Apr. 14 - 20, 2008
Sheila Hunt, President
PCEasy, Inc.
There’s nothing Chic about a geek. That’s why my company, PCEasy Inc., has taken the geek speak out of IT: We explain options and repairs to our customers using simple, non-technical terms that anyone can understand. Our qualified, personable and efficient staff will get your computers up and running in a hurry, and we can also put you on a preventive care plan so you never have to curse at your computer again. PCEasy provides IT support, maintenance, and training for residential and small business customers all over northern Atlanta, so whatever your situation, PCEasy wants to be your one-stop IT shop to help you stay in control of your IT needs. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, I found a way to use my unique strengths as a woman as a business advantage. That’s why I’m a Chic Entrepreneur.
Apr. 21 - 27, 2008
Monique Wilson, Founder
Launch Magazine
Finding targeted resources that speak to the Chic can oftentimes be daunting, that’s why I created Launch Magazine. Launch magazine is an online magazine & social network that will keep on giving, educating, encouraging and celebrating business owners. My strategy is simple; spread the stories and fuel the aspirations of micro and solo business owners so that they can be the best they can be. I believe I’ve developed a unique value proposition that is specific to creating customized events tailored to the micro and solo business owner, while offering them an editorial avenue and social network to speak their minds. Our Launch Magazine LIVE events are one example of the value we offer our clients and there is much more to come. I’m using what I know to be true as a woman business owner. I know that we bring a colorful perspective to the marketplace and to the lives of others. That’s why I’m a Chic Entrepreneur.
Apr 28 - May 4, 2008
Amy
Nichols, CEO & Founder
Dogtopia
Dogs are a woman's best friend, which is why I started a business taking care of them. I founded Dogtopia, a dog daycare and boarding facility, in 2001 after leaving a career in telecommunications. After several very successful years, and many inquiries, I decided to franchise the business. One of the philosophies I employed from the beginning was to grow and promote from within. My awesome management team all started in the playrooms with the dogs! Their passion for animals brought them to Dogtopia, but with encouragement and their own ambition and drive, they rose to management positions in our franchise company – Happy To Be Here Inc. Together with these talented ladies (and one great guy!), we help both women and men open their own Dogtopia – so they too can follow their dreams. My natural maternal instincts have helped to foster a warm environment for our staff and guests. They are encouraged to grow and develop and in turn, have helped to grow and develop my company to 32 stores strong! That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur.
May 5 - 11, 2008
Janet Harris, President
Sales-Link, Inc.
Any Chic gal who is also a Mom knows the stress of potty training a preschooler. A casual conversation to help a stressed out friend has now lead to a unique potty training system heading to major retail shelves later this year! "The Original PoT-Tee Prize Grab Bag" rewards kiddies for doing their biz when and where they are supposed to with fun toys, clever stickers and a diploma. It's easy for parents and fun for kids. I am business owner who is also a Mom. (Son Kyle is now 9 years old and happily, long ago fully potty trained!) This month my husband Mike and I sold our second business (an office coffee service) to launch into the preschool product world full-time. I have a great deal of enthusiasm for all I do and have found people are impressed by your enthusiasm as much as your logic. That's why I'm a Chic Entrepreneur.
May 12 - 18, 2008
Beth Aldrich, Health & Nutrition Counselor, Radio Host & Writer
Restoring Essence/For Her Information Media
With a face for TV, I am thriving on the radio! After a serious auto accident last year, I was forced to temporarily take time off from my PBS TV series and re-group. Now after getting my certification as a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor, I am able to utilize my on-air talents via the radio and by speaking to large groups about the importance of balance, health and nutrition. As a chic entrepreneur, I have been able to utilize my sassy and witty sense of style and personality to attract clients and keep their attention long enough to encourage them to "step away" from the unhealthy food and less-than-positive lifestyle habits to a happier, healthier and more balanced life. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur.
