Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Tracey, a woman who has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes in the world of entrepreneurship. Tracey's story is one of grit, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. She has faced challenges due to her ethnicity and gender, but has emerged as a successful business owner and leader. Through her story, Tracey hopes to inspire other women from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.
Interviewer: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey to become an entrepreneur Tracey?
Tracey: Of course! I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship, but it wasn't an easy road for me. I faced a lot of challenges due to my ethnicity and being a woman. I had to work harder than my male counterparts and constantly prove myself. But I was determined to succeed, so I kept pushing forward.
Interviewer: Can you give us an example of a specific obstacle you faced and how you overcame it?
Tracey: Sure. When I first started out, I was trying to secure funding for my business. I went to multiple investors, but they were all hesitant to invest in me because of my ethnicity and gender. But I didn't give up. I kept working on my business plan, refined my pitch, and kept trying. Eventually, I found an investor who believed in me and my vision, and that was the beginning of my success.
Interviewer: That's amazing. Can you tell us more about your business and the industry you're in?
Tracey: Sure! I own a software development company that specialises in creating innovative solutions for businesses. We work with a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. Our goal is to make technology accessible and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
I'm really proud of the work that we do, and I love being able to help other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. It's incredibly rewarding to see a client's business take off and know that I played a part in that success.
Interviewer: That sounds really impressive. What do you think sets you apart from other entrepreneurs in your industry?
Tracey: I think it's my perspective as a woman of colour. I bring a different point of view and unique ideas to the table that others may not have considered. Plus, I've had to work harder to get where I am, so I'm incredibly driven and passionate about what I do. I think that comes through in my work and sets me apart from others in my field.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own business?
Tracey: My advice would be to believe in yourself and your abilities. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something because of your gender or ethnicity. Work hard, stay focused, and be persistent. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision.
Interviewer: Tracey, could you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship?
Tracey: Of course! I was born and raised in Darwin, and growing up, I always had an interest in business. But as a woman of colour, I faced a lot of obstacles and discrimination. People often underestimated me or dismissed my ideas, simply because of my ethnicity and gender.
But I refused to let that stop me. I was determined to prove them wrong and show that I had just as much to offer as anyone else. So, I started working in the business world, and I quickly realised that I had a talent for it. I was able to see opportunities that others couldn't, and I had a knack for networking and building relationships.
Interviewer: That's great to hear. Can you tell us about your journey towards starting your own business?
Tracey: It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that much. But I knew that I wanted to be my own boss and make a difference in the industry. So, I started working on my business plan and saving up money to invest in it.
I faced a lot of challenges along the way, from securing funding to dealing with legal issues. But I persevered, and I was able to launch my own business. It was a proud moment for me, and I felt like I had accomplished something truly special.
Interviewer: What would you say are some of the biggest challenges you face as a female entrepreneur?
Tracey: There are definitely still a lot of obstacles that women face in the business world. For one thing, there's still a lot of bias and discrimination against women, especially women of colour. People often assume that we're not as qualified or capable as men, even when the evidence says otherwise.
Another challenge is balancing work with family life. As a mother, it can be really tough to juggle running a business with taking care of my kids. But I've learned to be really disciplined with my time and prioritise what's important.
Interviewer: That's definitely a difficult balance to strike. What advice would you give to other women who are interested in starting their own businesses?
Tracey: My advice would be to never give up on your dreams. It's not always going to be easy, and there will be times when you feel like giving up. But if you have a passion for something and a drive to succeed, you can make it happen.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There's no shame in reaching out to mentors, advisors or business coaches to help guide you through the process. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will either.
Interviewer: Those are great words of wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Tracey.
Tracey: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure to talk about my journey and hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams.
Tracey's story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Despite facing obstacles and barriers, she persevered and emerged as a successful entrepreneur and leader. Her message to young women from diverse backgrounds is clear: believe in yourself, work hard, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams. Tracey is an inspiration to us all and a shining example of what can be accomplished with passion and hard work.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the subjects anonynimity where requested.