Motherhood is a source of inspiration and strength for many, shaping not only families but also businesses and careers. In this special feature, we celebrate the incredible influence of mothers through the stories of 37 remarkable individuals. From Inessa and Alina Vike, who turned their passion for beauty into a successful business with VIKE Beauty, to Melissa Mor, who created Mrs. Push to celebrate the journey of motherhood with meaningful jewelry, each story highlights the profound impact of maternal support and guidance.
We hear from Hillarie Kay, whose mother’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit helped her navigate the challenges of business, and Rachel Cederbaum, whose mother’s example of determination and strength inspired her to start her own tutoring company. Larry Namer, founder of E! Entertainment, shares how his mother’s values and humility have guided him in foreign markets, while Katie Zamarra honors her mother’s quiet strength and dedication that influenced her path to success.
These stories, among many others, illustrate the diverse ways mothers have shaped their children’s lives, fostering the qualities of perseverance, compassion, and ambition. From navigating new countries and industries to balancing family and career, these individuals draw strength from their mothers’ lessons, creating a legacy of inspiration and achievement.
It is all too easy at any time to take our mothers and mother figures for granted. How on earth did they find time to support us in so many ways? Some of us had courageous mothers, fierce mothers, sweet mothers, but all of us had imperfect mothers.
Those of us who choose to be mothers or mother figures are also imperfect and we know it all too well. In the face of our own imperfection, perhaps even because of that imperfection, please join us in celebrating the power of motherhood and the extraordinary women and maternal figures who have influenced the paths of these entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators.
Our stories are a testament to the enduring impact of a mother’s love and support, even when imperfect, reminding us of the invaluable role mothers and mother figures play in shaping our futures.
Inessa Vike & Alina Vike — VIKE Beauty
Our mom has been the backbone of our journey from the very beginning. When she brought us here from Belarus at the age of two, she laid the foundation for the ambitious path we would embark upon.
Originally from Belarus, my twin sister Alina and I came to the U.S. when we were only two years old. Growing up, we were always close, sharing interests and dreams. We both pursued degrees in finance in college, driven by our ambition for business. However, during our college years, we discovered our mutual love for the beauty industry.
Around ten years ago, we decided to combine our passion for beauty with our entrepreneurial spirit and started a joint Instagram page. We began posting makeup and hair video tutorials, aiming to share our favorite tips and tricks with others who shared our passion.
In 2019, our hard work and dedication were recognized when we were honored with the prestigious CEW X Preen.Me Rising Influencer Beauty Award. It was an incredible moment for us, affirming our commitment to the beauty community.
But we didn’t stop there. That same year, we decided to take our passion to the next level and turn it into a business. Thus, VIKE Beauty was born. Our journey wasn’t easy, but our determination and love for what we do kept us going.
Our flagship product, the first-ever Makeup Removal Spray with skincare benefits, was a result of our desire to innovate and provide solutions for common beauty problems. It wasn’t just about removing makeup; it was about caring for your skin at the same time.
Since then, VIKE Beauty has gained recognition far and wide. Our product has been featured in renowned publications like Vogue UK, and we’ve partnered with subscription boxes like Boxycharm and IPSY, as well as FabFitFun.
We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what the future holds. We’re committed to continuing to innovate and provide products that make a positive difference in people’s routines.” “Our mom has been the backbone of our journey from the very beginning. When she brought us here from Belarus at the age of two, she laid the foundation for the ambitious path we would embark upon. Her support and love have been our guiding lights, especially as we ventured into the beauty industry with our business in 2019.
From the moment we shared our dreams of starting VIKE Beauty with her, she became our biggest advocate. Her encouragement knew no bounds. Whenever doubt crept in, she was there with words of reassurance, reminding us of our potential. Her unwavering belief in our abilities gave us the courage to pursue our dreams with passion and determination.
But her support didn’t stop at words. Mom’s actions spoke volumes. As we navigated the challenges of launching and growing our business, she was right there beside us every step of the way. She attended every trade show, listening intently to our pitches and cheering us on. Her presence at these events was a source of comfort and strength, a reminder that we were never alone in this journey.
Moreover, she made it a point to listen to every podcast interview we were featured in. Her enthusiasm for our accomplishments knew no bounds, and her pride in our achievements. Her willingness to engage with our work on such a personal level meant the world to us.
Mom’s unwavering support and love have been the cornerstone of our success. Her belief in us has fueled our passion and kept us going, even when faced with obstacles. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives and the invaluable role she plays in our journey. With her by our side, we know that anything is possible.
Melissa Mor, Mrs. Push
I’m Melissa Mor, the Founder of Mrs. Push, an online destination for push presents and meaningful mom fine jewelry. At Mrs. Push, our mission is to provide mothers with timeless pieces that honor their unique journey and serve as cherished reminders of the love and devotion that accompany parenthood. From elegant birthstone rings to personalized necklaces and bracelets, each piece in our collection is meticulously crafted to capture the beauty and essence of motherhood.
As a mother myself, I am deeply passionate about creating jewelry that resonates with the hearts of mothers everywhere. I believe that every mother deserves to be celebrated and adorned with jewelry that reflects her strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family. I want to pass down only the most meaningul & quality pieces to my children.
I grew up celebrating every occasion with jewelry, something to last a lifetime. After the birth of my 1st child, I was overwhelmed with this idea of a “push present.” My husband had never heard of it, yet I knew I needed to commemorate this special time with jewelry. Going on a frantic search- I couldn’t find anything that was “special enough.” My husband decided to give me money to save for once I found THE gift. But that never happened. I still was overwhelmed. Fast foward to baby number #3 & I had that “aha” moment. Why wasn’t there a one-stop-shop for push presents? Jewelers specialized in bridal, but becoming a parent is just as monumental! That’s when I decided to embark on a mission to ensure every mom knows she deserves a push present, whether it’s jewelry or something else entirely. It’s all about creating memories that you can look back on with a smile.” “I was fortunate to grow up in a family where milestones were commemorated with jewelry. My mom instilled in me the value of investing in pieces that would stand the test of time, pieces that I could one day pass down to my own children. While it’s tempting to chase after the latest trends, there’s something truly special about investing in fine jewelry — it becomes a part of your story, a tangible reminder of cherished memories.
I fondly remember being allowed to wear fine jewelry from a young age and playing in my mom’s jewelry box. Now, I see my own daughters doing the same, eagerly exploring the treasures within. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, a tradition that holds so much sentimental value for me.
For a long time, I knew I wanted to start a business, but I wasn’t quite sure what direction to take. It wasn’t until I realized the significance of a push present that everything clicked into place. Suddenly, I knew that this was my purpose — to empower other moms to make smarter purchases, to choose jewelry with long-lasting memories in mind, just as my mom had taught me.
So, with that clarity, I set out on a mission to create Mrs. Push, a haven for moms seeking meaningful jewelry to celebrate their journey through motherhood. It’s not just about the jewelry itself; it’s about the stories it holds, the memories it symbolizes, and the love it represents. Because of my moms values, I hope to inspire other moms to invest in pieces that will become treasured heirlooms for generations to come.”
Hillarie Kay, Hillarie Kay Coaching & Consulting
I’m Hillarie Kay, an Enneagram Informed Coach, Consultant, and the Author of “The Burnout Recovery System.” With a dedicated passion for supporting high-achieving business owners, corporate executives, and teams, my mission is to help high-achievers mitigate burnout while enhancing communication and performance. I’m a third-generation business owner, former marketing executive and digital marketing agency owner. Transitioning from the marketing industry in 2020, I have since made significance contributions in the coaching and consulting space serving clients ranging from tech start-ups to Fortune 100 industry giants.
When I’m not coaching or training, I spend time with my husband, two sons and three step-sons, while splitting my time between Southeast Missouri and the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. I’m obsessed with the 60s and 70s and you can often find me thrifting at antique shops and browsing record stores.” “My journey in business has been deeply influenced by the unwavering support and guidance of my mom. As a third-generation business owner, I’ve always been proud of my family’s entrepreneurial legacy.
Despite her unfulfilled dream of becoming a nurse practitioner, my mom refused to compromise her passion for the medical field. Instead, she embarked on her own entrepreneurial venture, establishing a medical transcription company in the 1990s while being mom of 2 toddlers. Through her dedication and hard work, she transformed it into a thriving business with multiple employees.
What sets my mom apart is her unwavering belief in pursuing dreams. She instilled in me the belief that no dream is too big to chase.
Growing up, every morning before I got out of the car for school she repeated the phrase, “Carpe Diem. Make good choices.”
Despite facing numerous challenges, including the most recent one of becoming the primary caregiver for my father who battles early onset Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, she never lost sight of her aspirations. While being a caregiver, and starting a new pottery company (yes, she has multiple talents!), she recently completed her degree in Healthcare Administration.
Her resilience and creativity continue to inspire me daily. As I prepare for one of the most significant training sessions of my career, I’m reminded of her incredible journey and the invaluable lessons she’s taught me. To honor her spirit, the attendees will receive handcrafted leave-behinds crafted by my mom herself from her current entrepreneurial venture in pottery.
My success in business is not just a reflection of my own efforts, but a testament to the unwavering support and example of my mom. I am immensely grateful to have her as my biggest encouragement, guiding me as I navigate the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
No dream is too big.
Rachel Cederbaum, Gold Signature Writers LLC
I am the owner and lead academic coach of Gold Signature Writers LLC, an academic and enrichment tutoring company for students within the DMV. I taught high school English for 12 years before starting my tutoring practice. After leaving the classroom, I decided to grow and scale my company. I now have a team of over 40 educators, and we serve students in all subject areas from grades K-12. I am passionate about providing individualized instruction to empower each child to gain academic confidence. We also run several fun and engaging after school enrichment classes such as reading and movement class and a Taylor Swift Creative Writing class. I currently reside in Potomac Maryland with my husband and three children.
