Today, women are breaking through glass ceilings and leading industries traditionally dominated by men. One such leader is Missy Kelly, the Co-Founder and CEO of CatTongue Grips, a global brand providing innovative non-slip solutions. Her journey through entrepreneurship has not only been about building a thriving business, but also about navigating the challenges of being a female leader in sectors that haven’t always made space for women.
Missy’s experiences as a woman in business offer valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and personal and collective empowerment.
Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces
When Missy Kelly co-founded CatTongue Grips with her husband Matt in 2015, she stepped into industries like manufacturing and retail, where female leadership was—and still is—underrepresented. Leading a company in these traditionally male-dominated fields posed unique challenges.
In the early days of CatTongue Grips, Missy often found herself in rooms where she was the only woman. “There were moments where I felt like I had to prove myself more than my male counterparts,” Missy recalls. Yet, instead of letting these moments deter her, they became fuel for her growth. Missy embraced the opportunity to carve out her place in the industry.
Her determination not only helped CatTongue Grips gain traction, but also allowed her to build credibility as a leader who could inspire others. “I realized that my success didn’t come from fitting into the mold of what leadership is supposed to look like—it came from being authentic to who I am.”
Building Confidence as a Female Leader
Confidence didn’t always come easy for Missy, especially in spaces where women’s voices were often overlooked. But over the years, she developed a mindset that allowed her to overcome self-doubt and own her power as a female entrepreneur. A significant part of that journey came from her focus on personal development, which she credits as a key to her leadership success.
“For a long time, I tied my sense of self-worth to external achievements,” Missy explains. “But I’ve learned that true confidence comes from within—from knowing who you are and what you stand for.”
This inner confidence helped Missy navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Instead of trying to fit into a male-dominated environment by adopting traditionally masculine traits, she embraced her unique qualities, recognizing that feminine leadership traits—like empathy, intuition, and collaboration—were just as powerful.
Overcoming Bias and Stereotypes
Like many female entrepreneurs, Missy has faced her share of gender bias and stereotypes. Early on, there were moments where potential partners or customers underestimated her expertise, assuming she wasn’t the decision-maker behind the brand.
“In the beginning, there were definitely situations where I felt people didn’t take me seriously because I was a woman,” Missy says. “But I refused to let that hold me back. I knew that the best way to prove myself was through my results.”
Rather than internalizing these biases, Missy used them as motivation to push harder. She stayed laser-focused on growing CatTongue Grips and delivering a high-quality product that resonated with customers. Her perseverance paid off as the company grew into an industry leader, now serving markets around the world.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Missy’s journey has shaped her into a mentor and advocate for other women in business. Her personal experiences have fueled her passion to support female entrepreneurs who are navigating their own paths. As a Forum leader for Women’s Business Enterprise Council West, a regional partner organization for the national Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Missy actively mentors other women, helping them find their footing in industries where they may feel outnumbered or undervalued.
Missy’s approach to mentorship is rooted in empowerment. “Mentorship is about giving others the tools to succeed while allowing them to trust their instincts and take ownership of their journey,” she explains. Her goal is to help women recognize their own power, and to provide them with the guidance and confidence they need to lead with authenticity.
She also emphasizes the importance of community in lifting women up. “It’s crucial that we support each other as women in business,” Missy says. “We need to acknowledge the unique power we bring to the table and create spaces where we can thrive together.”
A New Definition of Leadership
At the core of Missy’s leadership is her belief that great leaders inspire others to be the best they can be. This belief extends not only to her team at CatTongue Grips but also to the entrepreneurs she mentors. “Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or being in charge,” Missy shares. “It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to reach their full potential.”
For Missy, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about recognizing your strengths and using them to empower others. And when female entrepreneurs step into leadership roles, they create ripple effects that inspire and uplift others around them.
Breaking Barriers for Future Generations
Missy’s journey is not just about her own success—it’s about paving the way for other women to rise in industries where they have historically been underrepresented. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while breaking barriers as a female leader may be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Through her work as a mentor, entrepreneur, and advocate for women in business, Missy Kelly continues to break down the walls of bias and inspire a new generation of female leaders. She is proof that when women step into their power, they can lead with both strength and compassion, reshaping industries and creating lasting impact.
Published by: Khy Talara
