Breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and redefining success—these 10 Self-Made Women are transforming their industries and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Through sheer determination, innovative thinking, and relentless perseverance, they have built their empires from the ground up, proving that success is not handed out—it’s earned. From pioneering advancements in business and technology to leading change in healthcare, finance, and beyond, these trailblazers are setting new standards and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Their stories are a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of ambition. Meet the women who are revolutionizing their fields and shaping the future.
Dame Brigitte Kruse
In the high-stakes world of luxury auctions, few names command as much prestige as Dame Brigitte Kruse. As the founder of Kruse GWS Auctions, Inc., she has redefined the art of auctioneering, curating exclusive sales for celebrities, royal families, and museums worldwide. With over 15 years of experience in livestream auctions, she has mastered the craft of maximizing asset value while bringing rare and historical collectables to elite bidders.
A trailblazer in every sense, Dame Kruse became the first auctioneer ever knighted by a royal family. She also holds a Guinness World Record for orchestrating the largest personal abandoned property auction in history. Beyond auctions, she is a USPAP-compliant field appraiser, uniquely qualified to assess traditional assets, intellectual property, and NFTs.
Yet, her legacy extends far beyond the gavel. Passionate about philanthropy, she has raised millions for Autism Research, St. Jude’s, and Janie’s Fund. She also collaborates with legislators to advocate for constitutional and civil rights.
Kruse GWS Auctions, now headquartered in Florida with a global office in Dubai, recently concluded a high-profile auction for the Royal Family of Italy. This landmark event drew in elite collectors, museums, and historians eager to acquire rare artifacts of profound historical and artistic heritage. Kruse and her team of professionals also work along side countless celebrities, production companies and museums to assist with asset management.
Dame Brigitte Kruse’s journey from a small garage startup to a leading global auction empire continues as she pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in the industry. But beyond the hammer’s final strike, her true triumph lies in the lives she transforms and the meaningful legacy she builds.
Ashley Berges
Ashley Berges knows what it’s like to feel stuck in unhealthy relationships, repeating patterns that seem impossible to break. That’s why she made it her mission to help others break free, heal, and build the life they truly deserve. As the founder of the Live Your True Life Institute Coaching and Therapy, she has guided countless individuals toward self-discovery, empowering them to move beyond toxic cycles and reclaim their personal power.
Ashley doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter advice or quick fixes. Every coaching session she conducts is designed to create real breakthroughs, allowing clients to not only process their struggles but to walk away with actionable strategies for lasting change. Unlike many traditional therapy models, her sessions are a full 60 minutes. She’s built her practice on the belief that coaching should be about progress, not dependency—helping clients move forward rather than keeping them stuck in endless cycles.
Beyond coaching, Ashley is a writer and advocate, currently editing her third book to expand her reach and provide life-changing insights to an even wider audience. Her previous books have been praised for their ability to connect with readers on a personal level, offering guidance and support that is relatable and transformative. She is equally passionate about her nonprofit organization, which focuses on teaching elementary school children how to manage anger and fear in a healthy way.
For Ashley, this isn’t just a career. Helping people step into their true selves and break free from toxic cycles is what she was meant to do. Whether through her coaching, writing, or advocacy, she continues to inspire and uplift those searching for a way forward.
Zarina Del Mar
If you think getting fit means spending hours at the gym, Zarina Del Mar is here to prove otherwise. A former tax lawyer, she completely transformed her life in just six months, becoming a leading voice in women’s wellness and fitness. Now known as Zarina del Mar, she’s redefining how women approach exercise, making it simple, effective, and accessible.
Zarina realized that traditional workouts don’t work for everyone, especially busy moms and women going through midlife changes. That’s why she created her own method—short, smart, and sustainable. Her 3D movement system focuses on effective, equipment-free workouts that take just ten minutes a day. She believes that being present in your body, even briefly, can have a greater impact than spending hours in the gym.
Her philosophy extends beyond fitness—it’s about helping women feel strong, confident, and in control of their health. By simplifying wellness, she’s making it easier for women to stay consistent without the stress of rigid routines. Her fresh perspective has made her stand out in the industry, resonating with thousands worldwide.
With over 930K Instagram followers and two silver YouTube buttons, Zarina’s influence speaks for itself. Her practical, no-fuss approach to fitness has gained international recognition, earning her features in USA Today and NY Weekly.
Looking ahead, Zarina is focused on building a women’s health school to support women through perimenopause and menopause, ensuring they feel their best at every stage of life. She’s not just promoting fitness—she’s creating a movement that helps women thrive long-term.
Sherry Canino
Every woman, at some point in her life, has faced a situation that left a lasting emotional scar—yet very few have the courage to speak openly about such moments. Sherry Lou Canino, the founder of SoulfullyWild Healing, is a holistic trauma healer, author, and artist devoted to helping survivors of narcissistic abuse reclaim their lives.
Having personally experienced narcissistic abuse within her family and relationships, Sherry embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her mission became clear—to provide others with the knowledge and tools to heal effectively, cutting through the overwhelming amount of misinformation surrounding narcissistic abuse recovery.
