by Judiann Romanello, owner of DamnAged Vintage in Cold Spring
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, it’s essential to recognize the significant increase in women launching their own businesses – a moment in history that signals a brighter future for women and communities everywhere.
From 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of women-owned businesses outpaced businesses owned by men, according to data from Wells Fargo released by the National Women’s Business Council. Despite pandemic-era business closures, women started more businesses than they shuttered. During the same period, the number of men-owned businesses declined. Women also created more jobs and saw increased revenues while the opposite was true for men.
These are truly historic trends. The rise in business creation among women is transformative not just for the ability of women to lift one another but to help entire communities rise. When women are economically secure, we’re more inclined to contribute to charitable causes. A study by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute highlights this, finding that as women’s income increases, they are more likely to donate to charity than men. This phenomenon underscores the critical role women play in the welfare of their communities – and that entrepreneurship translates to larger societal benefits.
Women have always faced enormous challenges when it comes to opening their own companies. But social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are helping knock down those walls. Digital platforms are vital for building and scaling a successful small business. With social media, anyone can launch a brand, reach people worldwide, and work for themselves. This freedom is particularly empowering for women, who are driven by their passions but often need flexibility in employment. In addition to breaking down traditional barriers to business ownership, online resources, including Facebook Groups, help build community for women entrepreneurs.
My own entrepreneurial journey was born out of my passion for vintage fashion, making a lasting impact, and providing opportunities for other women. I started my vintage clothing store, DamnAged Vintage, from my New York City apartment with just one rack of clothes and an Instagram account. From these humble, digital beginnings I found success. When it was time to upgrade to a physical location, I opened my shop near my hometown in the Hudson Valley. But then the pandemic hit, and pivoted operations back online. Through social media, I weathered rough economic headwinds and eventually opened the doors to my store.
Beyond the success of my business, my mission has always been to create a lasting impact, especially for young women. I always aim to give back and provide opportunities for others to succeed. I support local charities, organize clothing drives for women re-entering the workforce, and offer internships to aspiring fashion industry professionals. Right now, we’re collecting donations for our local women’s shelter, Hoving Home in Garrison. In sourcing items for the shop, women-owned brands and designs are the priority, to build a network of support and solidarity among female entrepreneurs.
These values are at the core of why I, and many women in business, do what we do. It’s not just about achieving personal success. It’s about using that success to make a difference in the lives of others.
As March ends and Women’s History Month passes with it, let’s keep in mind how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Every woman should have the chance to follow her dreams. Together, using the tools and communities we have both online and in person, we can make those dreams a reality. So, let’s keep working to support each other, give back, and build a world where everyone, no matter who they are, can follow their passion and make a difference.
