Success is delicious. You overcome one hurdle after another and face and conquer challenges to reach your goal. And once you do, there are no words that can describe that feeling. That said, imagine if you had to face more hurdles than others in your pursuit of the same goal.
And, you had no actual support, yet you win all on your own, despite the odds. That just redefines success, and it’s exactly what women today are accomplishing.
These self-made women have shattered glass ceilings and reshaped industries, proving that success isn’t gender-specific. Besides achieving their personal milestones, they are also empowering others and leaving an indelible mark on society in general. Their stories narrate what the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose can achieve.
Moreover, be they innovative entrepreneurs or impactful social changemakers, these women are reminding us that success isn’t just measured in milestones but in the courage to challenge norms and pave the way for others.
So, want to meet such inspiring women? Here are 10 self-made female icons who are redefining success on their terms.
Sarit Shoshani
If hyperpigmentation had a royalty, Sarit Shoshani would be its queen. With a flair for transforming skin woes into glowing triumphs, Sarit is the mastermind behind Skin Shine by Sarit, where hyperpigmentation isn’t just treated—it’s conquered.
Starting her journey as a skincare enthusiast, she ended up disrupting the very field with her innovative and extraordinary mindset. Armed with her 20/80 system, Sarit teaches clients that 20% of their skincare success happens in the clinic, while the remaining 80% hinges on their dedication at home. This fresh approach puts clients in control of their skin’s destiny.
Her mission began from a place of personal struggle. After facing years of hyperpigmentation and failing to find effective solutions, Sarit decided to become the expert she had sought. Her goal is to empower women to regain their confidence, helping them embrace a makeup-free life with radiant skin.
Sarit’s expertise has earned her spots on the cover of Vegas Magazine and recognition as a 2023 Las Vegas Top Woman of Success. She’s also made waves on local TV channels, Channel 8 and Channel 13, and her results are renowned for being unbeatable. The secret? Exclusive Israeli skincare products and a boutique approach that offers a personal touch.
With plans to expand Skin Shine by Sarit across the US, Sarit is set on making a broader impact. Her social responsibility lies in educating clients about managing chronic conditions like hyperpigmentation, bridging the gap that once existed for her. In Sarit’s world, beauty truly starts with understanding and care—making her a genuine disruptor in skincare.
Taspia Karim Tia
It’s not every day you come across someone like Taspia Karim Tia—a powerhouse designer, artistic director, and movement artist who’s turning heads by blending dance, design, and cultural storytelling into something truly groundbreaking.
Born in Bangladesh and shaped by her experiences in the U.S., Tia’s work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about making an impact. She’s mastered Modern, Hip-Hop, House, Bollywood, and Afro dance styles, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to fuse these forms with powerful narratives, using movement to address social justice and sustainability in her performances and projects.
Tia’s dynamic persona also shines through ventures like Rongin—a platform exploring the emotional impact of color to help creators craft with intention. Another notable project is The Revival Project, a collaboration blending Bangladeshi heritage with Japanese techniques to upcycle discarded clothing into meaningful fashion. This sustainable initiative redefines socially conscious design.
Her philosophy, “becoming I → one,” is at the core of her artistic approach, emphasizing self-awareness, discovery, and authenticity. This vision resonates deeply with those on their own journeys of transformation, making her art both relatable and impactful by highlighting how everything is interconnected and reflective of each other.
As an educator, Tia merges artistic disciplines like dance with psychological frameworks in workshops that encourage participants to innovate and see creativity from fresh perspectives. With international recognition and features from Bangladesh to Spain, her work bridges cultural roots with contemporary artistry, proving that any form of expression, when guided by purpose, can inspire change and challenge norms.
All in all, Taspia Karim Tia doesn’t just create art—she makes waves, using dance, design, storytelling, and activism to break boundaries and spark personal and societal transformation.
Ashley Berges
Touching the lives of countless individuals, Ashley Berges, the dynamic Live Your True Life Coach and founder of the Live Your True Life Institute, has imprinted her name in the world of personal development. Honing a unique protocol designed to help people find and live by their true values, Ashley’s approach is anything but ordinary.
What’s her secret formula? A blend of her personal experiences and extensive education forms a powerful synergy to truly understand her clients’ challenges. Going deep into the root cause, she helps her clients separate their true selves from societal expectations and childhood teachings. It’s all about creating a personal blueprint for the mind, body, and soul.
Ashley’s one-on-one, couples, and family coaching sessions are game-changers for those aged 25 and above. Her master classes cover everything from solid personal boundary development to managing relationships with individuals with BPD.
Her accolades speak volumes. With a Silver YouTube Award, a Telly Award for The Celebrity Perspective on Amazon Prime, and a spot in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide, Ashley is a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, she is a prolific author of three transformative books and the driving force behind the nationally syndicated radio show since 2012.
The heart of her business, LYTL MEDIA LLC, encompasses The Live Your True Life Institute, offering innovative coaching and content that inspires and educates. Whether it’s through video, books, master classes, or podcasts, Ashley’s mission is clear: to empower individuals with self-awareness and mindfulness.
