JAN 2015
Toni explained further that there is additional pressure
for female entrepreneurs to conform to societal norms
and find a stable job. “We are moving towards better
days, but our parents’ and grandparents’ generations
are afraid of people stepping out and doing their own
thing as opposed to going the conventional route.”
She noted the difference between the support offered
to men during this process and that
offered to women. Her advice to her
female mentees is, “You don’t do
‘can’t do,’ you always do ‘can do!’”
She
also
encouraged
young
entrepreneurs in her field to “Work
hard, don't have a sense of
entitlement, leave all egos at the door
and trust your instinct.”
friends as being an inspiration to her success.
As with most endeavors in life, Toni has had to work
hard to achieve her dreams. She shared, “Nothing in
life that is worth it comes easy. You have to work
hard.”
Toni continued by saying “We as
female entrepreneurs don’t have
examples of women in the old boys’
club, and I am seeing more women
moving towards wanting to achieve
that, but it is one thing to want and it
is another thing to do. … I think that
our generation will be the movers
and shakers to breaking the name
from the old boys’ club to the old
beauties’ club.” She highlighted that
the women who are respected usually
occupy political posts as opposed to
positions as business leaders.
Toni further shared that overcoming
these barriers is a process. She
believes F