Ever walk into a jam-packed boutique or read an inspiring article about a successful designer and think: How’d she do that?

The answer is blood, sweat, tears, and maxed-out credit cards. At least, according to Rebecca Minkoff, Joanna Vargas, Ali Galgano, Wenlan Chia, and Erica Kiang — five women who started with a passion, fought hard, and came away with flourishing businesses.

Listen to their secrets (hint: There are no shortcuts, sweetheart), and once you’re sufficiently inspired, enter the Make Your Mark contest. As part of Bayer’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pill, DailyCandy readers can enter to win one of three $5,000 prize packages to help make their dreams a reality.

The first two entry periods have passed, but there are still twelve days left to throw your hat in the ring for the final bundle of seed money. (You’re on your own with the blood, sweat, and tears.)

For a complete description of the Make Your Mark contest and to enter, go to dailycandy.com/promo/bayer.