A Journey into Female Entrepreneurship

Some are just beginning their journey, others already built their own businesses, and some are working in organizations dedicated to empowering women : in Mainz, a solidarity between women entrepreneurs formed to face hard challenges, stereotypes and a manly system.

Starting with an Idea

Kathrin Klee is a young nails entrepreneur full of energy and ambition. She does not yet own a business but dreams of creating something of her own in Mainz. “Doing nails is like my kind of getting down, calming down, being creative and it is a good opportunity” she explained, describing how her passion could one day grow into a business. But, starting something new always comes with fears and uncertainties. “ I struggle with self - doubt and the conviction that I won’t make it.’’

Kathrin believes that creativity is something unique that she can bring to her community. “Not a lot of people offer this kind of creativity and I want to give it in Mainz, to share it,” she told me with determination. At the same time, she wishes for more solidarity in her field: “I would like more people who make nails to support each other.” Still, the journey is not always easy. “Sometimes I don’t believe in myself and this is the most heartbreaking point,” she admitted honestly. Yet, despite he doubts, she has a powerful message for others who have second thoughts about theirdreams : “Always, always trust yourself more than anyone.”

Kathrin’s voice represents many young women who are ready to begin but are still searching for the right support and courage. Her story shows both the vulnerability and the strength that come with dreaming of entrepreneurship.

Turning Dreams into Reality

Danielle Aparecida Pereira dos Santos is a 42-year-old entrepreneur who already owns her own business in Mainz and has been through a lot of challenges. Her journey is a story of persistence, courage, and determination. “I arrived here without speaking the language, without speaking anything, only Portuguese. After I started school, I began to learn German and saw that there were opportunities to grow here. At first, I worked as a cleaner. I also worked as a massage therapist, did nails, and worked in a hair salon.” Her path to entrepreneurship was not easy. “At first, I opened it together with my sister, but she gave up because she was afraid. I decided to continue on my own, and today I love what I do.”

For Daniele, language remains the biggest challenge: “Sometimes I don’t understand exactly what the clients want, but I try to communicate with my hands, with my face, with my eyes. Dogs don’t talk, it’s just me who talks! I actually like that, because with the dogs I feel good — they don’t complain, they don’t argue. It’s just me and them, and that makes me happy.” Her strength lies in her belief in herself. “I went forward because I believed in myself and in my potential. I don’t believe in what people say, I believe in what I feel. If I feel something is right for me, I’ll do it. I don’t listen to other people’s doubts. Germany is a country with many open doors.”

She works so hard that at times she forgets to spend time with her lived ones. “ I work all the time. From Monday to Saturday. I am in my shop from early morning until 9 or 10 at night. I don’t balance it yet. My family sometimes calls me and asks for time together but I don’t have time”. She also shared a saying from her home country: “The owner fattens the cattle. That means, if you want to succeed in life, when you own a shop or a business, you have to be there yourself. Employees won’t do the same as you. Only you know your dreams, only you know exactly what you want."

When I asked her for advice for young women who dreams of starting her own business, she smiled and said: “Have willpower, take action, and never give up on your dreams. Everyone should at least try. Don’t let anyone interfere with your dreams. Only you know what’s truly waiting for you in the future. ”

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Empowering Women through Organizations

Elisabeth Kolz dedicated her life to collaborating with several organizations, including Empowerment für Frauen. Her lifelong mission has been to support and encourage women. “And all my life, I try to encourage women, to empower women because I think it’s really necessary in our society,” she explained. “It’s not so easy for women here either to be an entrepreneur or to be on a high level in a company. So we have a lot to do for that.” One of the biggest barriers she highlighted is financial. “Money. The financial situation of women. If they need a credit, it can be really hard for them, yeah, because they have no capital. They earn less than men in our society and they don’t get the chance to get some money.”

Another challenge is balancing family responsibilities. “If they have a child or even more, it’s really difficult. Because there are no grandmas, grandpas or family. So it’s a struggle for some women, they really struggle.” Elisabeth also pointed out the opportunities that exist in Mainz, such as support from institutions and NGOs. “Yeah, we have here the so-called Institute for Entrepreneurship at the high school. There is something at the University of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg Universität. And some NGOs like mine who try to offer some workshops, how to do it.”

Yet, despite these opportunities, representation is still an issue. “If you look at this organization, you see like 95% German people but maybe two or three people with migration background, which is not much. And there’s a dominance of men. When I asked her what advice she would give to young women who want to start something of their own, her response was simple but powerful: “Be well, very well-connected. Be not afraid.” Her message is clear: while women continue to earn less money and carry the burden of care work, resilience and strong networks are essential. Elisabeth’s perspective shows how much still needs to change, but also how dedicated individuals and organizations in Mainz are working to create a fairer future for women entrepreneurs.

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Text & Photos : Sofia Kamalaki