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Name: Sanjana Thakur Business Name:  Sanjana Thakur (Company Name: Charisma) Location: Thane, India , India Establishment (Year): 2022 (Brand- Sanjana Thakur) (Charisma Establishment Year: 2017) Category: Retail (Fashion Designer / Bridal Wear) Profession/ Specialty: Pret, Wedding and Bridal Wear Website Website : https://sanjanathakur.in/ Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn Company Detail: Sanjana Thakur, the Indian designer, has a strong love for design and crafts. It was her dream to build a Made in India label that supports our heritage craftsmanship and brings forward our rich culture and traditional arts. An Architect by profession, her drive and passion for intricate hand embroidery and love for fashion led to the development of the label Sanjana Thakur. Her design philosophy is to explore festive wardrobe staples through the pursuit of originality alongside the use of India’s indigenous textiles. The brand embraces a respect for deep-rooted crafts, an awareness of individual motive, and responsibility towards ethical business practices. They have a pret, couture, festive, and bridal collection, and also custom design outfits for women and men. They have happy clients pan India and internationally. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Their wide variety of new designs true to their brand aesthetics sets them apart. They support heritage craftsmanship and bring forward rich culture and traditional arts. Their designs are inspired by life and nature, reflecting innovation in design, textiles, and embroidery. Their USP lies in custom designing outfits for clients, suggesting colors that would make them glow and feel confident. This has helped them create a loyal client base. Their embroidery and designing incorporate love for Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and silhouettes loved by contemporary brides and bridesmaids. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The Covid year 2020 put severe stress on the business as operations were not allowed due to increasing cases. It became hard for small businesses to sustain. Despite challenges, they utilized the time to design their new collection 'Garden of Love'. Financial stress due to lockdown and restrictions prolonged the making of their first collection, but they prevailed and received love and appreciation for both collections. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Consistency and talent set people apart. In hard times, persistence and never giving up define true heroes. Building on creative strengths and giving clients the absolute best, going the extra mile, as people remember and value a good experience along with great design.

Name: Mita Sanghavi Business Name: M P Sanghavi and Associates LLP Location: Mumbai , India Establishment (Year): 2004 Category: Legal and financial services Profession/ Specialty: Practising Company Secretary Website : www.mpsanghavi.com Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Started as a sole proprietor in 2004 as a first-generation company secretary in whole-time practice and in 2020 converted it into LLP handling 150 corporate clients in industries like Pharma, Healthcare Media and advertising, Lubricants and Specialty Oil products Education, Gold and precious metals, Celebrity management and other allied services and also a Registered Insolvency Professional since 2018. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Client-centric advice, Cost-efficient and timely service, and Complete Confidentiality are the core values which are also their USP. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Started business initially with 2 small kids and a joint family with a traditional mindset initially from home and within a few years with more no of clients had to shift to a rented office and also carried her 2 daughters to her office until they grew up and as on date handling 150 corporate Clients. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: It may be hard for women to have a work-life balance but it’s not impossible. Some years of struggle would lead you to a strong career so follow your instincts and be compassionate.

