Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Elegant Entrepreneur: The Female Founders Guide to Starting & Growing Your First Company

Rate this book
This is a female founder’s guide to grow a company from idea to exit, regardless of whether you have a business background or entrepreneurial ties. It is not a textbook containing exhaustive abstract business tenants; it is the book I wish was available when I started my first company.

I wrote this book to fill a void – there are very few how-to-build your business/become an entrepreneur books written by women for women. I will not only explain the steps to building a successful company, I will illustrate elegant insights to smooth what can be a very awkward and precarious navigation between those business steps. My goal is to not only help a new generation of women find their place in the entrepreneurial world, but to enable them to flourish!

This book is a left brain/right brain map. It identifies 12 major steps to creating a successful business (left brain) and 12 elegant entrepreneurship insights (right brain) that provide pleasingly ingenious and simple concepts to gracefully span the gaps in between the business steps. These transparent, candid glimpses into the entrepreneur lifestyle will help you make a clear decision about whether the lifestyle is right for you and your vision of success.

Each chapter builds understanding of consecutive business concepts. Key information gives a foundation for applying these concepts to your idea. Each chapter concludes with a summary of insights, an exploration of how it feels to be living that step, and suggestions for further reading on the topic.

226 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2015

26 people are currently reading
1481 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Tate

2 books36 followers
Danielle Tate is an entrepreneur, author, real estate investor, Airbnb designer, and international speaker. Harnessing her endless creativity and drive has allowed Danielle to achieve success across multiple industries — everything from tech startups to short-term rental investing.

She delights in sharing her insights and ideas with anyone curious enough to read her books, attend one of her design workshops, or engage with her on social media. You are invited to join Danielle in her “Wonderful World of What If” where problems turn into companies and property travesties can be transformed into amenities.

Collaborating with her husband, Danielle wrote Host Coach with the goal of helping others build financial freedom through Airbnb investing. Why? Because she firmly believes short-term rentals provide a flexible income that translates into living a more balanced and happy life as a woman (and as a man.)

Danielle’s first book, Elegant Entrepreneur, was voted #1 Best Entrepreneurship Inspiring Book, #1 Personal Development Book for Entrepreneurs, and #1 Nonfiction Book for Women in their 20s on GoodReads.

When not writing books, renovating cabins, coaching clients, and raising her family, she enjoys traveling to new places, finding treasures at HomeGoods, spray painting almost anything, and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay.

You can find Danielle on Instagram at @elegantentrepreneur or learn more about her story and design tips at www.hostcoach.co

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
82 (62%)
4 stars
28 (21%)
3 stars
15 (11%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Conway.
Author 7 books2 followers
December 11, 2015
Danielle Tate is the quintessential entrepreneur: she sees value where others see nothing, she sees business opportunity where others see dead ends. And this is why her companies (she has a few guys!) have been so successful. In this book, Danielle walks you step by step through the process of launching your dream, from getting the dream down on paper to self-evaluation of your ability to fulfill this, and even tells you how and where to find funding should you wish to not self-fund. I think, however, the most important point she makes is that you cannot build a successful company without market testing your product. This is a step that many, no MOST, entrepreneurs skip. How else will you discover if the idea or product is a good one in today’s market? How else can you make it better? Case in point: Red Dress Boutique founder Diana Harbour who built an engaged following for her products on social media and admittedly tested products (including styles and colors) with her customers for several years to find the ones that would sell. Danielle is the real deal, she knows her stuff, this book is a must-read!
2 reviews
December 3, 2015
Finally!!!! This is a book written to help women excel in the entrepreneur world that speaks to the way our brains work. Everything you need is in one elegant spot. I have recently started my first business, and the highlighter was working overtime. The way in which the author pieces together the information made perfect sense. In fact, I immediately began implementing the tips and saw results. Additionally, the examples and tips from other entrepreneurs made every piece of the book relatable and relevant. Whether you are a small company of one or hitting the ground running as a big company, you do not want to miss the hidden dots that will undoubtedly make you successful.
Profile Image for Heather Seeber.
60 reviews2 followers
Read
March 18, 2025
This is a must read for any woman considering starting a business. The author guides the reader through a self-assessment process many entrepreneurs skip over in their excitement about their product. She also includes valuable resources for further research. A great place to start the entrepreneurial journey!
1 review
December 12, 2015
A+++++ Practical help book to start your own business. Really liked the quotes from other professionals and the sites to go outside the book for more help. A must read for any person even thinking about starting a business.
2 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2015
Danielle does an outstanding job outlining both the steps necessary in building a successful business as well as the behind the scenes emotions and nuance between each step.
3 reviews
December 11, 2015
A wonderful, simple step by step guide to making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Delivered with humor and a smart approach, I highly recommend this easy to read informational guide!
Profile Image for Julie Lundy.
6 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2015
Loved this book! Danielle shared so many inspiring stories of female entrepreneurs and gave many valuable tips and tricks along the way.