May 19 - 28, 2008
Donna Baxter,
Web Mistress/Tech Diva
The Soul Pitt & 2 Tech Divas
I like to say that I went from a “rhymer to a designer”. I am a former hip-hop entertainer turned Web Mistress and Tech Diva. The love of expressing myself is why I first became an entertainer and now I am able to express myself online through www.TheSoulPitt.com (the #1 Minority Community site in the East Coast) and www.2techdivas.com – a digital coaching company. I wore unique jewelry when I was an entertainer and I carried that over into my business as part of my personal branding. At every business function or networking opportunity, you will see me with my signature white gold hook necklace and large SP white gold logo hanging from it, which is my company logo. If people can’t remember my name, they usually know me from that piece of jewelry or recognize the logo and ask me “Hey, are you the Soul Pitt Lady?” Now that’s why I’m a Chic Entrepreneur!
May 29 - June 8, 2008
Diane Ormerod,
Co-owner & Founder
Bikinis and Bifocals, LLC
I refuse to accept a negative attitude about anything, especially about myself and aging. That’s why at 52 I started Bikinis and Bifocals, LLC and website. Our mission is to create a positive attitude and image among baby boomer women towards aging. Our logo and website encourages networking and maintaining a positive outlook on life. Bikinis is the attitude – Baby Boomer women want to look great, be sexy and live a fun, fulfilled life and Bifocals is the reality, we must face medical issues that are so different and challenging, yet armed with information and knowledge we can live the life we want. Probably the most successful strategy has been my ability to maintain a positive outlook and belief that this will succeed. When others see my true passion and excitement about Bikinis and Bifocals and what we do, I win them over every time. To help other women be the best they can be, at any age, and have a positive impact on their day is a great reward for me. That’s why I’m a Chic Entrepreneur.
June 9 - 15, 2008
Sandy Dumont,
Owner
The Image Architect
June 16 - 22, 2008
Marissa Levin, CEO
Information Experts
June 23 - 29, 2008
Linda Franklin, Founder & CEO
The Real Cougar Woman
I am a former Wall Street career gal who traded in The Old Boys Club for The Real Cougar Club, a place where woman over 40 are telling it like it is. I like to think I am becoming instrumental in turning around the negative perception of women and aging. In fact, the media has given me credit for coining the term “Real Cougar”, which is helping to shine a new light on how fantastic women over 40 really are. Representing The Real Cougar Woman is an honor and here’s why. She is smart, sexy, independent and proud to be over 40. She knows what she wants and how to get it. She can be married or she can be single – it’s not about the ring on her finger – it’s all about attitude. Every woman has a Real Cougar just waiting to be unleashed. To successfully achieve that goal 5 areas must be mastered – health, beauty, relationships, finance and spirit. Every day I am doing my best to make over this country's attitude about aging. That’s why I am a Chic Entrepreneur.
June 30 - July 6, 2008
Sharon LaMothe, Co-owner
Infertility Answers, Inc.
Swimming in the sea of estrogen is never easy especially when dealing with infertility issues! However, it takes a kindred spirit when sharing information and educating others in the world of Surrogacy and Egg Donation. After a move from the surrogacy friendly state of Florida to Seattle, Washington I have refocused my efforts from being an owner of a matching and relationship management agency assisting Intended Parents and Surrogate Mothers to running a website and blog primarily educating the novice in Assisted Reproductive Technology and Third Party Reproduction situations. Suffering from secondary infertility and then being a Gestational Surrogate twice myself (giving birth to two sets of twins), puts me in the unique position of holding Intended Parents hands while offering experienced advise. That is why I AM a Chic Entrepreneur!
July 21 - 27, 2008
Cindi Swett and Lesa Shepherd, Co-Founders
Bead Retreat, Ltd.
“We can do this is” a mantra that launched a
company and continues to energize two entrepreneurial women
daily. It began
as many concepts do with a casual comment between friends
that grew into a thriving national network of women across
the country. Bead Retreat Ltd is a national direct sales
company that blends the art of creative beaded jewelry
design with friendship.
