Get All Access for $5/mo

This Founder Pitched Almost 100 Investors, and They All Told Her 'No.' Now, Christina Stembel's Business Is Approaching $100 Million in Revenue. James McKinney interviews Christina Stembel, the founder of Farmgirl Flowers, about her experience and why she dislikes the term 'female founder.'

By James McKinney

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Christina Stembel's company, Farmgirl Flowers, has blossomed into a booming business with $32 million in revenue by the start of 2020 and nearly double that to start 2021. She's also very aware of the fact that, no matter how successful she becomes, some people are going to open a business interview by asking her what her favorite flower is. She understands that if she creates DIY content, people will be tempted to view her as someone whose only job is to make things look pretty.

These are just a few of the reasons she dislikes the terms "female founder" or "female entrepreneur."

"Why isn't it female and then male entrepreneur?" she asks rhetorically in her interview with James McKinney. "I do see it and understand why people are scratching off the 'female,' because I have a heightened awareness for, 'Why do I have to be grouped into this female category?'"

For more about Stembel's story and experience with what it's like to be a woman in a male-dominated space, you can listen to the full podcast here.

James McKinney

Creator & Host, The Startup Story

James McKinney is the Founder & Host of The Startup Story, a multi-channel brand platform that brings the lessons of highly successful founders directly to the everyday founder. Whether it is through The Startup Story podcast or via the Startup Story LIVE event series, entrepreneurs everywhere can receive tactical and practical guidance from founders who are a few steps ahead.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.