Are You Really ‘Just a Consultant’—Or an Entrepreneur?

When did you start calling yourself an entrepreneur?

I didn’t until last year. And since I’m apparently embracing being vulnerable on the internet, I’ll admit—I’m still getting used to it. But I like it.

From 2013 to 2017, I ran my own business as a strategic planning and organizational development consultant, supporting local and international nonprofits focused on gender and health. I found clients, bid for work, partnered on projects, managed my finances—everything a business owner does.

And yet, I never called myself an entrepreneur. I never saw myself that way. I’d say I was a consultant. That felt fair; it described my work.

Looking back, I can see how that mindset held me back. I wasn’t thinking about my services as a business with long-term potential. Instead, I focused on one project at a time, without stepping back to think strategically. I wasn’t seeing the full scope of what I was building. I didn’t take it seriously, because I wasn’t taking myself seriously. 

So what does it mean to be an entrepreneur? And why do so many, primarily female, freelancers, consultants, and small business owners hesitate to call themselves one? What shifts when you embrace that title?

What Does It Mean to Be an Entrepreneur?

Culturally, we most often think of entrepreneurs as young white tech bros in Silicon Valley, raising millions to build “disruptive” businesses.

But the true definition is broader: an entrepreneur is someone who sets up a business, taking on financial risks in hopes of profit. Some people distinguish between a “business owner” (someone running a stable venture) and an “enterprise-builder” taking on high-risk ventures.

But in today’s world, what freelancer, consultant, or small business owner isn’t navigating financial risk in pursuit of sustainability?

Why Don’t We (women, mostly) Claim the Word?

One major reason? The patriarchy. No one is surprised I'm sure, but it's easy to forget. 

It's the age-old-tale. Men have been seen as the natural risk-takers, leaders, and decision-makers. Women, on the other hand, have been conditioned to be cautious, collaborative, and nurturing. The traditional image of a leader—dominant, assertive, bold—fits neatly into patriarchal ideals of masculinity. We know this by now. 

And we know what happens when women embody these same traits - something they are often encouraged to do to ‘move up the ladder’: they’re called bossy, difficult, cold. The message is clear: men get to be ambitious, but women should stay in their lane.

With fewer women leaders, we have fewer role models shaping alternative paths to entrepreneurship. Most widely recognized entrepreneurs are men—Mark, Elon, Jeff. Yes, there are also women like Oprah, Sara Blakely, and Serena Williams, but they are often seen as exceptions, not the norm.

In 2023, all-female founding teams received just 2% of VC funding. That number rises to 20% if there is at least one male co-founder. And yet, women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of entrepreneurship.

If you’re not a white man, the traditional image of an entrepreneur likely doesn’t reflect you. But if you are building something, whether a consulting business, a social enterprise, or a product-based company, you are an entrepreneur. You are taking risks. Whether the 'world' sees this risk as ‘big’ doesn’t matter. You are stepping into something unknown.

Even for me, someone who academically knew all this, I didn't even think of calling myself an entrepreneur. I felt like an imposter. But that mindset kept me playing small. It shut down opportunities before they even had a chance to form.

Why It Matters

Owning the title of entrepreneur isn’t just about semantics—it fundamentally shifts how you approach your work, your goals, and your future. Not so dissimilar to that 10-year Vision… 

✅ You Start Thinking Like an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs aren’t just business owners—they are strategists, problem-solvers, and visionaries. How you see yourself influences how you make decisions. When you embrace the title, you begin leading with intention, making choices that support long-term growth instead of short-term survival.

✅ You Take Yourself More Seriously—and So Do Others

Confidence shifts perception. Investors, clients, and your network respond differently when you introduce yourself as an entrepreneur rather than someone who is "just figuring things out." When you own the title, others see your business as something real and worth investing in.

✅ You Give Yourself Permission to Grow

Labels matter. If you see yourself as someone merely testing an idea, you may hesitate to invest in your success—whether that means raising your prices, pitching bigger clients, or making strategic hires. When you claim the title of entrepreneur, you signal to yourself (and the world) that you are building something real. And that shift unlocks new opportunities.

For me, the seeds were planted in 2022 thanks to my husband. It wasn’t until I started working with Sarah that I really understood the power of owning it (thanks, Sarah).

So, give it a go. Try it on for a while. Say it to yourself and then say out loud: “I’m an Entrepreneur.” Feel the discomfort if it's there. Be a little scared of your own power, until it feels like you.

I want to know what you think. Tell me in the comments.