What a weekend!
I attended the Country Living Women's Entrepreneur Conference in Chicago on Saturday, and met so many amazing, inspiring women, all of whom are following their hearts and living their dreams!
I hooked up with some online friends - Kellee Miller (and her husband Matt) from Looking Glass Girl and My Favorite Mirror; Andrea Torres (and her husband) from the fabulous tea company, Herb & Ginger; Annie Mohaupt from Mohop Shoes (yes - handmade shoes, you must check them out! I have a pair - they are awesome!) and the amazingly talented Nicole Balch from Pink Loves Brown.
The day consisted of three panel discussions moderated by Country Living Editor in Chief, Nancy Soriano, who asked some very pointed business questions to a variety of experts and female business owners. The first discussion was with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley. It was so interesting to hear that she, and her partner, started this company in 1982 with a $500 investment in fabric from Joann's! Fast forward to today, when they just built a state of the art distribution center in Fort Wayne where they ship 1 million bags A DAY!
This is a woman, just like you and me, who set her sights on a goal, met the right people, and used her contacts to her advantage. I was awed and inspired by her journey and story.
The second panel was moderated by Ladies Who Launch founders, Victoria Colligan & Beth Schoenfeldt, and they brought with them a team of launching experts; marketing, branding, sales, law and two authors, including Kim Lavine, who recently wrote The Mommy Millionaire.
The thing I found most interesting was hearing that women are launching buisnesses at three times the rate of men, and the number reason is lifestyle! Money is last. This resonated very deeply with me, because I initially started freelancing 11 years ago because I needed to do something, needed an outlet, and working for myself out of my home fit my lifestyle. It still does to this day, even though my goals and business plans have changed and evolved dramatically since that time. I'm still grateful everyday to have the support, ability and space to be able to continue.
The last panel consisted of the women featured in the March Country Living Women's Entrepreneur issue - they told their stories of trial & tribulation; what they've learned along the way; advice for those starting out; and gave scores of advice.
The evening ended with a wine & cheese reception. I loved hanging out and was just sorry I didn't really get to see much of Chicago! It's an amazing urban city and I'm so far removed from that lifestyle and environment! I guess I'll just have to go back (if Scott is reading this, which he rarely does, I'm sure he's groaning at that!)!
Oh! And a picture! Left to right: Nicole Balch, Annie Mohaupt, me, Kellee Miller & Andrea Torres! Kellee is holding our awesome Swag Bag!
I've been waiting all weekend anxiously for a report. How cool! You are so lucky to have experienced that and met some 'old' friends from TSB. What about the pitch? email me if you want.
Posted by: Shari | March 12, 2007 at 07:24 AM
Oh, so exciting! I am living vicariously through you, that sounds like such a wonderful experience, I'm so sad I couldn't go. I would have loved to hear the Vera Bradley story...1 million a day...terrifying. So cool you got to hang out with TSB ladies!
Posted by: Valerie | March 12, 2007 at 07:55 AM
This sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: pam | March 12, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Yes, thanks for sharing!! It's great to see all the TSB ladies.
Posted by: Patricia | March 12, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Wow! What an amazing and exciting trip!!
Posted by: Lisa K | March 12, 2007 at 12:04 PM
What a weekend, indeed! Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a really interesting conference.
Posted by: ArtsyMama | March 12, 2007 at 05:13 PM
It sounds totally inspiring!
Posted by: beki | March 13, 2007 at 06:58 AM
These events do so much to INSPIRE and INVIGORATE!!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Posted by: stephanie | March 13, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Wow, I was there too! Course I live here! Wasn't it inspiring? Wish I had known you were there!
Posted by: Arlene | March 13, 2007 at 08:17 PM
Sounds like a fabulously inspiring trip. It must have been incredible to be surrounded by such great energy. I'm sure your mind must have been going a mile a minute on the flight back!
Posted by: Karin | March 14, 2007 at 06:39 PM
Had you met Kellee before? She's super-nice and fun to talk to!
Posted by: jennifer ramos | March 18, 2007 at 06:05 AM