Million-Dollar Baby Looking to hit 7 figures and beyond? Learn from 3 women who are already there.

What does it take to grow your business into a million-dollar company--and beyond? We spoke with three women at different stages of business growth to find out their secrets.

"This company is my passion. I love what I do, and I love my boss," says Sandy Corso, 42, the founder and CEO of Peaceful Co. in Madison, Connecticut. The online retailer of eco-friendly and holistic products hit the $1 million mark last October and was one of the first to be awarded in OPEN from American Express and Count Me In's Make Mine a Million $ Business program.

Corso describes herself as "a dream-follower, relentless, a risk-taker and stubborn"--qualities that have contributed to her company's success. She also attributes her growth to changing consumer attitudes. "We're a socially responsible company, and consumers want to spend with companies that give back," she explains. Running a million-dollar business has changed Corso in positive ways, too. "I used to pack boxes in the warehouse if we were short-staffed," she says. "I know now my skills are best used on the front lines."