My mother, over the course of her professional life, has been an elite marathon runner, executive director of a historical society, grant writer, nonprofit director, and marketing genius, to name a few roles. From a young age, I watched her create connections, get anything and everything donated to support a cause, and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for her organization. Somehow, she did this while raising three children and dedicating countless hours to her active lifestyle and competitive athletic career. Perhaps the most resilience and dedication I witnessed was when her cancer spread to her bones and skull a few months before my wedding. While I was angry at the time that she did not allow me to join her at her chemo appointments, I now realize it is because she is endlessly determined and strong and only wanted me to see her that way. My mother helped me become successful in my business since she modeled for me what it looks like to be resilient, ambitious, and brave. These character traits were passed down to me and have allowed me to doggedly pursue my dream of owning my own business. She taught me how to put myself first-even as a mother-so I have something left to give to my husband and my three children. I don’t think I would have started my own tutoring practice if I haven’t seen what is possible through grit and determination (and a whole lot of love).
Larry Namer LJNMedia
I am the founder of E! Entertainment TV and several other media companies around the world. Besides E! Now in over 140 countries I have started successful media companies in Russia ad now China. Both of those created content and events specifically geared to local audiences.
People ask how is it possible for an American to thrive in these very tricky markets but my answer is quite simple. My mother instilled in me certain values and humility that allow me to function in foreign lands and cultures. When I would visit my mom in Florida and stay at her house sometimes I would say “ tonight let’s do Italian food at 8 pm” . Her response was no it’s deli at 530. When I objected and said I don’t eat at 530 she reminded me I’m a guest in her home and if I don’t like the rules I need to go somewhere else. When I’m in another country I am not there to change their rules or customs. I’m a guest just like in my mom’s home
Katie Zamarra, Venue Communications
Hi- I’m Katie Zamarra, the principal at Venue Communications, an east coast-west coast agency focused on creative communications for community lifestyle industries and placemaking. My background includes 25 years in communications and marketing successfully working with a range of clients from global CEOs, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, city officials, tourism bureaus, and hospitality leaders. After living in Manhattan for 22 years, my family relocated to Park City, Utah. With many professional milestones, my greatest life achievements are my two children, Ellie and Edward and husband of 18 years, Galen Zamarra. I was taught the values of family from the most dedicated parents who have always been there for guidance and support. For this Mother’s Day feature, I’d like to tell you more about how my mother influenced my path to success as an entrepreneur.
Meet Mary Lou Callahan, my mother, a woman of quiet strength and dedication to our family and her former profession as an elementary school teacher for 36 years. Despite a challenging upbringing, she prioritized our family of five and her countless students above all else. She consistently led by subtle example, pouring her heart and soul into nurturing young minds, and creating a solid family home for us. I learned invaluable lessons from her by simply observing her quiet demeanor and selflessness.
My mother taught me so much by example without uttering a word. She never looks for praise. Her patience and resilience, particularly in tough times, is an inspiration to all of us who know her. I was not an easy teenager to say the least!
As her child, I’ve gradually come to realize the profound impact of her example, especially now as I navigate parenthood myself. I believe her work ethic, both in her profession and for our family, is where my internal driving force to be successful in both my personal and business life comes from.
She is more than the roles of a teacher and a parent; she has been a guiding force, shaping her next generation through her quiet strength and patience. While I may never possess her level of patience, I am constantly reminded of this trait and strive to be a little bit better every day. Cheers to Mary Lou, aka Honey, and all the wonderful mothers out there who shape our lives daily!
Paige Arnof-Fenn, Mavens & Moguls
My name is Paige Arnof-Fenn, and I am the founder & CEO of the global marketing and branding firm Mavens & Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. My clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups, as well as non-profit organizations. I graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. I serve on several boards and am a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
My company’s mission is to bring world class marketing talent and expertise to organizations that want to make a difference in the world regardless of size or budget. We believe every organization deserves the right words and pictures to tell their story in compelling ways. We are storytellers and content creators who help our clients increase their visibility to create interest for their products and services.” “My senior year in high school I met with the Guidance Counselor to discuss where I wanted to apply to college and he said I was shooting too high and needed more backup schools which was very discouraging. I told my mother that night and she encouraged me to apply the schools I wanted and not to listen to him. I decided right then I would not let anyone even a person with credentials define my potential in life. Well my mom was right, it was not up to him. I went to Stanford for college and Harvard Business School and every time my mother ran into that man until she died she would make sure to remind him who she was (“so nice to see you, I’m Paige’s mom remember her she went to Stanford & Harvard and she loved them did great and even joined the boards of both schools”). I grew up in the Deep South and my mother taught me to think big and follow my dreams and just kill people like that with kindness and not let them get me down. My mom also warned me that there will be people in my path in school or jobs trying to distract or discourage me but I should just ignore them and I could do anything I wanted to in life if I put my mind to it and worked hard. I still remind myself of this all the time. I just told a high school senior (friend’s kid) the same advice recently in fact.
My mom taught me early on to not stop just because someone says no. That is such an important part of being an entrepreneur and has benefitted me and. my business very well. That Guidance Counselor was a precursor of many bosses and tough people I had to deal with in my career and they taught me the importance of persistence and determination.
Lucie Voves, Church Hill Classics
I’m the CEO & Founder of Church Hill Classics, a certified woman-owned business that’s known online as diplomaframe.com. For more than 30 years, my company has been handcrafting officially licensed frames for thousands of colleges and universities, professional associations, honor societies, the U.S. Military, and corporate clients. We’re also the exclusive awards vendor for the Inc. 5000, Female Founders, and Enterprising Women of the Year. I’m one of only nine female founders to have received the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies Award on 12 separate occasions and the first woman in Union Savings Bank’s 154-year history to be named Chair of the Board of Trustees. I’m a strong proponent of the WBENC’s Buy Women Owned initiatives and believe in giving back to success-driven students through college mentoring programs and my annual Frame My Future Scholarship Contest.
My mom worked in the juvenile court system and later in private practice as a therapist, establishing her own business at a time when few women did. She was always self-sufficient, and I grew up in a household where that was simply the norm — Mom loved her work, so I expected that I would too. I always knew growing up that she gained a lot of enjoyment and fulfillment from working, and she took great pride in her education. One of the things I remember was, at about age 9, she taught me how to balance her checkbook. I remember sitting on the floor or at a table with her teaching me how to do it. Then, each month, I enjoyed the responsibility and earning a little spending money. She always encouraged me that I could do anything I wanted to, and when I had ideas, like a lemonade stand or a car wash, she encouraged me — but she let me figure out how to make it happen. When I was a bit older, she would hire me to cook dinner a couple of days a week, which I enjoyed — and the bonus was that I learned to cook.
My mom always challenged me to be my best, and most importantly she believed in me and helped me build confidence that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind out to do. Today, I feel very fortunate to be the 100% owner of my business, to have had the great privilege of working with fantastic people to bring the company to where it is today, and to have been able to do this while raising a young family. My Mother was my role model because she showed me that I did not have to trade off between my professional goals and a family life — I enjoy both facets of my life, and I do my best to fully focus on “where I am” at the time. I know that I am a better parent myself because of the values my mother projected to me as a child, and I know that I am a better business leader because of the confidence that she instilled in me — and the confidence that she demonstrated as a business-owner, writer, and public figure in her own area of expertise.”
John Verrico — Share Your Fire, LLC
An under-sized youth often victimized by bullies, I gained hope and strength from classic monster movies where I learned that even the little guy could win with a touch of confidence, self-awareness, communication, and a well-lit torch. I learned that confidence from my mother, who taught me to be bold and never overlook injustice and was encouraged by my father to experience everything life has to offer and learn something new every day. Taking these lessons to heart, I evolved from a shy kid afraid of bullies, to an international speaker and coach emphasizing the importance of our motivational TORCH (Trust, Opportunity, Respect, Communication, and Humanity) and sharing its light with others. Before founding Share Your Fire, LLC, I initially dabbled in many different career fields, gaining a broad variety of experience as an electronics technician, journalist, janitor, actor, cook, consultant, and even a disco dance instructor. I ultimately served in the Navy and retired as a Master Chief Journalist, served as president of the National Association of Government Communicators, and spent more than 42 years as a public affairs professional in government and military organizations. I earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Norwich University and a bachelor’s in communication from the University of the State of New York. Now, as an internationally recognized expert in media, community, and employee relations, I provide workshops and coaching on motivational leadership, communication, resilience, and balance When not helping others become great achievers, I can be found rummaging through yard sales, thrift stores and vintage shops searching for classic monster movie memorabilia as reminders of those early lessons. A local newspaper once referred to my collection as my demented mancave.
The two greatest lessons I learned from mom were — “bring joy to those around you” and “speak up if you see something wrong.” These were not only great life lessons but helped me throughout my career and into successful entrepreneurship as a speaker and coach.
When she passed away at age 85, mom was still bringing joy to people, performing as a singer and dancer with her 75-year-old husband (yep, she was a cougar — lol). They were the entertainment favorites in dozens of senior centers southern New Jersey.
Barbara Giannantonio (nee Scala) loved to entertain. As a child she performed with grandpa in Vaudeville, and prior to marrying in the early 1950s, she danced with the Rockettes and the June Taylor dancers. She put it all aside for many years to raise a family but kept going back to entertaining.
During my high school years, mom began helping local charity organizations put on talent and fashion shows, dusting off her own old tap shoes from time to time. At 70, she began performing again in earnest, singing and dancing with her third husband and was actively performing right up until she passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer surgery.
Mom is remembered for the light she brought into a room, the entertainment she provided and the way she made people feel in those moments.
But that certainly didn’t stop her from pointing out when things were awry. If she saw injustice, unfairness, laziness, or indifference, she’d be the first to same something about it and try to correct it. How dare someone do anything to douse the light she worked so hard to ignite?