Great and easy read for aspiring female leaders.
Profile Image for Jayne.
1,035 reviews673 followers
May 15, 2025


Although this book was written in 2015, its messaging is timeless.

Danielle Tate, founder of MissNowMrs (a multimillion-dollar enterprise), offers step-by-step advice to smart but inexperienced women on how to start and grow a business.

The author's definition of "elegance" was unexpected.

The author defines "elegance" as the "harmonious integration of simplicity, refinement, and intentionality."

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by the author.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1 review3 followers
December 2, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! While this book is geared towards businesswomen I must say that I found myself taking notes that apply to all Entrepreneurs! I highly suggest picking up a copy yourself. The book builds chapter after chapter offering a no-holds-barred understanding of tackling the building of a successful business. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or someone like myself with experience in starting a business, I highly suggest reading this. You will be pleased at the level of detail as well as the great stories!
Profile Image for Nancy Kidder.
3 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2015
Highly recommend! Danielle Tate has crafted a first-rate book that demonstrates how she built her own successful company (MrsNowMiss.com) and offers advice for those wanting to create their own. What positions her book above other “How Tos” is how it delivers its message in a simple, clear, and—yes—elegant manner that defies business jargon yet still provides specific steps for a successful start up. Full of impressive research and fascinating anecdotes, I highly recommend this to anyone interested in entrepreneurship, women-in-the-workforce, or just a highly enjoyable read!
1 review
December 4, 2015
In her book, Danielle Tate provides a clear and accessible discussion of starting a business. Her own personal story as well as examples and quotes from many other female entrepreneurs lend credibility to the discussion and bring it to life. She provides excellent insights into the process of being an entrepreneurs beyond just the business steps. This is a must read for anyone thinking about starting a business.
Profile Image for Aviva Goldfarb.
Author 7 books53 followers
December 31, 2015
This is the most practical, easiest to read book for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs that I believe I have ever read, and I have read a lot of them! Danielle walks us step-by-step through the process of deciding whether our business idea is viable and if so, how to build our team and turn our idea into a successful company. I'm very impressed by this book and plan to recommend it to every aspiring entrepreneur I know, not just the women!
Profile Image for Idan Koren.
1 review53 followers
December 4, 2015
Wonderful Book! I have gotten to know Danielle over the years as an entrepreneur in the wedding industry. Her book does an incredible job at outlining both the personal conflicts that one must overcome as an entrepreneur as well as the business challenges that every startup entrepreneurs (specifically women) may face along the way through her own personal experience!
1 review1 follower
January 3, 2016
Being a young professional, finishing my undergraduate degree, I found this book incredibly easy to understand, comprehensive, filled with great resources, advice and tips, and practical guidance to become a smart, confident and professional entrepreneur and overall businesswoman. The book is outlined with a step-by-step guide with complimentary business and personal insight on each step and the overall process of becoming a female leader. As Tate outlines these steps with a systematic way of thinking and comprehending, she also discusses the emotional nuances and feelings behind (and between) each step, creating a unique and calming balance. The book consists of simple language, graphs, inspiring quotes and bullet points; this book is not a textbook or heavy reading of any type. It is not like a lot of "How-To's" but it is written as if it was a conversation. It highlights the important steps and questions that individuals need to do and think about as they begin. One unique thing about this book is the insight it showcases by not only her own personal experience as a female entrepreneur, but also from other successful female entrepreneurs. By highlighting these female leaders' stories and insights, it not only shares this valuable insight, but also builds female empowerment and inspiration. Tate has created a great work that should be read by all women who want to begin a business and needs some guidance, tips, resources and inspirational encouragement. It speaks about the type of personality and attitudes entrepreneurs must have and how this way of strategic thinking and personal characteristics work together. By reading this book, readers will feel refreshed and motivated to get started in becoming a smart, professional, confident and fearless entrepreneur.
1 review14 followers
December 22, 2015
Danielle Tate's book is an invaluable resource for those looking to start and/or grow their business. She provides insight into what it takes to succeed in an easy to read format. Not only does the book contain Ms. Tate's personal experience as a business owner, but includes interviews from several other women in a variety of fields with differing levels of expertise and experience. As a small business owner, this book has helped me to look at my existing business practices in a new way and has assisted us in developing further strategies to ensure continued growth.

