I believe that one of the most powerful motivations for women entrepreneurs is other women entrepreneurs. Having visible role models is something men have had since the beginning of time. Communities, newspaper, radio and, yes, even the internet is much more likely to tell the stories of accomplished men in business. It is the reason I have always believed that it is a responsibility I must take on to promote greater visibility of women entrepreneurs. Of course, Tory Burch needs no introduction, but her recent commencement speech at Babson College is worth noting.

"Being an entrepreneur is a state of mind", Tory tells students. "It's about seeing connections others can't, seizing opportunities others won't, and forging new directions that others haven't. It's about having the courage to give in to passion for an idea that makes your heart race."

Every true entrepreneur, and wanna-be entrepreneur knows exactly what she is talking about. But, Tory Burch has it all and for many is an overnight success. Hasn't she always known where she was going and exactly how she was going to get there?

Tory (47) admits that when growing up she had no interest in fashion, in fact, she was "a tomboy who spent all of her time playing outdoors with her three brothers." She studied art history in college and when she went looking for her first job after graduation she called her mother's clothing designer who offered her employment only if she could start immediately. One might say the rest is history -- but, being a young gofer for an eccentric fashion designer does not an entrepreneur make. It's the entrepreneurial thinking of taking the opportunity to learn something from each experience that sets the stage for later entrepreneurship. Some, if not most, are happy to remain at arms-length to the business men and women taking the risks.

The transition from career person to entrepreneur happens when an observation of a void in the market becomes the passion to turn a concept into a reality. Every entrepreneur wakes to the certainty that failure is possible, but that success is achievable. Tory's first fear was fund raising, terrified that she would lose other people's money. "I told them only invest if you're prepared to lose it". More than 100 people invested IN her. Working in an office in Hong Kong and out of a small office in Manhattan the company was born. Against all advice, she opened her first retail store in February 2004. As an entrepreneur, I believe sometimes you just have to go with your gut! The store sold out in the first day of operation.

A few months later, an appearance on OPRAH sent eight million hits to the website. The media deemed Tory Burch an overnight success!

We all know that no one and no business is truly an overnight success. It takes a lot of hard work and the willingness to risk money, time and failure, and a belief in yourself (self confidence).

Tory concluded her speech to Babson graduates saying, "If the most unique ideas were obvious to everyone, there wouldn't be entrepreneurs. The one thing that every entrepreneurial journey has in common is that there are many, many steps on the road to success." And, I would add only you can define what success is for you because, after all, it is your business.