Name: Shruti Nagvanshi Business Name: JanMitra Nyas Location: Varanasi , India Establishment (Year): 1999 Category: Social Enterprise and NGO Profession/ Specialty: Non Profit for realisation of SDGs at grassroots level Website : www.janmitranyas.in Social Media: LinkedIn Company Detail: In 2017, Shruti Nagvanshi and her team at JanMitra Nyas undertook a significant initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of children's health in marginalized communities. With the generous support of Child Rights and You (CRY), they selected 50 villages and several slums across four blocks within the Varanasi district for focused intervention. Through targeted efforts and community engagement, they worked tirelessly to improve the health outcomes of children in these underserved areas. Their interventions encompassed various aspects of maternal, neonatal, and child health, including healthcare access, nutritional support, and awareness campaigns. It is reported that as a result of their collective endeavors, there has been a noticeable decline in maternal, neonatal, and malnourished deaths within these communities. This positive impact underscores the effectiveness of their approach and the importance of tailored interventions in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized populations. JanMitra Nyas is immensely grateful for the invaluable support and collaboration of CRY, whose partnership has been instrumental in driving these positive changes. Together, they remain committed to furthering their efforts to ensure the well-being and health equity of all children, especially those living in the most vulnerable circumstances. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Their initiative stands out as a model for replication, setting a benchmark for effective intervention in grassroots communities. What distinguishes them is their proven track record of success and the widespread adoption of their approach by other organizations and government agencies. By implementing their methods on a grassroots level, these entities are witnessing tangible improvements in the well-being of marginalized communities. Their competitive advantage lies in their ability to demonstrate measurable results and provide a roadmap for sustainable change. Through innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships, they have established themselves as leaders in the field, driving impactful interventions that address the most pressing issues faced by underserved populations. By leveraging their model for replication, they not only amplify their impact but also empower others to make a meaningful difference in their communities. This scalability and adaptability make their initiative a compelling choice for stakeholders seeking effective solutions to complex social challenges. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The journey towards their goals has been marked by several significant challenges, the most prominent of which include: ·         Shortage of Funds: Navigating through limited financial resources has been a persistent challenge. Securing adequate funding to sustain their initiatives and scale up their impact has often been a hurdle, requiring creative budgeting and resource mobilization strategies. ·         Attacks by Antisocial, Feudal, and Patriarchal Forces: Their efforts to promote social justice and empower marginalized communities have sometimes been met with resistance from various quarters. Attacks by antisocial elements, entrenched feudal structures, and entrenched patriarchal systems have posed threats to their team members and impeded their progress. Overcoming these challenges has required resilience, solidarity, and strategic engagement with stakeholders. Despite these obstacles, their commitment to their mission remains unwavering. They continue to persevere, driven by their dedication to creating positive change and advancing the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of the challenges they encounter along the way. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For women entrepreneurs embarking on their journey, here's some valuable advice to consider: ·         Patient, Thorough Planning: Take the time to engage in patient and thorough planning. Conduct a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to gain insights into your business's internal capabilities and external environment. This analytical approach will help identify key areas of focus and develop a well-informed strategy. ·         Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders at every stage of your entrepreneurial venture. Whether it's customers, suppliers, investors, or community members, their input and support can be invaluable. Building strong relationships and actively involving stakeholders in decision-making processes can foster trust, collaboration, and long-term success. ·         Maximize Opportunities: Identify and capitalize on opportunities that align with your strengths and objectives. Stay attuned to market trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences. By remaining proactive and adaptable, you can position your business to seize opportunities as they arise and stay ahead of the competition. ·         Mitigate Risks Effectively: Anticipate and address potential threats to your business early on. Whether it's market volatility, regulatory changes, or competitive pressures, understanding and mitigating risks is crucial for long-term sustainability. Implement contingency plans, diversify revenue streams, and stay vigilant to minimize the impact of unforeseen challenges. ·         Foster Resilience and Perseverance: Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and unpredictable journey. Cultivate resilience and perseverance to overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way. Stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive mindset, and embrace failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. Remember, every challenge encountered is an opportunity to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Name: Catherine Barrow Business Name: Cuarteto Ars Misik Location: Toluca , Mexico Establishment (Year): 2008 