The Best Business & Career Ideas for Women in 2024
I remember when I was twelve years old, I decided I wanted to become an interior designer. That plan stuck with me throughout high school and the first part of college.
Then, something in me shifted – maybe maturity, maybe just a better understanding of myself – and I realized that I really didn’t want to be an interior designer. So, I switched my major and was on the road to becoming a marketing and content strategist.
The point is, whether you got into your current job or career by accident or on purpose, if you’re now feeling like maybe it isn’t the profession for you, that’s okay!
It’s always struck me as odd that there’s a cultural expectation that people will find the career they want by the time they are eighteen years old and will stay in that profession for their whole working life!
I mean, if you look at your other choices and changes throughout life, it’s kind of silly, right?
If you're considering a new business or career, this post is for you! I’m here to inspire you with the top business ideas for women in 2024.
Small Business Ideas for Women
Below are some of the highest-trending small business ideas for women are going on right now.
Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you can create a business as large or small as you desire. Some social media management companies house multiple managers, and in some cases, one business owner does the majority of the work or outsources to a few trusted contractors. However you decide to do it, social media management is in high demand! Learn more about social media strategy and management in my book, Social Media Strategy For Businesses.
Fractional CMO
If you have leadership experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, a Fractional CMO business might be right for you. According to Chief Outsiders, a fractional CMO is a marketing executive who helps with customer acquisition, sales development, and company growth. Your company gets executive experience without the full-time cost. It’s a wonderful option for professionals with experience in marketing who are looking for more flexibility and ownership of their careers.
Florist
For those who love creativity and organization, starting a business as a florist might be right for you! Many programs and certifications in floral design can help set you up for success in this career. Read more about the educational requirements to becoming a floral designer, or florist in this article from Indeed.
Jewelry Designer
If you’re intrigued by the idea of starting a career in jewelry design, you’re likely someone who is fashion-forward and loves to create beauty all around. Becoming a jewelry designer is a process that can involve educational certifications and/or apprenticeship. But, it’s a great choice of career if you are self-driven, creative, and entrepreneurial. Learn more steps and factors to consider if you are planning to launch your own jewelry business in this post from AAFT Online.
Food Service Business
Whether you’ve been in the restaurant business for years and now want to start your own business or love to cook and want to make it your business, there are tons of niches you could fill in the food service industry.
Here are a few to consider:
Food truck business - if you want to start a restaurant but don’t have the capital for brick and mortar.
Bakery or Cafe - Best for starting out if you want to build community and possibly expand later.
Cakes and Desserts - Don’t need to have a physical location to start.
Fine dining - For the restaurant veterans who want to create an ambiance that won’t disappoint.
Casual dining - Great for experienced professionals who want high volume.
Drive-through or takeout - For those who favor convenience and low labor costs.
If you’re services about starting a restaurant or food service business, read this book: Your First Restaurant: The Essential Guide.
Event Planner
We all have a friend who loves to throw a good party (maybe that friend is you!). And if you’ve always dreamed of becoming an event planner or owning your own event planning business because you are organized, like to multitask, and love people, maybe now is the time to do it!
There are many skills needed to excel in event planning, and a number of certifications that can be helpful. If this is your interest, then I highly recommend reading, The Event Managers Bible.
Real Estate Agent
The real estate industry is high-pressure, high-volume, and fast-paced, but for the sales-minded professional with an entrepreneurial mindset, it can be an extremely rewarding career. Becoming a real estate agent requires a licensing education and is most successful when the agent spends time working under an established firm—at least to start. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Kaplan to the steps needed to become a real estate agent.
Nutritionist
For those who are passionate about health and wellness and love the scientific side of it all, becoming a nutritionist is a rewarding and fairly accessible career path. Things to consider with this type of business path include:
What type of nutritionist do you want to be?
Do you already have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or something related?
Are you prepared to take a national exam?
Here is a great article from Forbes on all the steps it takes to become a nutritionist.
Freelance Business Ideas for Women
If flexibility and autonomy are your goals, a freelance career or professional shift might be right for you! Here are some top freelance careers for women right now.
