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Name: Shaily Garg Business Name: GlobalFair Impex Location: San Jose, California, USA Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Retail - Construction Materials Website: https://www.myglobalfair.com/ Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: At GlobalFair, they are building the largest technology-first global supplier of construction materials. A $1.4T market globally, being handled with low reliability and zero transparency across the supply chain. They aim to bring the required manufacturing innovation to enable easy, efficient, and hassle-free cross-border trade. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: GlobalFair distinguishes itself through proprietary tech solutions, pioneering a technology-first approach in cross-border trade. Their intelligence platform for global B2B inter-country trade addresses reliability and transparency issues, setting a new efficiency standard. Achieving 90% MoM growth, a 73% repeat ratio, and expanding across 36 US states underscore GlobalFair's unique offering, disrupting the industry landscape with innovation and cutting-edge technology. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Shaily Garg's disruptive leadership at GlobalFair is evident in her proactive shift to the US, fueled by a customer-first approach. Inspired by her brother's struggles as an SME manufacturer out of India, she identified a global market gap and innovatively addressed it. The construction industry is an age-old conventional market with very low penetration of technology. As part of GlobalFair, they are on a mission to give MSME suppliers across SEA access to global markets and make it a borderless trade economy. The company's rapid growth showcases Shaily's risk-taking mindset and determination to challenge the conventional in the construction materials industry. Professional Achievements & Affiliations: The largest technology-first supplier of construction materials in a cross-border space, helping transform supply-side manufacturing in India, Vietnam, and other SEA countries for the global markets. Building a virtual factory for the world for construction materials - Building in a box around the world Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Some heartfelt advice: Dream Big, Stay Focused: Know what you want and keep your eyes on the prize, no matter what. For her, envisioning GlobalFair's impact on the global market kept her going through tough times. Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with mentors, friends, and supporters who believe in you. When they started, the guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and the encouragement from the team were invaluable. Roll with the Punches: Entrepreneurship is like riding a rollercoaster; there are thrilling highs and stomach-churning lows. But each setback is a chance to learn and grow stronger. She can't count how many times they stumbled before nailing their winning formula. Never Stop Learning! Think Global, Act Local: Their journey started with a vision to revolutionize the global construction materials market. But it was their ability to understand and adapt to local nuances that truly made them stand out. Lead with Heart: In a cutthroat industry, staying true to their values set them apart. Their commitment to fair trade and sustainable practices resonated with partners and customers alike. Remember, entrepreneurship is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Stay authentic, stay passionate, and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.

Name: Katie Gillberg Business Name: Hydrate IV Bar Location: Denver , USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Health and Wellness Website: Hydrateivbar.com Social Media : Linkedin | Linkedin Company Detail: Hydrate IV Bar is a collection of IV therapy spas promoting wellness from within by delivering high-quality products and services administered by experienced and trustworthy medical and wellness professionals in a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Clients come to Hydrate IV Bar for vitamin injections, signature IV therapy cocktails, and NAD+ injections and infusions, but they stay for the atmosphere. With comfortable chairs, soothing music, and a team of unbeatable staff, Hydrate IV Bar spas are a place for everyone to relax, recharge, and refresh their routine. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Clients come to Hydrate IV Bar for vitamin injections, signature IV therapy cocktails, and NAD+ injections and infusions, but they stay for the atmosphere. With comfortable chairs, soothing music, and a team of unbeatable staff, Hydrate IV Bar spas are a place for everyone to relax, recharge, and refresh their routine. At any of the IV therapy spas, one can rest easy knowing they're in good hands. The IV therapy spas are overseen by a medical team of award-winning, experienced doctors, nurse practitioners, and medical professionals. All services are administered by the best-registered nurses in the business. Hydrate IV Bar is truly a place for people to gather and relax in a spa-like environment. Challenges Faced During the Journey: As a business owner, there are always challenges. Making changes to the business keeps her up at night sometimes. It's stressful when she knows that other people's livelihood is dependent on her making the right decisions for the company. Covid was especially challenging as the business was forced to shut down for a period of time due to government restrictions. Thankfully, Katie surrounded herself with the best people she knew so that she could take advantage of programs to keep her staff employed. They also took this time to establish a franchising program to grow their brand throughout the U.S. That was incredibly scary, but Katie is proud to now have 10 Franchise locations and 25 more in development. As a business owner, one needs to surround oneself with people who they trust and who will give honest feedback, even if it's not what they want to hear. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women must support other women and lift them up. Get involved in everything that you can. You'll be amazed at the lifelong connections that you will make through networking and community involvement that will not only help you personally but will elevate you professionally.

