The third annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report shows the number of women-owned businesses is up sharply in Washington state, an increase of 40 percent in the past 15 years.

In this dog eat dog world, running with the big dogs has often meant running with the boys.

"Sometimes with the beverage business it's very male dominated and sometimes can be old school," said Sharelle Klaus, founder and CEO of Dry Soda.

Seven years ago old school got some new blood - and a new beverage. "There's been no innovation in the last 100 years there's been colas, root beer and lemon-lime."

Klaus is just one of a growing number of game changers, women who are tired of working for the man and ready to work for themselves.

"We are continuing to bump our heads on ceilings and continue not to get paid as men get paid and I think at some point you throw up your hands and say, 'why do I need to do this when I can go out and do something on my own,'" said Klaus.

Across town in West Seattle, Joeanna Purdie prepares to close up her clothes shop after ten years in business.

"I don't know if the boutique life will ever get back to the way it was in 2007," said Purdie.

It wasn't just the recession. Business may be down, but Purdie also knows her little girl is growing up.

"In five years she'll be in 5th grade and this is the time I want to be with her," she said.

With so many more women in business it can often create a difficult balance.

Sherelle Klaus hopes she's here to stay.

"I think that we're being respected because we're having success. I mean you can't argue with success," she said.

Nationally, the number of women-owned businesses has increased 59 percent since 1997.

To see the entire report: www.OPENForum.com/womensbusinessreport

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