10 Remarkable Female Entrepreneurs Who Started with Nothing

Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat, especially when you have limited resources. Despite the odds stacked against them, these female entrepreneurs proved that with determination, hard work, and a spark of ingenuity, you can build an empire from the ground up.

Their stories are nothing short of inspiring, and if you're feeling like the deck is stacked too high against you, these ten success journeys will show you that anything is possible.

Here are ten female entrepreneurs who started with nothing and turned their vision into a thriving reality:

1. Wajeha Al-Huwaider - The Saudi Women's Rights Advocate Turned Social Entrepreneur

In a country where women's rights were—and to some extent, still are—severely restricted, Wajeha Al-Huwaider broke through many barriers to become a beacon of hope for Saudi women. She began as a voice for the voiceless, using her writing to highlight the struggles of women in her country.

Driven by a mission to enable women economically, she launched several initiatives, including one that produced and sold natural cosmetics, providing employment and financial independence to women in rural areas.

2. Madame C.J. Walker - The African-American Entrepreneur Who Revolutionized Haircare

Born to former slaves, Madame C.J. Walker is renowned for developing hair products specifically for African American hair, launching a multibillion-dollar beauty industry.

With just a few dollars and a dream, she became the first female self-made millionaire in America, emphasizing the empowerment of women through her success. Her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy laid the foundation for many African American entrepreneurs to follow.

3. Oprah Winfrey - The Media Mogul With a Rags-to-Riches Story

Oprah Winfrey's tumultuous childhood and early career setbacks didn't stop her from becoming one of the most influential media personalities in the world.

Best known for "The Oprah Winfrey Show," she is also a film producer, actress, and philanthropist. She is proof that with ambition and service-oriented content, you can transition from poverty to a net worth in the billions.

4. Sara Blakely - The Spanx Founder Who Redefined Shapewear

With only $5,000 in savings and a bold idea, Sara Blakely revolutionized the shapewear industry with her invention, Spanx. Determined to make her place in a male-dominated industry, she kept her head above water by selling fax machines door-to-door.

Despite facing numerous rejections, she persevered, and Spanx is now a global brand, making Blakely one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the world.

5. J.K. Rowling - The Author Who Created a Literary Phenomenon

Struggling as a single mother on welfare, J.K. Rowling's initial Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by multiple publishers before making it to print.

Now one of the best-selling book series of all time, it led to an immensely successful movie franchise and an entire industry. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of imagination to bring success.

6. Indra Nooyi - The Former PepsiCo CEO Who Climbed the Corporate Ladder

Beginning her career as an intern, Indra Nooyi persevered to eventually become the CEO of PepsiCo.

Pioneering the company's "Performance with Purpose" vision long before corporate social responsibility became a buzzword, she led the company to prioritize sustainability and healthful products. Nooyi's strategic acumen and fearless leadership continue to inspire businesswomen globally.

7. Tory Burch - The Fashion Designer Who Catapulted Her Brand to Stardom

Tory Burch launched her luxury fashion brand from her kitchen, with no formal design training but a passion for creating stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories.

Despite the initial lack of infrastructure, her online brand soon caught the attention of celebrities and fashionistas, catapulting her to the Fortune's Most Powerful Women in business list.

8. Amrita Sher-Gil - The Pioneer of Modern Indian Art

Born to an Indian father and Hungarian mother, Amrita Sher-Gil's paintings, which chronicled the daily lives of Indian citizens in the pre-independence era, are now regarded as a pioneering force in modern Indian art.

Despite living in poverty, Sher-Gil's talent and dedication contributed to her being recognized as "one of the greatest avant-garde artists."

9. Vera Wang - The Fashion Designer Who Transitioned From Ice Skating to High Fashion

A former figure skater turned fashion editor, Vera Wang began her career in the industry at age 40, after not making the U.S. Olympic team. With no design experience, she started her own bridal company.

Today, her name is synonymous with upscale, refined bridal and evening wear. Her reinvention is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to start a new venture.

10. Ruzwana Bashir - The Tech Entrepreneur Who Wants to Change the Way We Travel

A graduate of Oxford University and Harvard Business School, Ruzwana Bashir co-founded Peek.com, a travel activities booking platform that aims to change the way we experience new destinations.

Before launching her entrepreneurial venture, she worked for organizations like the United Nations and led the strategy and operational improvements at a multinational corporation.

Final Note

These remarkable women remind us that success isn't about the starting point—it's about the forward motion. Their journeys demonstrate that passion, perseverance, and a touch of audacity can lead you to heights you never imagined.

They embody the saying, "Well-behaved women seldom make history," pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs to dream big and never give up.