More than half of our dedicated and eclectic supporting advertisers are women-owned businesses, one of the fastest growing niches in the entrepreneurial realm and a true gift to this world. Recent statistics commissioned by American Express OPEN in The 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report have named female entrepreneurs a “major economic force”, owning over 9.4 million businesses in the U.S., generating over $1.5 trillion in revenues and employing close to 7.9 million people. Even more telling is that between 1997 and 2015, U.S. firms increased in number by 51 percent, while the number of female-owned businesses increased by 74 percent. This data indicates a growth rate of one-and-a half times the national average and directly reflects the current surge of feminine energy in our midst. 

Nurturing the delicate balance of finances, management and marketing, while still planning for structure and growth in any business plan, is wrought with challenges, but becomes central to cultivating a solid core. We’ve designed this space to reveal the essence of building a dream. Please enjoy a selection of words from our cherished local entrepreneurs. 

“It is an awesome experience to get up every day and do what you love and to work for yourself. It is also the hardest I have ever worked.”  

Rashell Brunner, Emergence Skin Care Studio, 5 years 

“When I graduated from veterinary school, a dear friend gave me a tattered, beat-up card with a quote: ‘A cowgirl gets up early in the morning, decides what she wants to do and does it.’ The card is one of the first things I hung on my desk when I opened the practice, and I plan to pass it along to another woman and inspire her to achieve her dreams, too.” 

Dr. Jennifer Burroughs, Sundance Veterinary Wellness, 2 years 

“Expect your business to change and evolve. It will grow as you grow, adapt as you adapt and blossom as you get inspired. Your personal development is essential to the development and success of your business.” 

Karen Carnabucci, Psychotherapist, 22 years 

“I’ve always lived by the ‘What you think about, you bring about’ philosophy and even more so when it came to going full force into a full-time private practice business venture.”  

Dana Elia, Fusion Integrative Health & Wellness, 3 years 

“In this area, I find there is definitely a sex bias. I have to be on my game all the time.” 

Clorinda Forte-Katz, Katz Family Chiropractic, 9 years 

“Follow the intuitive flow and she will never steer you wrong.” 

Jane Garis and Ann Piccone, Pathways To Healing, 22 years 

“There is nothing more challenging, grueling, nor satisfying, than birthing a living that matters to one’s soul. The maturity of my workshop program, and its effects on my own personal maturity, is a reward I only dreamt of, when I began.” 

Melissa Greene, Write From The Heart, 16 years 

“Challenging and rewarding...” 

Monica Kirchner, Bridge Yoga Studio, 8 years 

“A truly rewarding adventure.” 

Dr. Ann Lee, Health For Life Clinic, 6 years 

“My practice is a ‘paying it forward’ to help others become their own healer, as I helped and healed myself.” 

Karen O’Connor, Natural Hope Center, 4 years 

“Starting a business has been one of the most creatively satisfying endeavors of my life. There’s never a dull moment and it requires me to be constantly learning and growing. As a result of this business pushing me to succeed, I am pushed to become a better doctor.” 

Dr. Leah Reiff-Herr, Blue Skies Chiropractic, 4 years 

“Starting a new business—especially one that most people have not heard of—is challenging. Knowing that your services are making a difference makes it all worthwhile.” 

Louise St. John, Reiki With Louise, Placenta Encapsulation, 5 years 

“In two words, my experience birthing a business is ‘deeply gratifying’. I simply wouldn’t have my life any other way, despite the challenges of growing a business.” 

Keya F. Williams, Psychologist & Yoga Lifestyle Consultant, 4 years