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Name: Sally Morse Business Name: Spectra Supply Location: Calgary , Canada Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Manufacturing Profession/ Specialty: Safety Website: www.spectrasupply.com Social Media: LinkedIn Company Detail: The company is a family-owned enterprise, with the owner being a major shareholder. They specialize in manufacturing safety gloves tailored for both men and women, catering to various industries across Canada. The owner's particular passion lies in developing products specifically for women in industrial sectors. Presently, they offer a few women’s styles, with plans to launch a complete line of women’s work gloves in 2024. Additionally, the owner actively advocates for women in the trades through their companies, Spectra Supply and Unify Safety Supply, as well as through their involvement in co-founding an event named Futures In Trades and Technology. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: For their glove products, the three pillars are quality, price, and customer service. The owner is also introduced to companies and the industry because of their knowledge of women’s personal protective equipment (PPE). They enjoy supporting other women working in male-dominated industries. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Challenges include being a single parent and building a company at the same time. Working from a home office provides flexibility to be there for the owner's children. Raising capital was also a challenge, but the company is building slowly as they are self-funded. The highs and lows of entrepreneurship are weekly, and the owner has learned so much about themselves and the resilience it takes. It’s hard but so rewarding too. Their passion now is supporting women with proper fitting safety gear. Many are still being bought men’s safety gear, so a challenge is changing the narrative, educating companies, and creating awareness around women’s safety. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs are advised to find their differentiator and just do it! They should find a mentor or a group of other entrepreneurs that can help with answering questions and provide support. The owner has met so many great people and formed amazing partnerships with others!

Name: Caroline Bilen Business Name: The Compass Health Consultancy Location: Dubai , United Arab Emirates Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Bachelor Degree in Nursing Website: www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bilen Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: The Compass Health Consultancy is a leading service provider specialising in consultancy, training, and coaching for healthcare organisations and professionals in the Middle East and Africa. They understand the daily challenges healthcare providers face across various care settings, so tailored solutions are offered to elevate healthcare standards, practices, compliances, revenue, and outcomes. The dedicated team listens to clients' visions and applies their expertise to champion missions and vital few. The company is committed to empowering healthcare organizations to achieve excellence in care delivery and create a safer and more nurturing environment for patients and healthcare professionals. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The mission is to train, retain, and upscale healthcare professionals in the MEA region. The company is committed to empowering healthcare providers through comprehensive and interactive certified training courses, case studies, workshops, and coaching, enhancing critical thinking development and career pathways. Training programs are tailored to meet organizational needs, regardless of size or complexity, enabling healthcare professionals to excel. Courses are accredited and delivered by an expert professional team.Blue Mirror AI is exclusively provided by The Compass Health Consultancy in the MEA region.As the exclusive provider of The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), comprehensive career path development opportunities are offered for ambitious perioperative nurses in the region.Committed to supporting capacity-building initiatives in the healthcare setting, dedication is to collaborate towards excellence in healthcare standards across the region. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Their business emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, they navigated through the difficulties and emerged stronger, overcoming obstacles to establish themselves in the healthcare consulting, training, and coaching sector in the Middle East and Africa. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs are advised to believe in themselves and embrace continuous learning while building a solid support network. They should view challenges as opportunities for growth and not fear failure; instead, use it as a learning experience. Maintain a balance between work and self-care, and celebrate diversity in the team, giving back to the community as they succeed.