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Cultural Marketing Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CuartetoArsMusik Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Catherine Barrow, a distinguished violinist with a passion for chamber and orchestral music, laid the foundation for the Ars Musik Quartet in 2008, driven by an unwavering commitment to musical and artistic excellence. Since its founding, the Ars Musik Quartet has emerged as a shining beacon of chamber music excellence within the dynamic city of Toluca. What truly distinguishes the Quartet is their unwavering commitment to not only performing classical music but also to celebrating and actively engaging with their audiences. This dedication lies at the core of their distinctive approach to concerts, ensuring each performance is not just a recital, but an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who attend. Rather than simply announcing upcoming performances with a standard repertoire and then looking for patrons to support them, the Ars Musik Quartet invites their patrons to join them in experiencing the magic of classical music while networking with remarkable individuals. Picture mingling with Governors from Central and South America, Ambassadors representing countries such as Germany, South Africa, India, and France, alongside some of the country's foremost business leaders—all while enjoying the timeless compositions of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. It's a refreshing twist that underscores the Quartet’s belief in the power of connection. The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Ars Musik Quartet, with a principal patron (Baalam Rosíl from Mexico) supporting them in over 25 captivating concerts. From enchanting performances for esteemed embassies to intimate gatherings in picturesque Mexican cities like Los Cabos, their music has resonated far and wide, including at the esteemed BNI National conference in Colombia. At the heart of their repertoire lies a commitment to breathe new life into the masterpieces of classical composers. The Ars Musik Quartet guides its audiences on immersive journeys through the rich tapestry of chamber music, spanning centuries from the Baroque brilliance of Bach and Vivaldi to the stirring compositions of Mozart, Beethoven, and beyond. The Quartet’s enchanting performances have graced prestigious venues such as the Cultural Centre of Toluca, the French Alliance of Toluca, and the National Academy of History and Geography in Mexico City, captivating audiences with every sublime note. Additionally, they have had the honor of performing at esteemed Colombian landmarks like the Salt Cathedral and the Museum of Botero in Bogota, among other distinguished venues. Furthermore, they have cultivated meaningful partnerships with the business world, facilitating European companies' integration into the Mexican market through their support of the arts. Thanks to innovative collaborations with leading companies, the Ars Musik Quartet’s music has reached audiences in Ireland, Australia, Israel, India, Peru, and now Colombia and Germany, expanding their global footprint. The Ars Musik Quartet is poised for an exciting new chapter as they prepare to embark on a concert series patronized by the esteemed Osmium Institute in Germany, a testament to their ongoing dedication to musical excellence and cultural exchange. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The Ars Musik Quartet´s resounding success in 2023 came from a simple change of words and emphasis in their offer to potential clients. Instead of saying "They will be playing Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, would you like to sponsor them?", the quartet has focused on the AUDIENCE in their offer: "They will have ambassadors, governors, large company owners, in their concert audience. Would you like to sponsor them? They will be playing Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms." They have found that success can be as simple, and as close, as the changing of a few simple words. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Filling Classical Music concert halls has been a challenge which classical music performers have had to face for over the past 50 years, if not more. A HUGE emphasis, not only on fresh approaches to finding patrons, but on publicity on social media as well, goes a long way in filling those huge spaces with applause from happy, large audiences. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Her advice, aside from NEVER GIVING UP, would be to say, "Look at your offer. A small change in the wording of your offer could lead to finding your perfect client."

Name: Lucy Allen & Sinéad Millard Business Name: theMakings Location: London , United Kingdom ( UK) Establishment (Year): 2020 Category: Training & Coaching Profession/ Specialty: Leadership Coaching Website www.themakings.com Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: The power of one-on-one coaching is undeniable, yet traditional corporate coaching largely relies on antiquated models that carry high costs and focus primarily on long sessions aimed at senior leaders. Digital platforms that democratize coaching are fueling rapid growth in the industry. However, digital platforms only go so far in modernizing the offer. The next generation wants personalized development served in the way that suits them best. Introducing theMakings: on a mission to build Future Leaders for a Better Society. An intelligent coaching platform designed specifically to meet the needs of the next generation. theMakings 1:1 coaching maximizes individuals’ unique power to lead and contribute to something bigger than themselves while enabling employers to customize programs, at scale, that align to organizational culture and behaviors. Delivered at scale through proprietary technology that facilitates and models behaviors we want to develop. Powered by our coaching team, a carefully selected, global team of diverse, inspiring, and relatable coaches. Global business built for scale serving organizations across Europe, NA, the Nordics, Asia Pacific. Delivering programs across 60 countries, 20+ languages delivered by a global diverse team of expert coaches. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: theMakings exists in a league all of its own in cutting the fat out of the traditional coaching session to optimize for the needs of the next generation of leaders. High Impact, High-Frequency 23-minute sessions: theMakings 23-minute sessions take the best bits from the traditional coaching model to deliver an optimized experience designed specifically to meet the needs of the next generation and accelerate leadership development. Customizable and Scalable: Fully customizable to organization needs and scalable to the size of cohorts. Curated Bench of Coaches: Handpicked for each business and their goals. Technology-Driven Platform: Intelligent coach matching, session themes, data-driven progress reports, and more. Challenges Faced During the Journey: They are a challenger brand in a competitive market. Competitors like Ezra, CoachHub, and BetterUp have huge investment and big budgets for marketing, scaling quickly. Their challenge has been to market their point of difference in a smart way with a small budget to gain a share of voice in the market. The below areas are how they’ve differentiated themselves and retained 100% of their clients like Kelloggs, L’Oreal, SSP Group, Formula E, Harlequins Rugby as a few examples. They leverage theMakings proprietary tech platform and data to build embedded relationships and support HR and People teams to develop industry-leading and innovative L&D strategies that are targeted and personalized, at scale. theMakings provides organizations with highly targeted coaching programs for their future leaders across the following areas: Elevate leadership capability next gen/middle managers. Develop and sustain diverse talent pipeline. Accelerate high-performing employees. Accelerate performance for new starters. Integration and transition for parents and returners. Supercharge performance in a specific business division. They work with behavioral scientists, high-performance athletes, and thought leaders in the space to continually push their thinking about how to move people forward, faster using their platform, coaching team, and data. Their Head of Performance, Leon Taylor - Olympic Silver Medal Diver, Executive Coach, Athlete Mentor, Speaker, and Commentator, co-developed their 23-minute coaching model and uses his ongoing and current experience from the world of sport to push their thinking forward. They embrace a test and learn approach to all the products they build and listen to the emerging leaders who are living it so they can leapfrog their competition. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: If they are persistent, believe in what they’re doing and have emotional intelligence, they’ll find their way. Use everyone around them and be direct and specific in asking for their advice and help. Create a support network and be thoughtful about who to bring into it. A team of advisors is invaluable and a business partner makes the whole thing more fun and less stressful. Be honest with themselves about their emotional awareness, behaviors, and where their gaps are. A coach is a must. Obviously

Name: Kim Rohrer - Morgan Williams - Catalina Colman Business Name: PeakHR Location: Berkeley , USA Establishment (Year): 2023 Category: Employment Activities Profession/ Specialty: Human Resources / Learning and Development Website: www.peakhrlearning.com Social Media : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimrohrer https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganbwilliams/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/catalinaandradecolman/ Company Detail: PeakHR is a cohort-based training program for the next generation of progressive HR practitioners, elevating the role by empowering the leaders of tomorrow, and educating the broader industry. Launched in October 2023, it has seen incredible traction in the community and the broader industry. The most common sentiment expressed is, "This is so needed," which aligns with the company's mission. PeakHR was founded to address a gap in the market, namely the lack of meaningful training opportunities for mid-career HR professionals. The company operates entirely remotely, predominantly asynchronously, and is designed to be inclusive. Leveraging the founders' combined experience of over 45 years in the field, PeakHR offers a top-tier roster of diverse guest teachers, providing access to leaders not typically available to students. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: PeakHR's programs are tailored to the needs of its students, drawing inspiration from the founders' experiences and asking what they would have wanted a decade ago. Featuring modern, practical courses from a diverse group of industry-leading voices, the programming is intentionally inclusive and authentic. The inaugural cohort targets HR practitioners aiming to expand their impact beyond the HR team, offering lessons and workshops covering various aspects of a company. PeakHR distinguishes itself by focusing on mid-career professionals and being female-founded, with a diverse founding team. Additionally, it is unique in its specialization, catering to an often-overlooked population crucial to improving the world of work. Challenges Faced During the Journey: As a female leader in HR, Kim Rohrer has encountered challenges typical of many women in leadership positions. She has often been the sole woman at the executive table, faced unequal compensation despite having full salary visibility, and struggled to have her strategic contributions recognized. Over her career, she has experienced multiple layoffs, threats from disgruntled employees, and the burden of menial office tasks. Despite these obstacles, Kim Rohrer remains committed to making the workplace better for future generations. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Kim Rohrer advises women entrepreneurs to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives instead of conforming to traditional corporate norms. She encourages them to seek out role models who exemplify different approaches to business leadership and to shine brightly as themselves without compromising their authenticity.