Ashley’s vision for the future? To touch more lives, helping people understand themselves deeply and live authentically. She’s not just creating content; she’s fostering a movement towards self-understanding and personal power, making the world a better place.
Brooke Boskovich
Leading the helm at The Fertility Dietitian, Brooke Boskovich isn’t just navigating the often tumultuous waters of fertility challenges; she’s revolutionizing the way couples approach conception. With a sharp focus on functional medicine, Brooke digs deep into the underlying causes of fertility issues that stump conventional protocols.
From “unexplained” infertility, PCOS, or recurrent miscarriages, Brooke’s approach to every issue is holistic and hands-on, delving into everything from nutrient status to gut health and nervous system regulation.
Her personalized care doesn’t just skim the surface but dives into the intricacies of cellular energy and detox pathways, assisted by innovative functional testing. Brooke’s strategy? Learning to work with the body, not against it, unlocking a highly effective method to optimize fertility – an approach that has turned the tide for hundreds of couples, helping them achieve their dreams of parenthood after years of frustration.
The Fertility Dietitian was born from Brooke’s own health revelations, linking her gut health to menstrual cycle regularity. This personal journey sparked a passion to educate others, emphasizing the substantial impact of nutrition and lifestyle on fertility. Her services are designed to empower couples aged 30-40, offering everything from preconception care education to private coaching and group programs.
Brooke is setting her sights on broadening her influence, aiming to infuse early adult education with preconception care to boost fertility awareness. She envisions a future where proactive health measures take precedence over reproductive technology, showcasing her significant impact and leadership in fertility health care.
Raquel Gwen Wong
Meet Raquel Wong, the powerhouse innovator in the realm of marketing. As the Director of Marketing at Skindinavia, a leading cosmetic brand known for its make-up sprays and primers, Raquel is a modern millennial woman ready to shine as a star in the beauty industry. Her approach is all about creativity and passion.
Raquel’s expertise lies in forging dynamic marketing strategies that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z, making her a formidable force in the industry. From A to Z, Raquel can churn out comprehensive marketing strategies for new product launches, from advertising campaigns and social media efforts to branding initiatives. Her work ensures that Skindinavia remains at the cutting edge of the beauty market.
Raquel dreams of having her own digital marketing agency to continue her innovative work on a larger scale. Every project she undertakes echoes her vision and reflects her dedication to the craft. Raquel influences others not only professionally but also socially, committed to promoting beauty products that foster confidence and self-expression in youth.
Raquel Gwen Wong stands at the top of her niche as a self-made woman, combining her marketing prowess with an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.
Paisley Gamble
Forget the conventional path of design school. Imagine an 18-year-old, brimming with dreams, poring over design books while navigating the challenges of high school. Meet Paisley Gamble, the visionary behind Paisley Gamble Interiors—a name synonymous with authentic, personal, and unforgettable luxury.
Self-taught with the visual memory of an elephant—she might forget to walk the dog but never the shade of chartreuse she saw 15 years ago—Paisley defied the naysayers. From a high-end furniture store hire to a globe-trotting interior design maven, her journey is as unique as her designs. Specializing in creating sensorial, harmonious spaces, she’s made a name for herself by understanding people deeply and delivering homes that are better than any five-star resort.
High-net-worth individuals with global footprints trust Paisley for her unmatched expertise in international interior design. Her clients appreciate her commitment to privacy, discretion, and the seamless fusion of diverse cultures and passions in their homes. With nearly 20 years of experience and projects spanning many continents, Paisley’s talent for bringing her clients’ dreams to life is her most significant accolade. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s rising interior design stars and acclaimed for her work in Colombia, South America, Paisley’s ambitions continue to soar. With plans for product lines, boutique hotels, and more hospitality spaces on the horizon, her dedication to sustainable design ensures her influence extends beyond aesthetics. For Paisley, the ultimate goal is simple: to craft spaces where clients live their best lives, every single day.
Kimberly Halva
Standing out as a celebrated leader in the healthcare industry, Kimberly Halva has benefited people with her visionary approach. Affectionately known as Kim, she serves as the Vice President and Senior Counsel for Fairview Health Services in Minnesota. With her deep and holistic awareness of healthcare systems, she offers resourceful solutions to tackle arising problems in healthcare delivery and finance.
Kim’s advocacy involves more than policy-making; it also includes empowering and inspiring business leaders to execute strategies that boost health equity. Furthermore, through her influential leadership, she emphasizes the importance of data-driven recommendations, active listening, and compassionate engagement.
Surrounded by a fearless mindset and exceptional skills, Kim entails the power to comprehend complex relationships within different healthcare elements, offering valuable knowledge for the collective good. Her expertise has contributed well to evaluating drug distribution methods, as newly approved FDA drugs are revolutionizing conventional pharmacy practices.