Name: Carol Chupp Business Name: Daisy Bookkeeping Service Location: Sullivan , USA Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Legal & Accounting Profession/ Specialty: Tech Accountant Website: https://daisybookkeepingservice.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Daisy Bookkeeping Service is a virtual bookkeeping service that specializes in the accounting field for technology/software professionals, digital and research marketing, and creative entrepreneurs. Carol Chupp has always loved working with numbers and started doing general bookkeeping in 2005 for a manufacturing company. After a few years, she decided to complete several extensive accounting education programs to learn the latest in accounting, project costing, budgeting, and more. She opened her business in 2019 with the vision of staying home with her four children. Carol has had the privilege of working with some of the most amazing small business owners, helping them take their business to the next level. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: At Daisy Bookkeeping Service, they redefine bookkeeping services by going above and beyond the basics. They understand that effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, which is why they prioritize working closely with their clients every step of the way. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions, they tailor their approach to address specific needs, crafting a customized plan that supports clients precisely where they need it most. By entrusting them with financial tasks, clients gain the freedom to concentrate on propelling their business forward. Plus, with clear and concise financial reports, clients unlock invaluable insights into their business's performance and potential for growth. Experience a partnership that empowers clients to thrive while Daisy Bookkeeping Service handles the numbers. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Navigating the challenging startup phase can be daunting, and entrusting bookkeeping needs to a service requires a significant level of trust, much like any financial endeavor. Despite these hurdles, their commitment to exceeding expectations has garnered them an abundance of positive feedback and rave reviews from satisfied clients. By consistently going above and beyond for clients, they've established themselves as a reliable partner in their journey towards success. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Believe in yourself, build a supportive network, prioritize self-care, embrace authenticity, and advocate for your worth. Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. Stay resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth.

Name: Debbie Hansen-Bosse Business Name: The Flora May Foundation Location: San Clemente, Orange County , USA Establishment (Year): 2015 Category: Social Enterprise and NGO Profession/ Specialty: Non Profit Founder & CEO Website: www.thefloramayfoundation.org Social Media: LinkedIn Company Details Debbie Hansen-Bosse, Founder & CEO of The Flora May Foundation, leads an exceptional non-profit organization dedicated to empowering parents in crisis through its unique perspective as a 100% female-led initiative. The foundation takes pride in its all-female staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers, contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment. The Flora May Foundation, under Debbie's visionary leadership, offers a range of impactful free programs and services aimed at fostering happy homes.  With a mission rooted in empowerment, the foundation focuses on: - Listening and guiding parents with challenging situations involving their kids - Offering a workforce development program, created after years of research & interviews - Campaigning for improved children’s mental health services - Offering *Pathway Scholar’s, another program created by CEO Debbie Hansen-Bosse - Making a positive difference in the lives of every family we serve. * Pathway Scholars is a program for adults attending college for the 1st time. Our female-led initiatives stand out not only for our commitment to excellence but also for its dedication to promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within the organization. Debbie Hansen-Bosse's leadership at The Flora May Foundation exemplifies the qualities that make her a top-notch female entrepreneur, deserving of recognition. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Parents who turn to The Flora May Foundation not only benefit from our dedicated support but also express enthusiasm for the invaluable free assistance we provide. By connecting families with relevant resources, we empower them to navigate their unique challenges effectively. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of struggling children and teens, and our extensive network of partners contributes significantly to achieving this goal. One aspect Debbie’s gone above and beyond:  Creating partnerships with like-minded non profits and organizations.  Each of our partners has something to offer the families we assist; be it counseling/therapy, transportation, clothing, food insecurity and many other pressing issues a struggling family may need.  Debbie meticulously sought out specific organizations to partner with and the list of resources for our clients is growing exponentially.  It’s largely complimentary when we’re asked to partner with companies like Cox Communications. The only non-profit that is somewhat ‘similar’ to The Flora May Foundation is The BILY Group (BILY stands for Because I Love You).  The BILY Group is a parental support group held every week on Zoom.  The meetings are group, not one on one, a primary difference between what we offer and what BILY does.  Prior to Covid, BILY Group meetings were held in person in San Clemente.  They exist for the same reasons we do; to help parents experiencing unusual difficulties with their child or teenager.  The BILY Group is in fact a partner of The Flora May Foundation’s, which is perfectly in line with our services and goals.  We cross-refer clients, as we do with Working Wardrobes (another partner) and ROWE Treatment Centers.  The highlight of my year is creating partnerships with other NGO’s.  The more we can offer our clients, the more “full service” we’ll become.  It’s commonplace for FMF and our partners to send clients to each other/cross-refer.  