Marga Honored by the Board

At its last meeting, the EWI Board of Directors and Advisory Board honored Marga for her leadership and ten years of service to Empowered Women International.

Board members Howie Feinstein, Ann Stone, and Kate Campbell Stevenson

Board members Mimi Hassanein and Melissa Reitkopp

The board commissioned a handcrafted silver brooch symbolizing Marga’s often expressed “Onward and Upward” and presented a beautifully designed award made by our own Sharmila Karmachandani.

Kate presenting Marga with a beautiful award, in recognition for ten years of extraordinary vision.

Marga with board members Dianne Lorenz, Mimi Hassanein, Karen Kullgren, and Deborah Blank

A warm expression of appreciation to the board for bestowing such honor to Marga and a huge thank you for the board’s endless and tireless support to Empowered Women International!

Synthia’s Home Party – A Perfect Day for a Perfect Event

On Saturday April 17th, one of our board members, Synthia Woodcock-Dang opened her home to welcome friends and acquaintances to introduce them to EWI. The home party was to include an artisan marketplace, light refreshments, sharing information vital to our mission, and some fun times.

Synthia’s dining room turned into an EWI marketplace

When I showed up at the house in Silver Spring, Maryland at about 10am, a welcoming Synthia led me to the dining room where Marga and Alexia were already setting up shop, and Velma adorning her dress forms with her colorful and vibrant aprons.

As I rushed to help them finalize the set up, Synthia’s guests started showing up and were immediately drawn to the displayed products. Some were interested in Mercedes’s jewelry, others were into Velma’s’ aprons, Mariam’s colorful bags, and Elda & Lyzbeth’s D’Ellizia cake pops. Others were interested to hear how EWI impacted and transformed the lives of women entrepreneurs.

Velma’s colorful, one-of-a-kind aprons

Mariam’s Kanga cloth handmade bags

By 12pm Synthia’s kitchen was full to its capacity with more guest coming in to pleasantly socialize and sign up on our mailing list. Synthia took center stage to address the guests and make a formal introduction of herself, who has been a long-time supporter of EWI and has been involved in numerous ways, and to introduce Marga and EWI.

Taking up after Synthia was Marga who slowly and clearly conveyed her goals, visions and the back-story of EWI’s conception.

Marga sharing her story

Elda & Lyzbeth showcasing D’Ellizia Fun Caks

She also took time to introduce our graduates who shared their personal struggles, what led them to EWI and life transformations after the programs, while at it you can discern our guests faces gushing astonishment and awe at the amazing stories they were hearing.

After the presentation, Synthia led the guests out in the backyard for some light snacks and lemonade, with smooth jazz playing in the background, breeze caressing our souls, and an amazing garden waiting to embrace us all.

Refreshments in the beautiful backyard

Saying it felt like paradise could be an understatement; it was the perfect day for a perfect event that inspired strength, possibility, and accomplishment. It highlighted the indomitable endurance of all women, and the inspiration of EWI’s women entrepreneurs.

ETs grads, staff, and board members with Synthia (second from right)

Thank you Synthia for opening your doors to EWI and being such a gracious host! And thank you to all the guests who were there who made the day memorable and blessed. It was a great day.

By Hanna Yamir, Program Associate Intern

Coach’s Corner with Howard Feinstein

Coach’s Corner

By Howard Feinstein, EWI Board Member

A weekly blog for E.W.I. students and graduates, passing along news, events, articles of interest, and tips on growing your business.  We are all on this journey together, and no one – certainly not yours truly – has all the answers.  Accordingly, I hope you will periodically contribute your ideas and news to this forum, c/o khfeinstein@verizon.net.

Mon.  April 22:  Once you have put in place the basic marketing materials we’ve discussed previously (business cards; website; monthly (approximately) newsletter, etc.), it’s time to branch out beyond your family and friends.  You need not feel overwhelmed at this point – this is just the beginning stage.  Start out with groups with which you’re already affiliated — at a minimum, these are people who know you, so they are unlikely to delete your e-mail.  Let them know about your new venture; direct them to your website; and ask them to refer their own friends and colleagues to you.  This will get the ball rolling, quickly and inexpensively.  You will eventually need to network more creatively and probably develop additional marketing tools, but at this point, you want to build up your confidence and solicit some constructive feedback from allies.

Nadia showing her paintings

Remember:  as we’ve stressed, entrepreneurial networking is all about making prospective customers feel comfortable about dealing with you as an individual.  Once you have established this bond, you have opened the door to eventual success, because these repeat, long-term customers will provide you with the vast majority of your business over time.  You have plenty of time to tweak your product and/or service once you get feedback – at this point, you want to begin cementing the business relationships which are the key to your entrepreneurial future.  Best to begin with people who you are already comfortable with.

