Girl About O-Town

This week’s Cherry Pie networking event was a bona fide convention for the courageous. 

From those just starting up to the most seasoned pros, the evening was a celebration of the brave women who have ventured out on their own to develop a business.   The energy of these entrepreneurs was downright contagious, and the atmosphere at LAGO Bar & Grill most definitely alive with encouragement for those still considering the plunge.  

In a swank yet informal setting, women of all kinds met and mingled to make their pitches, share their successes, and learn from the experience.  The friendliness factor was high, the mood confident and the goodwill around the room completely genuine.  From cupcakes and chocolate to graphic design and gear for babies, a diversity of goods and services were on display.   And, as if a glamorous girl’s night out wasn’t enough incentive to go, there were plenty of goodies to sweeten the deal.

Make no mistake however, there is much more to Cherry Pie than glitz and giveaways.  Being in small business is often a true expression of one’s skills and talents, and can be a meaningful way for a woman to engage with the world and make a unique contribution.   But, starting a small business is also a big risk, both personally and financially.  Success takes a strong vision, a commitment to persist and tremendous self-discipline, so all women bold enough to give it a go should definitely be commended.

Sometimes I can be shy, but it wasn’t so at Cherry Pie.  I was instantly inspired to  inquire about so many of the interesting new endeavours, and enthusiastically included in every conversation I initiated.  This was one dynamic crowd, and a great way to end my day.

Here are a few of the enterprises new to me that I encountered along the way…

What was not to love about finding about good food, especially when The Flour Shoppe provided such sweet samples.  A welcome addition in a town where the demand often outstrips the supply, The Flour Shoppe is a delightful new cupcake bakery owned and operated by Melissa Somers.  Currently available for order online, these cute cupcake treats are a definitely dessert lover’s dream come true.

Speaking of treats, I had not yet heard of Koko Chocolates until I came across the work of local chocolatier Lori Sword.  Her lovely little bites, made with all natural ingredients and premium Belgian chocolate, are enough to make any girl giggle with glee.    Lori makes her artisan truffles all by herself in her kitchen at home, and takes orders over the Internet here.  Get some for yourself, or give them away as gifts.

Oh, and if there is anyone I know wondering what this girlaboutOtown might be wishing for during the upcoming giving season, why not consider a gift of time?  Here are a few slightly less than subtle hints. 

Chef Julie Broczkowski, owner of The Magic Fridge, provides fresh and healthy meals prepared right in your own home.  Long convinced I would probably eat better and stress less if I had the help of a personal chef service; I have yet to try it out.  Instead, I still travel to the store and toil over the stove, all while wishing I were doing something else!

Then, of course, there were The Everything Girls, ready, willing and able to help.  Run by Jen Sarumi, The Everything Girls can certainly save you time, particularly if you have very little to spare.  From environmentally friendly cleaning and personal errands to vacation planning or administrative staffing, this recently launched concierge service is ready to do just about everything to ensure a happy customer.

Images via The Flour Shoppe, Facebook, Koko Chocolates, The Magic Fridge and The Everything Girls.