As I always say “We’re much better - together”, when joining forces with non-profits. For example; our workforce development program is called Working Women Winning (WWW).  After participants are ready to hit the interview train, we send them to Working Wardrobes for new interview clothing.  If the family is experiencing food insecurity, we partner with a NGO who has a grocery store and no money is accepted for payment.  None of our clients had ever heard or knew of the services, which we’re thrilled to share with them.  Wrap-around services benefit the entire family, not just the women.  We’re currently expanding our partnerships and will have exciting news in the 2nd quarter of this year. Challenges Faced During the Journey To overcome the challenges and reach where we are now, The Flora May Foundation has focused on building awareness of our free programs. This involves a multifaceted approach, from donating hundreds of thousands of toys annually to low income families to engaging in active grant writing efforts. Navigating the complexities of staffing and juggling various responsibilities, often wearing multiple hats, has been instrumental in our success (and my ability to perform every task I hire people to do). One significant obstacle we've faced is the struggle for awareness of our services. To tackle this, I have personally dedicated time to network in person at events in OC, actively engaging with the community to drum up awareness. This commitment extends beyond the virtual realm, as we recognize the importance of attending events in real life, fostering connections, and spreading the word about the impactful work The Flora May Foundation is doing. Despite these challenges, our persistence in raising awareness has been a key factor in our journey to make a positive impact on the lives of struggling children and teens. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For young women aspiring to be entrepreneurs or those already on the entrepreneurial path, here are some pieces of hard-won advice: - Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Recognize and value the unique perspective you bring to the table as a woman. Your diverse experiences can be a strength in navigating challenges and finding innovative solutions. - Build a Stellar Network: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and a network of fellow entrepreneurs. Having a support system is crucial for gaining insights, sharing experiences, and overcoming obstacles. Attend civic events to stay relevant on current issues. - Keep Learning: Stay curious and commit to continuous learning. The business landscape evolves, and staying informed about industry trends, technology, and market changes will keep you ahead of the curve. - Confidence in Decision-Making: Trust your instincts and have confidence in your decision-making abilities. Being assertive and decisive is essential in entrepreneurship, and learning from both successes and failures is part of the journey. - Resilience: Entrepreneurship comes with ups and downs. Develop resilience to bounce back from setbacks, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward. Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. - Seek Feedback and Pivot: Be open to feedback and willing to adapt. Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for improvement. Use feedback as a means to refine your ideas, strategies and goals. - Value Work-Life Balance: While entrepreneurship requires dedication, it's crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and sustain the long-term success of your endeavors. This is difficult for many women, especially if they have children. - Negotiation Skills: Sharpen your negotiation skills. Whether it's securing deals, partnerships, or contracts, effective negotiation is a vital skill that can contribute significantly to your business success. - Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within your business. Embrace diverse perspectives and experiences, as it can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall business success.  Hiring from diverse backgrounds will help build a strong organization with various viewpoints. - Celebrate Achievements: Take the time to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge your hard work and successes, as it fuels motivation and provides a positive outlook on your entrepreneurial journey.

Name: Rachel Clinesmith Business Name: Vampyre Cosmetics LLC Location: New Orleans, Louisiana , USA Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Retail - Cosmetics Profession/ Specialty: Cosmetics Website: www.VampyreCosmetics.com Social Media : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclinesmith/ Company Detail: Vampyre Cosmetics LLC is an officially licensed pop culture cosmetics manufacturer, made by and for the fans. They create uniquely-packaged, high-quality, ethical cosmetics for ages 14-55 of all genders since 2019. Their products are sold in over 150 independent retailers, on www.VampyreCosmetics.com, and www.HotTopic.com. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Vampyre Cosmetics' unique selling proposition or competitive advantage lies in their commitment to being a "beauty disruptor," challenging social constructs of beauty and promoting individual expression. They believe that beauty is inherent in everyone and provide tools for its expression rather than selling a predefined notion of beauty. Their products combine unique, inspired packaging with high-quality, ethical cosmetics, offering consumers a comprehensive solution without compromising on either aspect. This philosophy is encapsulated in the company's "mini-manifesto," which emphasizes the magical and transformative nature of makeup, rooted in academia and dark lore. Vampyre Cosmetics aims to cater to individuals often overlooked by mainstream brands, empowering customers to freely express themselves and embark on their makeup journey according to their unique aesthetic preferences. Challenges Faced During the Journey The journey of Vampyre Cosmetics LLC has been marked by various challenges and milestones: Company Background: Rachel Clinesmith, the CEO and Founder, has successfully scaled up Vampyre Cosmetics LLC, making it her second makeup company to achieve such growth. The company is proudly