This Woman Entrepreneur Turned Grass Into Bonnets

Image created by ChatGPT prompt: Sophia Woodhouse's 1819 straw hat

Going back in time, Sophia Woodhouse was born in Wethersfield in 1799. She and her family lived on Main Street in town, and she would go to the meadows to pick grass. But what she did with the grass was groundbreaking.

“She went and picked the grass and discovered a method of turning it into beautiful bonnets,” said Gillie Johnson, Wethersfield Historical Society. “And in 1819 she entered the Hartford Agricultural Society’s Cattle Show and Fair and displayed a bonnet that dazzled people and what was popular at the time were Leghorn bonnets from Italy, and people said her bonnet was just as good if not better than those bonnets.”

Sophia Woodhouse turned her bonnet making into a business, creating a cottage industry. She is known today as one of the first female entrepreneurs of the greater Hartford, Connecticut area, even earning a patent for her design in 1821.

Two first ladies, Dolley Madison and Louisa Adams, wore her design. President John Quincy Adams called the bonnets “an extraordinary specimen of American manufacturing.”

Women Entrepreneurs: Engine of Growth, Employment and Exports

Data from the Ministry of micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India suggests that women-owned enterprises have been growing, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of all own-account enterprises. While 20 per cent is still a small percentage, it could also be construed as the effects of the women-centric policies finally taking off.  There is little doubt that MSMEs are heralded as the backbone of the economy in India, yet, within this engine of growth lies there remains the untapped potential of the woman entrepreneur. 

Despite these green shoots, the path for a woman entrepreneur or employee in the MSME sector is less of a ladder and more of a labyrinth. The challenges are not merely operational but are also, unfortunately, deeply entrenched in the social fabric. One of the most glaring issues remains the lack of asset ownership.

Women entrepreneurs, no matter where they are based continue to shoulder the responsibility of propelling economic growth, employment, and exports.

Personal note from Laurel – Happy 2026!  Make it a standout year for you.  Also, feel free to attend a wegginar I am presenting on 1/7 at 11:00 AM CT on global trade trends.  It's free of charge but you must register to get the sign-in link.  Get a leg up for your business in 2026. 

New Year, New You ... and a New Business Too!

As 2026 is about to begin, it's the perfect time for entrepreneurs to take stock, plan ahead, and set the stage for success in the coming months. Starting fresh with a clear focus can help streamline efforts, optimize resources, and ignite motivation.  

Proactive year-end planning can help business owners reduce their tax bill, maximize deductions and set their businesses up for a profitable new year.

Here are a couple of other ideas to get your creative juices flowing for 2026.

• How to use TikTok for business success in 2026
• 35 great business ideas for motivated entrepreneurs in 2026
• How to start a successful blog in 2026
• 25 best business ideas for 2026

Go, go, go!  Best wishes for a merry, bright and prosperous 2026!

SHE is the Pulse of the Holidays

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

SHE (meaning you dear woman entrepreneur) is the pulse of the holidays – the heartbeat of giving made real.  Happy Holidays from Escape From Corporate America!" – Laurel J. Delaney, founder

Gifts for Women Entrepreneurs That Will Make Her Feel On Top of the World

Check out some gifts for female entrepreneurs that’ll make her entrepreneurial heart skip a beat – in the best way possible!

Picture this: a world where gifts aren’t just things you give but celebrations of her unwavering hustle, creativity, and drive. Yeah, that’s the vibe I’m going for today. Whether she’s rocking the boardroom, slaying at running an online business, or just generally being a business badass, this list of amazing gifts will be just what she wants and needs.

Explore a gift guide that’s anything but ordinary, just like the female entrepreneurs we’re celebrating this year. One of our favs can be found here.

Cool Winter Grants That Will Warm Up Your Business

As you plan for the months ahead, consider how a seasonal spark can translate into long-term progress. Reviewing these cool winter grants now can position your business for a strong start in the new year.

GrantWatch offers the structure, clarity, and direction to help you move from ideas to action with confidence.

Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere (Video)