Aida Mady of Cooking & Beyond

So, what types of customer bases are we talking about here?  The potential target population is broad, and will depend upon each of your individual lifestyles.  Your church, synagogues, or mosque; your place of employment [note – do your marketing outside the workplace if at all possible]; clubs, sororities, alumni associations; neighborhood associations you already belong to; book clubs, sports leagues, and other group activities in which you are involved — use your imagination.  Again, at this point, you are not seeking immediate sales, but rather, as we’ve emphasized, getting your name out there.  Ask people to help you pass the word; ask for specific feedback or suggestions; and be sure to thank people for their time.

Winter Walker showcasing her NuDelish Date Butter, with Dinelles Sakyi, Fall 2012 Graduates

Here’s an example of a pre-existing network available to all of us:  EWI itself!  We are all entrepreneurs here — not just your fellow students, but the staff, board, and alumnae.  People in this network already have a basic idea of what you are up to, because they have been there themselves; this is a perfect audience for referrals, constructive critique, and confidence-building.  Remember:  entrepreneurial marketing involves walking a fine line – don’t be repetitious or obnoxious, but don’t be shy, either.  Your product reflects your passion, so let people know that they can expect something special.  You will already have the benefit of the doubt, because members of the growing EWI family know there you are coming from, and that you are going into this effort with access to top-notch preparation.   Do you think that when my civil rights memoir is published later this year, I will be letting you know that it is available for purchase?  Of course I will!  We all owe it to ourselves and EWI to do the same — this is a win-win situation.

Until next week, best wishes to all, and keep in touch – none of this did this alone, and you don’t have to either.  Helping each other is not a job or a favor – it is our mission.

Jami McDowell’s Inspiring Song, “Walk in Her Shoes”

To say that Jami McDowell, our spring Community Partnerships intern has a talent for music is an understatement. Her voice is angelic, full of love from the heavens. For Spring2Action, we wanted Jami to sing a song, any song she wanted. What she came back with was more than extraordinary. She wrote a song (in an hour before she shared it with us). It moved us to tears and motivated us to action.

Sister across the sea
I want to show you what I see
Sister, come near
We have the same heart beat

Let’s walk a mile in the same shoes
Let’s walk a mile in the same shoes
Have you walked a mile in her shoes

The song Walk in Her Shoes was inspired by being passionate about empowering women and it was her way to give back. The song reflects her feeling that women are connected. We support each other. We are different but so similar in that way.

Let your voice be heard. Let’s all walk in the shoes of all empowered women.

The women EWI supports are brave, courageous and talented. Yet they live at or below the poverty line, dealing with extraordinary life challenges.

Your gift will change lives, and together, we’re giving new hope and creating opportunity for all.

Please give in this last hour: http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/Empowered-Women-International

An Inspiring Story with our Superstar, Sharmila

“No matter where you come from, you’re going to have these patches in your life that are going to be a struggle. But how do you overcome it? You do whatever it takes. Have that faith in yourself. That is the main lesson that EWI – and this country – has taught me.”

Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She spends a great deal of her time teaching graphic design and various forms of art and volunteering. She completed ETS in 2006 and has since helped Empowered Women International by providing client services, assisting with her graphic design knowledge and abilities, and by instructing EWI’s Entrepreneur Training for Success class. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association.

“I’ve always dabbled in many different things and this is, I can say confidently, one orginization that has utilized all my talents and put it to good use.”

Watch this personal and powerful account by Sharmila on how EWI has helped her become EMPOWERED!

(Read more about Sharmila by visiting EWI’s website and reading her “Success Story”)

http://ewint.org/programs/success-stories/sharmila/

Nurturing Creativity with EWI Entrepreneurs, Tiffany and Breann

“Thinking in Cups”

 

 

Tiffany Carter and Breann Whitcomb graduated from EWI’s Entrepreneur Training for Success program in Fall 2011. They co-own “Thinking in Cups”, which sells one of a kind handmade hairpieces, jewelry and bath products.When Tiffany and Breann first got involved with EWI, they did not originally plan on utilizing its services. Instead, they approached the organization with an initial business hoping to donate money directly to the organization. However, this soon changed following a meeting with EWI’s Founder and President Marga Fripp. It quickly became clear that they still had a lot of work to do in order to make their business successful. As such, Marga suggested that they enroll in the ETS program in order to improve their business skills and reach their true potential as entrepreneurs.Things changed for the two once again during the initial ETS intake. Tiffany and Breann happened to show a few photos of some of their hobby projects to EWI staff members and were immediately encouraged to seriously consider these projects as a possible business venture. After that meeting, they decided to take the advice of the EWI staff members and change their business idea into one that allowed them to pursue their creative passions.