women-owned, disabled-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and dedicated to green standards, clean beauty, and transparency in all aspects of its operations. Licensing Contracts: Vampyre Cosmetics has secured licensing contracts with numerous renowned intellectual properties (IPs), including Assassin’s Creed (UBISOFT), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (ABC/Disney), American Horror Story (ABC/Disney), Madame Web (Marvel/Sony/Disney), Miraculous Ladybug (ZAG), and Strawberry Shortcake, among others. Additionally, contracts are pending for Interview with a Vampire (AMC), Skelanimals (HASBRO), and other Marvel IPs (Disney). Product Expansion: The company has expanded its product offerings through licensed collections with popular IPs such as Emily the Strange, Vincent Price, Winchester Mystery House, Amy Brown Fairies, Silent Hill (by Konami), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Space Invaders, Oregon Trail, and Living Dead Dolls. An upcoming Officially Licensed Collection with Dungeons and Dragons has also been announced. Distribution and Retail Presence: Vampyre Cosmetics products are sold in over 150 independent stores worldwide, as well as on HotTopic.com and select Hot Topic Stores. The company's presence in major retailers and independent shops has contributed to its widespread availability and visibility. Media Recognition: The brand has garnered significant media attention, being featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue, Medium, THEM (a Conde Nast Publication), LGBTQ Nation, Newsweek, Loudwire, Blabbermouth, Rely on Horror, Bloody Disgusting, Fangoria, IHeartRadio, Billboard, and The PRIDE (Los Angeles LGBTQ Newspaper), among others. Sales Growth: Vampyre Cosmetics experienced a remarkable 461% increase in sales from 2022 to 2023, with Q4 2023 seeing a 31% increase over Q3. The company anticipates further sales growth in 2024 by partnering with larger IPs. Manufacturing History: Founded in 2018 and formally organized in 2019, Vampyre Cosmetics initially focused on manufacturing private label custom cosmetics for various independent brands and celebrities, including PinupGirl clothing, Nikki Lipstick, Traci Lords, and Ve Neill. Wholesale Distribution: The company sells its products to independent shops via the wholesale platform FAIRE, with a sell-through rate of 100% and consistent re-ordering on long-term SKUs. Brand Recognition: Licensing IPs from established brands has expanded Vampyre Cosmetics' reach into a wider retail market and garnered significant press coverage, leveraging the popularity and recognition of well-known brands. Throughout its journey, Vampyre Cosmetics has navigated challenges, expanded its product offerings, secured licensing agreements, and achieved remarkable sales growth, positioning itself as a prominent player in the cosmetics industry. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Supporting other women-owned businesses is extremely important. It's crucial to lift each other up. Vampyre Cosmetics LLC is a certified WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS (WBENC) and contracts with women-owned businesses wherever possible, fostering a supportive community among women entrepreneurs.

Name: Tanya Fasnacht Jolliffe, RDN, LD, CIMHP Business Name: L I T Wellness Solutions Location: Ohio , USA Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Health & Wellness Profession/ Specialty: Health and Wellness Consulting and Coaching Company Website: https://www.litwellnesssolutions.com/ Social Media : www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-fasnacht-jolliffe/ Company Detail: L I T Wellness Solutions is an award-winning health and wellness consulting and coaching company that successfully guides people as they excel in non-diet nutrition therapy and holistic lifestyle well-being by advancing lifestyle as medicine solutions that bring improved lifestyle behaviors and lasting health transformation. They help clients see beyond diets because decades of research show that dieting doesn’t work for lasting weight, health, and life transformation. Clients implement healthy nutrition principles to fuel their bodies with incorporated nutrition therapy when appropriate for managing medical conditions. At the same time, they help them develop a culture of wellness by guiding them toward understanding the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of eating, moving, working, and living so they can assess and address the impact of lifestyle behavior choices on all dimensions of their health and well-being. They also help companies transform their employee wellness approach by cultivating a holistic workplace culture that allows their employees to excel and thrive by helping their people recognize and affirm what is working well while learning how to be honest and fair concerning what needs to change and improve for the benefit of stress reduction, mental clarity, emotional resilience, weight management, health, and happiness. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: The best way to answer is to let the words of their clients speak for what makes them different: "I have gained enormous awareness over what triggers me and developed tools to overcome." "The coaching tools were eye-opening and helped me see my values, personality, and well-being more clearly and how they impacted my food and activity behaviors." "This program is something special. It is a very intentional program that helped me reflect on my choices and how they impacted me mentally and physically." “I've tried so many diet programs, but none of them tackled the whys behind my overeating issues. Some were so restrictive that they really messed with my metabolism. This program really helps me with what my true goal is... to be healthy.” Challenges Faced During the Journey: Helping people see weight and health management from a different lens by understanding that lifestyle behavior change involves all of their dimensions of well-being and not just physical and mental well-being. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Be sure you are secure in who you are as a provider and how your approach is different at solving a problem and then own it. Culture will try to tell you that you need to conform, but if you know you have a different way to solve a problem, go for it and show the world.

