October marks National Women’s Small Business Month, a month to celebrate the many successes held by women worldwide. Here at RMU, there have been many successful female business owners, representing what it truly means to be unstoppable. Two of these unstoppable women, who also were Rockwell Fellows, have shared their stories.

Elena Kazas is the founder of Calithea Skincare, an olive oil-based skincare line for those who want to enhance the overall quality of their skin. Serving both women and men, the 95-100% all-natural products are simple, clean, and effective. Kazas shared that by creating their products out of Greece, problems with customers questioning authenticity are eliminated due to the higher EU guidelines. Kazas also shared that she is inspired by her yiayia, Greek for grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. from a city in Greece notorious for its olive oil.

A’janae Monroe is the founder of Beauty by A’J, specializing in custom, handmade bracelets, anklets, keychains, and candles all made to ignite healing for the mind, body, and soul. The naturally handmade products are meant to promote spiritual wellness, inspired by Monroe’s own health journey. Following various health issues in her family, she was inspired by the profound resilience of her parents within such adversity. Through this, her desire to learn and do more was sparked, leading to the launch of her business earlier this year.

Being a woman in business is not always easy. Kazas shared that she was commonly mistreated, having to sell the fact that she is the CEO and not a salesgirl. Monroe shared how she has been compared to a “witch” due to the natural healing nature of her products. Monroe added how being a Rockwell Fellow has helped her face these challenges, “The fellowship arrived at a pivotal moment in my journey, providing invaluable support and camaraderie.”

As the next generation of female business owners and Rockwell Fellows rise, Kazas and Monroe had some wise words to share. “Without passion, there is no drive, which leads to limitations,” Kazas shared. She also added to not compare yourself to others, touching on the gift of time we are all given. Monroe urged young women to never let anyone change their minds about their future business. She continued with a wise note to all young women, “Being a woman might mean you feel things more deeply, but this isn’t a weakness—it’s a source of immense strength.”