These lessons are the foundation of how I applied myself in life and in my career. Bring light to someone else’s darkness, and fight to keep that light burning. After a more than four-decade career in public and employee relations, I founded Share Your Fire, LLC, to help people share their motivational TORCH (Trust, Opportunity, Respect, Communication, and Humanity) with others.
Jake Munday Custom Neon
My entrepreneurial journey began whilst still at school. I wasn’t interested in academics and bookwork, but I was fascinated by business and finding ways to turn a profit, from buying and selling goods, to newspaper sales at a busy train station. I had my fingers in a lot of pies!
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, so I was set a great example. With over 15 years of experience in sales, business development, and entrepreneurship, I have a proven track record of transforming innovative ideas into profitable global enterprises.
My professional journey is characterized by a deep understanding of business development, social media marketing, operations, logistics, and a burning desire to succeed.
My entrepreneurial spirit was further ignited at the age of 23 when I acquired the “”Dog Lovers”” Facebook page. I rapidly grew its following from 440,000 to over 4 million, generating significant revenue through affiliate sales.
This success led to an acquisition by US investors, propelling me to expand my business endeavors further. This experience had me hooked on the world of e-commerce! In 2017, my entrepreneurial achievements were honored with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
The following year marked the beginning of my most successful venture to date, Custom Neon, which I co-founded with my wife, Jess Munday. What started with a modest $250 investment to fill a gap in the market has grown into a global business with annual revenues exceeding $11 million. Today, Custom Neon is renowned for its quality and innovation, providing custom signage for clients like Facebook HQ, The Olympics, Love Island, Paris Hilton, Elon Musk, Snoop Dog and many more.
A proud father of 3, I’m excited for what the future holds.” “
My journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur has been profoundly influenced by my Mom. From a young age, despite my struggles with school, my mom recognized and nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit. She never pushed the traditional education route, instead encouraging me to play to my strengths. This guidance and reassurance helped me foster strong self-worth and independence.
Growing up, church was a significant part of our family life, and provided a great platform to develop values, social skills, and a strong sense of community. My Mom encouraged me to engage in volunteer work, which helped build my confidence and network, which proved to be invaluable when starting my business’.
When I co-founded Custom Neon, with my wife Jess, my mother’s support was invaluable. Growth was rapid. We had initially started a small hire business, but custom orders were flying in! Mom, without question, stepped in to help. She oversaw the hire operations, which allowed us to focus on expanding the business into customized signage sales, Custom Neon is now a globally recognized brand and market leader. Her dedication, reliability, and passion, gave us freedom to innovate and push the boundaries of what the business could become.
My mother’s support extended into our personal life too, helping care for our newborn son, so we could work without distraction, even providing dinners and helping with chores, when she could see we were burning the candle at both ends. This love and support allowed us to balance the demands of a start-up business, whilst also finding our feet at parenting.
My Mom’s unwavering belief in my potential, her support of my businesses, and her role as grandmother doting on our 3 kids exemplify how deeply mothers can influence and shape their kids toward success. She is the perfect role model for the type of parent I strive to be.
Jennifer Eden, Tampon Tribe
I’m Jennifer Eden, the Co-Founder and CEO of Tampon Tribe, a company I passionately lead to revolutionize the period product industry with organic, plastic-free, and sustainable solutions. Born out of a desire to make a real impact on people’s health and our planet, I have nurtured Tampon Tribe from its inception, steering it to an omni-channel company prevalent across the country. Our commitment has not only driven growth but has also earned us international acclaim for our dedication to purity and sustainability.
My professional journey has been as diverse as it has been enriching, spanning several dynamic industries including news media, marketing, tech, and business development. This path took me from my native Australia to the vibrant markets of China where I successfully exited three businesses, and finally to Los Angeles where I found my true calling in environmental entrepreneurship.
At Tampon Tribe, we pride ourselves on our strict adherence to using only 100% organic cotton and completely eliminating plastic from our packaging and products. But our mission goes beyond products; we are fervent advocates for menstrual equity and are deeply engaged in initiatives aimed at improving access to period products for underprivileged communities, as well as active efforts to clean and reduce plastics from the environment.
Beyond the confines of business and environmental advocacy, I find joy and balance in life’s simpler pleasures. I am an avid pickleball player, a sport that not only challenges me physically but also enriches my community spirit. When not on the court, I cherish the moments spent savoring good food, fine wine, and lots of laughter. These personal joys complement my professional endeavors, each feeding into my overarching belief in the power of businesses to effect change and the importance of leading a life that’s both fulfilling and impactful.
My mother, Margaret, who arrived in Australia as a refugee, has been a monumental figure in my life and career. Her arrival on a refugee boat marked the beginning of a new era filled with challenges and opportunities. From her, I inherited a spirit of endurance and a belief in the possibility of renewal and growth against all odds.
Mum’s resilience in the face of adversity, her unwavering support, and her never-give-up attitude have been the cornerstone of my own resolve to succeed in a competitive industry. She taught me that the barriers we face are not limits, but invitations to push further and strive harder. Her life story fueled my ambition to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference.
At Tampon Tribe, we are committed to providing sustainable and healthy products, and this mission is inspired by the resourcefulness, value, and respect for health and the planet, that my mother instilled in me. Her lessons in persistence and quality products, have not only shaped me as a leader but also deeply influence how we build relationships and community ties through our business.
Mum’s influence extends beyond personal resilience; it permeates the very fabric of Tampon Tribe. Her principles of kindness and care for others reflect in every aspect of our operations. Her story reminds us daily that every small action can lead to substantial change, encouraging us to maintain high standards and innovate continuously.
Mum’s journey from a refugee to a pillar of strength as a teacher, business owner, and all-round go-getter, illustrates the profound impact of tenacity and drive. It is this same courage and persistence that drive Tampon Tribe to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on our world. Her enduring legacy is not just in the lessons she taught but in the lives she continues to inspire, including mine.
Alexis Pfropper, asthetik skincare
I am a licensed esthetician and permanent makeup artist based in Punta Gorda, Fla. I had an early passion for skincare and beauty, quickly developing a deep understanding of the transformative power of self-care.
After completing my formal training with the Beauty and Health Institute in 2019, I embarked on a mission to redefine the spa experience and launched ästhetik spa. Since then, I continue to expand my knowledge in skincare, spa therapies, and the science of pure skin™, attending advanced courses, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and breakthroughs.
At ästhetik Spa, I work with each client to curate personalized treatments that provide personalized care for their specific skin’s needs. With my extensive background in reflexology, ästhetik spa offers a range of treatments designed to uplift and inspire.
In 2020, after being unsatisfied with existing skincare products, I took the bold step of launching my own line, ästhetik skincare. Meticulously crafted, this clean, eco-friendly product line is a testament to my commitment to quality and effectiveness and incorporates cutting-edge, organic, kosher, biodegradable, fair trade, and natural ingredients that stay true to sustainable practices.
I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and promote self-esteem, wellness education and sustainability through local events and initiatives. Through mentorships I empowers aspiring estheticians and entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams in the beauty industry.
My journey has been shaped significantly by the unwavering support and guidance of my mom. From an early age, she instilled in me the values of perseverance, resilience, and hard work, laying the foundation for my entrepreneurial endeavors. Her constant encouragement and belief in my abilities fueled my determination to pursue my passions and overcome obstacles along the way.
As a role model, my mother taught me the importance of integrity, empathy, and compassion in both business and life. Her wisdom and guidance have been invaluable as I navigate the challenges and complexities of entrepreneurship. Whether offering practical advice, lending a listening ear, or simply being a source of unwavering encouragement, my mother has played an instrumental role in shaping my mindset and approach to business and life.
Her unconditional love and unwavering support have given me the confidence to take risks, pursue my dreams, and push beyond my comfort zone. She has taught me to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, to celebrate success with humility, and to always strive for excellence in everything I do.
I am endlessly grateful for the sacrifices my mom has made to help me achieve my goals. Her influence continues to inspire me every day, driving me to be the best version of myself and to make a positive impact in the world. I owe so much of my success to her, and I am forever grateful for the incredible gift of her love and guidance, and to call her my mom, business partner and best friend.
Nora Langknecht, FUN FACTORY
I am an EDSE certified sex educator and the brand & digital marketing manager for the pioneering sex toy brand FUN FACTORY. I have more than 12 years of experience in sex education and worked as a reproductive counselor and doula before starting in marketing. I am enthusiastic about the ways in which sex toys and expansive education can enhance our sexual lives. I started with FUN FACTORY in 2016, and have since earned my Master’s in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice from UBC.
With over a decade of experience in sex-ed, my passion for sexual wellness started as early as high school, which I attribute to growing up in a sex-positive family. I followed in the footsteps of my mother, Michelle Seely, who is a licensed therapist with more than two decades of experience, a supervisor and consultant, a published writer, and a mindfulness teacher dedicated to normalizing conversations around sexuality and helping people find solace, growth, and fulfillment in their lives. Her work in breaking stigmas and opening up conversations allowed me to find my own calling as an adult, which I’m grateful for.
Not everyone has the privilege of growing up with frank and open-minded discussions about sex. In fact, many people never get the opportunity to talk about their sexuality with their parents, but doing so can be such an empowering part of growing up and learning about your body in a healthy, non-judgemental way.
I was lucky in that I grew up in an extremely sex-positive environment, and that’s all thanks to my mother, who has always advocated for that. Resources are everything, and I grew up with plenty of them. In this safe space, I was given the freedom and resources to learn about pleasure which didn’t only shape my personal views on sex but had a major impact on my career choice later on in life. Now, advocating for the sexuality of others runs in the family! There are so many talented women in our industry, and being able to work alongside them with my mother while continuing to break taboos and show people how to embrace desire without shame is the biggest win for me.
Dr. James Chitwood, Performance Culture Expert
I am an Army Infantry veteran, a former university and college president, professor, and administrator. I have taught leadership, operations, strategic change management, organizational behavior, organizational communications, and nonprofit leadership courses. I am a husband and father who considers my family the most important accomplishment I continually strive to achieve and be worthy of.
