The Future Is Female: The Rise in Women Entrepreneurs
by Hannah Wilson ★ October 14th, 2025
Design by: Hannah Wilson
Move over boys — Women entrepreneurs are not just stepping into the game, they’re rewriting the rules. A recent study shows women-owned businesses are up 69% nationwide, and the movement is hitting Syracuse too.
Women are killing the business whether they're in heels, boots (because we all know how cold it gets here), or fuzzy slippers in their dorm. According to Empower research data nationwide, women entrepreneurs are up 69%, and we have a lot of those women business owners right here at Syracuse University. From nails, to photography, even down to Dj’s - SU girlies are showing they are not waiting until graduation to start their hustle! We sat down with some of Syracuse's brightest entrepreneurs to hear their stories, secrets, and advice for anyone ready to turn their business plan into a reality !
When it comes to turning passion into profit, Syracuse sophomore Madi (@claswbymadii) is no stranger to the game and is proof that consistency is key. What started back in her junior year of high school as a DIY/ passion project soon became her successful nail business with lots of loyal clients. Her biggest challenge? Juggling academics and a social life with endless nail appointments, but instead of worrying, Madi calls it a blessing. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m so grateful for my growing clientele”. Her advice to anyone yearning to launch their own brand is don't wait to be “perfect”. “Talent is only a small portion of perfecting your craft. Practice and determination is what will push you. Even when it feels like no one’s noticing, keep going — it’ll pay off eventually. I mean, just look at me and my prospering business!”. Madi’s story shows that success isn't about waiting for the right “time”, however, it's about painting your own path, one set of claws at a time.
For Tashema, beauty is more than just a business, it's a craft she's been perfecting since middle school. What started as practicing braids and lashes for herself, friends and family became a dual passion that launched into a business. She launched her business by sketching out plans in her notebook, investing in classes, buying products, and creating a business instagram account (@emaluxee). Tashema’s journey wasn't the easiest, “My biggest challenge is honestly being patient and trusting the process”. She admits reflecting on moments of doubt and inconsistency, but with time, her dedication and patience paid off. Now styling students on campus where access to black hair stylists can be limited, she turned her passion to a community and pocket of confidence. Her advice for women looking to start their own businesses is “Make a plan, practice a lot, and never compare yourself to others. Everyone’s pace is different, and you don’t know the process they had to go through. Focus on your own journey — it’ll take you further than you think.” Her journey shows that building a business isn't about instant results, it's about trusting your timeline and celebrating your progress.
Lastly for Zoe (@Mediabyzoe) , photography started as a study abroad hobby in France, capturing raw street moments, and quickly turned into a full blown passion for sport photography. Back in high school she photographed her football team, and after a tough near miss in the championship she pushed herself harder. Culminating in photographing at Gillette stadium, a dream come true of hers! Her biggest challenge? Breaking the male dominant world of sports media and getting recognized as a serious photographer. “Being a woman in the industry is tough,” Zoe admits. “A lot of people assume you’re just here to ‘hang with the players, but I want this as a career.” Her advice for aspiring creatives: market yourself, build connections everywhere (yes, even Linkedin counts!), and never stop experimenting. “Passion, practice, and putting yourself out there will take you further than you think,” she says. From the streets of France to stadium lights, Zoe proves that with passion, persistence, and a camera in hand, no dream is out of reach.
Women entrepreneurs are on the rise nationwide and Syracuse is clearly keeping pace. From Madi turning a highschool hobby into a thriving nail business, to Tashema building her hair and lash brands, to Zoe breaking barriers in sports photography, these campus women are proof that the next generation of female founders isn't just watching from the sidelines. Their stories show that whether its talent, persistence, or marketing yourself, success comes from taking initiative and trusting the process.
So the key takeaway? The national surge in women-owned businesses isn't just a statistic, it's happening right here on campus. If you've ever dreamed of launching your own venture, these SU women prove there's no better time to start than now!
Edited by: Alexis Landrini