Women's Initiative e-Newsletter

July 11, 2005

Hi , We hope you enjoy this newsletter and take advantage of the upcoming events. Feel free to forward our monthly e-newsletter to your friends.

L A T E S T   N E W S

KUDOS
Quela Mikell, owner of Royal Jewelz Loungewear, just opened a retail space in Oakland. The opening of the retail space marks an expansion of Quela’s design line; she will also make custom clothing and accessories. Quela was honored at last year’s gala with the Entrepreneur of the Year award for her vision and dedication to providing beautiful apparel from unique African fabrics. Visit Royal Jewelz Loungewear at 371 17th Street in Oakland and peruse the fantastic inventory of comfortable boxer shorts, long pants, dashikis, kimonos, and hooded Turkish towel bathrobes.

Alison Barakat, a Women’s Initiative graduate, recently acquired a storefront in Oakland’s Temescal District (5098 Telegraph at 51st) for her bakery business. Alison dons a blue wig to become Bakesale Betty and can be spotted on weekends at farmer’s markets around town. With a more permanent location it is easier to drop in and enjoy some of Bakesale Betty’s delicious offerings. Satiate your sweet tooth by visiting her new bakery or visit her online at www.bakesalebetty.com.

GRADUATES IN THE NEWS
Aisha Pew and Breonna Cole of Chocolate Baby Designs were featured in June’s Bay Area Business Women, a weekly issue of San Francisco Bay Guardian and in Girlfriends magazine. They recently held a sold-out fashion show at the Women’s Building in San Francisco where they showcased some of their new collection. Visit Chocolate Baby Designs online at www.chocolatebabydesigns.com.

The July issue of San Francisco magazine featured Women’s Initiative graduates Hope Meng and Melissa Alvarado and their business Stitch Lounge. They were mentioned in the magazine as the “Best of the Area” for a place to sew. Stitch Lounge recently celebrated its one year anniversary of operation in Hayes Valley. The Stitch Lounge is a unique place to learn to sew or to dream up and create a wardrobe that would make any fashionista jealous. Visit them online at www.stitchlounge.com.

WOMEN'S INITIATIVE GALA


Honoree Eunice Azzani, Wendy Paskin-Jordan, graduate Dee Khasidis, and Mary Huss
Women’s Initiative gala raised $250,000 to support our business training program for women entrepreneurs. The gala was truly a celebration of our diverse community of Women’s Initiative graduates – from the stunning Aztec dancers to the unique gifts crafted for guests by our graduates. There were as many new faces as familiar ones at the event, which made it a joy both to update and introduce guests to our organization. One highlight of the evening was Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi speaking about women leaders and mentioning that Women’s Initiative is a national model for business training! Another moment to be remembered was honoree Eunice Azzani and her grandson on stage receiving impromptu salsa lessons from Women’s Initiative graduate Tara Acevedo. If you were not able to attend the gala, please know that each of you are important to the women we serve. Every minute you take time to make a call, attend a meeting and give of yourself is an investment in a woman who will make amazing things happen in her community. The gala provided a moment of inspiration that will last throughout the year. We hope you consider joining us for upcoming celebratory events.

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT



Bobbi Williams

It only took two months for Bobbi William’s business, Maternity Xchange to start paying for itself. Maternity Xchange is a maternity clothing mobile retail unit, hosting weekend sales throughout the Bay Area and acting as a go-between for women with unwanted maternity clothing and expecting mothers looking for stylish clothing at affordable prices. Maternity Xchange also partners with local clothing designers, like Maximum Mama, to showcase their work. Now after only eight months of business ownership, Bobbi and her business partner and friend Pilar Schiabo have expanded their weekend sales to Sacramento.

While working in a children’s clothing store, Bobbi met many new and expecting mothers asking for reasonably priced places to shop for and sell maternity clothing. Realizing there might be opportunity; Bobbi went looking for information about business ownership and was referred to Women’s Initiative after visiting the Oakland SBA office. With a solid business idea and retail experience, Bobbi enrolled in the Simple Steps to Start and Grow your Small Business Course. “I think I’ve always wanted to be a business owner, but in the past I’ve had a hard time developing the confidence to ask for what I want and need for myself and for my life. I knew I had a lot of abilities and that I wanted something more for myself.” CLICK HERE TO READ MORE »

 


Events
 E V E N T S

Nurturing Salon Open House – a graduate-owned business
Sunday, July 17, 2005, 12noon-6pm at Nurturing Salon (1929 Lombard Street, San Francisco). Kim Le is a massage therapist and the owner of Nurturing Salon with a storefront in San Francisco’s Marina district. Nurturing Salon offers manicures and pedicures, ammonia-free hair processing, makeup and skin care products, and one-of-a-kind jewelry designs. Stop by for a nurturing afternoon! Call (415) 673-2872 or visit www.nurturingsalon.com for more information.

Profound Things Happen When Women Gather
Perris McKnight, a Women’s Initiative graduate, and founder of Profound Things Happen When Women Gather, a event series to motivate the hearts and minds of Bay Area residents, presents motivational speaker Brenda Knight. Join the luncheon series on Saturday, July 23, 10am at Linen Life Gallery (6635 Hollis Street in Emeryville). Featured speaker Brenda Knight will address "Capturing our dreams and how women make it happen." Tickets are $39, which includes luncheon and gift bag. To reserve a seat and for more details, contact Perris McKnight, at (510) 845-3134 or eventressperris@hotmail.com.

Women’s Initiative Graduations
You're invited! In June we graduated over 80 women from our program ALAS, our business training program conducted in Spanish. These recent graduates have started businesses ranging from pet grooming to wedding planning. Come meet a few of our upcoming graduates, learn more about our programs and celebrate women entrepreneurs at this upcoming ceremony.
Simple Steps
July 28, 2005
6:30 to 8:00 pm
OSCS Entrepreneurial Training Center (SBA)
519 17th St. (at Telegraph), Ste. 200
Oakland

UPCOMING
Women’s Initiative hosts a graduate business conference in October. Mark your calendars to participate in Taking Flight with Your Business on October 21, 2005 from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Marriot. The event will be an opportunity for graduates to network with other businesses and vendors, and to get in-depth training on topics ranging from incorporating technology to business promotion. We are looking for volunteers, business experts, and event sponsors. If you are interested in any of these opportunities or would like more information about the event, please contact Heather Haxo Phillips at hphillips@womensinitiative.org.

DID YOU KNOW? According to the Center for Women’s Business Research women entrepreneurs are more prepared to take risks when investing for their business. “Approximately one in five (21%) were willing to take substantial risks, while 45% reported that they were willing to take above average financial risks when expecting above average returns” (Center for Women’s Business Research).