I spent over two decades in higher education as an administrator focused on creating the most positive outcomes for every stakeholder. I believe that doing good produces good results. I have experience in the start-up space, have turned around multiple operations, and have worked in the education technology space.
I have recently written a book based upon my doctoral research and experience, in the army as well the for-profit and non-profit education sector. My doctoral research centered on the relationship of leadership style, employee satisfaction, and productivity in a sales environment. I used this knowledge to create a model for organizational performance and start a consulting business dedicated to creating environments where employees thrive. My book, Leadership is Not Enough — An Operator’s Guide to a Performance Culture, explains my model and philosophy that while leadership is important, the operating environment is what produces sustainable results for organizations.
My mother is the reason I was not raised in a foster home. Yes, she left us four kids there. And yes, she came back to pick us up. I learned from my mom that nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and do the work necessary. I’ve overcome drug addiction, sexual assault, and general feelings of hopelessness. The best piece of advice she ever gave me was that we can get through anything if we know when it ends. I now am 53, in good physical and mental shape, have a Ph.D. and other college degrees, 2 kids in college, a loving wife of 27 years, and have recently written a book titled “Leadership is Not Enough”. I never would have had the courage to jump off the cliff of career safety if it were not for the lessons I learned from my mom.
Emily Ley, Simplified
Over the last nearly twenty years I’ve been building, writing, designing, and creating tools to remind people they’re wonderful and worthy exactly as they are. I’m the founder of Simplified, a lifestyle brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women. When my oldest son was born, I found myself in love with my new role as a mother and my role as a businesswoman. And yet, it was overwhelming (to say the least) trying to manage both. Armed with a sharpie and a binder, I set out to create the best, simplest planner out there: a catch-all that was both beautiful and functional — and truly made my busy life simpler. With that, the Simplified Planner and Simplified brand were born. And since then, we’ve branched out into instructional, inspirational books and other lifestyle products.
I’m now a mom to three and lead a team of ten women, each deeply dedicated to the products we create and the community they serve.
I’m also the author of ten bestselling books including Grace Not Perfection, Near in the Night and my upcoming children’s book, You’ll Always Have a Friend, that reassures kids that it’s normal to feel left out and encourages them to take the lead making new friends.
I live in Pensacola, Florida with my husband, Bryan and three children, Brady, Tyler and Caroline. You can follow me on Instagram at @emilyley and read thoughts on Real life, motherhood, creative business, and more on my substack, https://emilyley.substack.com/
When I was growing up, I watched my mom work. She was an elementary school teacher. I saw how hard she worked and how much she cared for her students.My mom never hid her work from us. And if she had any guilt about being a career woman and a mom, I never noticed. When I watched her work, I saw a path for my own life stretching in front of me. Because in her I saw that a woman could be a dedicated worker and a passionate mother — both things could be true.
Just like my mom taught me, I want my kids to know it’s possible for them to build a life they love.
I remember the day I handed in my two-weeks’ notice at my last office job before I went full-time on the company I founded, Simplified. I was so nervous; a steady paycheck sounds pretty boring until your income for the next month isn’t guaranteed.
But underneath the nerves, I was so excited to take a chance on myself and build something that aligned with the values and dreams I had for myself. I always dreamed of being be a mom, and I wanted a job that could support that dream with flexibility. A bonus would be working alongside a team of women who felt the same way I did, who wanted to create beautiful things with me to help other busy women build lives they love, too.
I am living my dream, both with a family and a job I love, a combination of hard work, privilege, and luck. And I want my kids to see their mom doing something she loves every single day. I want them to watch their mom find joy in hard work, in building community with her teammates, and in dreaming up ways to help others find joy and calm in their own lives (one of the reasons I wrote my new kids book, You’ll Always Have a Friend).
I want them to watch these things because I want them to have these things for themselves. I want them to see these things are possible for a person — a woman — who believes in herself, her teammates, and their hard work and creativity.
Leslie Bishop, 5WPR
I am Managing Partner and EVP of Global Strategy at 5WPR overseeing the agency’s Lifestyle division. With a career spanning 20 years in strategic communications roles, I am a firm believer that brands have the potential to become icons when strategic insights are leveraged to tell powerful stories.
With a proven ability to develop high-level strategy for brands and organizations, I lead a team of creatives, strategists, and media experts on campaigns for clients across sectors including lifestyle, travel/hospitality, entertainment, and fashion/retail. As the agency’s head of Global Strategy, I also lead the strategic planning, insights, research, and measurement that informs integrated creative communications campaigns.
I have developed and implemented communications programming for globally recognized brands that drive and inform culture including G-Shock, Kangol, BET, KITH, Dr. Martens, Target, Sparkling Ice, Converse, Coca-Cola, Revolt, Microsoft, and Uniqlo.
I live in Brooklyn, NY with my husband and three children.” “My mom was raised in the small town of Galien, Michigan, where she could have settled and had a quiet life. But her dreams were bigger. When she met my dad, they moved to Canada, where she started as a secretary and ascended to become a successful executive assistant. She was so proud of her accomplishments and adamant about instilling in me the belief that my dreams were worth chasing.
Her support was my anchor as I pursued my dreams. From studying in London to moving to New York, she was by my side, exuding confidence even when I knew she must have been worried. Her simple mantra, “Do It To It, Les,” echoed in my ears, pushing me forward with every challenge I faced.
Losing her three months ago has left a void that words cannot fill. But her legacy of resilience and belief in the power of determination lives on in me. As I navigate motherhood, I draw strength from her example, striving to be the kind of mom who instills courage and empowers her kids to chase their dreams.
In celebrating Mother’s Day, I honor not just the memory of my mom but also the countless caretakers who shape the leaders of tomorrow. Their sacrifices, wisdom, and unwavering love are the shoulders on which our success is built.
As I reflect on my career journey, I am reminded that behind most successful individuals is a mom who believed. My story is a testament to the influence my mother had in shaping not just my professional path but who I am. To all the moms who dare to dream, who believe in their kids, and who embody the spirit of resilience, Do it to it.
Jonathan Stacey, Altitude B2B Consultants
Hello, my name is Jonathan Stacey and I am the CEO of Altitude B2B Consultants in Toronto, Canada. I have worked 10+ years in the corporate sector at large banks here in Canada. Overall, I was like many people during the pandemic who quit their jobs in the hopes of making a more balanced work-life reality. This was also the start of my entrepreneurial adventure in which I was dreaming of for years now.
Currently my consulting business is working with small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada and the US in helping them enhance their online digital presence through website and SEO optimizations. We have grown rapidly in 2 years as we have focused on clients needs and issues, becoming part of their team. Not only have we helped clients in the digital online space, but we have helped over 150 businesses through digital transformations, grant writing and now SEO services. Our accomplishments have really been the success of our clients and helping these small businesses grow with actionable insights and a return on investment that they can clearly see and articulate.
It has been a personal journey for myself making this leap out of corporate life, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the confidence my parents have instilled upon me. My mom has always worked hard while I was growing up. Both her and my dad would travel across Toronto in traffic everyday for work and sometimes it would take them 2 hours to get home on days with bad weather. My mom was always an IT contractor and would move from one job to another constantly based on their demand for the programming language she knew. Even after a long day of work, she would make us dinner, deal with house chores and always made sure we got our homework done. On most nights both my brother and I played hockey, usually 4–6 times per week where my parents would have to split who takes who to hockey games or practices. It was a dedication to their children that only a parent would have. During the weekends we would usually get out of the city by going to a cottage, camping or picnic somewhere.
Her hard work and dedication growing up made me and my brother the people we are now who always strive to be better in life. I want to let her know that I appreciate the sacrifices she made for me, and I thank her for everything she has done to raise her family. Happy Mother’s Day.
Nina Farzin, oogiebear
I am the founder and CEO of oogiebear. I built oogiebear from the ground up, as a mother looking for a safe and comfortable solution for my own babies. I am responsible for company management, product design and development, and brand marketing. I founded oogiebear in 2015. Sales increased quickly as we started selling in major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom, Target, babylist, BuyBuyBaby, FSA, HEB, Vitacost.
I worked in the medical field for over 20 years at pharmaceutical leader American Regent. My performance contributed to strong financial wins and both company and personal awards. I pride myself on being a savvy communicator, strong salesperson, strategic innovator, expert negotiator, and thoughtful inventor. Through my work and professional experiences, I’ve gained confidence, skills, and understanding that largely influence how I manage oogiebear today.
I am a graduate of Howard University with a Pharm. D. I spend much of my free time with my husband Sina and our three children, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and traveling. We prioritize family moments and making them memorable.
I was raised by my mother who hardly spoke English but found work and supported her children. Thanks to her, I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice.
Because of political turmoil between the United States and my home country, my father was forced away from his family in the U.S. My mother was left to take care of her children and my grandmother with no financial support, no community, and no family to help. That is a lot for any one person to handle, and my mom could have chosen to give up. Instead, she used her nursing experience to secure a job and put food on the table. She guided all of us through that monumental transition, learning a new language and navigating a foreign culture.
I often think about what my mother really did for my family. She did so much more than keep me alive — she taught me. She showed me what resilience looks like, and how to persevere even when life isn’t fair. Through my mom, I came to believe that hard work and sacrifice are the keys to achieving big dreams.
I use my mom’s example of bravery and resourcefulness often in my business ventures. When I had the idea for oogiebear and realized it could grow into something amazing, I knew I needed to take that leap. As the business grew, I knew I should save and reinvest the money I made back into the business to help it grow, much like my mother invested everything in her children.”
Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster, Co-Founder, LEIDOSWEL
I am Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster! I am a tigress for change, igniting transformation in leaders, teams, and organizations through solutions-focused coaching, mentoring, and consulting. I am the Co-Founder of LEIDOSWEL, and I am on a mission to revolutionize leadership and empower individuals to thrive. I am driven by my passion for creating healthy and inclusive workplace cultures that foster employee engagement, workforce sustainability, and equitable outcomes for all individuals.
