 Photo: Sketa Oz Images It is my belief that life is not about standing still. It is about moving forward with purpose. It does not matter, what has occurred in one's life; one must just throw aside all losses, challenges and often painful memories and just start again. That does not mean one is required to rush into some absurd new idea - just to cover the pain, block out the memories or to get so immersed in one's work that one forgets to live. It does not mean rushing towards something bigger, faster or more impressive to prove a point. Moving forward can be quiet, moving through thoughtful moments of reflection - so you can begin to find yourself, again. Trust me - life can get so hard, confusing, challenging and indeed so very daunting when you have to start again and again. And you think to yourself you are never going to leave, all your troubles behind. Anxiety kicks in and the world looks might bleak. But you must make a start, for if you do not - you will forever remain where you lost your strength; faith in the world and then, the world just functions like Ground Hogs Day. Sometimes, it is simply making the decision to change direction - being brave enough to toss out old ideas to begin again - to finally give oneself permission to become the person, we have been trying to find, all these years. For me, purpose has never been separated from creativity. I have always believed that ideas are meant to move and... at some point in time...made real. For why else do we dream? They are meant to become stories, pictures, businesses, books, conversations and opportunities. An idea that remains locked inside us may be comforting, but an idea that gets stifled because of history, one's past and how life used to be - will put you through your paces and will play havoc, with your mind. It will leave you void and in years to come, asking that horrid question. "What if I had of tried harder?" So, you must never let any of that baggage define what your life can look like, going forward. This is one of the principles behind the work I do. I strive every day, with massive mounds of cobwebs that I must shed. And cobwebs do hang around a long time. So, my artistic world enables me to find myself, and in doing so, ideas sprout again. It is like watering the garden, where you forgot you once planted seeds. You just have to water them again and all sorts of ideas begin to bloom, again. I do not want to build something simply for the sake of building a business. I want to create something that has meaning. Something with imagination at its heart, but also with purpose. Something that can connect people, encourage creativity, open doors and perhaps make someone feel that there is still something wonderful waiting for them, beyond the place where they currently stand. This philosophy has shaped the way I see my life and yes, it gives me momentum to succeed. We are often encouraged to measure progress by visible achievements. The new position. The bigger house. The successful launch. The number of people watching. The amount of money earned. Yet, some of the most important forms of progress cannot be measured so easily. Learning to trust yourself again, is progress. It might seem like snail's progress, but it is progress none-the-less. Walking away from something that no longer belongs in your future, is also progress. Starting something when you are frightened...is progress. Allowing yourself to change your mind...is progress. And continuing to believe in an idea, well after people have failed to see its worth, is one of the greatest acts of courage, one can make. I have learned that moving forward does not mean, having all the answers. In fact, waiting until everything is certain can become its own form of standing still. It becomes procrastination and fear of succeeding. Sometimes, the next step only becomes visible, after we take the first one. Yes. It is mega hard. I do not lie to you. But you must give life your best shot and believe in 'you', again. For almost every creative on the planet, there is a form of hesitation. And that hesitation, seeps into all aspects of your ability to create as an artist and in business. One is fearful of what others will say, and if it will be accepted. Artists must resist the urge to listen to the outside world. For it will impede your energy to create. There will always be uncertainty in beginning again and in starting a new venture. There will always be another opinion, another obstacle, another reason to wait. But purpose gives us something stronger than certainty. It gives us direction. I believe businesses should have a soul, just like people. They should reflect something of the people who create them. They should stand for something and live far beyond a transaction. For me, creativity, imagination, courage, opportunity and generosity are not separate ideas. They belong to the same landscape. Perhaps that is why I am less interested in building something that simply looks successful and more interested in building something that feels alive. We can give life to our ideas - let them 'become' a living, breathing entity all by themselves. This is what gives one momentum - because one has created energy. Energy lives in everything - yes, even in inanimate objects and ideas. The world is full of energy and how you place that energy, who you give it to, how you give it greater depth and strength determines whether the energy will transform into something miraculous! A creative life should have room for that evolution. One should be able to grow without abandoning who we are. One should be able to carry our past experiences with us, while still refusing to let them dictate our future. There is a great deal of freedom in understanding that moving forward does not mean knowing exactly where you will end up. That is the greatest curiosity and mystery for everyone. And it means choosing not to remain where you no longer belong or are appreciated, too. It means continuing to create - despite the obstacles of life - despite the voices - despite the doubt. Continuing to learn. Continuing to dream. Continuing to believe in 'self'. And most importantly, continuing to move with purpose. Because perhaps the destination was never the most important part. Perhaps the real achievement is becoming brave enough to keep going.