This one hour retreat home party concept is a unique
business model that allows women to have a home based
business, enjoy teaching other women, and provide income and
flexibility that today's busy women require.
Trend setting designs and basic beading techniques
allow customization of beaded jewelry with an undeniable
value and appeal. Successful, strong women business partners
are unusual. In
addition to mutual respect and similar business values, Lesa
and Cindi have relied on an underlying guideline for every
decision. Consideration for the one who says no is always
given. In this
way both business partners have sustained an enjoyable and
profitable business for over six years. This is why we are
two Chic Entrepreneurs.
July 28 - August 3, 2008
Shauna Mosley, Owner
AccessTalent, LLC
Sponsorships & Events! That's what I do on Music Row in the heart of Music City, USA (that’s Nashville for those of you who don't know!). If you have an event idea, I will make it happen by matching 'A' level talent with corporate sponsors, benefiting a worthy cause. I also create, assess and sell sponsorships for these events. Or if you're the partner and you simply want to increase your brand awareness by aligning with 'A' level talent, I create the concept for the alliance and then execute it. My strategy is to utilize my integrity to stand out from the crowd. I set my standards high and produce successful results. I make it a point to undersell and over-deliver, on time and under budget. Referrals are my main source of new business. Developing and maintaining key relationships are also part of my proven strategies as well as going toe to toe with the men in our 'good ole boy network'! It's not always what you know but who you know. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
August 4 - 10, 2008
Marion Syversen, President/CEO
Norumbega Financial
I make finance fun, explaining things in ways that won't
make your head explode! Women tend to marry older men, who
predecease them and get little planning help from the
male-dominated financial services world. I use my weekly TV
appearance, monthly "money" columns and quirky humor to
explain money in holistic conversations. As a chic
entrepreneur, I focus on frugal shopping and home remodeling
tips, and retirement savings strategies to help women kick
butt in the world of finance. That's why I am a Chic
Entrepreneur!
August 11 - 17, 2008
Chi Chi Okezie, Owner/Producer
SIMPLEnetworking, LLC
My first real job lasted for one week. I wanted to leave that Wednesday, but toughed it out until Friday. After that enlightening experience, it was imperative that I find my passion for life. A few years later I started SIMPLEnetworking, a consulting firm specializing in business networking, image consulting and cultural awareness seminars. I sell knowledge and most importantly confidence to empower women for success. In my opinion, women are natural networkers and have the ability to really impact their communities, families, businesses or organizations. We have seen this time and time again in history. When I talk with women professionals, I stress the importance of taking advantage of opportunities that are all around them. Do not wait for something to come knocking on your door. You open the door and jump into it! The most successful strategy for me is using humor, charm and grace to impress clients and build business relationships. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
August 18 - 24, 2008
Sharon Rowe, Founder/CEO
Eco-Bags Products, Inc.
If "green" is chic, I'm the Original Chic "Green"
Entrepreneur! I founded Eco-Bags Products, Inc in 1989
because I wanted to stop using plastic bags.
Who would have imagined that nearly 19 years later
we'd be at the center of the reusable bag wave, challenging
the status quo and changing consumer habits?
Not me!
My vision was to "Clean up the Planet, One Bag at a Time,"
and until recently it felt like we were trying to roll a
huge boulder up a very steep hill.
Now we're running as fast as we can to stay ahead of
the boulder while continuing to carry fair wage/labor
produced products and promoting sustainability. It's been a
natural thing to have women lead this movement because it's
about taking care of the earth and I'm proud to be one of
the pioneers! That's why I'm a Chic Entrepreneur!
August 25 - 31, 2008
Kali Evans-Raoul, Founder & President
The Image Studios
Kali Evans-Raoul, founder and president of The Image Studios, epitomizes everything she believes in. Her passion for self-actualization is evident in her own life and in the lives of those whom she touches, whether they are her employees, clients, friends, or the young men and women she mentors. With more than 25 years in the personal care product and service industry, and experience in both creating and running a business, Kali’s launch of her successful image communication firm in 2000 was a natural. But it is her commitment to helping others understand, define and present their own message that sets The Image Studios apart from the usual narrow definition of consultants. That is why she is a Chic Entrepreneur!