Delivering quality and professionalism at every step, her efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Kimberly Halva was honored by the Women We Admire Organization (WWA) as one of the top women leaders in Minnesota, underscoring her remarkable leadership and impact in the healthcare sector.
Looking to the future, she aims to convey her wisdom through speaking and engagements to reform the healthcare system and leadership. She strives to contribute to the collective mission and impact the lives of people at large, ensuring an evolution that meets the needs of all individuals.
Mandy Murry
If resilience and transformative inspiration had a face, it would undoubtedly mirror Mandy Murry‘s. Her journey from battling cancer three times to soaring heights in the travel and hospitality world is nothing short of remarkable. By founding Hospitality Concierge, Mandy has done more than just survive; she has redefined what it means to live.
Leading the world’s first online platform for boutique hotels, Hospitality Concierge, Mandy leverages her profound life experiences, marketing acumen, and passion for travel to champion small hotel owners. She also equips them with tools and insights for unparalleled guest experiences and enhanced visibility, shifting the competitive edge in the digital era.
Mandy’s journey is nothing short of cinematic. From orchestrating travel logistics for the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay’s VIPs to hosting celebrity chef dinners and running a successful mountain resort, she’s done it all. Beyond these achievements, she also authored “Cloudsurfing” – a memoir that soars above her battles with cancer and fear.
Her narrative is dotted with prestigious titles – from the Best Travel Writer Awards by Lux Magazine to impactful talks at TEDx events. However, it’s her role as an educator and innovator, through online masterclasses and luxury retreats, that marks her as a beacon for aspiring hospitality mavens.
Mandy isn’t just ahead of the curve; she’s sketching out new ones, envisioning immersive boot camps for the hotel bigwigs and turbocharging her Hospitality Concierge App. Her saga, a tapestry of guts and wanderlust, lights up the path for her stepdaughters and women globally, whispering, “Hey, you are the architect of your own destiny, and no hurdle is too high to leap.”
Puja Rios
Representing the hidden strengths of women, the president and chief operating officer at Kevel, Puja Bhola Rios, has etched her name in the Retail Adtech arena. Her expertise and undeniable leadership qualities have made her a trailblazer in the industry, bringing innovative advertising solutions to connect well with customers.
Her journey is woven with threads of success and milestones. Starting as the Chief Revenue Officer at Frame.oi, Puja’s dedication bore fruit, generating over $100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and ultimately leading to the company’s acquisition by Adobe for billions of dollars. Her pioneering initiatives at Xerox and CareerBuilder also showcase her ability to drive growth and consistently deliver results..
As the former founder and Chairwoman of CareerBuildHER, Puja has made substantial contributions to workplace diversity With her consistent effort for women’s empowerment, she has assisted numerous women advance in their careers. Her Wall Street Journal bestselling book, “Get It Together: A Winning Formula for Success from the Boss You Need” shares practical advice to help women succeed.
But Puja’s vision knows no bounds. She is driven to empower retailers to deliver exceptional advertising experiences and aims to propel Kevel to achieve $100 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) as well.
Besides being an expert in her field, Puja is a dynamic speaker who believes in the power of words. Her engaging talks and insights enable people to push their boundaries to perfection. With her future-oriented approach, she is shaping the future of Retail Adtech and the women around her.
Maria Isabel Segura R
What does it take to rebuild your life with purpose after staring mortality in the face? The answer is something Maria I. Segura Ruiz knows from personal experience; she used her near-death experience to rebirth with a heart full of purpose and launch a successful career in wellness-focused design. Blending the elegance of architecture and the detail of interior design with the science of healing, Maria crafts spaces that don’t just dazzle the eye but also make one feel good.
A seasoned Interior Wellness Interior Architect, Maria overcame life-altering open-heart surgery to become a registered architect in Costa Rica and later a Wellness Interior Designer in Miami, inspiring others through her brand, MS Design, Wellness, and Health. sFrom healing color palette consultations to online Design Coaching to teach clients how to heal through design, MS Designs merges aesthetic expertise with holistic well-being practices to transform spaces into sanctuaries for the soul.
Her success didn’t settle in silence; it roared. Featured in renowned publications like Entrepreneur’s Herald, and twice in the NYC Journal; Maria is hailed as a pioneer in wellness interior design. Awards like FIU Real Triumph Graduarte, the Master’s Project Award Application of Research, and membership in the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society testify to her commitment and brilliance.
Yet, Maria’s vision extends beyond accolades. She dreams of MS Design, Wellness, and Health leading the charge in a future where spaces not only impress but also nurture well-being. As a design coach and motivational speaker, Maria shares her journey to inspire others to chase their dreams and find purpose.
In a world where design becomes purpose, Maria Isabel Segura shines bright, guiding others toward healing, hope, and purpose through the transformative power of design.
Dianne is an adventurer who grew up traversing the globe, first through the pages of books, and then in reality. She lives the clichéd life of working at a cafe and writing. When she’s not surrounding herself with words you can find her visiting art musuems and historical places .Dianne lives in Boston.