Freelance Photographer
Becoming a freelance photographer might sound like a fun, flexible, and creative way to make a living or shift careers, and it is! However, the photography business is also incredibly competitive and requires a good amount of marketing and business development. But don’t be discouraged! If this is your goal, you should start by reading The Successful Photographer.
Creative Freelance Writer
Writing is not a talent that everyone comes by easily, so if you are one of those people who loves to write, and has always found writing to be easy. Or, if you have worked as a copywriter or another writing professional and want to launch your own gig, becoming a freelance writer may be a great fit for you! Part of becoming a freelance writer for hire is finding ways to get over any fear of rejection with your writing. A great way to do this is to start a blog!
Here’s a helpful article from Wise about what it takes to flourish in the freelance writing industry.
Freelance Project Manager
Many companies need a project manager but don’t want to pay the price tag for a full-time employee. That’s where you come in. As a professional looking to change careers or gain more freedom in your career, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. What it will take:
Probably a few certifications, and digging into your existing professional network.
Learn more about becoming a freelance project manager in this article: How to Become a Freelance Project Manager.
Graphic Designer
If you love creative projects, are drawn to aesthetics, and have a deeper meaning in the world, graphic design might be the right career for you. There are all kinds of degrees and certifications in graphic design that can help you get started in the creative industry. Establishing yourself as a graphic designer does take time and work, but if this is your dream job, it is achievable!
Here’s an educational article from Forbes on How to Become a Graphic Designer: A Step-By-Step Guide.
Life Coach
If you have a natural talent and passion for helping others thrive, life coaching might be the ideal career for you! If you decide that it’s the right career path for you, becoming a life coach can be extremely rewarding and profitable. Depending on your state, there are a number of state-run certification programs, and there are also many national programs and certifications for life coaching. You get to decide which niche or focus.
Learn more about becoming a certified life coach, in this article, How to Become a Life Coach, from Life Coach Magazine.
Best In-House Careers for Women
Finding the right focus, team, and company can make all the difference. Here are some of the most desirable corporate or in-house jobs for women.
Note: Many of these careers require a Bachelor's or higher degree to be considered for the position.
Marketing Manager or Director
Marketing managers and directors are responsible for running the brand development, digital marketing, website development and management, social media strategy and management as well as public relations responsibilities for their company.
The roles of marketing director and manager are usually fast-paced and management-driven, and success requires both soft and hard skills.
If you’re interested in exploring this career, here’s an introductory article from Forbes on how to Become a Marketing Manager.
Human Resources Manager
For those who love to help others and work in a team culture, where building relationships and growing a healthy company culture are the goals, human resource management might be the perfect fit for you! If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, a Human Resources Certification may suffice. There are also ways you can work to be recruited and trained without a certification if you already have a higher education degree. But, if you’re ambitious and want to take a more in-depth next step, you can also gain a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources.
Read this article from Maryville University on How to Become a Human Resources Manager.
Physician Assistant
Becoming a physician assistant takes time and commitment. But if you are medically minded and passionate about healthcare and patient services, this could be a great career for you. You will need to have a base of a Bachelor's degree and then gain licensure through an accredited physician assistant program.
Learn more about the steps needed to become a lisenced physician assistant in this article from Forbes.
Public Relations or Corporation Communications Manager
With a base Bachelor’s degree, you can easily work towards a career in public relations or corporate communications for a large corporation or brand. These departments are fast-paced, and highly critical to the success of the organization, which also makes these positions highly competitive, but if you thrive in a quick-moving and high-volume environment, this could be a great fit for you. Starting with an internship, or other segue into this type of role is often needed.
Read this discussion on LinkedIn on Becoming a Corporate Communications Manager for more.
Physical Therapist
To become a physical therapist, you will need to start with a Bachelor's degree, then gain a doctorate in physical therapy, and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. While time and effort are involved with this career choice, it can lead to a steady and lucrative career.
Learn more about becoming a physical therapist, in this Forbes article.
Your professional journey is yours to own! Wherever you decide to land or re-launch your career, I wish you the best of luck. Keep coming back for more tips, resources, stories, and training from Womanhood Unwrapped.