September 1 - 7, 2008
Sue Kirchner, Founder & CEO
Chocolate Cake Club, Inc.
Every busy Mom needs more "Chocolate Cake Moments" in her
life - moments when she is smiling, relaxed, and loving
Mommyhood. I am passionate about helping Moms smile more and
celebrate their lifestyle so I created an online boutique,
www.chocolatecakeclub.com, so that busy Moms will put their
feet up and smile with products that help them get
organized, encourage their kids to be more self-sufficient,
and distinguish them as a Mom-who's-got-it-together with
must-have gifts and parenting tools.
September 8 - 14, 2008
Bianca Alexander, Executive Producer & Host
Conscious Living TV
As the host and executive producer of Conscious Living, a TV show highlighting the latest and greatest in green and sustainable lifestyles, I’m a living example of how to be a successful entrepreneur and look and feel fabulous without harming the planet. The male business paradigm of stripping land of its natural resources and spending trillions to fight wars in distant lands is finally yielding to a more feminine, nurturing triple bottom line approach which values people, profits and the planet equally. As our landfills slowly fill up with trash that can never be thrown away and our oceans, streams and even drinking water become polluted with toxic run off from the chemicals and pesticides used to grow our food, build our houses, make our soap, and manufacture our clothes, the time is now to do our part to turn things around for future generations. As the host of Conscious Living TV, an innovative internet show and eco-community, I empower women every day with easy tips for living in harmony with the planet, from eco-chic fashion, green travel & design, toxin-free cleaning, organic cuisine & holistic healing. This is what being an Eco-Chic Entrepreneur means to me!
September 15 - 21, 2008
Carol Webster, President
Cassel International
Almost 5 years ago to the day I left a six-figure job to start Cassel International, fully 12 years after I wrote the business plan. I’m proud to say we are celebrating our 5-year anniversary and going strong! Cassel International works with companies who want to “Go Global and Grow Global” by helping them reach out to potential clients and consumers in the 193 countries around the world. We assists our clients in taking the first step into international business by identifying markets which need their product or service, developing a marketing plan to reach those markets, finding the right business partners and distribution channels, and doing it all in a culturally correct way. From pet products to specialty foods, from industrial textiles to medical products, our clients have increased their revenue and customer base through our efforts. As a woman (a well-traveled one, with more than 70 countries under my belt!), I bring a unique sensitivity to the table when dealing cross-cultural communications issues. My understanding of different business cultures around the world has gained me access to clients and resources I might not have otherwise have been able to use. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
September 22 - 28, 2008
Lisa Warsinske, Co-Owner & Goddess of Fun
Comedy Alley
Need to carbonate your cubicle? Is your work day becoming as predictable as second-rate leftover dinners? I am passionate about jump starting the work place. One jolt of laughter goes a very long way. Comedy Alley is an improvisation troupe I helped begin 8 years ago. Imagine professional comics running into your meeting and inviting you to yell out ideas for us to use in skits! We love to get teams to communicate and reconnect while sharing laughter. I am also a speaker who teaches you to find the fun in your day and reinforce the importance of making time to be with your friends. Stress is a choice, let's get together soon to learn how to avoid negative people and find the fun! That is my passion. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
September 29 - October 5, 2008
Mattine Gallentine, Owner
MG Computer Training and Consulting, Inc.
Seeing a lack of woman owned technology companies, Mattine
Gallentine started MG Computer Training and Consulting, Inc.
in 2000. She has focused on small to medium size businesses
that need computer assistance, but do not want a full time
computer person on staff.
By taking care of her customer's computer networking,
training, databases, and web sites, her customers are able
to focus on growing their businesses.
In return she has experienced double digit sales
growth in a down economy, and now has over 500 customers in
California, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey.