Name: Erika Guerrero Business Name: Electric Goddess Location: Los Angeles, California , USA Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Consulting Profession/ Specialty: Scientific Services for Energy Industry Website: electricgoddess.co Social Media : https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalaurenguerrero/ Company Detail: Electric Goddess stands at the forefront of battery technology, offering unparalleled consulting services. With a track record of validating millions of batteries through extensive real-world application, their expertise spans the gamut of battery challenges—from rigorous validation to providing actionable empirical data. Their approach is rooted in a genuine care for client success, addressing even the most daunting problems with simplicity and elegance. Their facility, equipped with specialized equipment such as accelerated rate calorimeters and vacuum battery test setups, serves as a testament to their commitment to advancing battery technology. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: What sets Electric Goddess apart is their ability to turn time, money, and resources into tangible savings for their clients. Their reputation for tackling and solving problems deemed too complex by others has made them the go-to experts in the field. Clients choose them not just for their expertise, but for the trust and personal connection they foster. Their ability to deliver immediate solutions, or diligently work towards one, underscores their unique position in the market. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Navigating the financial ebbs and flows faced by startups has been one of their significant challenges. Prioritizing essential R&D while balancing fiscal responsibilities can sideline crucial advancements. Their journey has been shaped by learning the delicate art of scaling, the importance of discerning accommodation, and embracing the profound lessons of leadership. The belief their global clients place in them fuels their drive and commitment to the mission, marking their success as a collaborative effort. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: To young women venturing into entrepreneurship: remain true to your essence. The stories of female CEOs taught Erika Guerrero the importance of embracing her identity rather than conforming to traditional, male-dominated roles. Being unapologetically female is not just a stance but a strength. Our world doesn't just need leaders; it needs female leaders who are authentic, resilient, and willing to pave the way for future generations by simply being themselves.

Name: Rebecca Jones Business Name: Pyrra Technologies Location: Geneva , Switzerland Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Information Technology Profession/ Specialty: Information Technology Website: https://www.pyrratech.com Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Pyrra Technologies collects unmoderated social media, then deploys AI to help its customers identify hate speech, violent threats, risks to reputation, and disinformation. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Pyrra Technologies is the only company dedicated to identifying these threats across unmoderated social media. As a spin-off of a Human Rights organization, it is committed to ethical tech development and use. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Rebecca has been fortunate in her life to not suffer from any real adversity, but she has always worked hard to keep moving forward and up. There have been two major challenges to overcome, though. The first was a crippling fear of public speaking. It reached a point where she decided it was holding her back, so she kept doing it until she got good at it. The other challenge has been a lesson in balance, learning when to push hard and understanding when to step back, both in business and in her personal life. She believes it's a challenge many struggle with. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Rebecca usually has a couple of 'go-tos'. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Men and women apply very different approaches to applying for a job. Men (typically) will apply for something when they don't meet all the criteria; women won't. They doubt themselves and feel they need to be perfect. Don't let that hold you back - give yourself the opportunity to rise to the challenge. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. Learn to say no.