Name: Shariann Tom Business Name: The Cancer Journey Institute Location: Pacifica, California (just outside of San Francisco) , USA Establishment (Year): 2017 Category: Training & Coaching Profession/ Specialty: Training and Coaching Website: https://www.thecancerjourney.com Social Media: LinkedIn Company Detail: The Cancer Journey Institute is a training and coaching organization dedicated to training individuals worldwide to become Certified Cancer Journey Coaches. These coaches provide support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, focusing on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The institute's programs and services complement the medical treatment by fostering inner healing, aiming for the holistic well-being of the cancer client. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The Cancer Journey Institute distinguishes itself through its unique framework, the S.L.A.M.S. Technique Model, and proprietary tools such as The Cancer Journey Roadmap. These innovations stem from the founder's personal experiences with cancer and over two decades of coaching and coach training. As the pioneer cancer coach training company in the U.S.A., it has a 12-year history of globally training coaches who utilize these frameworks and tools to assist cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually throughout and beyond their cancer journey. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The founder's transition from a corporate career to establishing The Cancer Journey Institute was profoundly influenced by enduring cancer five times, facing Lymphoma and a Gastric Intestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST). These experiences highlighted their resilience and deepened their passion for life, leading to a profound understanding of "cancering." Despite the fears associated with starting the institute, it was less daunting compared to battling cancer. This journey was not only a formidable challenge but also one of the greatest gifts in their life, driving them to create a support system for others globally. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to trust their intuition and recognize the unique value they bring to the world. Reflecting on one's life history and innate strengths can reveal what one offers uniquely, which becomes their brand and greatest asset. Embracing one's uniqueness and authenticity is emphasised as the key to standing out and fulfilling a needed role.

Name: Barbara Buades Business Name: MEETOPTICS LABS, S.L Location: Barcelona , Spain Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Business Services Profession/ Specialty: AI Photonics Search / Database in optics and photonics Website: https://www.meetoptics.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: MEETOPTICS is an AI-powered metasearch and guide in Photonics. Their objective is to make the search for photonics technologies easy and more accessible. Photonics is present in the newest high-tech applications: LIDAR, Automotive, VR & AR, advanced manufacturing, medical imaging, and diagnosis, and quantum technologies. With their customized search engine, their aim is to help researchers and optical engineers to find photonics products easier, and to help them develop technologies based on light. The platform allows quickly finding, filtering, and comparing optical components from +100 suppliers around the world. When catalog components are not enough, MEETOPTICS also provides direct access to photonics service providers. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: MEETOPTICS has developed the largest Database in Optics and Photonics with close to 100K products and +100 worldwide providers. Their platform is intuitive and technical, making it easy and fast to find photonics products from trusted vendors. They use AI algorithms to match their users with their photonic service providers. They have helped more than 90K engineers and researchers in the photonics industry and are growing at a 10% monthly rate. Unlike search engines operated by distributors of electronic products, MEETOPTICS does not prioritize one optics manufacturer over another, and there is no company bias. The only criteria for including a supplier is that the company and its products must be verified by users and/or members of the photonics community. They keep adding new features constantly. They launched an Academy page with technical specifications and information, a Photonics Forum where users can discuss technical questions, and a Ray Tracing Simulator, which is open and free to use. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Transitioning from research to managing a website has been quite the journey for Barbara Buades Sabater. At first, she missed the hands-on lab work, but helping users with technical issues and guiding their projects, mostly tech-focused, has been fulfilling. Another challenge has been the weight of being a CEO. Yet, she realized that both leading a research team and being a CEO share similarities. With running a research team, you’re inspired by other researchers but ultimately responsible for designing and building experiments and for the success of the end results. As a CEO, the feeling’s the same as you have to build a company from scratch with inspiration from other start-ups, mentors, and investors, and at the end of the day, the success of the company is on your shoulders. Another challenge has been building a great team. For many photonics start-ups, recruiting experts in photonics is often problematic. But thanks to their extensive network of contacts in the research field, finding the right talent has not been that difficult. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Dream big but make sure you test out your ideas on your clients as you go forward. Find people who can help and advise you and don’t try to do everything on your own”. Getting finance can be difficult and the best way to approach an investor is as you would for a job interview. To get hired, you need to convince the employer that you can bring value to the company and it’s the same with investors because they need to be confident that you can bring enough value to make a return on their investment. So, prepare your letter of application to an investor in the same way as you would for a job application. Understand the investor’s motivations, what they want and approach them with empathy Listen to the market to understand their needs.

