More than 40 percent of private companies in New York City are owned by women, according to a recent study.
The Center for an Urban Future found that Brooklyn was leading Manhattan with close to 120 women-owned businesses.
Alimata Zabsonre, who left West Africa in 2002, now owns her own hair-braiding business in Brooklyn. She says she is very proud to have a business.
"Woman are so strong...because we want to support our families," says Zabsonre.