Name: Julia Deaver Business Name: Utah's 40 Over 40 Location: San Jose , USA Establishment (Year): 2022 Category: Social Enterprise and NGO Profession/ Specialty: Women Over 40 Empowerment Website : https://utah40over40.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Utah's 40 Over 40 stands as the sole award system of its kind, recognizing women over 40 who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and industries. Against the backdrop of Utah ranking 50th in the nation for women's equality and gender wage gap, their initiative takes on added significance, championing inclusivity and diversity. The annual awards ceremony and publication not only celebrate the achievements of these exceptional individuals but also serve as a platform for highlighting the importance of embracing talent and experience regardless of age or gender. Through Utah's 40 Over 40, the aim is to inspire positive change and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: What sets Utah's 40 Over 40 apart is its commitment to recognizing the often overlooked talent, wisdom, and experience found among older women. The ultimate goal is to dismantle sexism and ageism, creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Through the recognition program, they strive to challenge stereotypes and biases that marginalize individuals based on their age or gender. By celebrating the achievements of individuals over 40 and promoting their talents and contributions, they aim to break down barriers and foster a culture of respect, appreciation, and equal opportunity for all. The commitment to recognizing and honoring individuals regardless of age or gender is a crucial step towards achieving the vision of a world free from discrimination and prejudice. People are drawn to the organization's product and service over others because of its dedication to inclusivity and diversity. In a society that often values youth over experience, they provide a refreshing perspective by highlighting the achievements of individuals regardless of age or gender. The recognition program resonates with those who value fairness, equity, and the celebration of lifelong accomplishments. Additionally, the mission to promote positive change and foster a more inclusive society appeals to individuals who seek to support organizations with a meaningful impact on their communities. Challenges Faced During the Journey: In response to the question about the struggles and challenges faced, Julia Deaver can attest to overcoming numerous obstacles on her journey to where she is today. As a recently divorced mother of three, she's navigated the complexities and messiness life sometimes offers while balancing family responsibilities in pursuing her entrepreneurial aspirations. Additionally, she's confronted past experiences of sexual abuse and battled with dyslexia, which presented significant hurdles in her learning path. However, through sheer determination and resilience, she's managed to overcome these challenges. Her journey has been marked by unwavering strength and perseverance, enabling her to rise above adversity and achieve her goals and dreams. Each obstacle encountered has only fueled her determination to succeed, and she's proud of the progress made despite the challenges faced. Supporting other women who have faced even greater challenges than herself has become her greatest calling in both life and work. She's discovered profound fulfillment in honoring those individuals who are making significant impacts and driving positive change despite facing immense adversity. By lending her support, empathy, and resources to these remarkable women, she not only uplifts their spirits but also contributes to the collective empowerment of women everywhere. Witnessing their resilience, determination, and triumphs inspires her to continue her efforts in championing their causes and amplifying their voices. In doing so, she finds purpose and meaning in her journey, knowing that she's part of a larger movement toward equality, justice, and empowerment for all women. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: For young women aspiring to become entrepreneurs or already pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, the emphasis is on the importance of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in oneself. It's crucial never to give up, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks along the way. Cultivating a burning drive to succeed and a passion for one's endeavors is key to overcoming challenges and achieving goals. Believing wholeheartedly in what they're doing, perhaps even more than anyone else, fuels the motivation to persevere through the toughest times. And equally important is sharing their story with the world. By articulating the vision, mission, and impact of their endeavors, they have the power to inspire change, make a difference, and leave a lasting legacy. So, to all young women entrepreneurs, the advice is to embrace their journey with courage, tenacity, and conviction, and never underestimate the transformative power of their own story.

