The Rise Of The Micro-Business: How Women Are Thriving With Small, Profitable Ventures 

When I was in 17, my mom started her business. She was a freelance art educator at three schools. For years, I watched her hurry to work, hurry back home, cook for us, plan sessions before bedtime, and keep up with her busy schedule.

When I asked her how she does it, she smiled and said, “I’m doing what I love. When you do that, you can do everything.” Over the years, she expanded her team, until COVID-19 hit and she focused on one-on-one sessions and became a painter. 

I love how her passion gave her the strength to start a small business, and the resilience to keep going. I wanted that for myself, and I became a full-time freelancer writer at 27.

In the last decade, the number of micro-business owners around me increased. The Advocacy for Small Business Association claims that women own more than 12 million small businesses and employ over 11 million employees. 

These small businesses were once micro-businesses, and like my mother and me, women are choosing to stick to that format. But what are micro-business and how are women thriving while running them?

Micro-businesses are companies with nine or fewer employees. They are a subset of small businesses (500 or fewer employees). 

Anyone can set up a micro-business. If you’re a freelancer, photographer, designer, bakery shop owner, or investment advisor, you’ve got yourself a micro-business.

A micro-business doesn’t always stay one. They can be grow into small, mid, and large businesses. In fact, nearly half a million women-owned businesses with revenues between $250,000 and $999,999 grew their aggregate revenues by about 30%. But some women prefer the beauty of soft and steady growth that a micro-business has.

Research claimed that 62% of aspiring women entrepreneurs wanted to start a small business because they wanted more freedom (42% even had kids). After starting a business, 93% felt they found the freedom they were looking for. 

A micro-business has many benefits, but the autonomy and the abundance of wholesome growth are common ones.

Glynns Thomas, a corporate headshot photographer, said she learned that running a business is personal growth and financial success.

“It forces you to confront your weaknesses, work through self-worth issues, advocate for yourself and balance clients’ needs,” she said.

Glynns was the VP of Internet Marketing at a Fortune 50 company, but she wanted something complex, exciting, and challenging. Today, she loves how balanced her life feels.

“I can go skiing mid-week, and take a vacation whenever I want to,” she said. “Making decisions and having complete responsibility is empowering. To be profitable and feel fulfilled, I take up projects that align with my values. I set my pricing, work with high-value clients, and design my life the way I want. An invaluable aspect is that I involve my children in the process and they see, first-hand, what it takes to build something.”

Research supports Glynns’s experience. When women set up their micro (turned small) businesses, they found that they were happier, more confident and more empowered.

Zarina Bahadur, the CEO and founder of 123 Baby Box, a subscription-based baby product company to save busy moms some time, started her business while in college. Four years later, her business earns six figures and she runs a five-employee team.

She said her biggest win is the ability to prioritize profitability and sustainability instead of chasing growth. But starting out isn’t a luxury for everyone, and the one thing that stops women, according to her, is their mindset, 

“Many women hold themselves back thinking they are not ‘qualified’ enough to start a business,” she said. “They assume they need an MBA, a huge budget or the perfect plan. Reality check: you don’t! Start small, figure things out along the way, and improve as you go. The process tests your resilience. There is no safety net, but problem-solving becomes your second nature.”

A KPMG survey of senior women leaders in Fortune 1000 companies, proved that 75% of high-performing women have imposter syndrome. If successful women go through self-doubt, even women who are taking a new professional step would. But there’s no need to toss these feelings aside.

Danielle Uhl, a certified coach to women with micro and small businesses at Online Business Management & Strategies said it is important to challenge your fears.

“Beliefs like, ‘What if I fail?,’ ‘What if I’m not good enough?,’ ‘What if I succeed, how will I keep up?,’ ‘How could I charge someone for this?,’ etc. are common,” she said. “The best thing you can do is dive into them and notice the conversation that’s happening in your head — what is that voice saying?”

According to Danielle, multiple layers or deeper fears surface when you dive in to understand what’s happening in your mind and body.

“Write that limiting belief down,” she said. “Now question the limiting belief. Ask yourself, ‘What if that does happen? Then what? What will you do next?’ Write down your answer. With that answer, ask yourself again, ‘Then what?’ Keep asking, ‘Then what?’ until you feel you can’t answer anymore. Then, reread your limiting belief. By this point, your fear or intensity should dissipate.”

Even after dealing with your limiting beliefs, the process of starting a micro-business can be overwhelming.

Taking the leap and starting out may not always mean profitability.

“Some of my clients started but decided running a business wasn’t for them,” Danielle said. “They are always glad they did it because of how it helped them personally and professionally.”

Glynns, too, had a rocky start while setting up her photography business but her lessons and her resilience kept her going and growing.

“Do your research, then take the leap,” she said. “Seek out books, courses, or mentors. Business ownership is hard work, but it’s deeply rewarding too. And if you’re willing to embrace the challenges and the growth, running a micro-business can be a fulfilling and profitable adventure.”