I look forward to reading the next book that the 'Elegant Entrepreneur' publishes!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,291 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2016
This book is full of fabulous ideas and inspiration to the female entrepreneur, it gives a different perspective than is normally given when reading business books. I would highly recommend it as a smart read before starting a business and even to come back to later in the process.

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
January 17, 2016
Written with female entrepreneurs in mind, this complete and detailed business start-up book is a MUST READ for anyone with a dream and a goal of running their own business and being in control of their own income and future. It is a fully encompassing resource from idea and dream, to action steps, all the way to testing, launching, enjoying success and building future growth and expansion.

Using personal examples of challenges and positive results in her own successful online business, plus providing hundreds of other valuable resources for each step of the journey, this book is like having a friend hold your hand and offer comforting words of belief in your dream. You can do it! You are not alone.

Author Danielle Tate has done much research on your behalf and gives many sources for further support. Topics you may have not even considered but which are essential to your success are covered. I know I will be refering bacck to this book repeatedly as I work towards buildinging my future.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
473 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2016
Finally, a comprehensive how-to for women who want to be entrepreneurs. Danielle Tate has taken years of experience, her own and many others, and condensed them into this guidebook. She starts the reader off at the very beginning, with an idea, and takes them step-by-step through the process of turning an idea into a profitable, growing business.

I found this book a fascinating read and chock-full of good ideas and resources. I think a would-be entrepreneur would find it hard not to succeed if they follow Ms. Tate’s guidelines. I especially liked the final section of each chapter where the author describes the emotions that you can expect at that step in the process. This book should be on the Must Read list of any female entrepreneur.

Who would be interested in this book?: Women who want to start a business.

What age is this book appropriate for?: Appropriate for any age

Alinefromabook’s recommendation: TWO THUMBS-UP – a must read if you are starting or growing a business.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Apryl Anderson.
882 reviews26 followers
September 7, 2016
This is clearly the work of a dedicated person—must I say 'woman' if the information in this volume is relevant to anyone considering building a business?
There are so many books written on this topic that it's worth highlighting the Female aspect: Tate recognizes that women tend to operate more on feeling than man’s world logic. Rather than disregard our natural bend—try to make us men in skirts—she presents chapters such as: Ask the Right Questions of the Right People, and Don't Fall in Love Before Holding Your Idea Accountable. I also appreciate the brief summary at the end of each chapter, especially 'Further Reading,' because so much is left unsaid—not her fault of course, simply that one volume cannot possible cover every aspect of business management. Having said that, Ms. Tate does a commendable job with this one.
1 review1 follower
January 3, 2016
I highly recommend the Elegant Entrepreneur it was an easy read with tons of ideas that are easily implementable into your daily business life. I especially liked Elegant Insight 7: Have a Good Idea Daily. The lists in this chapter helped me identify areas of my startup that could use improvement. It also reinforced for me that I need be rethinking my business strategy everyday to stay fresh in marketplace and that the ideas do not have to be big but that “minor ideas can lead to major results”.
1 review
December 30, 2015
I have never read a more complete book on the processes, challenges, and secrets of becoming a successful entrepreneur. The Elegant Entrepreneur takes the traditional applications approach to biz literature and extends it with real world examples, institutional contacts, and emotional insights. The book is geared towards women, but the message and instruction is universal; above all - regardless of business acumen or knowledge - the information is easy to understand and invaluable to entrepreneurs at any stage within their business model.
Profile Image for Julie Edge.
4 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2015
Tate does a great job of helping a first time entrepreneur navigate the ins and outs of starting a company and scaling it. Smart, witty, and down to earth. Must read for any woman considering the leap into entrepreneurship.
Profile Image for Jaelynn Jenkins.
38 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2018
Presents some good ideas but assumes the entrepreneur has business experience and capital. Has a feel of cocktail parties and wealth. I liked it but in the end I didn’t feel overly inspired by the book.
194 reviews
May 31, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. Thank you for the ARC.
Profile Image for Amanda.
68 reviews14 followers
November 26, 2020
Sadly this book was archived before I could download to read it. It has been added to my TBR and I’ll keep an eye out for it again in the future or at my local library.
Profile Image for Eustacia Tan.
Author 15 books292 followers
March 27, 2016
Since I have an interest in someday starting my own company, when I see guides on "how to" set up one, I tend to request them. And when they're aimed at women, there's no way I'm not clicking that request button.

Anyway, Elegant Entrepreneur is basically geared towards women who want to set up their own companies. It basically takes you from idea (start) to selling your company (end, if you choose). The author is the founder of a business called MisstoMrs.com, which is supposed to be a successful business (I'm not the target of this service (and neither are most people I know), being neither American nor married, so I can't even begin to judge if it's famous or not).