Name: Jennifer Lucero Business Name: Beacon Enterprises Inc Location: Seattle, WA , USA Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Social Enterprise and NGO Profession/ Specialty: Social Impact Mobile App Website : www.mybeacon.me Social Media : LinkedIn Company Details Beacon Enterprises is a social impact organization dedicated to creating technology that fosters support through action for individuals within their trusted social circles and community resources. Mission: The mission of Beacon Enterprises is to revitalize our sense of community by making it rewarding to ask for and give support of any kind, with those individuals know, love, and trust in everyday life. Vision: We envision a world where MyBeacon has shifted beliefs, making it easy to ask for help and where supporting one another’s wellbeing is the new social standard of strength. The Problem: In our digital age, escalating social isolation poses a concerning threat to mental health. Studies reveal that 76% of those grappling with mental health issues encounter hurdles in seeking help on conventional social media and networking platforms, a predicament amplified by shallow connections and fear of judgment. Asking for help of any kind can feel hard in the best of circumstances, with a perceived risk of negatively impacting social status or encountering unhelpful opinions when opening up with vulnerability. Additionally, the energy required to communicate what one is dealing with across various communication apps can be overwhelming, leading many to retreat from seeking support from loved ones when needed. Convenience services have created transactional solutions that eclipse the motivation of asking a friend for help, robbing organic opportunities for genuine human connection. Solution: MyBeacon is a distinctive mobile application designed to transcend the limitations of existing social networks and eliminate frustration associated with managing multiple communication apps. The app makes it easy to share what one is dealing with and enables actionable support experiences. Users can activate a “Beacon,” describe their situation, list needed action items, and share with selected supporters. Individuals can then volunteer for items, and each Beacon member can easily see what is covered versus what is still needed. While Beacons include a comments component, the primary function is to meet the listed needs, as opposed to promoting discussion threads. In a landscape witnessing a surge in mental health concerns, MyBeacon's innovative approach directly confronts the core challenges of help-seeking, building upon meaningful connections, and promoting well-being among trusted social circles. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Simple & Easy UX focused on Action: MyBeacon offers a user-friendly experience focused on taking action. Users can ask for support of any kind without the need for templates or scripts, eliminating logistical pain-points in personal communication. All Beacon members can easily track what has been handled versus what is still needed. Moreover, if a volunteer cancels, the app automatically generates notifications to other supporters to fill the need. The platform provides stats that validate each user's impact, and future product development will incorporate gamification to reinforce neurological reward systems and personal value sentiment, emphasizing the vital importance of fostering human connection in an accelerated tech world. Social Media Exhaustion: With people growing tired of social media standards, judgment, negativity amplification, and ad algorithms, MyBeacon offers a refreshing alternative. Recent research has shown alarming trends in mental health, suicide rates, hate speech, misinformation, and other factors directly attributed to social media platform business models. MyBeacon puts the support of the individual at the center of everything it does, aiming to alleviate social media exhaustion. Revenue generation is through free-mium subscription plans and community resource pages. Mental Health & Well-being through Human Connection: MyBeacon recognizes that support from those we know, love, and trust is not transactional. It believes that feelings of deep, meaningful connection are irreplaceable and essential for mental health and well-being. By facilitating genuine human connections and fostering supportive communities, MyBeacon positions itself as a platform that prioritizes the individual's holistic health and happiness. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Jennifer Lucero's journey has been marked by numerous major life events, each contributing to her resilience and determination. From marriage and divorce to teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, poverty, childhood trauma, and surviving cancer, she has accumulated experiences that have shaped her perspective. When she was widowed in 2018, her survival mechanism involved managing tasks by tracking them on post-it notes on her living room wall. Despite feeling buried alive, offers to help poured in from every direction. Fortunately, her inner circle stepped in to assist, sharing her lists and magically assigning tasks. This support was lifesaving during her moment of crisis, highlighting the importance of community. Jennifer considers herself fortunate to have a trusted community that inherently understands her needs. Her 20 years in the tech industry and natural problem-solving abilities led her to recognize the necessity of making support more accessible for anyone facing life's challenges. Since embarking on the journey of creating MyBeacon, Jennifer has encountered various roadblocks, from finding the right team to bring the app to life to securing funding. However, she remains undeterred, with unstoppable momentum driving her forward. Feedback from early focus groups, fellow entrepreneurs, coaches, advisors, beta testers, and future users on the waitlist validates that MyBeacon is filling a crucial need at the right time. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Jennifer Lucero offers empowering advice to fellow women entrepreneurs. She encourages them to trust their instincts and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with determination. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is key to growth, so she advises women to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. Surrounding oneself with mentors and advisors who have walked a similar path can provide invaluable guidance and support. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of paying it forward once success is achieved, highlighting the collective need for more women entrepreneurs in the business world. With this encouragement, she rallies women to take action and make their mark. Let's go!

