October is Women’s Small Business Month, a time to highlight the many accomplishments of female entrepreneurs and small-business owners across the country.
To help celebrate the advancements made by women in this sector, Vancouver Public Library (VPL) librarians have created this list of books including both well-known and under-represented trailblazers. Check them out (for free) at the VPL.
If you would like to receive a personalized list of small-business resource recommendations, please visit us at vpl.ca/businesshelp. •
Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook by Alice Waters
The award-winning executive chef of Chez Panisse in California presents the story of her tumultuous culinary journey, describing her efforts to promote distinctive flavours in the era of TV dinners, her achievements within the bohemian 1960s cultural circuit and her reflections as the head of one of the world’s most influential restaurants.
In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney
In the Company of Women profiles a diverse group of women who are entrepreneurial leaders across various industries. The Q&A format includes questions like “What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?” and “What does success mean to you?” A worthwhile and insightful read for people of all genders who are thinking about starting their own business.
Women’s Enterprise Centre
Whether you are starting a new business or looking to take your business to the next level, the Women’s Enterprise Centre (womensenterprise.ca) is a great place for women in B.C. to find resources and assistance. The site includes guides and information on everything from writing a business plan to getting financing to performing market research. The centre’s office in the Waterfront SkyTrain station has helpful experts who can answer your questions and guide you through the steps to success.
Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership, and Success on Our Own Terms by Maureen Chiquet
While Maureen Chiquet was a CEO at Chanel she was involved in shaking up the company’s corporate image. She learned how to disrupt conventional business practices and chart a path to her own success. In her book, Chiquet offers solid advice to women on how to follow through with ideas and establish a career according to one’s own plan and principles.
Jo Malone: My Story by Jo Malone
The sweet smell of success is Jo Malone’s story. For Malone it all started with a scented candle business run from her kitchen. Over the years she built this into an international brand. In her book, she offers up a wealth of experience for female entrepreneurs and is open about her personal life, which is both touching and inspirational for women everywhere.
