Let’s be honest: the words “million-dollar idea” can feel intimidating. If you’ve ever thought, “My idea isn’t big enough” or “Who would even buy this?”—you’re not alone. Many of the most successful women entrepreneurs started with something small. A single candle scent. A tutoring side gig. A recipe from their abuela’s kitchen.
Here’s the secret: it’s not about starting with something flashy—it’s about starting with something real. A business doesn’t need to look like the next Amazon or Spanx right away. What it needs is your passion, your perspective, and your willingness to take the first step.
The best businesses solve problems, bring joy, and make everyday life better. And guess what? You don’t need lightning to strike in the shower. Ideas aren’t magically born—they’re built. And you can build yours, too.
Here are seven steps (yes, we’re going beyond five!) to help you take that “someday” idea and start shaping it into something real.
Step 1: Hunt for Problems, Not Products
People don’t actually buy products—they buy solutions. That’s why the best businesses often start with one simple question: What’s frustrating people?
Instead of asking, “What should I sell?” try asking:
- What drives me crazy every day?
- What do my friends always complain about?
- Where do I hear people say, “I wish there was a better way…”?
Try this: Keep a small notebook or use your phone notes for one week. Write down every little frustration you notice—whether it’s your own or something you overhear. By the end of the week, you’ll have a goldmine of real-world problems waiting for your creativity.
Step 2: Mix Passion With Pain Points
Here’s the truth: business isn’t always easy. When it gets tough (and it will), passion is what keeps you moving forward.
Look at your problem list and ask:
- Which ones connect with my skills or passions?
- Which ones would I actually enjoy working on for years?
Try this: Make two lists—one of your skills/passions, and one of the problems you wrote down. Draw lines where they overlap. The sweet spot where passion and problems meet? That’s your starting point.
Step 3: Notice What’s Broken
You don’t have to invent something brand new. Sometimes, the best businesses are simply about making something better.
Uber didn’t invent taxis. Airbnb didn’t invent hotels. They just made the experience more convenient.
Try this: Think of an industry you know well—maybe fitness, childcare, food, or beauty. Write down three things that feel clunky, outdated, or frustrating. Then brainstorm one way you’d fix each.
Step 4: Borrow and Remix (the Smart Way)
Don’t pressure yourself to “invent” something nobody’s ever seen. Some of the most successful businesses borrow ideas from one space and remix them into another.
- Starbucks didn’t invent coffee. They reinvented the coffee experience.
- Peloton didn’t invent bikes. They added community and tech.
Try this: Pick a business model you admire. It could be a subscription box, a buy-one-give-one program, or an online membership. Ask yourself: How could I remix this idea for a totally different industry?
Step 5: Test Before You Obsess
This step is where many women get stuck—we wait for “perfect.” But your idea won’t prove itself in your head; it’ll prove itself in the real world.
Try this: Pick one idea and spend no more than $50 testing it. Maybe you print simple flyers, set up a free Instagram account, or create a landing page. The goal isn’t to make money yet—it’s to see if strangers (not just your mom or best friend) care.
Step 6: Start Tiny, Grow Steady
Here’s something many people don’t tell you: almost every business starts small. And that’s a good thing.
Baking bread for neighbors can turn into a bakery. Offering childcare for friends can grow into a licensed daycare. Selling earrings on Instagram can become a jewelry line.
Tip: Don’t dismiss your idea just because it feels “too small.” Every empire starts with a single customer.
Step 7: Build Your Circle
This one might be the most important. You don’t have to do this alone. Surround yourself with women who are building, dreaming, and experimenting, too. Your network will give you encouragement, accountability, and maybe even your first customers.
Tip: Look for local workshops, online communities, or programs (like BMA 😉) where you can learn and grow with others.
Your Idea Has Power
By the time you’ve worked through these steps, you’ll likely have one or two ideas that feel exciting and doable. That’s the beginning of something powerful.
Don’t let the fear of being “too small” stop you. A small idea is just the seed. With the right care, it can grow into something that changes your life, and maybe even your community.
Keep your notebook handy. Stay curious. Let yourself play with possibilities. And most importantly, take the first step…oh, and follow this blog or sign up to our newsletter for more ideas and networking events.
Because entrepreneurs aren’t born, they’re built. And you? You’re already on your way.