Collaboratively caring . . . for themselves and each other!
When we humans embark on any new enterprise, we benefit immensely from having someone by our side who can empathize with and understand the journey that we are undertaking.
We all need others who can listen, contemplate and then thoughtfully reply to our circumstances, concerns and questions. You might say we can all benefit from having a mentor or mentors. A mentor is an experienced (or a “rookie” learning alongside you!) and trusted adviser who can aid in our growing into a new role or set of responsibilities, such as initiating and running a new business.
Realizing the deep truth of these kinds of relationships, a number of wise women in West Elgin have begun organizing themselves into a group whose goal is to bring together female entrepreneurs and businesswomen for their mutual benefit. Thus, Michelle Navackas, a West Elgin councillor and co-owner of the Wild Goat; Pam Wardell of the The Decorating Diva; Tobi Maniacco of Vertere Living; and Jessica Statham of Brandywine Garden Market began meeting in October 2023. After significant research, this core group invited, through emails and word of mouth, more than 100 female business owners, of whom 50 attended the initial organizing meeting — “‘How to Implement a 100-year Plan Today” — at Natterjack Breweries on Nov. 2, 2023.
The goals of the Women in Business group are to support and encourage personal growth, networking and partnering with others to address financial, social and other issues that arise during the operation of their businesses. Their guest speaker spoke fervently about the importance of collaboration and partnerships to promote long-term success, support and an ongoing sense of strong community. Statham shared one of her husband Ryan’s (also a West Elgin councillor) favourite sayings: “rising tides lift all boats!” Forms were distributed to all who were invited to gauge their levels of interest, priorities and concerns.
Roughly 10 core women have taken the lead in exploring what membership in such a group will mean, as well as how worthwhile such “membership” might be. What is emerging is an extremely strong and motivated group, with an incredibly diverse array of backgrounds and skill sets: farmers, floral design and growth, retail businesses, venues for events and weddings, graphic design, technology, and the arts! Diverse indeed, as in varied, sundry and quite different, while simultaneously sharing many similarities, which might not be obvious at first glance.
The group’s inaugural event is West Elgin Women in Business on Tuesday, April 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts and Cookery Bank on Graham Street in West Lorne. The agenda will involve welcomes, introductions then a presentation by Elle Crevits, followed by small group discussions, and a focusing on what the next steps will be.
The goal is to invite all who are present to join in this exciting experience, which promises support, expanded social and business linkages, and new and existing friendships to support both businesses and their owners-operators alike. Elle Crevits, with the Small Business Enterprise Centre in St. Thomas and Atrium, is assisting the group with its process and goals.
The group’s mission statement is: “Together we inspire, empower and celebrate the achievements of women in business, fostering community so that women-owned businesses thrive, while making a lasting impact on the local economy.”
These are laudable, worthy goals, and all who wish to learn more and to join in on this initiative are encouraged to save the date now and to register for the event.
For registration and further information: email info@wewomeninbiz.ca or look the group up on Facebook.
A fabulous concept, a gorgeous venue, and an energetic and focused team — come out and join this exploratory adventure.
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The Businesses of West Elgin: West Elgin Women in Business
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19.04.2024
Collaboratively caring . . . for themselves and each other!
When we humans embark on any new enterprise, we benefit immensely from having someone by our side who can empathize with and understand the journey that we are undertaking.
We all need others who can listen, contemplate and then thoughtfully reply to our circumstances, concerns and questions. You might say we can all benefit from having a mentor or mentors. A mentor is an experienced (or a “rookie” learning alongside you!) and trusted adviser who can aid in our growing into a new role or set of responsibilities, such as initiating and running a new business.
Realizing the deep truth of these kinds of relationships, a number of wise women in West Elgin have begun organizing themselves into a group whose goal is to bring together female entrepreneurs and businesswomen for their mutual benefit. Thus, Michelle Navackas, a West Elgin councillor and co-owner of the Wild Goat; Pam Wardell of the The Decorating Diva; Tobi Maniacco of Vertere Living; and Jessica Statham of Brandywine Garden Market began meeting in October 2023. After significant research, this core group invited, through emails and word of mouth, more........
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