Name: Connie Henderson Lindsay Business Name: Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc. Location: Tampa , USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Veterans Non-Profit Organization Website: http://www.libertymanor.org Company Detail: Liberty Manor is rather unique from any other program in America because it provides housing to veterans that do not suffer from drug or alcohol addictions nor do they suffer from any mental health diagnosis...these are the veterans that played it straight all their life and traditionally, no services were provided to them! Liberty Manor for Veterans serves honorably discharged male Veterans that are homeless due to falling victim to unemployment or perhaps they suffered a sudden disability which now prevents the Veteran from gaining full-time gainful employment. Liberty Manor "fills the void in services" by providing the veterans with some of the basic resources until they can attain a deserving disability pension or if they are otherwise healthy - they procure a career opportunity for them. Liberty Manor provides an array of services that include housing, transportation, clothing, and food. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: They are the leaders and the pioneers in providing residential services and resources to homeless and disabled veterans - who do not suffer from any substance abuse addictions. Actually, Liberty Manor is the first in the country to provide this service to veterans that have "played it straight" all their life and refrained from partaking in drugs and/or alcohol. Challenges Faced During the Journey Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc has proven results that the community can enjoy the victorious rewards of a program destined to build community solutions while reducing the rampant rate of homelessness as it relates to former military servicemen. This initiative addresses veteran homeless issues, food, clothing, and transportation - everything needed to transition veterans back into the community preventing homelessness in the future. The challenge is procuring enough resources to execute the plan because there is no money to be made in the homeless veteran business, however, they have persevered for sixteen years and overcome the adversity. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Always keep their head up and persevere through all adversity.

Name: María González Revuelta Business Name: La Academia De Decoración Location: Barcelona, Spain Establishment (Year): 2018 Category: Interior Design Profession/ Specialty: Home Decoration Website: www.academiadecoracion.com Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Their mission is to help millions of people solve their decorating problems and live in homes that they love and make them happy. They achieve this through valuable video content that they disseminate for free through their YouTube channel @LaAcademiaDeDecoracion and their online training program specialized in decoration. This training program allows individuals to learn how to decorate their home in just 5 weeks while carrying out their first decoration project. They have created their own method focused on students learning to work with "The 10 layers of decoration". Their strategy so that students can learn with good results, in just five weeks, is based on 3 concepts: theoretical-practical knowledge (short videos, practical exercises, and tests), self-diagnosis, and feedback. Feedback consists of the support of a mentor throughout the training program, via video call. This allows them to validate progress with their project and achieve security in their decoration decisions. More than 1,000 students have taken their decoration courses. They've earned over 965 5-star reviews on Google. Their YouTube channel has more than 364,000 subscribers and has accumulated more than 55 million minutes of content viewed. As a complement to their training program, in November 2023 María González Revuelta published the first book to support El Método. It is called "Manual of decorative styles. Create a home with its own personality" and it is for sale on Amazon. In this work, she makes a detailed analysis of the 19 decorative styles most used today and reveals an effective method to help people successfully mix them and create their own decorative style, according to their lifestyle. The book, with 575 pages and more than 200 images, has already reached number 3 of the most gifted books on Amazon. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: What differentiates their offer from other decoration training options on the market are summarized in the following characteristics: (1) Their method, which simplifies the learning process and allows a person, without prior knowledge, to learn and achieve good results in a short period of time. (2) Feedback from an active professional, who has carried out hundreds of decoration projects and who provides individualized support. (3) Self-diagnosis, as a starting point to learn decoration. (4) That they study decoration in 10 layers, with the aim that the student can master each one of them and know how to work on the relationship between them. (5) Their ability to explain the decoration so that anyone can understand. (6) That their students manage to learn with excellent results on an aesthetic level, that is, they acquire technique and good taste. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The challenges they have had to face to get where they are now have been very great. First of all, when they started they didn't know anything about YouTube or how to make videos. They learned from scratch. But with effort and perseverance, they managed to create their own audience on the YouTube channel. Secondly, they left successful marketing careers to pursue their true passion - interior decorating. In this profession, they have been self-taught and have learned by doing. Dedicating many hours to reading, researching, practicing, and doing projects, first for themselves and then to help other people. Third, they work alone. They don't have employees. That means that they have taken care of everything themselves: Creating the YouTube channel, creating each of their videos; create The Method concept, its strategy to simplify learning and all its content; edit the videos; publish the content on a training platform, define the marketing strategy, create the website, carry out actions on social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Google, and Linkedin), serve their followers and respond to their messages, write the book, self-publish it on Amazon and create collaborative relationships with other professionals in their sector. And of course, carry out consultations and decoration projects for their clients. They have achieved all this in 5 and a half years. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: To young women who want to start a business, they would recommend: That they spend time getting to know themselves, identifying their best skills and their main passion. Once identified, they should look for the best way to learn everything about their passion, whether by working for others or dedicating all the hours necessary. Let them focus on helping other people. Be persistent and constant because that is key to achieving good results. Let them work on their mentality, to know how to adapt to market changes, have confidence in themselves, transform threats into opportunities and fight to fulfill their dream. Focus on surrounding yourself with people who give you positive energy and who are successful. Let them develop their vocation for constant learning and stay away from people who do not believe in them. Let them investigate the market and their competitors thoroughly, before defining their strategy. That they try to constantly learn about new tools and applications in their sector and especially in everything related to artificial intelligence. Whatever you do, don't try to please everyone. That it is not possible to please everyone and that what differentiates us is our essence as people, regardless of who we do not like. The important thing is to like ourselves. Therefore, we should not be discouraged if someone leaves us negative or disrespectful comments on our social networks. If this is the case, do not respond and block anyone who is not respectful or brings negative energy to our social networks. Have an open mind when faced with changes.

Name: Dr. Sharon Jones Business Name: the dot. Consulting Location: Charoltte, USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Education Profession/ Specialty: Education Consulting Website: www.thedotconsulting.co Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: The dot. Consulting (Dottie Rose Consulting, LLC) opened its doors in 2016 after Dr. Sharon Jones spent years teaching in schools. She has a passion for all things education, which stems from a deep and long history of education in her family. Dr. Jones's great-grandparents (Clonnie and Velna Moore), her Papa’s parents, Dwight B. Moore, were the spearheads behind New Salem Elementary being built. In the 1920s, education in a rural community was not very common, but her great-grandparents understood the value and power of education. As Dr. Jones developed her own career, she was often called back to her center and her family roots. Her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and extended family are hard workers and have provided an example of how she wants to live her life and purpose. Dr. Jones found her calling in education and knew that her passion for computer science and the integration of all disciplines that make computer science and art came from her experience as a child to imagine and create. Being a teacher in a specific classroom limited her to only her students, and she wanted to make a bigger impact. She started Dottie Rose Consulting (the dot. Consulting) with the eagerness to impact so many more students. Through the consulting company, she is able to work alongside multiple teachers and help them grow the field of computer science, which impacts more and more students every day. At the dot., they are dedicated to providing innovative solutions to Computer Science education and technology learning. From face-to-face training to blended training techniques, their technology consulting services deliver a distinct advantage for organizations looking to grow. They help organizations invest in the technology knowledge of individual employees to create an overall collective sharpness, savviness, and greater productivity, thus increasing the technological speed, understanding, and quality of the expertise in the organization. Delivering the key strategies and tools for immediate implementation of short-term and future value. Their core work of integrating computer science thinking, concepts, and structure through coaching and strategy into the K12 system is creating true change in education. In addition, creating content and courses for technical learning that challenge and relate to learners is the heart of their business. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Computer science drives innovation throughout the US economy, but it remains marginalized throughout K-12 education and industry. Ninety percent of parents would like for Computer Science to be taught in their child’s school, and only thirty-five percent of schools teach computer science. But 58% of current and future jobs are in the computer science, technology, or STEM field, and currently, only 10% of graduates are produced. And that is where the challenge lies and how they can make a difference. They provide a solution for both K12 education and industry through their innovative learning experiences. Children are sponges and are able to absorb and learn quickly. Children who learn another language before age five use the same part of the brain to acquire that second language that they use to learn their native language. Younger learners are also uninhibited by the fear of making mistakes, which is sometimes an obstacle for older beginners. Hence why it is so much harder to pick up a language in high school or just start learning computer science in high school. AND learning a programming language is like learning a foreign language because it is different, it is the language of the computer. Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility. That is why their work to integrate computational thinking and process is so important for students to have exposure to work and learn a coding language and why they need to prepare teachers to be able to teach and implement with confidence. Working with teachers and creating an out-of-the-box learning environment for them to take back to their classrooms converges with their work to create new learning experiences for adults understanding a new software or content. Their corporate training merges adult learning techniques with new innovation to allow participants to learn and be able to implement with fidelity. Challenges Faced During the Journey: When schools closed abruptly in March 2020, Dr. Jones stepped in, in full force, to help teachers and students transition to online learning. She held countless trainings and professional development sessions for many schools. Dr. Jones put the teachers and students' needs before her own and went above and beyond to make sure they knew everything they needed to know. Teachers and administrators have said on many accounts that she was an immeasurable asset to them when they had to transition so fast. Dr. Jones made incredible strides to help parents fill in time for their children by providing pop-up camps through her Foundation, which she was able to put together in a matter of days, it was incredible! As a leader of her company, she did everything possible to make sure revenue was still coming into both the dot. and The Dottie Rose Foundation. She came up with countless ideas and ways to continue to allow both entities to run and, honestly, flourish. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Empowerment begins with belief in oneself. To aspiring young women entrepreneurs, and those already forging their paths: Embrace your vision, navigate challenges with resilience, and let your passion illuminate the way. Your journey is a testament to the limitless potential within you.

Name: Christine Hemphill Business Name: Open Inclusion Location: London, UK , United Kingdom ( UK) Establishment (Year): 2015 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Disability and Age-Inclusive Research and Innovation Website : www.openinclusion.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Open Inclusion is an inclusive research and design consultancy based in the UK, operating globally. They work with clients to help them understand and improve their customer or citizen solutions and experiences, particularly considering and designing for the needs of older and disabled people. Open, founded and led by Christine Hemphill,generates authentic insights by engaging with their pan-disability and intergenerational community through 1:1 usability testing, qualitative design and quantitative market research, to inform more inclusive design and human-centred delivery. Open’swork helps their clients more broadly understand diverse perspectives so they can practically and efficiently improve and innovate. Through co-creation with disabled researchers and community leaders, they ensure that their research is inclusive, enjoyable, safe, insightful, and valuable. They work across the full spectrum of customer experience, including digital and physical products, services, environments, and communication. The practical insights generated inform design decisions, and therefore experiences, that are more accessible, secure, efficiently usable, and enjoyable for all. As Opensummarise it in their tagline - Broader insights. Better solutions! Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Open Inclusionare one of the global leaders in inclusive research, design, and innovation practices, and have reach to a global community (directly and through partnerships) that is the largest specifically disability-inclusive and age-inclusive insight community that they are aware of. As a result of their reach and inclusive research capability, Openworks with global commercial organisations such as Google, Microsoft, Spotify, Coca Cola, Walmart, Molson Coors, and Kingfisher Homewares supporting their teams to better understand the experiences that mainstream or internal researchers may describe as “harder to reach” or may have less experience to understand in the context of more diverse lives, personal experiences and adaptive approaches. They also work with third-sector organisations such as the Valuable 500, RNIB, the Centre for Ageing Better, Shaw Trust, Motability Foundation, and AbilityNet. Lastly, they work with government organisations and academia, from the NHS Test and Trace App, DWP online processes to training doctoral students at the Institute of Human Centred AI, University of Surrey in disability-inclusive research practices, or immersive innovators for StoryFutures (Royal Holloway, NFTS and Brunel) and InGame (Abertay University, University of Dundee and University of St Andrews). Challenges Faced During the Journey The commercial market for what Open Inclusiondo was undeveloped when they started in 2015. The key players were not agencies but universities such as the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design or NGOs such as the RNIB. These were non-commercial entities where their primary goal was delivering great inclusive design education or advocating for