Name: Nicole Mazza Business Name: Relay Technologies Location: London , United Kingdom ( UK) Establishment (Year): 2022 Category: Business Services Profession/ Specialty: Logistic- Freight transport by road - Tech company Website: https://relaytech.co/ Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: Relay’s purpose is to elevate and accelerate e-commerce through delivery. They expand retailers' full commercial by elevating the e-comm experience for their customers. Relay builds on China’s proven model, layering in technology and deep expertise to power an asset lite, ecommerce native, delivery network. Relay was founded in February 2022 by Jonathan Jenssen and Nicole Mazza. The mission is a tech-enabled delivery network, empowering businesses to grow and elevate their e-commerce operations. With asset-lite pit stops & on-demand delivery fleet options, Relay can easily flex capacity based on real-time demand. For clients, this means no rigid volume caps or surge prices during peaks, providing reliability and consistency for customers all-year-round. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Relay means no more trade-offs for their customers. Reliable Next day delivery & return 98% On time (minimum!) Most competitive price in the UK vs incumbent Express and Standard! Better for the planet. Structurally Greener, reducing CO2 emissions per parcel Faster, cheaper & greener deliveries all year round! Asset-free “pitstops” (local shops, lockers, etc.) offer hyperlocal (<1h), usage-based handover points, replacing suburban depots, bringing the last mile closer to the courier & end consumer. Challenges Faced During the Journey Being a young woman in Logistics which is a heavy male-dominated and old industry was a big obstacle to overcome in growing in her career. Especially when trying to bring disruption, she needed to be able to understand the rules of the current industry in order to be able to break those rules to build something that would beat the incumbents. Gaining respect in the room when she is the youngest around the table and a woman is hard not just because of those two components but because she is actually part of a startup that is trying to disrupt the space. So she is up against and being compared to whoever sits across the table of her potential customers - in her case 95% being middle-aged men who have only worked in logistics for most of their careers. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Resilience and persistence are key, as that is what can prove that gender is not a limitation but a source of strength in their entrepreneurial journey. But also, trust your instincts and believe in yourself! Nobody will make your life easier but you! Keep pushing!

Name: Sarah Frye Business Name: SF Consulting Services, LLC Location: Chicago , USA Establishment (Year): 2010 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: marketing/PR Website: http://sfryeconsulting.com Social Media : Linkedin Company Detail: SF Consulting Services is a full-service communication business dedicated to implementing highly individualized public relations and marketing campaigns aimed squarely at driving business results. They create growth and recognition for companies by utilizing quality content, effective marketing activities, corporate planning, partnership development, press releases, branding, and social media. They get the message out through traditional and new age media: print, broadcast, and online. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: SF Consulting Services stays up-to-date on digital technology — trends and innovation — to assist with all marketing and media needs including content distribution through ChatGPT, TikTok, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more. Relationships are key to a successful campaign. First, they get to know the brand and the company, from the types of employees to the kind of coffee that goes over best. They then recommend tactics that match the company culture and are in-line with short and long-term goals. With an ample and diverse portfolio of clients and projects, their Chicago-based public relations consultants, marketing specialists, and graphic designers communicate a corporate identity for startups, small businesses, franchise organizations, and non-profits across the nation. Challenges Faced During the Journey: As an entrepreneur of her own business and someone who has always worked and worked (jobs on jobs), a challenge Sarah has recently endured is how to do it all after becoming a mom. Effective time management with dedicated routines, meditation, prayer, and an intentional -- daily -- focus on self have been necessary. Combined with a positive attitude and the practice of manifesting have helped, too. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Go after what you want. Be tenacious. Don't settle. Ask your higher power for guidance on how to best use your talents to influence the lives of others. And then, be open to receiving the message. Whiteboard ideas and ask others for input. The universe will put things on your path, and it's up to you to use good discernment and choose the option that feels right and comfortable to YOU! Have faith you are exactly where you meant to be right now and live in the moment. Don't wish your life away - enjoy each day and be present in all you do.