My career spans over 20 years in formal leadership roles and consists of local to national-level programs, projects, and movements across the lifespan and various industries. I am a lifelong learner and explorer. My degree concentrations are in community health, organizational management, and leadership. I have also achieved multiple certifications in coaching, JEDI, project management, health education, and healing circles. One of my greatest joys is mentorship.
I work with leaders to assess their organization’s culture, identify successes and barriers, and develop a tailored journey of action that results in sustainable transformation and thriving. My vision is bold leaders equipped with the resources and confidence to drive positive change at every level — from individual and community to organizational and systems-level transformations.
I am extremely grateful to have two Moms who have selflessly poured into me and contributed significantly to my life and career. They have modeled kindness, empathy, forgiveness, perseverance, and love through their words and actions. These characteristics and ways of being have contributed to my approach to leading myself and my team. There is often a covert and sometimes spoken guidance that comes with being a leader or being mentored to lead. It tells us that we must be stern, perfect, and an expert of all things. For some, leadership solely means dictating work to others. This type of leadership often results in forced, fearful, and disengaged followers.
When I accepted my first formal leadership role, my Mom advised me to always remember my team. That message has resonated with me throughout my career. It has encouraged me to view leadership as a privilege and delicate gift. It has taught me to seek guidance from God. It has taught me to see the human beings behind the work. It has taught me the importance of shared vision, voice, and power. It has taught me to view leadership as an experience that can positively and negatively impact the lives of others. It has taught me personal responsibility and accountability. It has taught me to strive to make significantly more positive than negative deposits. It has taught me to stand in my truths and take risks to advocate for right, even when it feels uncomfortable and lonely. It has encouraged me to immerse myself in lifelong learning and continuous self-reflection to be a leader that people freely choose to follow. My Moms have taught me to lean into my authentic self and believe in my power to cultivate positive change in the workplace, communities, and world.
Jennifer Schenberg Olszewski
I am Founder and Chief Talker of PenVine, a public relations firm that helps established and early stage businesses build strong brands and shareholder value. I’ve been featured in Forbes Woman, ABC’s 20/20, USA Today, Crain’s NY and the Philadelphia Business Journal, talking about leadership, business and work-life balance. When not working, I enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending time with my family. “At a very young age, my mother instilled the confidence, values and work ethic that made me who I am today. She always put me first, and moved mountains to ensure I had opportunities to grow and thrive. She taught me to embrace diversity, be tolerant and open, and address conflict with empathy and compassion. She also taught me about structure and discipline and how satisfying it is when hard work pays off. She believed in me and encouraged me to be the best I could be at everything I did. I may not have appreciated it then, but I do now, and I try to foster that same confidence, passion, and drive in my daughters.
When I struggled, she found tutors. She helped me turn weaknesses into strengths and taught me to never give up. I was a competitive flute player and she worked double shifts to pay for my weekly lessons. I was also a competitive runner. Being an athlete means following a regiment, and mine was grueling, but the results motivated me to work harder. Driving me to and from private coaching, flying me to track meets, and encouraging me to work harder every day helped me set records and attract college scouts.
Her encouragement helped me believe in myself, so fully that I knew I could achieve anything I put my mind to. The skills, confidence, and relentless work ethic I developed translate into everything I do. For the last 21 years, I’ve used my skills, passion and drive to run a successful business that I love. Thanks mom!
Emma Medeiros, Medeiros Fashion Public Relations
Originally from Providence, RI, I received my degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Emerson College, located in Boston, MA, in May of 2012.
Married that same summer to my best friend, Adam, I started a blog called Curves, Cats, and Creams, which focused on bridging the gap between straight size and plus size fashion. I’m so glad I had that journalistic experience because now I know how to pitch members of the press relevant, timely and, most importantly, truly newsworthy stories. I know how they want to be treated and I do my best to live up to that!
In June of 2015, I started Medeiros Fashion Public Relations when after realizing that, out of the thousands of fashion public relations firms in the US, not ONE of them specialized in this exploding industry. Can’t have that!!! To me, fashion is simply FASHION. Why should plus size fashion be just an afterthought when the majority of women in this country fall into that category? We want to be sexy, feminine, and fashionable, and designers, retailers, etc, are finally waking up to that fact!
Happily married to my best friend, Adam, and mommy to 9 fur babies, kitties Guinevere, Felix, Oscar, Lucy, Ricky, Cosette, Hollyann, Magdalene, and Gavroche, I moved to NYC in 2019 in order to fully embrace all the opportunities the fashion industry has to offer. With a mixture of class and sass, the goal of Medeiros Fashion Public Relations is to place plus size fashion on an equal footing with straight size fashion. There’s absolutely NO reason for them to be separate, and, once I accomplish that, I can die a happy woman!
My mother, Joyce, has been my cheerleader and champion from the day she pushed me out, all 9 pounds, 7 ounces of me! Growing up, she always encouraged me to pursue activities I loved and never gave one hint that I was ever a burden to her. If I have to pinpoint one thing she did to help me become successful in my business, though, it was not telling me I qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance when I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at 16.
Bipolar is a mental illness that causes extreme swings in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. Because I was a minor, the doctors told my mother, not me, that she could put me on Disability and I’d never have to work. She said absolutely not; that I was going to overcome this and make something of myself!
I didn’t even know about this until years later. Thankfully, by then, I had found the right combination of medication and therapy, and recognized the value of independence, so I wasn’t tempted to apply for it.
While, of course, some people with mental illnesses truly do need to go on Disability, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to live a normal life. However, I was struggling so much at 16 that, had I known I could never have to deal with the stress of work, I would have taken that option in a heartbeat.
I am forever grateful to my mother for not letting me take what would have been the easy way out for me. I never would have gotten a degree, launched a successful business, or had a wonderful marriage. Overcoming something as serious as Bipolar gives me the courage and confidence to tackle anything life throws at me.
Fiona Frills, founder of Frilliance
I’m a 20-year-old beauty, makeup, fashion, lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur. Since launching my YouTube channel at the age of 10, I have amassed a fan base of over 1 Million followers. After starting my beauty-focused lifestyle channel, I quickly realized that most cosmetic companies for teens are run by men decades older than the consumers they cater to — and I’ve sought to change the industry from within. So at the age of 13, I decided to turn my obsession of makeup into a beauty brand and began developing my own makeup line, Frilliance. Frilliance is the first teen beauty brand run by, well, an actual teenager (me!). Over the last six years, I’ve personally worked with trusted cosmetics labs to create powerful, effective — and most importantly, affordable — products that are formulated with high-quality, science-backed ingredients and are custom-built for teen skin.
My mom Kim, is my greatest teacher, business partner, and most importantly, an amazing mom. Before Frilliance, I struggled with school and learning was a challenge. In 3rd grade, we found out I was legally blind in my left and had severe dyslexia. My mom decided to home-school to help me catch up and pursue alternative learning. She pushed me to focus on things I loved. These critical lessons: always strive to learn; keep going even when challenging; embrace my unique talents; and be careful who you listen to. Embracing my unique (weird hehe) self, my unwavering mindset, and trusting my instincts are keys to my success. My mom has been my greatest supporter — driving my inspiration, and ultimately my success. She has never once said, “Nope i can’t help you.” On business strategy, operations, and sales, my mom has shown me by example how to run a thriving business. To focus on “ruthlessly” prioritizing is an essential business strategy I’ve learned from my mom. Getting off track with the limited time and resources of a startup is VERY easy — staying on course requires this strategy. Getting into the minds of our customers and why they buy is the foundation of our marketing and sales strategy. “Why” is one question that needs to be answered before we move forward on a marketing and sales program. My mom has been my mentor in running a compassionate and successful business. My mom’s top qualities are discipline, honesty, understanding, and just smart. We still work together 6 years later!! Now, Frilliance is currently in 700+ Walmart stores, 150+ CVS stores, on Amazon.com, on Frilliance.com, and available internationally in UK!
Happy Mother’s Day Mom! Thank you for everything that you do. I love you.”
Christie Grupka-Meyer/ Painting with a Twist of Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
I’d like to consider myself an endearingly anxious millennial with all the good parts of the stereotype that comes with that. Professionally, I jumped into any opportunity with non-profits that I could find in high school and college. After graduating from The College at Brockport I worked for a year in Walt Disney World.
The food and my family brought me back home where I was quickly roped into managing a Painting with a Twist studio that my mom and her business partner were opening as they expanded from their first location.
I was thrilled to have a great short-term option that would keep me out of a cubical. However, this temporary plan slowly turned into the career of my future with the decision to buy out my mom’s business partner and become co-owner of the Painting with a Twist studio alongside her.
I have grown passionate about the Painting with a Twist brand and mission of bringing art to the masses and hoping to make each guest’s day a little better with some time at the studio. However, a decade later, the true joy has been working with my mom, watching her lead a team with compassion and bragworthy, unmatched work ethic. It is because of her that we have a strong, successful, and healthy workplace. And it started at home.
My home was embarrassingly loving and supportive. The constant was treating people with kindness, working hard, and showing up for your convictions.
I’ve been told since I can remember “you are JUST like your mother”. As a kid, I worried. My mom is loud and can seem bossy and her wit is something I couldn’t always understand. However, as I’ve gotten older, it’s the greatest compliment of them all. She is not loud; she is passionate. She is not bossy; she is an extraordinary leader. And her wit makes her the funniest person in most rooms. She is exactly what a woman needs to be to be successful in business. She told me on repeat I could be whatever I wanted, and as it turned out, that was to be exactly like her. I hope to be as great of a role model as she has been to our brand-new son, Luca, who is on his way to wearing the smallest Painting with a Twist apron we’ve got!