the blind and partially sighted community. Openhad to work differently to build brand awareness, develop the market, survive and thrive. For them losing money wasn’t an option as this was what they did, not an offshoot of a bigger entity that could afford to lose money on research if necessary in the short term. Every project needed to be delivered fully, efficiently and delightfully for their clients. They had to open up thedisability and age-inclusive insight market to start and build the business. Building awareness of the limitations of research that systematically excluded disabled people and the recognition of the value of more inclusive insight had to come before they could sell anything to anyone. It took patience.The team developed their skills as thought leaders sharing knowledge and practices through conferences and other events, while developingsome great allies and early clients who proved the value through case studies in order for them to build more stable demand and grow. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Christine would ask of potential entrepreneurs (of any gender) ifthey really, genuinely love what they are setting out to do? Do they deeply care about succeeding in it? If not, it will likely get too hard at some point along the way. If they do really feel a passion for what they are setting out to do, find an amazing group of people to support them both as core team members in the business and as advisors / critical friends. Thengo for it with all they have. It will be hard. It will test them. It will take from them more than they expected. But it will also be worth it. It will give back in many ways (not just financially) if they can navigate the journey, continue to adapt and have the energy and courage to persevere. Even if for some reason it doesn't work out, if they truly love what they do and why, it will progress their skills and experience so that they are always learning, lifting their capabilities, connections and knowledge. This is likely to open other paths to progress the underlying idea and purpose to continue it in some new or varied form. Christine’s favourite quote about innovation and entrepreneurship is from Jacqueline Novagratz (Acumen). She talks about the need tobalance humility and audacity to succeed. Humility to keep listening, learning, adapting and growing, audacity to keep true to yourgoals, values and purpose as youdo so.

Name: Jennifer Hensley CLU, ChFC Business Name: Playmaker Coaching and Consulting LLC Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Marketing Website: www.playmakercoach.com Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Running a small business takes a team and winning plays. Playmaker Coaching and Consulting LLC is here to help financial advisors, attorneys, and referral-based business owners play their position, stay on offense, and create a system to score more ideal clients and raving fans. They can be your teammate, coach, or the general manager. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: With over 20 years working with small business owners and a depth of experience in marketing, sales, operations, compliance, and leadership, Jennifer Hensley CLU, ChFC knows how things fit together. She can see the big picture and drive the steps needed to create a winning system for ongoing success. While other marketing firms typically just focus on digital or branding, at Playmaker Coaching and Consulting LLC, they take a comprehensive approach because they understand that your brand touches. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Becoming a business owner after 20 years in corporate raised the same concerns Jennifer's clients often have; how to prospect authentically, build a business around the things she does best, and impact more people through a system she could scale. She never saw herself as a business owner and always felt like a generalist so she had to discuss what separates her from others and ultimately do all the things she coached others about for herself. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Don't grow it alone. While you may be a solopreneur, there are so many resources and mentors that want to see you succeed. Ask for guidance, help, and feedback. Jennifer would also say to invest in people and experts over tools and technology to start.

Name: Laura Meredith Business Name: Ryedaura Location: Aberdeen, UK Establishment (Year):  2021 Category: Legal & Accounting Profession/ Specialty: Bookkeeping & Executive Assistants Website: https://ryedaura.co.uk/ Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Ryedaura offers support for business owners seeking respite from the demands of day-to-day operations and all of their bookkeeping needs. Established during the lockdown, Ryedaura recognized a distinct need in the market for virtual executive assistants and bookkeepers. Drawing upon extensive industry experience, Ryedaura specializes in delivering professional administrative, organizational, and bookkeeping services. Their mission is to liberate clients from administrative burdens, allowing them to channel their energy into steering their businesses towards success. Their comprehensive suite of services covers an array of tasks, including bookkeeping, CRM streamlining, and training of financial systems such as Xero. They tailor their offerings to meet the diverse requirements of clients across various sectors, creating an environment where innovation and efficiency thrive. At Ryedaura, they pride themselves on delivering a personable and proactive service. Each client benefits from a dedicated point of contact, ensuring a seamless and valued experience. They go beyond the conventional role of a service provider, actively engaging with clients to understand their unique ethos and business goals. Testimonials stand as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. They strive to be one step ahead, offering creative and flexible solutions to help clients achieve their objectives. Ryedaura remains agile and adaptive, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the expectations of their clients in an ever-evolving business landscape. As a result of their dedication to customer satisfaction, Ryedaura has become synonymous with efficiency, innovation, and personalized support. They are proud to have played an integral role in the success stories of their clients, contributing to their growth, and allowing them to focus on what they do best. Their commitment to delivering an exceptional service has earned them recognition and trust in the industry, making Ryedaura a reliable partner for businesses seeking administrative and bookkeeping solutions tailored to their unique needs. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Ryedaura stands out with its innovative approach to virtual executive assistance and bookkeeping. What sets them apart is their commitment to tailoring services that transcend the conventional boundaries of administrative and bookkeeping support. Unlike traditional service providers, they don't just offer a transactional relationship - they become a seamless extension of their clients' teams, working proactively to understand their ethos and goals and keep their businesses running smoothly and efficiently. One key factor that attracts clients to Ryedaura is their adaptability. They recognize the need to evolve and stay ahead of the curve. Their team's flexibility in responding to dynamic client needs ensures that they not only meet expectations but exceed them. The ability to provide a comprehensive suite of services positions them as a one-stop solution for businesses seeking multifaceted support. At the heart of their USP is their dedication to personalization. Every client engagement starts with an in-depth consultation, allowing them to understand their unique challenges and aspirations. This personalized approach ensures that their clients receive bespoke solutions aligned with their specific requirements. The personable nature of their service creates trust and builds enduring relationships. Clients choose Ryedaura over other options in the market because of their track record of going above and beyond in delivering efficient, innovative, and consistent support. As a result, they become partners in their clients' success stories, contributing significantly to their growth, efficiency, and peace of mind. Challenges Faced During the Journey Establishing Ryedaura during the COVID-19 pandemic presented them with a unique set of challenges. The uncertainties and disruptions caused by the pandemic compelled them to navigate the intricate landscape of building a business under unprecedented circumstances. Juggling the responsibilities of building a business while home-schooling their child demanded exceptional time management and resilience, as the lines between personal and professional life blurred. One significant obstacle they encountered was the preconceived notion that as executive assistants, they were limited in their understanding of running a business and lacked financial expertise. Overcoming this prejudice required them to assertively showcase their capabilities, demonstrating not only their proficiency in administrative tasks but also their aptitude for strategic business management and bookkeeping. They aimed to reshape the narrative, portraying Ryedaura not merely as executive assistants but as a professional, personable business with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects, including finances. The journey was not without its challenges, but each obstacle strengthened their resolve and fueled their determination. They navigated through uncertainties, disproved misconceptions, and emerged as a resilient and versatile business. The struggles they faced when starting Ryedaura solidified their commitment to providing high-quality services, and they take pride in being more than just executive assistants – they are a dynamic business, personable in their approach, and adept in overcoming challenges to deliver exceptional results. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: To young women aspiring to be entrepreneurs or those already on their entrepreneurial journey, Laura Meredith would offer this advice: Don't give up - Entrepreneurship, like anything else, is filled with challenges and uncertainties. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, resilience and perseverance are key. Don't let setbacks define your journey. Keep pushing forward, learn from every experience, and use challenges as opportunities for growth. Your abilities and potential as an entrepreneur are not determined by your gender. Break through any preconceived notions or stereotypes that may exist. You are just as capable, if not more, to lead and succeed. Embrace your skills, knowledge, and unique perspective as valuable assets in the business world. Women possess unique qualities that make them strong leaders - empathy, collaboration, and effective communication, to name a few. Embrace these strengths and let them guide your leadership style. Being a leader is about authenticity, and you have the power to shape your own leadership narrative. Define success on your own terms. Don't conform to societal expectations or traditional definitions of success. Your entrepreneurial journey is personal, and success should align with your values, goals, and vision. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small, and appreciate the progress you make. Seek mentorship, build a supportive network, and surround yourself with individuals who believe in your capabilities. By staying resilient, challenging stereotypes, embracing your strengths, and defining success on your own terms, you can carve a fulfilling and impactful path in the entrepreneurial world.

