There’s been a growing movement among women in business to reject the term “female founder.” The argument? Their work should stand on its own merits, without being framed as a diversity checkbox. It’s a backlash similar to what we saw with “girl boss,” with many women asserting: “I’m not a girl boss. I’m just a boss.” The logic is clear: men aren’t labeled as “male founders,” so why should women be categorized differently?
But what if we’re looking at it the wrong way?
It’s easy to see why some reject the term. Women have worked hard to be recognized as leaders, not exceptions. The phrase “female founder” can sometimes feel like a qualifier, as if gender matters more than skill, innovation, or leadership.
Yet the numbers tell a different story: women-led businesses don’t just succeed, they thrive. Studies show that companies founded by women perform 63% better than those led by men. Fortune 1000 companies with female CEOs see 226% higher equity returns, and women-led teams generate 35% higher returns on investment.
But it’s not just about profits, female leaders also create better workplaces. Research shows that women managers engage employees more effectively, and a study of 7,000+ performance reviews found that women outscored men in nearly every key leadership skill, including initiative and execution.
The takeaway? Being a female founder isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a competitive edge.
Why shouldn’t "female founder" be seen the same way? The problem isn’t the label but how people see it. Instead of treating it as a disadvantage, we should see it as a sign of great leadership.
Many dislike the term because women have struggled to get leadership roles, and using gender-neutral words seems the only way to respond. Even tough avoiding the label won’t change the real challenges women still face.
But some female founders are redefining the narrative, like our CEO Klara Sabotkoski, founder of Klara Cosmetics. She didn’t just enter the beauty industry’s highly competitive landscapes, she dominated it, building a global brand that prioritizes innovation and inclusivity. Klara embraces her identity as a female founder, using her unique perspective to create products that cater to diverse consumers while championing women in business.
As a beauty enthusiast and hair professional, Klara saw opportunities where others saw limitations. She recognized that traditional beauty products often failed to meet the demands of modern women—women who balance work, family, and social lives. Determined to bridge this gap, she created high-performance makeup that delivers all-day wear with a flawless finish, like the Veil Up Foundation and the Kissproof Liquid Matte Lipstick—perfect for busy professionals and on-the-go lifestyles. But Klara didn’t stop at aesthetics; she prioritized skincare benefits, ensuring her products not only enhance beauty but also nourish the skin.
Her formulas are infused with skin-loving, nature-inspired ingredients, offering makeup that cares as much as it covers. Committed to cruelty-free beauty and ethical practices, Klara ensures her brand aligns with the values of today's conscious consumers. With Klara Cosmetics, beauty isn't just about looking good—it's about feeling good, knowing that every product supports healthy, radiant skin without compromising on ethics.
Klara’s innovation extends beyond makeup to hair and body care, creating a beauty routine where every step works in harmony. Her Ultimate Honey Growth Set nourishes both hair and scalp, while also offering benefits for the skin. For instance, the Sechi Conditioner doubles as a luxurious body cream, providing deep hydration, while the Sechi Hair Mist works as both a hair perfume and a beard freshener, making it a versatile essential for any grooming routine.
“Being a female founder isn’t a setback,” she says. “It’s an advantage. It means I understand my consumers, I know resilience, and I’m proving that leadership doesn’t have to fit into a traditional mold.”
Her journey mirrors what many women in business experience, being underestimated yet turning that underestimation into fuel. “Every time someone doubted me, I saw an opportunity to prove them wrong,” she shares. “Success isn’t about conforming to a male-dominated standard, it’s about redefining the standard entirely.”
Instead of distancing ourselves from the term “female founder,” what if we reclaimed it? What if “female founder” became synonymous with outperforming expectations, driving higher returns, and leading with excellence? What if, rather than a footnote, it became a headline?
There’s power in claiming our success. In claiming our leadership. In claiming our space.
Because being a female founder it’s not a limitation, it’s a strength.