Name: Wendy Kauffman Business Name: Wendolyn Reputation Management Location: Toronto, Canada Establishment (Year): 2021 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Reputation management and communications Website: https://www.wendolynreputation.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Wendolyn Reputation Management is a consulting practice focusing on ESG communications, crisis communications, and spokesperson training. These specialized communications services are for organizations that: Must showcase their corporate purpose and impact to investors, donors, governments, employees, customers, and advocates. Have a material threat to their business operation or corporate/brand reputation. Need a strategic and skillful manner to navigate media interviews, presentations, and other public-facing situations. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Offering communications services designed for the next decade, along with first-in-kind services such as ESG in a Box, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communications Training, and a Thought Leadership Development Program. Challenges Faced During the Journey: The biggest fear an entrepreneur will face is believing in her abilities and having the conviction to know that she CAN do this and she will be successful. This applied equally to Wendy Kauffman. It took 20 years before she dared to take this step, despite people advising her to do this a decade prior. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Know your worth. Most entrepreneurs know approximately how much their competitors charge for similar services or products. So she must ask herself, "Do I want to charge on the range's high, medium, or low end?" If she chooses the low end of the range, she will always compete on price, and she must accept that her service/product is a commodity targeting the lowest bidders. Or does she want to charge on the higher side, basing the worth of her service/product on the value the client/customer will gain? Value is always a stronger positioning from which to start a negotiation.

Name: DeAnna Spoerl Business Name: Bear Icebox Communications Location: Chicago, IL , USA Establishment (Year): 2016 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty: Public relations agency Website: https://www.bearicebox.com/ Social Media : LinkedIn Company Detail: Bear Icebox is not just an agency; it's a guide for brands navigating the exciting landscapes of hyper-growth, acquisition, early-phase investments, major fundraising rounds, and successful sales and marketing/communications initiatives. Their team, affectionately known as the honey-grabbing Bears, specializes in not only assisting multi-billion dollar enterprises but also guiding mid-size companies and legacy brands toward building awareness that fuels lead generation and revenue growth. At its core, the company believes in equity and celebrates diversity. As an interracial partnership, Bear Icebox proudly embodies majority Black female ownership, with a team predominantly composed of talented women supporting LGBTQ+ team members. Their journey is fueled by a love for travel, storytelling, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant community within Bear Icebox. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Bear Icebox specializes in helping brands, organizations, and people position themselves for growth and success. The company's team of experienced professionals works with clients to develop integrated campaigns that drive everything from lead generation to community impact to revenue growth. Each client is a partner, and they customize their approach and framework every time an organization entrusts them with their brand. Bear Icebox works with clients at the beginning of campaigns—during brand and product launches—all the way through acquisitions and mergers. They understand how to communicate and engage with target audiences during the full lifecycle of a brand. The agency offers a range of services, including foundational communications support, branding and messaging strategy, and full-service public relations support. They excel in the owned, earned, and shared spaces in marketing, helping organizations craft their respective brand strategy and develop brand materials for executing that vision. They also have strategic alliances with partners who specialize in digital marketing services like paid advertising. Challenges Faced During the Journey: One of the biggest challenges Bear Icebox faces as a PR agency is combatting doubts about the need for PR, especially among smaller businesses with tighter budget constraints. There's always a conversation around ROI and how to effectively measure it from an overall marketing and sales perspective. The truth is, nothing in PR is guaranteed, and it's not ethical to make sure promises. This can be difficult for some brands to understand as they want results that will lead directly to sales, more engagement, leads, etc. At Bear Icebox, they developed a 9-point ROI framework which discusses the ways brands can understand what PR is truly doing from all points of an integrated campaign. They've found this tool to be extremely useful with talking points as well as a grounding tool to redirect the focus of what they do. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs must do two things: 1) Be willing to learn at all times. No one has all the answers—and if they tell you they do, they're lying! It's okay to not know everything. It's even more okay to be a continual learner. 2) Be flexible so you don't break. This means a lot of different things for different people. But for DeAnna Spoerl, it means allowing change, new ideas, other options, and so on to simply happen. Not everything is going to go your way. Even if you plan down to every detail, you've got to be able to pivot when necessary. That's something that rings true in PR too. They express to their clients as well that one has to be ready and willing to pivot and maintain some flexibility—be it your schedule, your ideas, your budget—whatever it might be, in order to keep your cool and stay ahead of what comes next. Doing these two things can make restless nights a lot smoother.