Name: Courtney Claghorn Business Name: SUGARED + BRONZED Location: Santa Monica , USA Establishment (Year): 2010 Category: Personal Services Profession/ Specialty: Custom airbrush tanning and sugaring hair removal Website: sugaredandbronzed.com Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: SUGARED + BRONZED has revolutionized airbrush tanning with a proprietary solution and revived an all-natural, ancient Egyptian form of hair removal called sugaring. SUGARED + BRONZED is a one-stop shop to prepare for any vacation, wedding, red carpet event — or to simply feel like one's best self. They are extremely passionate about providing exceptional services in beautiful, upbeat, and welcoming spaces that make appointments something to look forward to. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: At many spas and salons, there is a laundry list of services, which makes it difficult to offer a high level of expertise for any single one of them. SUGARED + BRONZED, on the other hand, only offers sugaring and airbrush tanning, ensuring an extremely high standard of experience and results. In addition, their stores have a very different look and feel than any other place one might go to for a wax or a tan. Walking into a SUGARED + BRONZED location, one will likely first notice their welcoming and friendly team members, upbeat playlist, and Mediterranean-inspired decor, all with the intention to create a classy, yet casual environment that puts customers at ease and turns a (sometimes dreaded) beauty errand into not just something enjoyable, but actually something to look forward to. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The most challenging part has most certainly been the feeling of the unknown in every aspect of growth. Although Courtney Claghorn has an undergraduate degree in business, there are a lot of things that are not (or cannot) be taught in a classroom. Things like construction management, HR laws, and digital marketing are constantly evolving, due to both external and internal factors. The most rewarding part has been job creation, contribution towards staff members’ continuing education, and creating career path opportunities. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Starting small is better than never starting at all. Courtney Claghorn started SUGARED + BRONZED out of her apartment (while she was still working her office job) and tanning clients on her lunch break or after work. She didn’t know if the business would take off, but it was low risk and allowed her to actually put the idea into action. So many people have great ideas that never come to fruition because of finances, analysis paralysis, fear, etc. She is not saying that she didn’t have any of these concerns (she actually had all of them), but finding any way (even the smallest way) to get the ball rolling is the most important step for an entrepreneur to take.

Name: Sarah Macdonald Business Name: Canine Comprehension Location: Melbourne, Victoria , Australia Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Education Profession/ Specialty: Education - Primary & Secondary / mental health advocate Website : www.caninecomprehension.com.au Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Canine Comprehension is a dedicated group of allied health professionals, social workers, and educators who share a common vision - to foster more balanced and positive approaches to learning, resulting in calmer classrooms and healthier communities. At Canine Comprehension, they understand therapy dogs' incredible power to engage and connect with people, which is well-documented. Their animal-assisted interventions are designed to make a positive impact in various areas. They can improve behavioural issues, enhance emotional well-being, alleviate anxiety related to learning difficulties, and provide crucial support for young individuals on the autism spectrum. Additionally, they are here to lend a helping hand to students who require extra support to unlock their full potential in education. Based in both Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria, Canine Comprehension offers dog-assisted learning interventions. With their passionate and experienced team, they are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and creating thriving learning environments. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Youth tutoring and mentoring with a difference Individual sessions: A transformative journey with individualised sessions, where mentors and therapy dogs collaborate to foster resilience, motivation, and positive relationships, paving the way for success. Their NDIS Eligible programs have a proven impact on learning outcomes, ensuring holistic growth and development. School groups: Holistic Growth through collaborations. Targeted group programs enhance social skills, confidence, study, and self-regulation, while incorporating therapy dogs adds an extra dimension to nurture success through comprehensive development, fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Challenges Faced During the Journey Sarah had to learn the hard way how to manage her mental health challenges and be a CEO. Like many business owners, she thought the only key to success was hard work. So when she started Canine Comprehension she worked hard. 7 days a week, not a single holiday for 3 years! Her mind and body finally told her that enough was enough and she developed chronic Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which she still has to this day. She has days when she feels anxious and worried most of the time, not just in specific stressful situations, but in her everyday life. Her worries can affect every corner of her existence, her work, health, family, and friendships. Even minor things such as going food shopping or being late for an appointment can cause her to feel like she can’t cope. It messed with her motivation, her memory, and her creativity. She has learnt that she has to prioritise her mental health - or she ends up with nothing left to give. Her husband is a Firefighter (another job that carries its own stress) and two years ago they had the opportunity to relocate to High Country - Victoria. So they moved their suburban life to their dream property in the region where Ned Kelly once dwelled. Living with horses, goats, cats and far too many dogs makes her smile and gives her a positive focus away from work. Work-life balance for her now means that although she still works hard, she chooses her hours. If the sun is shining she may take a few hours off and take one of the horses for a ride, or meet a friend for coffee. For the first time in her adult life, she doesn't touch a computer on weekends and knows what it's like to be able to drop everything and take a holiday. In fact, she's off to Europe in a couple of weeks to see the Northern Lights, a trip of a lifetime. Her business has ongoing, happy, wonderful clients, a clear structure, and a strong workforce. She has built a team that will not crumble without her - and she's learning to enjoy it. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Keep momentum up. Don't look for perfection, it will slow you down and you'll become scared of making mistakes. Mistakes in business are great. They teach you so much about where you should be going. Try not to make the same mistake twice though. Keep making different ones and keep learning from them. Also seek the advice of a business mentor. She has had business mentors that have given her a totally different perspective about what is possible for her business but also for her work-life balance. Friends, family, and work colleagues are great to bounce ideas off, however someone who is outside of the company, who has experience managing and leading is really able to bring fresh eyes and give clarity.