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 Image Sketa Oz - Ms Selina, Jane Morley, and the Korean Paju Delegation with Dancers. At Sketa Oz, our work is shaped not only by what we create, but by the realities of building, as a female-led creative enterprise. The following reflection offers insight into the challenges that inform our approach, our storytelling, and our commitment to meaningful, enduring work...
Being a female artistic and a highly creative entrepreneur is an exhilarating journey, but it comes with challenges that are often invisible to those outside the creative world. Each day, I navigate the delicate intersection of creativity, business, and my personal identity- pursuing artistic visions while also ensuring sustainability in a market that often - undervalues art. Balancing Creativity and Business Artistry demands freedom - time to explore, experiment, and take risks. Entrepreneurship demands structure, strategy, and efficiency. The challenge lies in wearing both hats simultaneously: creating a world that is authentic and compelling, while also managing budgets, marketing, partnerships, and the practicalities of running a business - even if it is at times, running in skeleton mode and we are just trying to keep it alive. Visibility vs. Vulnerability As a woman in the creative industries, visibility is a double-edged sword. Sharing work publicly invites connection and opportunities, but it also exposes you to judgment, criticism and comparison. Each project is a vulnerable expression of self, and balancing confidence with humility can be exhausting - for me, this is an ongoing challenge. Access to Resources and Networks Female, artistically-inclined entrepreneurs often encounter limited access to funding, mentorship, and professional networks. Building support systems requires strategic effort and persistent self-advocacy, even while juggling the demands of creating and sustaining a business. Managing Time and Energy The expectation to do it all - creative work, administrative tasks, marketing networking - can stretch time and energy to breaking points. Prioritizing projects and saying "no" strategically are essential survival skills, yet still come with the constant internal negotiation of "Am I doing enough?" And with that often comes with, "Am I enough?" The Pressure of Consistency Audiences, collaborators, and potential clients expect consistency in output, style and presence. While consistency builds trust, it can also feel restrictive, especially when creativity thrives in unpredictability and experimentation. Finding ways to innovate without losing your audience is a constant challenge. Despite these challenges, the journey is deeply rewarding. Every obstacle teaches resilience, strategic thinking, and self-awareness. Each project completed, collaboration forged, or idea realised is a testament to perseverance and vision. For female artistic entrepreneurs like myself, success is not just measured in recognition or revenue, but in sustaining creative integrity, carving out our space for unique expression, and inspiring others to pursue their artistic paths, unapologetically. This perspective informs every project developed through Sketa Oz - where creative integrity and strategic execution are not separate pursuits, but part of the same process.  According to a 2024 report by PitchBook, only 2.3% of venture capital funding went to female founders in the previous year. This statistic shows a marginal increase from the 2.2% recorded in 2023, indicating that while some progress is occurring, it falls short of the leaps needed to achieve gender parity. A broader analysis from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in early 2024 found that female entrepreneurs are 28% less likely to seek venture capital compared to their male counterparts. When they do seek funding, they often encountered difficulties securing the necessary amounts, as they received, on average, $50,000 less than male entrepreneurs for similar business proposals. Unconscious Bias and Stereotypes The challenges that female entrepreneurs face can largely be attributed to unconscious bias and societal stereotypes. A 2024 study published in Harvard Business Review noted that investors often equate entrepreneurial traits with masculinity, viewing male-led ventures as more capable of high returns. As a result, female entrepreneurs frequently find themselves having to overcome both a funding gap and a confidence gap. “I often feel that my business acumen is judged through a different lens,” states Laura Jenkins, a tech entrepreneur and founder of a fintech startup. “When I pitch to investors, it sometimes feels like I’m fighting against stereotypes rather than getting a fair hearing for my ideas.” Personal Experiences from the Field Two narratives stand out among the many challenges female entrepreneurs face, drawing on personal experiences shared by both female business leaders in established companies and newcomers in the startup phase. Melissa Carter: A Journey from Startup to Success Melissa Carter, founder of an innovative health tech startup, recounts her early struggles with securing funding: “In my first round of funding, I faced rejection after rejection. Many of the investors seemed to focus more on my gender than my business model. I was often asked how I would deal with the stress of running a company—something no male entrepreneur encountered in conversations,” she explains. Melissa’s perseverance eventually led to success, but her journey highlights the formidable barriers women still face. “Once I built credibility through initial achievements, funding became somewhat easier. However, it shouldn't have to be about proving myself over and over again,” she adds.  Source globalwomanmagazine.com/ Sarah Lopez: High-Level Corporate Experience
