I have met have motivated me and supported in ways I could have never imagined and I am so thankful to be a part of a community like that!” – Alyssa Zonghetti of A to Z Hypnotherapy

“Being a female business owner means empowering the women your business comes into touch with. It means that when I’m managing and mentoring my staff, I make sure everyone feels heard and that women employees have a level playing field and are actively given opportunities, from planning marketing and brainstorming to pursuing leadership opportunities. When we consult with other women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs, it means a 1-on-1 connection to make their business and brand work for them, whether we’re providing marketing or strategy. Those who came before me trailblazed and I work to pave the way for those who follow.” – Julia Becker Collins of Vision Advertising

“As a female business owner in Massachusetts, I see entrepreneurship as a powerful vehicle for impact. For me, it’s about more than just running a business—it’s about using my expertise to support mission-driven organizations, helping them access the resources they need to grow and succeed. I find fulfillment in collaborating with others, solving challenges, and contributing to the success of organizations that make a difference in their communities.” – Melissa Pond

“This International Women’s Day, I’m particularly grateful to all the trailblazing women business owners and leaders who came before me. It wasn’t too long ago that women couldn’t even have their own bank accounts or credit cards. I’m reminded that—no matter how successful my business is, how much money I make, or how many clients hire me—being a woman business owner in Massachusetts in and of itself is an accomplishment and a blessing. Having the opportunity to wake up every morning and go to work for myself, set my own prices, make my own money, be selective about my clients, be respected in my industry, and do what I’m passionate about is a privilege—one made possible by the hardworking women who fought and sacrificed before I did.” – Dominique Goyette-Connerty of Evergreen Marketing

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