Name: Melissa Donovan Business Name: Donovan Rehab Location: Hinesville , USA Establishment (Year): 2014 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Speech Pathologist Website: www.donovanrehab.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Donovan Rehab was opened in 2014 by Vernon and Melissa Donovan. They had the desire to provide quality therapy services for children in and around the Hinesville, Georgia area, so they opened an office less than 5 minutes from Fort Stewart military base. They wanted children to come to a facility that did more than just provide therapy services. The emphasis was on providing quality and comprehensive services to everyone seen at the office. They then joined with other therapists that shared their same goals and genuine love for children and their work. The therapists at Donovan Rehab strive to help children reach their fullest potential because they believe that “Every Child has a Voice to be Heard.” They evaluate and treat children with various medical diagnoses in addition to speech-language, gross/fine motor and sensory delays. They also meet and exceed the requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). At Donovan Rehab, clients can be reassured that their therapists care about them, and will do everything they can to help them and their child have a voice and be heard. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage Partnerships with ABA and HeadStart so children can receive services in their natural environments. Resource center and hub for parents with resources for local ABA, support groups, dentists, barbers, pediatricians, and other specialties. Challenges Faced During the Journey Staffing challenges. Started by running a solo practice and grew to having an office team and multiple therapists. Dealing with expanding and providing more space to see more clients. It took 4 years to renovate and move into an old laundromat that they turned into a beautiful functioning therapy facility. They did most work themselves. Many challenges with initial startup with getting referrals and clients. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Keep their bottom line low. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or purchase gently used items when starting fresh. Shadow, ask questions and form relationships with other entrepreneurs who have already walked in their current shoes. Get a therapist/life coach to help them balance their life.

Name: Laura Kyttanen Business Name: Zielo Studio Location: Amsterdam , Netherlands Establishment (Year): 2023 Category: Training & Coaching Profession/ Specialty: Mindset Energy Coaching Website: www.zielostudio.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Zielo Studio empowers people to be a courageous leader of their life so they can make the impact they desire through one-of-a-kind immersive coaching programs. By combining her proprietary Mindset Energy coaching model with AI technologies and immersive coaching programs, they improve reach, cost, and impact. At the heart of the coaching method lies a mission to free individuals from the chains of self-imposed limits. The world often coerces individuals into believing that conquering external peaks equates to inner joy. But the truth is more profound. The essence of authentic leadership originates from within – it is their beliefs, values, and an unfiltered expression of their purpose which is the essence that permeates their relations, their work, their well-being, and even cascades into the legacy they fashion for generations yet to come. Why immersive coaching? They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. In their immersive environments coaching comes alive through powerful visuals and interactive hands-on activities. Increasing learning engagement, retention and acting as a catalyst for transformation. They have spent zero on marketing so far because 100% of the business comes from referrals. Clients that work with them not only feel better, they see how empowered they are to create the life they want - which ripples out around them. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The coaching methodology and the unique application in the immersive environments. Challenges Faced During the Journey This year they are focused on fundraising to develop their tech further and grow the team. Also, they will need to focus more on PR and marketing for wider reach and having a more robust pipeline. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Believe in yourself and have courage to act with intention. Learn to pivot and make quick decisions without having all the proof it will work. Trust your instincts. Be kind to yourself and others - it's a long journey...unique for you. Don't spend too much time looking backwards or sideways. Fail fast and keep moving forward!