It’s no secret that women have long faced barriers in the business world.

While today’s landscape is more embracing of women, systemic gender bias and discrimination still exist, which makes starting and growing a business difficult.

We talk with Ava Edmonds who is the owner of Ava Jewelers in Lancaster, Ohio.

Lancaster is a fairly large city of nearly 40,000 people. It's located less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio. Even though her business is located in a small business core, this is still a great place to create a business! As Ava began this journey to develop her business, she tells us what made her decide on Lancaster and what were the first steps she took.

As there is with starting any business, there are hurdles to jump. Ava identifies the top three issues and what about her background prepared her to overcome those challenges. And were these challenges more impactful because she is a woman-owned business?

Often, owners need other individuals to support the business – such as accountants, suppliers, HR experts, etc. Her advice on finding the right people is extremely insightful.

Employers need skilled employees. As a business owner, you can't do every task, however, bringing on other individuals into a business can be messy.

Social media can be an incredible boost to a business, or disaster. Ava discusses her online social media presence, and what she is finding that works.

Networking is critical, for business owners, job seekers, everyone who wants to succeed. But for many, that's a difficult step, particularly for women. Ava tells us about the networking steps she considers to be most important to growing her business.

More networking opportunities in Lancaster include Destination Downtown Lancaster, and the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.