Unlike traditional therapists and coaches who primarily rely on talk therapy, Sherry integrates multiple healing modalities, including art therapy, somatic exercises, breathwork, and energy healing. She helps survivors break free from trauma bonds and regain control of their lives.
Beyond her healing work, she is also the author of The Silent Abuse, which chronicles her personal journey and insights into healing, and Reclaiming Your Life, a step-by-step self-help workbook designed to guide survivors through recovery. Her ultimate vision is to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting individuals on their healing journey, ensuring that no one has to navigate recovery alone.
A key part of Sherry’s mission is to raise awareness and educate the public on narcissistic abuse—helping individuals recognize the signs, safely leave toxic relationships, and rebuild their self-worth. Women like her lay the foundation for a future where strength, healing, and resilience become the norm, and abuse is no longer an option.
TaniA Kyllikki
TaniA Kyllikki is a testament to the power of perseverance and raw talent. Rising from humble beginnings, she has carved her own path in the music industry, proving that success isn’t reserved for the privileged—it’s earned through passion, resilience, and relentless dedication. As an independent British singer-songwriter, TaniA has built her career from the ground up, crafting music that not only captivates but inspires.
With a passion that’s hard to ignore and a deep sense of authenticity, she offers something different from the negative influences often seen in today’s music industry. She believes music has the power to lift people up and bring them together, no matter their age or background, while also helping with the challenges we all face in life.
What makes TaniA stand out is her dedication to being creatively independent. She writes her own lyrics, creates her melodies, and even handles a lot of the music production with the help of her husband Rynellton. Together, they craft genuine songs that tell stories and inspire positive change.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, TaniA’s career has blossomed. Her debut album WHY CHAPTER ONE charted on Amazon UK’s Top Hot Albums and earned praise as “lyrical genius.” She was even noticed by Grammy-winning artist Ne-Yo, who helped bring her music to a broader audience. Her songs have garnered millions of views and continue to receive an overwhelming response from fans worldwide.
TaniA’s journey is just getting started. With her music and future projects, including her second upcoming album, “Free-Spirited” out in 2025, with single releases leading up to the album’s release, she aims to inspire people and make a lasting impact.
Kelli Lewis
In the world of small business, Kelli Lewis stands out as a true problem-solver. 16 years ago, at just 23 years old, she launched KelliWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs simplify their accounting, streamline workflows, and implement efficient financial systems. Her expertise allows business owners to focus on growth without being bogged down by administrative challenges.
As a single mother, Kelli understood firsthand the struggle of balancing work and family life. She saw how disorganized back-office operations could drain time and energy, so she built a company that provides real solutions. What started as a one-woman operation has grown into a thriving business with offices in Union, New Jersey, and Miami, Florida, serving over 300 businesses nationwide in the last 16 years.
Kelli has worked across multiple industries, from real estate and medical offices to logistics and e-commerce. One of her most notable projects involved modernizing a 100-year-old family business, helping it transition to digital operations while preserving its core traditions.
Beyond her own success, Kelli is passionate about mentoring and community building. She founded The foundHER Factor, a networking event that connects and empowers women entrepreneurs through education, collaboration, and business resources. She also serves on the board of RENEW Life Center, a nonprofit that provides financial literacy programs and career support for families facing economic challenges.
Through her expertise and dedication, Kelli continues to transform the way entrepreneurs manage and scale their businesses. Her future vision includes expanding her reach and influence, further establishing her personal brand as a Business Coaching Consultant, and continuing to support entrepreneurs in achieving sustainable growth.
To learn more about Kelli and how KelliWorks can help your business thrive, visit kelliworks.com.
Lindsay O’Neill
A leading voice in health, wellness, and biohacking, Lindsay O’Neill is the CEO and founder of Wellness Eternal and Small Hinges Health. Her journey began with a life-altering event—while pregnant with her third daughter, she was hit by a car. This set her on a path of deep healing, leading her to become a certified Culinary Medicine Chef (Harvard & CIA) and a Wellness Coach. What started as personal recovery turned into a mission to help others optimize their health.
After a thriving 20+ year career in tech and marketing, Lindsay rediscovered her entrepreneurial passion in the field of biohacking. In 2024, she launched Wellness Eternal, a platform revolutionizing longevity and wellness through “entercation”—blending education with entertainment. Through her Optimize WE podcast, she shares transformative clinical studies, celebrity interviews, and cutting-edge biohacking insights—without the BS!
She also founded The Biohacking Directory (www.biohacking.directory), the first-ever resource rating longevity and wellness solutions, and hosts the Optimize WE webinar series for medical professionals to dive deeper into the efficacy of these solutions.
As a Peer Review Expert for BiohackYourself Media and a TEDx & Gaia speaker, she bridges research with real-world application for powerful health optimization.
Featured in Women’s Health Magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Crain’s NY, Business Insider and NY Weekly Magazine, Lindsay is a heralded entrepreneur, but also a devoted mom of three daughters and a stepdaughter, and loving partner to an FDNY lieutenant. She proves that balancing career, family, and personal growth isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
With a relentless commitment to exploring efficacious wellness/biohacking solutions and protocols, Lindsay shows that even the smallest changes can lead to profound transformations!
