There are currently 12.3 million women-owned businesses operating today, highlighting a major surge from the 402,000 back in 1972. With more and more women eager to start their own business and become their own boss along the way, the feat remains an intimidating one for many. When looking to draw inspiration from those who have ventured into the realm of business after spending years in another career, there are plenty of famous actresses who have taken the leap into passion projects.
From Jennifer Garner’s success with Once Upon a Farm to Shay Mitchell’s innovative travel products, becoming an entrepreneur can be a fulfilling endeavor — even if you don’t have any business-specific experience when starting out.
Jennifer Garner’s educative experience
While many recognize Jennifer Garner for her starring role as Jenna Rink in the romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, she has made major strides in the business realm as well. Having co-founded the organic, fresh baby food company Once Upon a Farm in 2018, the company has since become rather successful — in partnership with Save the Children, Garner and her team are working towards the mission of bringing a million meals to children across the country in food insecure communities by 2024.
In addition to serving as the company’s chief brand officer, Garner’s outlook on a lack of business-specific education serves as further inspiration to fellow females aspiring to venture into business.
Jeff Conway details an inspiring interview with Garner — when asked about her own personal and professional growth throughout her entrepreneurial experiences, the actress-turned-businesswoman had a surprising answer. “It has been such an amazing journey for me because I literally have never taken a business class in my life,” she said. Garner goes on to note that her experience has been a “full-on education” — something that any aspiring entrepreneur can lean on and benefit from.
Learning new things is essential to any successful entrepreneur’s experience — for example, learning the advantages of innovative methods like hybrid project management is just one way that new entrepreneurs can become acquainted with effective practices. Hybrid project management is a technique that combines the meticulous nature of the Waterfall method’s step-by-step planning along with the adaptability of Agile business practices.
This makes hybrid project management highly versatile, especially when considering that the method can incorporate a variety of methodologies and tools (such as work-in-progress limits, and sprint work cycles). However, it’s essential to realize that there isn’t a direct formula for success. As such, an experienced business mentor that is well-versed regarding different business practices can help greatly when learning the ropes and what may work (or not work) for your own business.
From Modern Family to multi-billion dollar success
Sofia Vergara has long been a staple on the Hollywood scene, from her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family to her most recent role as Griselda Blanco in the 2024 Netflix drama Griselda. When it comes to business, however, Vergara is also a successful entrepreneur, managing to build a multi-billion dollar business from nothing. In an appearance on the show Hart to Hart, hosted by actor, comedian, and entrepreneur Kevin Hart, Vergara spoke about her experience in the business realm, and about her resulting success.
Vergara’s interview with Hart revealed that her dream was to become ‘a Latin version of Martha Stewart.’ As of 2021, it’s noted that Vergara had successfully established three businesses — Latin World Entertainment (a talent management firm), a lingerie brand called EBY, and Raze, a digital media company with a Latino focus, according to Hola! magazine.
Having gone from Colombia to the United States, Vergara started her business ventures in an unlikely way. “I started making calendars,” Vergara told Hart. “The only thing I could sell was really myself. I did really good! I started realizing, ‘I am the product.’” Today, Vergara has recently announced a new business venture, a Colombian coffee brand called Dios Mio Coffee, available online at Walmart.
Shay Mitchell, co-founder of practical travel accessories
The resurgence of travel in a post-COVID world has brought to light a newfound demand for popular travel accessories — like luggage. Known for her role as Emily Fields in the series Pretty Little Liars and as You’s Peach Salinger, Shay Mitchell co-founded the travel fashion brand, BÉIS, in 2018. According to InStyle, the brand came about thanks to Mitchell’s own ‘travel woes,’ as she became frustrated with the lack of functionality and aesthetics found in traditional luggage — even to the point of sketching up solutions on airplane napkins.
Regarding how the idea was born, Mitchell said: “I was always feeling like I had to pick between beautiful bags that looked chic and were super-expensive or ugly bags that were super functional and more affordable.” Not wanting to compromise on one or the other, Mitchell notes that she didn’t feel anyone else should have to, either. Armed with a weight-limit indicator, a padded handle, and the ability to expand the luggage, there’s no question that Mitchell has worked hard to fill a gap in the realm of fashionable and practical travel.
For women looking to start their own business, taking the leap can be intimidating — especially if you’ve spent most of your life in another career. When looking for inspiration, there are a number of remarkable women who have shifted gears to pursue a passion (or few) within the business realm.
