California Ranks Among Top States for Female-Owned Businesses

Kern County entrepreneurs like Denisse Coronado and Martha Rodriguez share their success stories.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15pm

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California has been recognized as one of the best states for female-owned businesses, with around 1.5 million businesses in the state owned by women. Entrepreneurs in Kern County, such as Denisse Coronado of La Toxica GD and Martha Rodriguez of MJ's Sweet Delights, are thriving and sharing their inspiring stories of starting and growing their businesses.

Why it matters

The success of female entrepreneurs in California, particularly in Kern County, highlights the growing economic power and influence of women-owned businesses. This trend aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equity and support small business development in local communities.

The details

Denisse Coronado started her beef jerky business, La Toxica GD, in Arvin after previously working in the fields. She credits the support of her local community, including the owner of Chepe's Mexican Restaurant, for helping her navigate the process of starting and growing her business. Meanwhile, Martha Rodriguez began her chocolate-covered pretzel business, MJ's Sweet Delights, in Bakersfield in 2023 as a way to cope with anxiety and depression. Her business has since expanded to offer a variety of snacks and desserts, and she plans to open a local store in the near future.

  • Denisse Coronado started her business, La Toxica GD, two years ago.
  • Martha Rodriguez started her business, MJ's Sweet Delights, in 2023.

The players

Denisse Coronado

The owner of La Toxica GD, a beef jerky business based in Arvin, California.

Martha Rodriguez

The proud owner of MJ's Sweet Delights, a chocolate-covered pretzel and snack business in Bakersfield, California.

Chepe's Mexican Restaurant

A local business in Arvin that provided guidance to Denisse Coronado on starting and growing her beef jerky business.

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What they’re saying

“I was so happy because it was my first sale and in God's name time to continue going forward and from there I got a lot of motivation.”

— Denisse Coronado, Owner, La Toxica GD (turnto23.com)

“I never thought my business was gonna go 360 from 2023 to now. If you would tell me back then, if I would see myself now, I would definitely say no, I wouldn't. But I am very thankful for the community and support that I receive.”

— Martha Rodriguez, Owner, MJ's Sweet Delights (turnto23.com)

The takeaway

The success stories of female entrepreneurs like Denisse Coronado and Martha Rodriguez in Kern County highlight the growing economic power and influence of women-owned businesses in California, a trend that aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equity and support small business development in local communities.