Nadya Hard — The Shed Away Plan
In the bustling dance school where I, Nadya Hard Founder of The Shed Away Plan, first found my rhythm at a young age. Little did I know that my journey would span over two decades, and then lead me to the intersection of wellness and leadership. From choreographing routines to coaching fitness, each step has been a beat in the symphony of my evolution. Now, as a grateful mother of four, I’ve mastered the art of balance — both on and off the dance floor.
Full of energy, passion, and purpose my experience propelled me into the role of a Wellness Lifestyle Strategist, where I merge my expertise in wellness with leadership principles. It’s like conducting a symphony of well-being, orchestrating harmony between mind, body, and soul. Guiding individuals to align their wellness with their ambitions, I’ve discovered a newfound sense of empowerment in helping others thrive.
But the spotlight doesn’t end there. As a Health & Wellness Chairperson for a global non-profit, I’ve stepped onto a new stage with a global audience. From advocating for holistic wellness to spearheading initiatives that impact communities worldwide, I’m using my platform to create a movement — one that’s rooted in resilience, fueled by my passion, and driven by my purpose.
Yet, given the rush of professional triumphs, I’ve never lost sight of what truly matters: family. Juggling the demands of motherhood with my career has been a dance of its own — a delicate balance of grace and grit. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about dancing in the rain.
As I continue to choreograph my journey, I will challenge everyone: dare to dance to the rhythm of your own possibilities. My mission is to leave a lasting legacy like my grandmother, in the worlds of wellness and leadership, empowering individuals to live healthier, happier lives.
Empowering all to embrace the magic of wellness, leadership, and everything in between as we stride forward into a future brimming with potential and opportunity just like my grandmother.
Blessed with the wisdom of my grandmother, who has lived almost a century, I am privileged to inherit a treasure of life lessons. Her rich legacy powers my path, shaping my decisions and enriching my journey. With each stride she takes, she navigates life’s complexities with grace and resilience.
Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of wisdom acquired through time, illuminating paths of self-discovery and achievement for those who follow in her footsteps. As I acknowledge her remarkable life, I am drawn to the profound impact of her story, igniting a flame of inspiration within me.
My grandmother, a trailblazer in her own right, co-owned a grand beauty salon alongside her sister. Together, they stood on their feet, tirelessly serving others with unwavering dedication. Witnessing their commitment to uplifting others left an indelible mark on my heart, igniting within me a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact and spread joy.
Observing her practices and my immersion in the health and wellness sector inspired the creation of my wellness management company. With everything she used, I’ve included in our products, crafted from natural ingredients, which are tailored to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation, promoting both external and internal wellness. My goal is to empower others, including myself, to lead healthier, longer lives akin to hers. Her inspiring journey has undoubtedly touched many lives, shaping me into the nurturing woman I am today.
Even as a mother of 9 children and over 50 grandchildren, the unknown struggles of entrepreneurship, my grandmother never lost herself nor the importance of self-care.
She embraced holistic wellness practices, finding solace in rejuvenating walks and natural remedies to nurture her vitality and youthfulness. Her holistic approach to life resonated deeply with me, shaping my own perspective on well-being and success.
Through her gentle guidance and inspiring example, I learned that true success lies not only in financial prosperity but also in serving others and nurturing oneself. Each lesson she imparted, every story she shared, became a beacon of wisdom illuminating my path forward.
Alysha Burch, Square Root Creative
My name is Alysha Burch and I am the Founder and CEO of Square Root Creative, a creative house that specializes in strategic branding, design and social/digital communication. During my career, I have worked with small boutique clients and start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. In predominantly male-led industries, I have won business with my humanized approach and by going the “extra mile” to show my interest in their business. For example, traveling to the Dominican Republic for my client, General Cigar Company, to learn how to roll cigars from the masters. A native New Yorker, I has always been a self-starter with my first job being the “door woman” at some of NYC’s hottest clubs and bars during the heyday of the New York nightlife scene. Eventually, I “went corporate” and started working at an advertising agency but was let go when 9/11 happened. Determined to keep doing what I knew best, I tapped into my connections and resources and built “a rock-star team of talented individuals,” forming Square Root Creative. Together, this group of innovative thinkers, master storytellers, daring designers, video mavens, and tech sensations rise to any creative challenge — pushing the boundaries of every project to deliver work that exceeds expectations.
Growing up my mother offered words of wisdom and encouragement as many mothers do, and they had tremendous meaning. But my entrepreneurial seed was planted by watching her navigate her own journey. My mother’s actions, and how she treated others and approached challenges instilled in me the value of determination, hard work, and perseverance from early on.
The most valuable lesson? Hands down was the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. She encouraged me to embrace chaos as an opportunity for growth and learning, never allowing setbacks to deter me from pursuing my goals.
When the business she shared with my father closed due to changes in the marketplace, instead of settling for just any position and working for someone else, she charted her own path by opening an independent optical store — a venture she nurtured and grew for an impressive 26 years. Witnessing her resilience and “guts” left an indelible mark on me. My mother’s path taught me the invaluable lesson that success isn’t about waiting for others to come through for you — it’s about having the courage to create your own. It is because of her and her unwavering belief in my abilities, I found the strength and courage to launch my own business after the agency I was working at closed their doors after 9/11. And since the day I took my own leap of faith, incorporating my first business June 2002 at the age of 29, she has been my rock and by my side, allowing me the space and the guardrails to ride the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence and determination.
Hannah Hutton, Personal Fav Co.
I’m the co-founder of the sexual wellness brand, Personal Fav Co. I’ve been in the CPG startup space for over a decade, as one of the first employees at The Honest Company. I have a passion for products with clean ingredients. I’m living my ultimate dream by educating consumers about sexual health through Personal Fav Co.’s products with my best friend of 20 years.
My mom is a badass. She was a bra-burning, peaceful protesting feminist in the 60’s and 70’s and has made sure that I have never let the obstacles of ‘being a woman’ get in the way of anything I want to achieve. When Stephanie (my business partner) & I told her we were going to launch our sexual wellness brand Personal Fav Co. she told us we had a lot of ‘chutzpah.’ What is so special about my mom is that she has a contagious energy that instantly makes you feel welcomed, included and seen. That feeling is something I try to put into my leadership style and it is a feeling I want all of our customers to sense when they discover our brand; we see you, and you have a safe space here. Additionally, do not take my sweetness for weakness. My mom will fearlessly advocate for what she believes in and when I am faced with adversity in the world of a fundraising founder, I channel that fearlessness.
Stephanie Elias, Personal Fav Co.
I’m a project manager by trade with vast experience in entertainment, brand, and marketing. After a scary UTI experience at a music festival a few years ago, I had the a-ha moment to build a better for you sexual wellness brand, tapping my longtime friend Hannah to join as co-founder.
My mom, Roberta Sydney, is one of the most driven and intelligent business people I have ever met. She is a lifelong learner, and instilled in me from a young age that asking the right questions is vital to obtaining more information in order to make concrete and logical decisions, both in business and in life. As a single mother, I watched her gracefully go from the male-dominated world of banking into our family business of real estate with ease and vigor, taking that business to the next level — while still making time to support me in any sports or extracurriculars that she could, despite her CEO title. She is now a board member supporting several businesses, and continues to thrive as an incredible advisor. Her tenacity and continual guidance throughout my entrepreneurial journey, especially while building my sexual wellness brand Personal Fav, are invaluable to both my co-founder Hannah Hutton and myself. An inspiration to anyone in business, she is the true definition of a boss. Definitely a tough act to follow, and big shoes to fill on my end — luckily, we are the same size.
Todd Morris, BrickHouse Security
I’m Todd Morris, CEO and Founder of BrickHouse Security. My engagement with technology started in the 1970s, using computers in elementary school, which sparked my lifelong interest. I pursued Business Management with an emphasis on entrepreneurship at American University’s Kogod School of Business.
My professional journey began at Apple, where I worked for four years, gaining early and significant exposure to the tech industry. This experience was further enriched at Adobe, where I delved into digital technologies, followed by a role at MapQuest, which enhanced my understanding of digital mapping and location services.
These roles equipped me with the skills and insights to establish BrickHouse Security, which has been recognized on the Inc 5000 list as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies. We specialize in GPS tracking solutions that cater to both businesses and consumers, focusing on reliability and ease of use.
In leading BrickHouse Security, my aim is to provide practical and effective technological solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Growing up in the competitive school environment of the 1980s, my learning disability made academic achievement seem like an insurmountable challenge. In a district filled with overachievers, a passing grade often felt like my highest possible ambition, and my struggles made me stand out in ways that weren’t always positive.
Like many devoted mothers, mine supported me unconditionally. But her support was grounded in more than just maternal love. Having spent over two decades pursuing her college and master’s degrees in psychology through part-time study, she imbued in me a profound understanding of how subconscious feelings can influence our actions. She taught me that by becoming more aware of our emotions, we can prevent them from leading us astray.
Her perseverance and tenacity served as lifelong lessons in resilience — she taught me to never take ‘no’ for an answer and to always seek pathways to my goals. Success, I learned, is not a linear journey but a rollercoaster of fleeting highs and daunting lows, where the depths can challenge your will and tempt you to give up.
An interesting lesson came from her dislike of math, yet her willingness to endure numerous statistics classes for her degrees. This inspired me when I faced my own academic demons in business school, tackling courses in statistics, calculus, and corporate finance among others.
Today, as the CEO and Founder of BrickHouse Security, a successful GPS tracking company featured in the Inc 5000, I continuously draw on the lessons from my mother as I navigate the perpetual rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
Diamantis Pierrakos and Dino Pierrakos
As a fourth-generation olive oil producer, you could say olive oil runs in my veins. I am co-owner and producer of Laconiko, and along with my brother Dino, we produce extra virgin olive oils, fruit vinegars and balsamic vinegars. I am proud that our products have received more than 400 awards including: the #2 ranked olive oil producer in the world, and Best Flavored Olive Oil Producer in the World for 2021.
Our olive oil is made from organically-cultivated Koroneiki olive trees that grow on our family estate on the Southern coastline of Greece.
