The number of women entrepreneurs is on the rise, and more women than ever are starting their own businesses. But they also face challenges that can make the process more difficult. Unfortunately, it’s still common for women to be denied loans because of gender and cultural bias and many institutions tend to primarily fund male-owned businesses. Another challenge for many women is that they’re not just entrepreneurs or career people – they have families, spouses, and other responsibilities. It’s difficult to balance work and family, and it’s been especially true as we get through these Covid times.

We’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented women entrepreneurs including doctors, social workers and psychologists, photographers, artists, musicians, teachers, authors, lawyers, nutritionists, restaurateurs, politicians, and more. It’s always our goal to create strategies and design websites that reflect their brand and connect with their target audience.

Most recently, we designed websites for two very talented women starting their own businesses. Following, Daryn Reyman-Lock and Becky Diamond discuss the challenges they’ve had starting their businesses, goals for their websites and their experience working with Designsite. We wish them the best!

Were there challenges for you as a woman starting your business?

While more and more business are getting into the heritage sector, as a Roman archaeologist and public historian, I often find myself in male-dominated situations. In those moments, I am acutely aware of how often I have been spoken down to, dismissed and spoken over despite my sometimes being the most educated and/or best equipped for a particular job. Starting my own business was risky and I have to fight against the constant worry of "how far will I have to go to prove myself" or "will I be accepted" or "will they hear what I am saying rather than just listening to my words?" 

Likewise, I earned my masters and doctorate abroad and from an educational system and training that was different to any in the United States. I have pushed hard to fill gaps in my education now that I have transitioned to the States. I have also taken opportunities I may otherwise not have sought to gain perspective, understanding and to learn. All of this in attempt to feel more legitimate to play in a field dominated by men. 

What is the goal for your website?

The goal for my website is to be professional and highlight not only by abilities as a heritage consultant, but advertise the wide breadth of services I offer. I want to use this as a forum to engage people.

How was your experience working with Designsite to get your website up live and running?

I am an archaeologist. My life is spent in quiet corners with books, civilizations long since dead and buried, people that have gone before and buildings which show rather than talk. Technology, advertisement, soical media and websites are outside my wheelhouse and, frankly, not necessarily my favorite ways to interact with others. So much is left unknown - facial expressions and body language are left out of written word. It was important to me to have a site that was accessible, down-to-earth and easy to understand where little misunderstanding could happen. 

Designsite and Michael DeMartin made that a reality. They alleviated all my anxiety and concern over the prospect of having to make my own site and produced something which exceeded expectations. Michael was great in providing pointed guidance on the most important things to consider for a professional site and made sure that the site was really a reflection of me and my business. He was patient, kind, knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I couldn't recommend them more highly. 

Were there challenges for you as a woman starting your business?

I never look at my gender identity as a challenge or something that stands in my way, from a business perspective. As a former war reporter, I have often been the only woman in the room or on a patrol. As a journalist I always look for universal themes, feelings and moments that unite us all, regardless of gender, race or any other kind of external identifier. 

What is the goal for your website?

I want people  to know my work history and  experience so that I can continue to report on relevant stories  and work as an educator, helping the next generation of  storytellers hone their craft.

How was your experience working with Designsite to get your website up live and running?

Designsite was top-notch! Michael worked with me step by step to build the best website possible. He took time to figure out what my goals were and how to gather the elements needed to build my story on the website. The result is better than I could have imagined!

Thank for reading this blog and we’re here to help you with any questions you might have about creating a new website for your business. Click below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll be happy to discuss your project.

Please note that we are offering a 15% Website Discount for Women-Owned Businesses through March 31.