7 Successful American Women Entrepreneurs

Long before Martha and Oprah, as far back as the late colonial era, these successful business women were breaking glass ceilings.

As all WPO members know, starting a new business has rarely been an easy endeavor. But throughout much of American history, female entrepreneurs faced especially daunting obstacles. They couldn’t open bank accounts in their own names, obtain a loan—or even vote. 

Still, some tapped family connections, sussed out unique business opportunities and beat the considerable odds. The businesses these women launched—some of which survived for a century or longer—turned their founders into role models for more contemporary American moguls like Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart.

Read on to discover the seven (7) trailblazing American women entrepreneurs.