Our Mother is the beacon of strength and resilience that guides us to walk with confidence and passion in this world! She is an amazing mother and businesswoman. She is the embodiment of unwavering determination and boundless love, a rock of unwavering support that has shaped our lives with her selfless sacrifices and unyielding courage.
Leaving behind her homeland of Sparta, Greece, she embarked on a journey filled with uncertainties in order to provide us with a brighter future in the United States, and accomplish the American Dream. Alone, she raised four children, instilling in us the values of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering belief in ourselves. Her words echo in our hearts, banishing words like “I Can’t”, “it’s too hard”, “it’s too difficult”, “it’s impossible”, and replacing them with the unwavering conviction of the words “We Can”!
Her relentless spirit and unshakable determination have been the driving force behind our every triumph, our guiding light in the darkest of times. With her simple words echoing in our ears taught us the power of persistence, the beauty of commitment, and the fire of passion that burns within us.
Our Mama, Magdalini Pierrakos, is a true Spartan warrior that never faltered in the face of struggle or pain. Her unwavering faith in our abilities, her unyielding love, and her determined spirit continue to inspire us to reach for the stars, to never give up, and to always believe in the power of our dreams. She is the reason behind all our accomplishments and work ethics that drive us forward each and every day! From the bottom of our heart, to our amazing mother, our greatest example and inspiration!
Laura Brandao, partner at EPM and CEO of Lighthouse Advisors
As a Partner at EPM and the CEO of Lighthouse Advisors, LLC, I have 20+ years of experience in the mortgage lending and finance industry, where I built and led strong teams, launched and grown successful companies, and delivered results for thousands of customers nationwide. I am also a 3-time best-selling author, speaker, and podcaster, who shares my insights and expertise on how to “Say Yes Everyday!” and embrace your unique and authentic self.
I am passionate about serving and advocating for the mortgage industry, and I hold multiple leadership and board positions in various associations and committees, such as NAMMBA, MBANJ, Women with Vision, and MBA. My mission is to empower, inspire, and support others in the industry, especially women and minorities, to achieve their personal and professional goals, and to positively impact as many lives as possible.
Louise I. Hallenbeck, my incredible mother, might have been born in a time when women were held back, but she never let that stop her from going after what she wanted. Her parenting style was one of “lead by example.” I was a captive student.
My mother raised my sisters, brother, and me with one basic rule, “You are the only one who can hold you back.” There were a lot of lessons along the way, but it always came back to that message. She was 100% correct. I took my belief in myself, got to work, and invested in my professional goals. If I didn’t take a chance on me — who would? My mom, next to my husband, was my biggest cheerleader. She was my council, my go-to for inspiration, my kick in the butt when I needed one. She showed me how to take a vision and cultivate a logical plan of events to make it happen. My mother was always 10+ steps ahead of everyone and everything. She could logically see the path to XYZ clearly. Perhaps that was Mom’s “Superpower.” Her creativity ran in tandem with her organizational wizardry and together my mom was an inspirational marvel.
My mother’s guidance was invaluable to me. She taught me to trust my gut instincts, that trusted business relationships are born from business contacts, and that relationships only thrive when attended to. Applying this to my business family, I learned that when I made others the focus of my attention, they felt seen, validated, and inspired. When one succeeds, don’t we all succeed? Isn’t that the best measure of a successful business? Like my mother, I lead by example in all walks of my life.
Believe in yourself, treat others with respect and kindness, project a positive mindset, and above all remember, “I am the only one who can hold me back.” Yes, Mom, I was listening…
Marjorie Hope, America Connected, a Non-Profit
My name is Marjorie Hope, and my journey has been marked by a passion for writing, entrepreneurship, and promoting global connections. I’ve proudly authored two books: “KARI’S GOLD,” released in 2024, and “CONNECTIPLOMACY: Using our Differences to Connect,” published in 2023. My academic journey began at Salisbury University, where I laid the groundwork for my future pursuits. Seeking further knowledge and expertise, I pursued postgraduate certifications from both the London School of Economics and Harvard University.
My diverse background extends beyond academia. I’ve owned and operated a successful gymnastics school, where I prioritized the integration of mind, body, and spirit in fitness education. In 2016, I founded America Connected, an esteemed international nonprofit dedicated to teaching cultural diplomacy worldwide. My latest book, “CONNECTIPLOMACY: Using Our Differences to Connect,” embodies my dedication to developing understanding and unity across borders.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I find joy in various hobbies, including Astronomy, Collecting Dolls, Reading Books, Yoga, and Pilates. As a former gymnast, I understand the importance of balancing mind and body for holistic well-being. This philosophy guides me as I navigate life, relying on the lessons instilled in me by my incredible mom to raise two extraordinary children. Each day is a journey of growth and gratitude, and my morning mantra reflects this sentiment: “Thank you, God, for the flowers, trees, birds, and the bees. Thank you, God, for the clouds that I see. Thank you, God, for the ability to be me. And thank you, God, for the opportunity to be the best I can be.
My mom is absolutely the reason I am successful in my business. Throughout my journey in building my business, my mom has been my guiding light and greatest source of inspiration. Her unwavering dedication, passion, and work ethic have left an indelible mark on my entrepreneurial path.
From a young age, I watched my mom pour her heart and soul into her work. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, demonstrating a level of commitment that was truly awe-inspiring. Her passion for what she did was palpable, igniting a fire within me to pursue my own dreams with fervor.
Not only did my mom excel in her work, but she also made a profound impact on the community. Her dedication, discipline, and drive were recognized and celebrated by all who knew her. She became a pillar of strength and a role model for those around her, leaving a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire me to this day.
But perhaps the most invaluable gift my mom gave me was her unwavering support and presence. Through every triumph and setback, she was there by my side, offering words of encouragement, wisdom, and love. Her belief in me never wavered, even when doubts crept into my mind.
It was her guidance that helped me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, teaching me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and staying true to my values. Whenever I faced adversity, I would think of her unwavering determination and draw strength from her example.
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible woman who shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. My mom’s influence extends far beyond the realms of business; she has taught me invaluable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of dreams. I am forever indebted to her for her unwavering support, her boundless love, and her unwavering belief in my potential.
Meredith Wells, Co-Owner of MoMere
My name is Meredith Wells, the co-owner of MoMere, a home, gift, and apparel store in the historic Valley Junction neighborhood in West Des Moines, Iowa. Alongside my mother, Kay Schiller, we opened MoMere in 2013 in a 500-square-foot space. Over the years, we have expanded through three locations in Valley Junction, each one increasing in size as our business grew.
I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising, minoring in marketing and entrepreneurship. With an extensive background as a retail professional, my passion lies in consumer behavior, visual merchandising and social media. I love evaluating customer preferences and market trends that are reflected in our retail operations and strategic planning. The core of my passion is in visual merchandising where I strive to create experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors. Through social media, we have not only been able to increase our brand’s visibility, but we’ve been able to create lasting relationships with customers, allowing them to see that we are more than just a business — we are a family.
My mom’s background as a marketing and advertising professional transitioned into museum and specialty retail management and consulting before starting our business. While she is responsible for many of the operational and organizational tasks, she truly excels at our spectacular window displays reminiscent of Main Street Department Stores. Together we create the concept for each window, but it is her creativity and artistry that bring them to life.
Our enduring presence in Valley Junction is a testament to our deep-rooted ties to the community. Kay previously served on the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Board of Directors as Secretary and Design Chair where she was awarded the Main Street Iowa Leadership Award in 2018. I am currently serving on the HVJF Board and have also Received the Main Street Iowa Leadership Award along with the Governor’s Volunteer Award during my tenure as Board President. I was also recognized by Cityview’s 21 of 2021 Business Leaders Who Make a Difference. While President, I served as Chair for the Historic West Des Moines Master Plan Update Steering Committee that created Design Guidelines for Valley Junction.
With each passing day, we remain dedicated in our mission to elevate MoMere to new heights of success, continually exploring innovative avenues to enrich the lives of our customers and ensure the longevity of our brand.
The success of our business has been deeply shaped by invaluable lessons imparted by my mom. Instilling not just business skills, but also the mindset required to thrive. Over the last ten years we’ve grown our business from 500 square feet to a two-story anchor business in West Des Moines’ Historic Valley Junction.
First and foremost, my mom ingrained in me a profound work ethic. I vividly recall nights of her, stitching my Halloween costumes or prom dresses until the early hours of the morning. Through her tireless dedication, I learned that success often demands sacrifices and a commitment to seeing tasks through completion. Her mantra of “Not all will notice the hours or details — but do it anyway” echoes in my mind.
Moreover, my mom exemplifies that no job is too small as well as the importance of leadership and community involvement. Whether she held executive titles or numerous volunteer positions, she approached each role with equal enthusiasm and dedication. Our shared experiences serving on our Main Street’s Board of Directors further reinforce the significance of collaboration in fostering a thriving environment for small businesses.
One of the most transformative lessons my mom imparted was the belief that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself. At the age of 60, she took a leap of faith to embark on the entrepreneurial journey of opening our store. Her courage and perseverance serve as a beacon of inspiration, propelling our venture from conception to reality. She has also been the driving force behind every expansion and adaptation to ensure future growth and longevity. She’s the “Let’s do it!” of the partnership.
She cultivates a commitment to doing what’s ethical and right. She emphasizes that establishing and upholding standards and boundaries are not only crucial for self-preservation but also for the enduring success of our brand and business. You can often hear her saying “We don’t half butt things at MoMere,” a constant reminder that we never compromise our values, even in moments of exhaustion or temptation to take shortcuts. Instead, we remain consistent in our dedication to the MoMere way, ensuring that our integrity and quality are never compromised.
Together, we are empowered to confront challenges head-on, confident that our collective wisdom will light the path to success.