Mattine plays an active role in the communities she
works. She serves on
the NAWBO Board of Directors, the Downers Grove Chamber
Board of Directors, is a chair of a Chamber Women's Leads
Group, procured
36,000 meals for African Children on behalf of Rotary, and
has given speeches to local business on how they can get the
most out of their technology. That is why she is a Chic
Entrepreneur!
October 6 - 12, 2008
Kimberly
Wilson, Creative Director
Tranquil Space
Leading a mindfully extravagant life is my must-have daily
accessory. Starting a yoga studio in my living room nine
years ago, designing an eco-luxe clothing line, founding a
non-profit for women and girls, and producing a bi-weekly
podcast has allowed me to constantly express my creativity
in a mindful, yet extravagant way. My MA in Women's Studies
coupled with a BA in Psychology, 12 yoga teacher trainings,
and oodles of reading has allowed me to create a space for
women to shine their spirits, adorn their bodies, and make a
difference. My specifically chic strategy is to always
create a consistent experience for my clients - one that
nurtures their senses and provides a respite. That is why I
am a Chic Entrepreneur!
October 13 - 19, 2008
Jamye Barnes,
Interior Designer
Pink Pineapple Interiors
Jamye Barnes has combined her education, professional experience and love for design to open Pink Pineapple Interiors. After earning a Fashion Merchandising degree, Jamye pursued a rewarding career in many facets of the fashion industry including photo styling, and visual merchandising for major retailers. After 10 years of establishing herself in the industry Jamye knew it was time to step out on faith and pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. She focused her pursuit on her love of Interior Design and began the journey to cultivate her craft. That is why she is a Chic Entrepreneur!
October 20 - 26, 2008
Tami Rae Weiss, Muralist, Etcher, Graphic
Designer and Portrait Artist
Artworks by Tami
Making memories into art. From paintings and drawings of your loved ones, to etchings on headstones, to designs of birth announcements, to murals in the home or business, I can do it all. Artworks by Tami is a very personal business venture with the goal in mind to turn a memory into a beautiful and lasting work of art. I believe that I am the best artist in the area; notice that I don't merely say, "woman" artist. Further, I love to connect with costumers, to listen to what they want, and to exceed their expectations in the end. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
October 27 - November 2, 2008
Tracy Penwell,
President. & Feline-in-Charge
Dressed Up Cat "Fashion Re-Fashioned"
Don't you LOVE your handbags?
I do. It's
universal. When
we hear "That's a fabulous bag!" we have an immediate bond
with the speaker that crosses generations, demographics, and
geographies.
But in 2005 a nagging voice crept in to dampen that glow of
universal sisterhood:
"So what's FASHION doing about the environment?"
It wouldn't go away, and I knew that I had become an
"envi"; a fashionista worried about the environment.
And I had to do something.
November 3 - November 9, 2008
Stacey Hanke,
Educator, Author and Speaker
1st Impression Consulting, Inc.
Changing the way you
communicate forever! Stacey Hanke’s
area of expertise lies in offering practical skills and techniques that build
confidence and credibility into leadership, client relationships and our
personal lives.
She does this by helping individuals change their
communication behavior to maximize performance, improve results and build
relationships to win business.
November 10 - November 16, 2008
Rúna Magnúsdóttir,
Founder and CEO
Connected-Women.com
I've been running my own business for the past 20 years. Today, I work as an Executive Coach focusing on coaching women in businesses and women entrepreneurs. I founded Connected-Women.com to help women become more visible, promote themselves and achieve their professional goals. Connected-Women.com is a place for businesswomen and women entrepreneurs to promote their company, service or product, and reach out to millions of other women around the globe who are interested to connect with other businesswomen for a win-win result. My passion in life is to see people and particularly women grow and live a full and prosperous life. Let's work together - let's give a little knowledge to other women in order for them to glow and be successful. That is why I am a Chic Entrepreneur!
November 17 - November 23, 2008
Angie Noll,
Owner/Personal
Business Manager
www.noritaco.com
November 24 - November 30, 2008
Luisa Buehler,
President
www.thehiresolution.net
Only Good
People Make Companies Great!