Why Women-Led Businesses Make up 90% of who I Work With.

Why 90% of the businesses I work with are women-Led (and what that says about small business today)

This thought started with a new song I heard this week - "Killin it Girl" and a business meeting where I was asked how many woman-owned, woman led businesses I work with. Allow me to elaborate.

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Leena Shenoy - Passage To India - showing her ad in the first guide I published in 2017. for Central PA.  Leena wasn't just the first woman owned business in our guide; she was the first business in our guide. Grateful.

 Something interesting happened while I was building my business.

I looked up one day and realized that more than 90% of the two hundred businesses and nonprofits I work with are owned and led by women.

This wasn’t by design. I created my business for small business, but I don’t specifically market to women or filter opportunities based on ownership. I reach out to businesses I feel are in line with our product and who our target audience is. I vet businesses based on those doing great work, those that care deeply about their customers, their craft, and their community.

The pattern is undeniable.

So, I became curious. Why are women at the heart of so many small businesses, especially the kind of local gems featured in LiveWorkPlay guides? Turns out, there’s a story here worth telling.

Women Are Building Businesses at Record Pace

Let’s start with the numbers. Over the past few years, women have started nearly half of all new businesses in the U.S. Many of them are small and self-funded. They've launched out of a passion, a skillset, or a problem they saw and felt called to solve.

These aren’t faceless corporations. They’re bakeries, boutiques, therapists, designers, stylists, coaches, realtors, photographers, and creative service pros who are deeply invested in their work because it’s personal. It's on our heart and in our soul.

PJ Heyman, owner of Village Artisans Gallery with her ad in my first ever Central PA guide in 2017

Quick Stat Snapshot:

In 2024, women owned over 12 million businesses in the US

These businesses employ 10.7 million workers and

generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue annually.

Additionally, based on recent data, a significant segment, like me, have no staff besides the owner.

Woman owned business stats from 2024

I Can't Say enough - It’s Not Just Business It’s Values

The women I feature in my guides don’t just want to sell a product or service.

They want to:

Create spaces that feel welcoming

Offer solutions that genuinely help

Be part of something bigger than themselves

Raise their kids, support their families, and build a legacy on their terms

There’s a value-based approach to these businesses. You feel it in every detail, from the signage to the service to the social media posts written in their own voice. Or if we're being honest - sometimes, sometimes lack of social media because we're wearing all the hats.

This is leadership with heart... With hustle. With heels (or boots or Birkenstocks or whatever gets the job done).

Why That Shows Up in LiveWorkPlay

LiveWorkPlay was built on connection. On telling real stories (It's why our "smallest" ad size is a generous 1/3 page) and celebrating local brilliance. It’s no wonder it attracts so many women who are also building community, not just clientele.

In fact, women-led businesses tend to find each other. They refer one another, collaborate, and lift each other up. And the ripple effect is powerful.

I didn’t set out to create a guide that’s packed with women-led powerhouses. But I’m not surprised that it turned out that way.

Because when you do business with soul, when you lead with integrity, and when you believe in mutual success - you magnetize people who believe the same.

Pat Craig Studios - Our first ever Central PA guide in her gallery and event space. Pat was in our first ever guide and every edition I've published since 2017. Grateful

So Here’s to the Women

who build what they wish existed.

who do the books at night and the work by day.

who show up imperfect, unstoppable, and unapologetically driven.

Whether you run a shop, a studio, a service, or a solo gig, your presence matters, and your work makes a difference.

And if you’re one of the women featured in LiveWorkPlay - thank you. You’ve helped shape a guide that’s more than just a resource. I'm grateful for each of you and every business owner I have the pleasure of meeting.

Want to Join This Circle?

If you're a woman-led business (or any business that puts purpose and people first), you belong here. Learn more by getting in touch with me. I'd love to hear your story.

Christine Vasiliades

Founder/Publisher

LiveWorkPlay

(717) 364-8469

Disclaimer: I'm not a writer, I just pretend to be one because I wear all the hats. And because no one could convey what's in my heart like I can.

Also, bifocals - so excuse any typos. : )

You can page through all of our guides, shop small or check out any other new small business offerings on my website, www.liveworkplay.media