IWD 2025: 5 Female Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Us (and What We Can Learn from Them)

International Women’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate women who are changing the game. But let’s be real. When we think of successful female entrepreneurs, it’s easy to picture billionaires sitting in glass offices, making deals over oat lattes with an executive assistant tracking their every move.

The reality? Most self-made women start out juggling about 47 different roles, figuring things out as they go, and wondering if they should just throw their laptop into the ocean. And yet, they still manage to build something incredible.

Australia is home to a bunch of these Australian female entrepreneurs. Women who have built brands from scratch, made bold moves, and somehow kept a sense of humour while doing it. They don’t just show us what’s possible. They show us the real side of business. No sugar-coating, no fake “rise and grind” energy. Just smart, funny, down-to-earth women proving that success doesn’t have to look a certain way.

Here are five of them, and what we can all learn from their journeys.

1. Brittney Saunders (FAYT The Label & Staple Swim)

Source: Talent Corp

If you’ve ever watched a YouTuber and thought, this person is hilarious, but can they actually run a business? Brittney Saunders is here to answer with a resounding yes.

Brittney went from content creator to full-blown fashion mogul, launching FAYT The Label and Staple Swim without a big corporate backing or an MBA. What she did have was a strong work ethic, a love for fashion, and the kind of business instincts that can’t be taught in a boardroom. She shares the highs and lows of running a company openly. Whether it’s dealing with factory issues or the stress of being the decision-maker for an entire team.

Lesson: You don’t need a fancy degree or industry connections to build a brand. If you’re willing to put in the work (and embrace a few disasters along the way), you can turn an idea into something massive.

2. Michelle Battersby (Sunroom, formerly Bumble Australia)

Michelle Battersby had the kind of career most people dream about. Leading the launch of Bumble Australia, climbing the corporate ladder, and making an impact in the startup world. Then, she quit.

Why? Because she had a bigger vision. Michelle went on to co-found Sunroom, a creator-first app designed to help women and non-binary entrepreneurs get paid for their content on their terms. She’s been refreshingly honest about the pressure of leadership, the loneliness of startup life, and the moments of doubt that come with betting on yourself.

Lesson: Sometimes, the “dream job” isn’t actually your dream. Taking risks is terrifying, but if you know you’re meant for something bigger, it’s worth making the leap.

3. Zoe Foster Blake (Go-To Skincare)

Source: Penguin Books Australia

There’s branding, and then there’s Go-To Skincare. A masterclass in personality-driven marketing, all thanks to Zoe Foster Blake.

Zoe took her background in beauty journalism and turned it into a global skincare brand, proving that Australian female entrepreneurs can make waves in international markets.. Instead of boring product descriptions, Go-To is built on wit, fun, and a refusal to take itself too seriously. And yet, behind all the jokes and peachy branding is a rock-solid business model that’s taken the beauty world by storm. Zoe’s also been open about the unglamorous side of running a company. Supply chain nightmares, big decisions that kept her up at night, and the sheer amount of work that goes into “effortlessly” running a brand.

Lesson: Your brand should feel like you. The more personality you bring to the table, the more people will connect with what you’re building.

4. Eleanor Pendleton (Gritty Pretty)

Eleanor Pendleton didn’t just join the beauty industry. She changed it. As the founder of Gritty Pretty, Australia’s first digital beauty magazine, she built an empire that puts independent beauty journalism front and centre.

Eleanor could have stuck to the traditional media path, but instead, she carved out her own space. She’s open about the challenges of running an independent publication, the pressure of balancing business and motherhood, and the reality of saying no to things that don’t align with your vision.

Lesson: If the industry you’re in doesn’t have room for you, make your own space. Success isn’t about following the rules. It’s about knowing when to break them.

5. Pip Edwards (P.E Nation)

When P.E Nation launched, it didn’t just enter the activewear market. It took over. Pip Edwards built a brand that blends fashion and functionality, and she’s never been afraid to own exactly who she is.

Pip has been through the highs and lows of the fashion industry, and she’s been candid about everything from burnout to evolving in a constantly changing space. Reinvention has been a huge part of her journey, and she’s proof that success isn’t about staying the same. It’s about knowing when to pivot.

Lesson: Growth means changing. Whether it’s your brand, your business model, or your mindset, the ability to evolve is what keeps you ahead.

What We Can All Take From These Women

If there’s one thing these five Australian female entrepreneurs have in common, it’s this. They back themselves. None of them followed a perfect, linear path to success. They took risks, owned their mistakes, and figured things out as they went. And most importantly, they didn’t wait for permission to build something great. They just did it.

So whether you’re launching a brand, scaling your business, or still in the “Googling how to start” phase, their journeys are proof that success isn’t about being the most qualified person in the room. It’s about being the one willing to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep going. Even when things get messy.

And if you’re ready to take your business to the next level (without drowning in admin or marketing overwhelm), Hey V.A is here to help. We take care of the nitty-gritty so you can focus on building your empire. Let’s chat.