Success isn’t handed to you. It’s built, piece by piece, through determination, vision, and courage. The Top 10 Self-Made Women in 2025 celebrates women who’ve done exactly that.
These remarkable leaders have turned ambition into achievement, breaking barriers and rewriting what it means to build success on one’s own terms. From pioneering entrepreneurs and innovators to changemakers and creators, each woman on this list has forged her path through hard work, resilience, and bold ideas.
Their stories remind us that being “self-made” isn’t just about wealth or status. It’s about perseverance, purpose, and impact. In 2025, these women stand as living proof that when drive meets passion, the possibilities are limitless.
Diane Gilman
Fashion designer Diane Gilman, affectionately known as “The Queen of Jeans,” built a global fashion empire by redefining what denim meant for midlife women. As the #1 fashion personality on QVC and HSN, Diane had a light-bulb moment at age 60: she redesigned the classic jean to fit and flatter the middle-aged female body. The result, her brand DG2 by Diane Gilman, revolutionized the industry, generating over $100 million annually. From the U.S. to the U.K., France, Italy, Australia, and beyond, DG2 became the #1 fashion brand wherever it launched, proving that women of every age deserve style (and jeans) that celebrate them. Two decades later, DG2 is still a fashion favorite, having sold nearly 24 million jeans to date. Diane says you would likely find similar traits in all “Self-Made Women,” a passion for purpose, an unquenchable desire to succeed, a resilient nature, and an unshakeable belief in self.
Ethel J. Davis
Ethel J. Davis is the CEO and Portfolio Manager at VZD Capital Management LLC, with over 26 years of investment experience at prestigious firms such as American Century, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab, and Paragon Capital Management. Recognized as a 5-Star Wealth Manager by Kansas City Business Magazine, Ethel is known for her client-centered and compassionate approach. She takes the time to understand each client’s goals, values, and emotional relationship with money, crafting personalized strategies that honor their legacy and support their dreams. As a fee-based advisor, Ethel’s success is directly linked to her clients’ financial growth. At VZD Capital, she rejects one-size-fits-all models, focusing instead on transparency, disciplined management, and legacy-building. Under her leadership, the firm helps clients transform wealth into purpose—whether through philanthropy, business ventures, or personal fulfillment—guided by integrity, effective communication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
With Gratitude,
Ethel, Nikisha, and Nathan
