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The importance of life satisfaction has compelled working women of color to find alternatives to the traditional workplace. Using a phenomenological approach, this qualitative study examined the life satisfaction of 12 women of color entrepreneurs relative to their lived experiences, between the ages of 25-65 who have left the traditional workplace and have been in business for at least five years. A multidimensional conceptual framework including Intersectionality, Resilience theory and Life Satisfaction was used for this study. By using snowball sampling, women of color entrepreneurs were asked to refer and connect other entrepreneurs to the study. Narratives of participants lived experiences were captured using semi-structured interviews. This study examined the following questions: 1) How is life satisfaction perceived by women of color entrepreneurs versus as employees? 2) What are the lived experiences of women of color entrepreneurs? 3) What motivates women of color entrepreneurs? There were seven categories: motivation, emotional/physical health, attitudes towards risk, family support, intersectionality, resilience, and interpretation of life satisfaction; and 20 themes (e.g. workplace rigidity, spirituality, freedom, and a holistic view of life satisfaction). (Findings suggested life satisfaction as entrepreneurs despite economic, regulatory and gender barriers). Implications for future research, practice and policy are discussed. |