Juanita Marois
Juanita Marois has dedicated her career to bringing Métis culture to the forefront of Canadian tourism. As the visionary behind Métis Crossing, Alberta’s first Métis cultural destination, she has transformed it into a thriving hub where history, community, and innovation intersect. The work at Métis Crossing isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about creating opportunities for Indigenous stories to be shared, celebrated, and carried forward for generations to come.
Through her hard work and dedication, Juanita has transformed Métis Crossing into more than just a cultural destination. Her deep appreciation for Métis traditions, drives her to ensure her team is creating experiences where culture is not just observed but truly lived. From hands-on workshops to storytelling by the fire, every detail has a purpose. With the addition of a cultural gathering center, boutique lodge, and skywatching domes, she ensures visitors do not just pass through. They leave feeling connected, inspired, and part of something bigger.
Under Juanita’s leadership, Métis Crossing has become a national leader in cultural tourism, earning awards for its authenticity, sustainability, and innovation. It has been recognized for its dedication to Métis heritage, eco-conscious practices, and architectural excellence, winning honors like the Cultural Experience Award, Leading the Way in Sustainability Award, and Prairie Wood Design Award. Beyond Métis Crossing, Juanita helps shape the future of Indigenous tourism through her roles with Travel Alberta and the University of Alberta.
Even with these achievements, Juanita isn’t slowing down. She envisions Métis Crossing becoming a global destination for Indigenous cultural tourism, driven by sustainability and education. But at its heart, her work is about something deeper—creating space for Métis voices, building a future where Métis culture is celebrated, and leaving a legacy that will stand the test of time.
Anita Flejter
Anita Flejter doesn’t believe in staying in one lane. Since arriving in New York from Poland in 2004 with nothing but books and ambition, she’s masterfully shapeshifted through industries – leaving her distinctive mark on each one.
Her journey began in art conservation, where she restored treasures at the Gettysburg Cyclorama, Rockefeller Center, and the Museum of Natural History. But preservation wasn’t enough for Flejter’s creative vision.
Pivoting to entrepreneurship, she founded Ultimate Tango, revolutionizing how dance schools operate. Through strategic digital marketing, she transformed a local Boston studio into the industry’s global digital authority – proving niche expertise could build worldwide influence.
Today, as Digital Marketing Director at NETINT Technologies, Flejter bridges complex video encoding technology with market-ready messaging. She translates the company’s ASIC-based innovations – powering everything from live streaming to AI-driven applications – into compelling narratives that connect with decision-makers.
“Success isn’t about mastering one field,” Flejter explains. “It’s about transferring insights across disciplines to solve problems in fresh ways.” She’s not just another marketer – she’s the first marketer companies need to scale. Whether it’s developing fresh go-to-market strategies, reframing how technical innovations are communicated, or unlocking new opportunities for growth, Anita proves that success isn’t about staying in one lane – it’s about knowing how to adapt, innovate, and lead across disciplines.
Learn more about Anita’s hands-on leadership approach at anitaflejter.com or connect with her on LinkedIn to explore how her cross-industry expertise can elevate your business strategy.
Sarah Kleinhans
Strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s found in quiet perseverance, in the unwavering resolve of a mother who refuses to let life’s hardships define her. Sarah Kleinhans is one such woman—a mother, an entrepreneur, and the driving force behind The 5280 Mermaid, LLC.
Once a professional model, Sarah’s life took an unexpected turn when her son, Addison, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010. Overnight, her priorities shifted from photo shoots to hospital visits, from career ambitions to survival mode. She put everything on hold to care for her son, navigating the emotional and financial challenges that come with a life-altering diagnosis.
Faced with the need to support her family, Sarah turned to something that had always brought her joy—cooking. What began as a small effort to make ends meet soon evolved into something bigger. Her company transitioned to all-natural dried fruit and herb beverage infusions, designed to create both mocktails and cocktails, as well as dip mixes.
By 2019, Sarah transitioned into full-time festival and farmers’ market sales, gaining a loyal customer base. In 2020, responding to overwhelming demand, The 5280 Mermaid expanded its focus on beverage infusions, catering to the growing trend of mocktails, which make up a significant part of her brand’s appeal. With 85% of her purchasers being non-liquor drinkers, The 5280 Mermaid has become a leader in this trendy and fast-growing space. Initially packaged in glass jars, she later adapted to industry trends and logistical challenges by switching to food-grade muslin pouches.
With a foundation built on community support, Sarah has always given back. Her company donates thousands of dollars in free products annually to cancer fundraisers and families in need, ensuring that no one facing hardship feels alone.
Her story has been recognized in USA News, US Insider, and Voyage Denver, where she has shared her journey of turning adversity into an opportunity to uplift others. Through The 5280 Mermaid, LLC, Sarah isn’t just building a business; she’s creating a legacy of strength, generosity, and unwavering determination.