Each chapter is fairly short, with a roundup (Takeaways), a 'How it Feels' (basically action steps) and at least one quote per chapter. Plus, lots of examples of successful women entrepreneurs, which is definitely motivating. There's also a list of relevant books which you can read for more insight at the end of each chapter.

Oh, and there's a glossary of terms at the back of the book too, though I didn't need it at all. But I'm also a business/econs student so quite a lot of this (especially models like SWOT and Porter's Five Forces) are familiar to me.

Actually, I think that this book will be helpful not just to women, but to the men too. The advice is mostly basic but useful stuff, and some of it (like raising funds and seed rounds) are things that I don't really remember seeing in most introductory books. I like that it gives the reader a very concrete idea, rather than vague generalities on getting things done right.

I'd say that this is a very good book to read if you're thinking of starting a business and you're new to the whole industry. It has a lot of resources, it explains things very well, and since it starts from the idea stage, it's perfect for those just starting out. And after you narrowed down what you want to use, more specialised books like The Business Model Canvas might be easier to use.

And yes, all the examples are exclusively female, but in this (hopefully more enlightened era), I believe even guys will find this useful. Plus, if girls could use books that were male-example dominated, there's no excuse why guys can't use a book with examples taken from successful women.

Note: a version of this review first appeared on my Dayre

This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Profile Image for William Keyser.
8 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2016
The book is a very good helper for anyone starting a business, especially women. This is because Danielle has been there, founding the successful missnowmrs.com name changing site. She shares not only many very useful ideas, tools and links to other resources, but she talks about how it feels to start a business.

What I really like, as a male reviewer, is that Danielle has the courage to tell it like it is. I felt many of the feelings she describes, when I first set up in business. What got articulated in my case was all about customers, the product, numbers, markets, money. That did not mean that the feelings were missing, but I suppressed them—to the detriment of the business.

Danielle does a wonderful job of combining the hard and soft stuff that goes along with founding a business. She does not leave entrepreneurs at the starting gate, she also helps them with what to do after Day One. As she says, “The 'big idea' that launched your journey into entrepreneurship is paramount, and it should be one of your main areas of focus. But companies and entrepreneurs that kick back after the 'big idea' get left in the dust of innovation and competition.”

So, her Elegant Insight 7 provides great advice on how to 'Have a Good Idea Daily'. On five succinct pages, she shows you just how to do just that, since constant good ideas are necessary to the health of your business.

This is a book that I recommend to all male founders. If they can hear the message, they will change the (business) world. Once women with a great idea but hesitate to make it a business have read the book, they will no longer hesitate to translate that great idea into a new business.
Profile Image for Janice Garey.
237 reviews43 followers
February 29, 2016
Review Title: Thorough, Covers the Whole Business (review of The Elegant Entrepreneur by Danielle Tate)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars

If you have ever contemplated starting a business, this book is packed with information to set you on the right track. Although written from a woman's point of view and directed to women, most of what's in the book will apply to men in business startup mode, too.

I appreciate how the author wants to make life and work easier for others starting out so they don't make the same mistakes she made. Her writing is very empathetic. Her personality shows through her words so it almost seems a mentor is sitting across the table from you giving advice brought up from the deep wells of success..

I am an older woman, in my sixties, and I am impressed by the level of maturity of the author who is obviously gifted in relating to all ages of people. I think teenagers as well as women in their seventies+ would
find helpful advice in this book not just for startups, but also to refresh long established businesses.

I am so thankful I found this book available on Netgalley for review. I have given my honest opinion about this extremely helpful and thorough book. I feel that anyone in the business world who wants to have a clue about what's available to help on all fronts should keep this book on hand as a reference guide.
Profile Image for Lauren.
153 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2016
Elegant Entrepreneur is a great book for any women who is thinking about starting a business, is part of a startup, or already owns a business. This step by step guide tells you everything you need to know about starting a business. There are dozens of real world examples in this book, which make it more realistic. Examples from women who had ideas and successes, as well as women who's ideas failed. This book can help you decide if your idea is worth the time and effort. Who will buy the product, how can you market it, how do you set up a business plan, do you need a co-founder, who should be involved, etc. Entrepreneurs need to stay informed, constantly looking towards the next step. This book is a great starting point.

Lately, I have been coming up with new business ideas constantly. My latest idea while reading this book was a startup for a friendship app. There are millions of dating apps out there, but in this technological age I feel like the value of friendship is completely over looks. With this in mind, there are companies already in place that have the ability to develop a friendship app faster and easier. Companies like OkCupid or Tinder could open a section that focuses on friendship. Instead of doing it myself, it would be best to sell this idea to a company that has the capabilities to make it happen.

PS. I received this book free from First Reads Giveaways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.