Less than one hundred years ago women were seen as property and less than men. Many companies wouldn’t even consider a woman ceo, let alone embrace her. Luckily for the newest generation of young girls, there are women who have been paving a new path where women are leaders in business. Here are 6 women who are breaking through the glass ceiling as entrepreneurs.

1. J.K. Rowling

The famed Harry Potter author was a single mother living out of her car when she sold her first book. She didn’t expect it to become the phenomenon it became. Her little book turned into a serious business. Soon, there were also movies and theme parks. Rowling remembers her humble roots, though. She is known for how much of her wealth she has donated to charitable causes.

2. Sara Blakely

Blakely has always been a hustler. She spent years selling fax machines to move up in the world as a lawyer. After she saw a need for something that helped her look neat and trim in her business attire, the idea for Spanx was created. Now many women have a pair of Spanx in their closet all thanks to Ms. Blakely. It’s easy to see why she has become a billionaire at a young age.

3. Cher Wang

Technology is one of the most lucrative industries today. With the introduction of new smart phones, Wang thought that she could do better. And she did. She created a little company known as HTC that came out with some of the most innovative phones of the time. they also sell headphones and other electronics that people use on a daily business. Wang did it all by herself, too. She wasn’t born into a wealthy family and didn’t gain her business through marriage.

4. Oprah Winfrey

How can we not mention Oprah when talking about successful business women? Oprah started as a news anchor. She then became an extremely successful talk show host. After that, she went on to create her own television channel. She also has a magazine. She also has endorsement deals with a number of very large names. Oprah is all the more charming since she uses her power and influence to try and make the world a better place. People always wanted to see what she was giving away on her show, too. She infamously gave away cars one time.

5. Vera Wang

Vera Wang made a name for herself creating some of the most beautiful wedding dresses the world has ever seen. While she still sticks to wedding dresses, she also branched off into every day clothing for the average women. Her lines can be found in numerous popular department stores throughout the country. Not only is she a talented designer, but also a fantastic business woman.

6. Arianna Huffington

Whether you agree with her politics or not, Arianna Huffington made a splash by creating the news Network HuffPost. That wasn’t her only venture, though. She also created a lifestyle blog. She’s even written some books.

These are not the only inspirational women in business today. More women are stepping up and showing the next generation just what girls can do if they put their minds to it. You or your daughter can be the next person on this list. Nancy Etz is determined to help young women reach their potential by supporting education with a scholarship.