Empreendedorismo feminino na área estética: impactos da rivalidade feminina no desempenho de microempreendedoras em Pedreiras

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the impacts of female rivalry on professional relationships and the performance of microentrepreneurs in the beauty and aesthetics sector in the municipality of Pedreiras, Maranhão, Brazil. The research sought to understand how competitive behaviors and interpersonal relationships influence female entrepreneurship in a sector predominantly composed of women. This is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study, based on both bibliographic and field research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews administered digitally via Google Forms to 33 microentrepreneurs working in the aesthetics sector. The data were analyzed using the Content Analysis technique. The results revealed the presence of female rivalry in the professional daily routine, manifested through negative competitive behaviors, difficulties in cooperation, and reluctance to establish partnerships, which negatively affected business performance. On the other hand, mutual support, open communication, and collaborative networks emerged as important strategies for reducing conflicts and strengthening female entrepreneurship.