Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path—it’s a way of life, one that demands resilience, adaptability, and an unshakable commitment to overcoming challenges. For women, the journey is often even harder, shaped by societal norms and pressures that question their ability to lead or balance work and family. Questions like, “Don’t you feel bad leaving your baby at home?” or stereotypes suggesting that women are “too emotional to lead” can weigh heavily. Yet it’s this very resistance that makes the success of female entrepreneurs so profound.
For Angie Buonassisi, the journey of building multiple thriving businesses while embracing the complexities and joys of motherhood is a testament to the power of perseverance. Angie isn’t just a mother or an entrepreneur—she’s both, working what some might consider two full-time jobs at once. Through her passion and purpose, she’s transformed obstacles into opportunities, creating ventures that inspire and empower women to embrace their own potential.
“I’ve always felt that entrepreneurship is in my DNA—an addiction, but a good one,” Angie shares. This drive has been the foundation of her success, fueling her journey from earning her MBA to co-founding 8 West Clinic with her husband, Dr. Thomas Buonassisi, over 15 years ago. What began as a small family business—with Angie often bringing her newborn along during those early, tireless days—has grown into a leading center of excellence in health optimization and medical aesthetics.
Under Angie’s leadership, 8 West Clinic has expanded its offerings to include cutting-edge services such as hormone optimization, DEXA body composition scans, VO2 max testing, and innovative treatments for skin and body health. Most recently, she celebrated the opening of a second clinic focused on women’s health—a cause she holds close to her heart.
But Angie’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the clinic. As the founder of JoyVIVA, an e-commerce platform for skincare and health products, and Lontreau, a line of clean, clinical-grade supplements and skincare, she has ventured into diverse industries, from manufacturing to e-commerce to service-based businesses. “One of the most rewarding parts of entrepreneurship is building passionate teams and creating meaningful connections with the people we serve,” she reflects.
Like many successful women, Angie’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. About five years ago, she hit a breaking point. Balancing the demands of running multiple businesses, navigating pandemic uncertainties, and striving to meet personal and professional expectations led to burnout. “I thought I was doing everything right—exercising hard and a lot while also sticking to a diet—but the stress I was putting myself under, combined with perimenopause, led to a near nervous breakdown,” she recalls.
That moment of crisis became a turning point. Angie committed to prioritizing her health and understanding the often-overlooked struggles women face during life transitions. This experience led her to develop hormone health programs at 8 West Clinic, designed to help women regain vitality, confidence, and a sense of control over their health. “What felt like a breakdown at the time turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to better understand women’s needs and create meaningful solutions to fill that gap.”
As both a mother and entrepreneur, Angie models resilience for her children. “I want them to see that strength isn’t just about pushing forward but also about knowing when to pause, reassess, and find a smarter path,” she says. Her leadership style—defined by empathy, authenticity, and inclusivity—has fostered a workplace culture where her team feels empowered and valued, which she believes is key to her success.
Angie often compares entrepreneurship to cycling, one of her personal passions: “When you’re in the middle of a gruelling race, you don’t stop pedalling, no matter how steep the hill. That same determination has shaped how I lead—staying focused on the goal even when the road gets tough.”
Angie Buonassisi’s story is a shining example of resilience, compassion, and purposeful leadership. On International Women’s Day, we honour Angie and the countless women who balance the roles of mother, entrepreneur, and changemaker. Together, they are redefining what it means to lead with passion, impact, and unwavering strength.