Sarah Lopez, a senior executive in a multinational corporation, shares her perspective from the other side of the table. She recognizes the systemic issues within investment circles. “Many investors still circulate within homogenous networks that do not sufficiently include women. This exclusion perpetuates a cycle of funding bias,” she elaborates. Sarah emphasizes the need for investors to adopt a more inclusive approach: “Diversity in the investment community can lead to better decision-making and more equitable funding practices. It's about breaking those echo chambers to recognize potential regardless of gender.” The Road Ahead: Solutions and Initiatives As we look to the future, solutions to bridge the funding gap for female entrepreneurs must include: 1. Diverse Funding Sources: Organizations like Female Founders Fund and SheEO have emerged, focusing specifically on funding female entrepreneurs. By creating networks and communities, these groups can provide essential resources and financial support. 2. Education and Mentorship: Offering workshops and mentorship programs aimed at women can equip them with the skills needed to navigate the funding landscape effectively. 3. Awareness and Training: Investors should undergo training to understand and mitigate biases in their decision-making processes. Encouraging a diverse investment committee can lead to more equitable funding opportunities. 4. Policy Interventions: Governments could implement policies that promote gender equity in funding, such as grants earmarked for female entrepreneurs or incentives for funds that actively seek to invest in women-led businesses. The current landscape for female entrepreneurs in 2024 reflects both progress and persistent challenges. As women continue to break barriers and forge their paths in various industries, it is crucial to confront the systemic biases that undermine their potential. Collaborative efforts among entrepreneurs, investors, and advocacy groups can pave the way for a more equitable funding ecosystem, unlocking the full creative and innovative potential of women in business. Through shared experiences and focused action, the vision for a future where female entrepreneurs thrive and gain equal access to funding can become a reality.  Greek Pavillion - Incredible Artists! To celebrate 20 years is outstanding, but to make it to 60 years is a huge milestone for any international event – one that has not only grown in spirit and focus on their dedication to children and education, but also on their role in the publishing industry - to present to the world their best Italian foot, on the international stage.
To celebrate 20 years is outstanding, but to make it to 60 years is a huge milestone for any international event – one that has not only grown in spirit and focus on their dedication to children and education, but also on their role in the publishing industry - to present to the world their best Italian foot, on the international stage.  ELK Publishing - BBPlus | BolognaBookPlus Hosted Publishers Lounge - Hall 29 Mall 1 For me to be invited me – both as an author and publishing house, allowed me an opportunity that I never anticipated, would occur. The last few years has spelt much hardship for many people across the world, especially for publishing and sole trader businesses – it has been no different, for me. Attending this year’s event, also meant putting aside the hesitations of CoVid, the financial strains of what that brought to the industry and saying goodbye to health concerns.
The sponsored opportunity took off the compounding pressure, experienced over the last couple of years; I could just focus on the event and seminars offered before me - learning new ways, new ideas in book and publishing management; understanding recent figures, data and how they might affect the industry; talking with so many wonderfully, talented-creative artists – having the privilege of seeing their portfolios; and linking up with clever book technicians, who blew me away at every blink, of the eye.  Literary Translation Forum - Scouting for Books in Translation It was a week of touching base with new ideas, meeting new people, believing in positive outcomes for everyone and coming away with lots of useful information, to implement into one’s business.
With only one week on offer, it was a jam-packed event, pavilion and city - with so many things to see and do, and so many people doing their hardest to suck the marrow from the bone, to come away with a stronger understanding of books, publishing and yes – Bologna.  What's a Fem-preneur? If you're female and an entrepreneur - well, that makes you a Fem'preneur! If you're dying to change the world for good - Fem'preneur. If you have big dreams and innovations you can't wait to share with the world - Oh, Fem'preneur. If you want to leave your mark on the place - Fem'preneur, Fem'preneur! If you're just busting to say, 'Honey are you a Fem'preneur?' Welcome to the age of FEM'PRENEUR!  If you'd like to know the latest on: Fem'preneurs making the news; want to know how to go about things or would like to read something inspirational to help you on your way, then this is the place for you. We'll be delivering articles on all things females find difficult in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
Sometimes, it's hard and you have no one to listen to you. You need to vent. You need a new take on the situation. Then our interviews, thoughts and advice from some of the best women out there - making it great, could tip the scale of make or break in business. We know you've got it in you. You can shine just as good as any of them, but they didn't get there all by themselves. So let us be your rock, your ladder to get you out of that swamp. We have lots of rope to spare. We'll share business knowledge that will inspire, challenge and change the world and how they - see you! |
AuthorTo be a female entrepreneur or fem'preneur, is not an easy task. One comes across all sorts of issues, struggles and challenges that one needs to overcome to compete, and be relevant in today's fast-moving business world. Categories
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