Let’s start with the truth that doesn’t get said out loud enough. Micro business owners are holding up the economy, the creative industries and entire service sectors – yet we are still being treated as an afterthought. Too small for scale-up programmes. Too established for “just starting out” support. Too complex for one-size-fits-all advice. And far too often, expected to figure it all out alone. At What She Said, we see this every single day. Talented, capable women runnin

If 2025 has been the year many FMBOs quietly rebuilt, reframed, and re-evaluated… then 2026 is shaping up to be the year we step out from behind the scenes and run our businesses on our terms. If 2025 has been the year many FMBOs quietly rebuilt, reframed, and re-evaluated… then 2026 is shaping up to be the year we step out from behind the scenes and run our businesses on our terms. At What She Said, we spend our days inside the minds, plans, group chats and Google Docs of h

Unfortunately, this year’s Autumn Budget didn’t quite deliver the festive cheer we were hoping for. You’ve worked hard to build your business. You’ve juggled client work, admin, finances, and probably sacrificed more than a few weekends to make it all happen. So when the Chancellor stands up to deliver the Budget, you’re hoping for some recognition of that graft - maybe even a bit of support to help you grow. Unfortunately, this year’s Autumn Budget didn’t quite deliver the f

You know that feeling when you stumble across an old photo of yourself sporting a questionable fashion choice and think, “What was I thinking?” That’s essentially how many of us now feel about the girlboss era. And with our November Grab & Grow session focusing on Business, Balance and Burnout (with actual evidence-based strategies, not just bubble baths and positive affirmations), it got us thinking: what even was the girlboss era, and why are we so keen to bury it? The Ris

You know that sinking feeling when you’ve delivered brilliant work, sent the invoice weeks ago, and you’re *still* chasing payment? Meanwhile, your own bills are stacking up, payroll is due, and you’re considering another short-term loan just to bridge the gap. If this sounds painfully familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, help is finally on the way. The Problem That’s Been Bleeding Us Dry Here’s a statistic that should make you furious: late payments cost the UK

September always feels like a fresh page, doesn’t it? Even if you’re long past the school run or new pencil case days, there’s something...

August hits differently when you’re a female micro business owner. You’re halfway between beach days and back-to-school lists, juggling...

Summer can feel like a weird in-between season when you run your own business. One minute you're flat out, the next you're wondering if...

Let’s be honest: summer hits different when you're a female micro business owner. There’s no out-of-office button for your entire...

Summer as a female micro business owner can feel like a strange mix of chaos and calm. Your inbox is quieter, but the guilt of stepping back hits harder.

As I sit down to write this blog, I'm reminded of why I started What She Said in the first place -  to create a community of like-minded...

Let’s be honest – AI is everywhere right now. But for many female micro business owners (FMBOs), the conversation often feels like it’s...

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: female entrepreneurship isn't growing as fast as the headlines would have you believe. In...

Ah, Christmas. A time for festive cheer, cosy nights in with loved ones, and... stressing about work? As a female service-based micro...

The Frustrating Reality As a solo female service-based business owner, have you ever felt like you're constantly swimming upstream,...

The Label Conundrum As a solo female service-based business owner, you've probably encountered the age-old question: what do you call...

The Harsh Reality As a solo female service-based business owner, you're no stranger to hard work and dedication. But let's be real: the...