Paresa Noble of Nobleer Media
My name is Paresa Noble and I’m a motivational entrepreneur who loves scaling success. I’m a strategic business partner for people and companies that crave impact. My company is called Nobleer Media. I’ve helped businesses of all sizes increase their brand visibility and bottom line. Plus, I’ve helped multiple authors achieve #1 best seller on platforms like Amazon Kindle. My mission is to help people and companies realize their authority.
As an Iranian, my mom taught me that women in Iran aren’t granted the same privileges as men when it comes to entrepreneurship, ownership, and rights. My mom couldn’t speak English when she came to this country, but she and my dad started their entrepreneurship journey through franchising. She protected me from harm and encouraged my father to take me to conferences where I saw high profile business leaders speak. Today, I am a mom of two and operate Denver’s fastest growing marketing agency. Recently, I united business owners from all over the country to invest in school security to outsmart shooters. My new nonprofit, Shield Our Schools, has raised $11,496 to protect students. I work from home and have absolutely no problem with my kids crashing meetings with demands of macaroni and cheese. Like my own mother, I am exposing my kids to the beautiful world of entrepreneurship — and I’m protecting everyone’s kids, too.
Ariel LeVasseur, Olive & Meadow
It’s tough to take a leap of faith, but that’s what building a small business is all about. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I left my 9-to-5 to create Olive & Meadow, a one-stop-shop for custom charcuterie boards and grazing tables and one of the first businesses of its kind in the Philadelphia area.
I have always been passionate about food, and during lockdown, I started delivering intricate homemade charcuterie boards to my friends’ homes for virtual happy hours in the hopes of bringing them joy during an otherwise uncertain time. Word of my creations spread online, and soon I was inundated with requests. In 2021, I left my office gig to run Olive & Meadow out of a commissary kitchen just west of the city.
Since then, by immersing myself in Philly’s food scene and collaborating with other entrepreneurs, I’ve grown Olive & Meadow into a thriving business that uses all locally sourced products from vendors in Philadelphia and throughout the Northeast. Last year was our biggest yet — we created over 2,500 boards, more than 20 grazing tables, and taught over 300 people through our charcuterie workshops.
Creating Olive & Meadow has been the ride of a lifetime. It has afforded me opportunities I never saw coming, like when I crafted charcuterie boards alongside professional wrestlers through a small business grant program sponsored by Cricket Wireless and the WWE, which awarded me $5,000 to support my business.
Through it all, I have been inspired by the passion and drive of my mother, who taught me the purpose and meaning of making good food and whose experiences operating a small chain of autobody shops alongside my father inspired me to start my own business. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and, more importantly, draw inspiration from the people who matter most. Born and raised in Philadelphia in a big family, I have always had a passion for entertaining and bringing people together with food. It is a passion nurtured in me by my mother, who is (by her own admission) “loud, Italian, and crazy.” She taught me from an early age that the eyes eat first, and our meals growing up were incredibly visual. She served us everything from large, family-style dinners to simple meals crafted with just a few ingredients, all with a unique flair. Her philosophy even extended to my school snacks: I was the kid pulling out arrangements of aged cheese, radish, and sliced fruit while my friends munched on goldfish crackers and prepackaged Lunchables.
This desire to bring people together is one of the driving forces behind Olive & Meadow, as it allowed me to bring delicious, beautiful food straight to people’s doors — something that was sorely needed during lockdown. Today, aside from providing custom boards and grazing tables, Olive & Meadow has expanded its reach through events, workshops, and collaborations with other local businesses in the Philly food scene.
However, my passion for food is only part of the story. Being a small business owner is in my blood. In 1993, my parents went into business with the owner of a small auto body shop, then quickly opened another shop that same year. Through late nights and long hours, they grew their operation to 12 shops located throughout Philadelphia, with over $30 million in sales. They sold in 2015 to a consolidator and are now enjoying early retirement. I have always been inspired by their success, and their example gave me the boost I needed to leave the security of my 9-to-5 to pursue my own dreams.
Tish & Snooky Bellomo
Our journey in creating Tish & Snooky’s® MANIC PANIC® NYC began on 7/7/77, when we two native N.Y.C. sisters, added some extra ambition to our rock ’n’ roll lifestyle. We had recently been backup singers in the original Blondie line-up when we opened America’s very first punk boutique on N.Y.C.’s infamous St. Mark’s Place. Through passion, fun, and persistence, we developed Manic Panic® into the most popular, respected, and successful brand in fashion hair coloring and glam cosmetics. MANIC PANIC® prides itself on being Latina women-owned, cruelty-free, vegan, and globally compliant. Our brand is available at Sally Beauty, Target, Walmart, and independent beauty stores across the globe and online at Amazon and http://www.manicpanic.com/
Our single mother worked day and night to raise us, we saw firsthand how, against all odds in that day and age, she made her girls feel loved and encouraged and made them believe in themselves enough to do whatever they set out to accomplish. A gifted commercial artist and professional illustrator, her “tools of the trade” were our toys. We played with her glitter, colorful pencils, and paint. Not all of it landed on paper — we considered them our cosmetics as well! She always supported our creative and performance ambitions, both literally and figuratively, trading her artistic services for dance classes for us. She also endured countless stage shows we’d put on in the living room, always the attentive audience, no matter how exhausted she was.
We credit much of our success to our mother, even naming a scholarship at the School of Visual Arts in her honor — the Estelle Bellomo Award for Excellence in Art Therapy.
Each year, a promising art student in the Art Therapy Program created by our late mother is awarded scholarship money to further his or her studies.
Living authentically via self-expression has been our philosophy and way of life. Like our artist mother, we always followed our hearts — both in music and in business.
Sarene Alsharif, LDN, MPH
Hello, I’m Sarene Alsharif, LDN, MPH, the CEO and Co-founder of Tad More Tailoring, a fashion tech startup nestled in the vibrant city of Rockford, IL. With a background in both fashion and public health, my journey has been a unique blend of creativity and social responsibility.
Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between fashion and sustainability, I co-founded Tad More Tailoring. Our mission is simple yet profound: to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting mending and altering ones clothes instead of buying new, and empowering consumers to make informed choices.
One of the highlights of my journey was delivering a TEDxTalk titled “How to Save the World with a Pair of Jeans” in March 2024. In that talk, I shared insights into the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment and offered practical solutions for consumers to become more conscious shoppers. It was a platform to inspire change and ignite a conversation about the role of fashion in building a sustainable future.
At Tad More Tailoring, we’re not just creating stylish clothing; we’re crafting a movement. Through innovative technology and a commitment to transparency, we’re redefining what it means to be a fashion-forward brand in the 21st century. Our approach prioritizes environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and community engagement.
As CEO, I’m proud to lead a team of passionate individuals who share my vision for a more sustainable and inclusive fashion industry. Together, we’re not only shaping the future of fashion but also paving the way for a world where style and sustainability go hand in hand. When my family relocated to Syria during my formative years, my mom’s words of wisdom, “Prosper where you are planted,” became my guiding light. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, her mantra taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience and resourcefulness.
In Syria, faced with unfamiliar surroundings and cultural differences, my mom demonstrated the art of creating opportunities in adverse circumstances. Watching her navigate the complexities of starting her own business amidst uncertainty left an indelible mark on me. She showed me firsthand the importance of patience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic in achieving success.
As a teenager in a foreign land, I absorbed these lessons like a sponge. Rather than feeling disheartened by the upheaval, I embraced the challenge, channeling my energy into making the most of our new surroundings. My mom’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired me to seek out opportunities, even in the midst of uncertainty, and to approach every situation with optimism and determination.
Through her example, I learned that success is not always about having the perfect circumstances but about making the best of what you have. My mom’s ability to thrive in challenging situations taught me that resilience and adaptability are key traits for navigating life’s twists and turns.
As I embarked on my own entrepreneurial journey, the lessons I learned from my mom became the cornerstone of my approach to business. I applied her teachings of patience, perseverance, and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. And just as she had done, I endeavored to create my own path to success, no matter the circumstances.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons my mom imparted to me during our time in Syria. Her words of wisdom continue to inspire me to persevere, adapt, and thrive, no matter where life takes me. She taught me that with determination and a positive mindset, I can indeed prosper wherever I am planted.
Michelle Garrett, Garrett Public Relations
I’m a public relations consultant, writer, and speaker who helps B2B companies create content, earn media coverage, and position themselves as thought leaders in their industries. I provide down-to-earth advice and a practical approach to PR for my clients. I’ve repeatedly ranked among the top ten most influential PR professionals, and my new book, B2B PR That Gets Results, debuted as an Amazon Best Seller. My articles and advice have been featured in publications including Entrepreneur and Ragan’s PR Daily, and I frequently speak at events like Content Marketing World. Learn more about me at www.michellegarrett.com.
With Mother’s Day upon us, I started thinking about my mom and all the life lessons she taught me over the years. Probably some of the most important lessons she didn’t set out to teach, but I learned by watching her.
For example, my mom was an entrepreneur. Since I was very young, I remember her loving antiques. She would haul me around in the back of the station wagon, going to hole-in-the-wall antique shops, auctions and estate sales looking for hidden treasures.
Later, my mom turned that antiquing hobby into a business. She opened a shop with her friend where they sold antiques, as well as new jewelry and craft items. It was called “The Now and Then Shop.” I remember going to work with her, spending time helping out in the shop.
What I didn’t realize then was the lessons I was learning. I watched as my mom successfully launched and ran a business. In fact, my mom never went to work for anyone else the entire time I was growing up. She always did her own thing.
It’s no wonder that observing my entrepreneurial mom inspired the entrepreneur in me.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to work for myself. If she did it, then so could I. I did my “time” working for others, always planning to go out on my own. And when the time was right, I did it. I, too, launched my own business — just like Mom.
Now, my kids are learning from watching me in action. They know mom works for herself and understand how excited I get about certain things that happen during the work day. They even cheer for my “wins.” They are somewhat immersed in the whole idea of working for yourself, as it’s all I’ve ever done since before they were born.
