Fearless Focus recap: Four thoughts on women business owners
Women business ownership rates are growing at a rapid pace. Even so, female entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing capital and opportunities to grow their businesses.
The Fearless team hosted our first Fearless Focus event of 2025 on April 17, focusing on women business owners and their entrepreneurship journeys. The panelists discussed issues they’ve encountered since starting their own businesses, the ways they operate and how communities can better support business owners like them.
The speakers included:
- Alicia Jaime, co-owner and president, International Veterinary Supplies
- Gabriella Torres, Clinton, Iowa-based artist and consultant
- LaDrina Wilson, founder and CEO, Iman Consulting
Here are four takeaways from the event. You can watch the full event at fearlessbr.com/events.
Partnerships and collaboration with others can help your business thrive
Jaime and her husband moved to Iowa from Argentina over 25 years ago, and learning the culture and customs of their new home was difficult. They then had to learn the intricacies of business ownership when they opened their own veterinary supply company after the one they worked at closed.
They relied on support from people they trusted to put their business on the track to success.
“If you don’t have a business background, always be in partnership with those that are going to give you the best advice professionally,” she said. “The teamwork is key to being successful. Feed yourself with everything that surrounds you.”
Wilson explained that those relationships can become capital when you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. When she was starting, she offered discounted coaching services to a photographer who took her headshot, and they both were able to benefit.
Build your business based on your values
Wilson greatly values the autonomy and independence entrepreneurship has allowed her. Jaime loves that her entrepreneurial spirit provides employment for other Iowans. Torres is proud of the hard work she put in to become the expert in her business.
“What’s really rewarding is the ability to build something from the ground up and watch it grow and truly understand and know every little aspect of your business,” Torres said. “It’s almost like a child for me, I know it so very well and I care for it and watching it grow is so satisfying. You started with this seed of an idea and now you’re watching it, you’ve nurtured it into success.”
Torres also discussed how planning and preparation play a huge part in how she presents her business to the world.
“Knowing your stuff really goes a long way in showing someone that you have really thought through your plan. I’ve been underestimated my entire life, just because I’m a woman or this or that, so I come prepared and exceed their expectations,” she said.
Seek out organizations meant to support small businesses
Iowa is home to several organizations that provide monetary or strategic support to small businesses. Jaime listed several, such as SCORE Association, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa chapter of the National Association of Women in Business and local and state chambers of commerce.
“Sometimes you are in the middle of a challenge that you don’t know how to solve,” Jaime said. “There are many groups and networks that are very important where you can meet people and get answers. Even with creating your idea of the business. There are many offices and organizations that are here to help in Iowa.”
Know your worth
Torres explained that business ownership pushed her to be what she didn’t know she could be and do things she didn’t know she could do. She never expected to negotiate contracts and manage her accounting, but years of being a solopreneur showed her she was capable.
As a business owner, you learn new skills while enhancing those that inspired you to start your business in the first place. Wilson explained that it’s important to honor the unique value you bring to the table by reflecting your worth in your pricing.
“Year one, I left a lot of money on the table because I lacked the confidence,” she said. “It took me hiring another team member who was able to say, ‘No, there’s just no way you should be giving that away.’”
