Full Breakdown
The Reality Behind Viral Success for Female Entrepreneurs
11/29/2025, 12:59:45 PM
The Struggles of Female Entrepreneurs in the Spotlight
Zoe Trigwell, a Welsh entrepreneur, experienced a surge in visibility when one of her make-up products went viral on social media. However, this newfound attention led to misconceptions about her financial success. Trigwell, who founded Trigwell Cosmetics in 2020 after her previous business was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, clarified that she was not an overnight millionaire. Instead, she paid herself a modest wage while reinvesting profits back into her business to meet demand. Trigwell emphasized the pressure female entrepreneurs face to present a flawless image online, stating, “It’s really important... to show that it isn’t all highlights and not everything is rosy.”
The Challenge of Securing Investment
Lauren Bell, another entrepreneur, echoed Trigwell's sentiments regarding the difficulties women face in securing investment. After four years of hard work, Bell was finally able to draw a salary from her business, Cosi Care, which she developed to assist her brother with eczema. She noted that many investors are skeptical of women-led ventures, saying, “People almost don’t believe that women can achieve what men can achieve.” This skepticism has prompted Bell to relocate her entire business to the United States, where she recently secured a million-pound investment, citing a lack of support for female entrepreneurs in the UK.
Academic Insights on Gender Disparities
Dr. Sarah Marks, a lecturer at Swansea University, provided an academic perspective on the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Her research indicates that many women struggle to generate an income comparable to their male counterparts, often leading to unsustainable business practices. Marks pointed out that the pressure to appear successful online can exacerbate these challenges, as many women do not earn enough to consider themselves successful entrepreneurs.
Official Responses and Support Initiatives
In response to these challenges, the Welsh government has committed to supporting female entrepreneurs through its specialist advice service, Business Wales. This initiative aims to provide resources and guidance to women in business, addressing the systemic barriers they face in securing funding and achieving sustainable success.
Criticism of the Current Landscape
Despite these support initiatives, the experiences of Trigwell and Bell highlight a broader issue within the entrepreneurial landscape. Many female entrepreneurs feel that they lack adequate support and resources, which can hinder their ability to thrive. Bell's decision to move her business to the US underscores the urgent need for improved investment opportunities and support systems for women in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I paid myself a small wage just so that we could live and get by but I didn't take any massive chunks of money, especially in those days when we started go viral, because every single penny that was made had to be reinvested to keep up with the demands,” — Zoe Trigwell, Founder of Trigwell Cosmetics
- “It's so challenging to get the big cheques. People don't support women. People almost don't believe that women can achieve what men can achieve.” — Lauren Bell, Founder of Cosi Care
- “For people to really be successful and to really consider themselves as a successful entrepreneur, they actually need to be generating quite a lot of income, and my research suggests that actually the vast majority of women do not generate anywhere near what will be a market equivalent income for themselves," she said.” — Dr. Sarah Marks, Swansea University
The narratives of Zoe Trigwell and Lauren Bell illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, revealing that viral success does not always equate to financial stability or support.