Name: Rachel Anderson Business Name: Pivot Studios, LLC Location: Durham , USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Consulting Profession/ Specialty: Fractional CMO and Consultant Website: https://www.makeapivot.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Rachel Anderson assists start-up leaders in gaining clarity, confidence, and support to manage hyper-growth effectively following series funding. As a highly proficient marketing leader, seasoned consultant, and keen observer across various business sectors, she recognized the crucial role of timely, accurate information for employees, managers, and executives. Her passion lies in equipping individuals with the necessary tools to achieve their goals, whether guiding young professionals in understanding their contributions to organizations or advising senior leaders on navigating significant change for growth, thereby impacting organizations and communities positively. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Specializing as a fractional CMO and marketing consultant, Rachel aids leaders in formulating and executing growth strategies that yield significant results for their companies. Focusing primarily on startups and series-funded enterprises, she supports leaders, investors, and C-suite executives in leveraging momentum and scalable practices for hyper-growth. Rachel's key to success lies in cultivating human-centric teams where managers of all levels empower employees to excel and deliver optimal ROI. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Navigating a male-dominated industry presented Rachel with numerous instances where expressing her authentic self at work was disregarded, challenged, or questioned. Her demeanor was often criticized as too blunt, bossy, or emotional, leading to an unstable work environment and the constant need to adapt. Over time, she secured a small seat at the table, driving her mission to uplift others, amplify marginalized voices, and foster a "human-first" approach within her teams. This approach garnered executive trust, data-backed winning teams, and business hyper-growth. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: In industries traditionally dominated by men, the narrative often suggests limited success for women in leadership roles. This narrative can breed conflict among women, fostering a competitive rather than supportive environment. Rachel advises acknowledging and rejecting this notion, actively engaging in communities that promote and empower women. By reframing experiences and building networks of like-minded individuals, women entrepreneurs can navigate challenges and pursue success for themselves, their businesses, and their communities.

Name: Laura M Bonner Business Name: The Muff Liquor Company Location: Donegal, Ireland , Ireland Establishment (Year): 2018 Category: Manufacturing Profession/ Specialty: Manufacturing Alcohol Website: www.themuffliquorcompany.com Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: The Muff Liquor Company, named after the village Muff in Co Donegal, Ireland, specializes in producing premium potato-based Irish spirits. Their product line includes Muff Gin, Muff Vodka, and Muff Whiskey, which are distributed globally. Unique Selling Proposition: Muff Liquor Company's Muff Gin and Muff Vodka are distinct in that they are potato-based spirits, distilled six times. They cater to various dietary needs being gluten-free, coeliac friendly, and vegan. The botanicals used in the gin are natural, adding to their uniqueness. In late 2022, the company gained significant investment, with celebrities like Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Ronan Keating, and Jimmy Carr acquiring a 35% stake in the company. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The Muff Liquor Company faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, a common issue for many businesses at the time. However, they adapted to the changing environment by introducing home delivery cocktail boxes, which helped sustain the business. Another notable challenge they overcame was securing funding from high-profile celebrities, which was a significant achievement during a difficult period. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For women entrepreneurs, the journey is often filled with challenges, but perseverance is key. The acronym FAIL, meaning 'first attempt in learning,' highlights the importance of viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. It's crucial to never give up, remember one's worth, and maintain passion even on difficult days. Gratitude, even during challenging times, can be a powerful motivator and source of strength.