Lessons from History: Creative Women Who Paved the Way for Today’s Entrepreneurs
Behind every successful creativepreneur is a trailblazer who made it possible.
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Jan 6, 2025
When we think of women in history, the first image that often comes to mind is someone in a corset balancing a teacup while solving societal injustices. But spoiler alert: many historical women weren’t just sipping tea—they were busy breaking rules, shattering glass ceilings, and doing it all with style. Today, we’re standing on the shoulders of these creative giants who paved the way for modern entrepreneurship. So let’s dive into the stories of a few trailblazing women who made history look really good.
Madam C.J. Walker: The First Self-Made Female Millionaire
“Hair today, boss tomorrow.”
Long before TikTok influencers started selling beauty products, there was Madam C.J. Walker—a true pioneer in self-branding. Born in 1867 as Sarah Breedlove, she created a line of hair care products for Black women and turned it into a business empire. But here’s the kicker: she didn’t just sell shampoo; she sold empowerment. Her products came with the promise of confidence and success, a message that resonated with her customers.
What we can learn: Walker’s success was rooted in understanding her audience’s needs and building a community. She didn’t just create a product; she created a movement. Today, we call this “brand loyalty,” but she called it sisterhood.
Madam C.J. Walker had Instagram, you bet her captions would’ve been on fire. #BossBraidGoals
Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Became a Brand
“Unibrow chic before it was a thing.”
Frida Kahlo wasn’t just a painter; she was a walking, breathing, iconic brand. Her art celebrated her identity, pain, and passion in a way that connected deeply with people. But Kahlo didn’t stop at the canvas—she made herself part of her art. Her signature look (hello, flower crowns and bold brows) became a symbol of empowerment and authenticity.
What we can learn: Kahlo’s brand was herself. She showed us the power of embracing your uniqueness and turning it into a creative advantage. In today’s terms, she’d have a viral personal brand that could outshine even the Kardashians.
Tweet from Frida: “Your imperfections are your strengths. Unless it’s your Wi-Fi signal. Fix that.”
Coco Chanel: The Queen of Reinvention
“Before Chanel, women couldn’t breathe. After Chanel, they could conquer.”
Coco Chanel took one look at the uncomfortable corsets and said, “Nope, we’re not doing this anymore.” She revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing simplicity, comfort, and elegance. The little black dress? That was her idea. She didn’t just sell clothes; she sold independence, freedom, and the confidence to take on the world.
What we can learn: Chanel knew how to solve a problem (too-tight clothing) and turn it into an opportunity (timeless fashion). She taught us that innovation is about more than creating something new—it’s about creating something better.
If Coco had a LinkedIn: “Disrupting fashion since 1910. Currently seeking partnerships with women who refuse to wear nonsense.”
Maya Angelou: The Poet Who Built a Platfor
“Words that move nations—and wallets.”
Maya Angelou wasn’t just a poet and writer; she was a force. Her words inspired generations to dream, act, and believe in themselves. Angelou understood the power of storytelling long before marketers started throwing around buzzwords like “content strategy.” She turned her personal experiences into universal truths, creating a platform that resonated far beyond her lifetime.
What we can learn: Whether you’re selling books, jewelry, or digital courses, storytelling is the secret sauce. If your audience feels something, they’ll remember you—and they’ll buy from you.
Angelou’s hypothetical brand slogan: “If you’re always trying to be normal, you’ll never sell extraordinary.”
Hedy Lamarr: The Innovator Who Invented Wi-Fi
“Hollywood star by day, tech genius by night.”
Hedy Lamarr is proof that you can be glamorous and geeky. A 1940s movie star, she co-invented a frequency-hopping technology that eventually became the basis for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Let that sink in: without Hedy, we might still be dealing with dial-up internet.
What we can learn: Lamarr didn’t let her glamorous day job stop her from pursuing her other passions. As creativepreneurs, we don’t have to fit into one box. Explore, experiment, and let your hidden talents shine.
Imagine Hedy at a tech conference: “The Wi-Fi password is ‘Genius1942.’ You’re welcome.”
Takeaways for Today’s Creativepreneurs
These women didn’t just break barriers—they smashed them with style. So, what can you take from their stories?
Be authentic: Like Frida Kahlo, embrace what makes you unique.
Solve a problem: Chanel proved that fixing an everyday issue can lead to massive success.
Build community: Madam C.J. Walker showed us the power of connection and loyalty.
Use your voice: Maya Angelou’s storytelling is still unmatched.
Innovate fearlessly: Channel your inner Hedy Lamarr and let those crazy ideas fly.
Ladies, the path to creative entrepreneurship has been shaped by history’s fiercest women. They didn’t wait for permission—they took it, one bold decision at a time. So the next time you’re doubting yourself, remember: if Madam C.J. Walker could rise from laundry duty to millionaire status, you can absolutely launch that Etsy shop.
Now go forth, create, and make history of your own. And remember: if all else fails, channel Frida and slap on a flower crown. You’re unstoppable.