In less than three months, Tiffany and Breann were able to develop a strong product line, a solid business plan, an online shop and marketing materials to promote their business. They credit ETS as the birthplace of their new business. The course gave them the courage to work full-time in the creative industry pursing projects they were truly passionate about. Furthermore, the course also provided the tools necessary, through a holistic approach and a supportive environment, to begin building and later growing the business(es) of their dreams.

According to Tiffany, “At EWI, I was not only asked to learn to perform the technical tasks such as business planning, budgeting, marketing, etc., but I was asked to face my personal fears in order to grow and excel as a woman and a business owner. My most prized possession that I walk away with is a newly found confidence that I can carry with me in all areas of my life.”

Along with confidence and skill building, the training helped Tiffany and Breann conquer the always nerve-wracking elevator pitch. The pressure of trying to figure out a way to describe what they do in a concise way really helped them develop a clear idea of what they wanted out of their business. Through the help of their classmates, this lesson also helped them develop some very unique catch phrases that they were able to use to market their business. For Tiffany and Breann, it was a real pleasure to be surrounded by students, mentors, and speakers with such creativity, insight, love, and support. This was something they felt was very unique to the ETS program.

Aside from learning about business skills and development, Tiffany and Breann also learned a lot about the importance of self-care, personal wellbeing, and nurturing their creativity throughout the process of becoming an entrepreneur. As a business owner, it can be easy to get caught up in to-do lists, meetings, or orders and forget to take out enough “me time”. They are now much more mindful of treating themselves well in order to avoid burn out. ETS taught them that it is ok to have fun and enjoy what you do; work can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be hard.

Tiffany and Breann recognize the distinctive set up of the training as being extremely conducive to networking, reaching out to others, and building not only relationships, but also communities around their work. This has been really integral to the way they conduct business. Tiffany and Breann no longer just look for people to sell goods to; they are interested in building relationships with their clients, being active in their communities, and giving back- which doesn’t always equate to monetary donations. Through this they have found that gratitude and a willingness to share it tends to often be payment enough.

Based on the insight and experience they have gained through participating in the ETS program, Tiffany and Breann have the following advice to other entrepreneurs interested in taking their businesses to the next level:

“Often, we avoid risks for the wrong reasons. There’s a time and a place to be risk averse, but know that for every leap you fail to take, there’s an opportunity missed. Failure is just a lesson learned – which is needed to gain perspective on how to do better the next time around. We’ve been faced with our fair share of “leaps of faith” and wouldn’t have it any other way. Take risks. Take the leap. Love what you do, and don’t be afraid to tell everyone about it!”

Since completing ETS, Tiffany and Breann have been working hard and keeping busy with their new business venture. They are reaching out to boutiques and continue to be proud participants in the EWI Micro-Enterprise Program. They also are planning on selling their products at home parties and customized events.

Their products can also be found at EWI’s online store:http://www.etsy.com/shop/empoweredwomenintl.

 

 

 

 

“Vesica’s Splendor”- Tiffany Carter

Tiffany Carter-Owner, “Vesica’s Splendor”; Co-owner, “Thinking in Cups”

 

 ”Life is filled with many “Aha!” moments. Vesica’s Splendor was birthed from a series of those moments. From the realization that being creative was more than just a “hobby” for me, to the courage it took to leave my office job and pursue what I love full-time, the VS journey has been littered with  serendipity – teaching me to always keep an open mind, as I never know in what form inspiration will come. In chasing my joy, I have had the fortune to be surrounded by an amazingly supportive group of friends, family, and mentors. Vesica’s Splendor would not exist without them, and my goal is simple: To share with others the things I love in hopes that they, too, will be inspired to chase their joy. Oh, and the name? Vesica is borrowed from the Vesica Piscis, said to be a building block for some of the most complex constructs in the universe. It reminds me that from the humblest of beginnings, big things can happen – and that all those big things started off quite small. And Splendor (meaning: brilliant or gorgeous appearance, great brightness, adorn lavishly, etc.), well, I think you get the idea.” -Tiffany Carter 

 

Watch EWI’s interview with Tiffany to learn how becoming an Entrepreneur Training for Success Graduate has impacted her and her goals for the future as an Empowered Woman!

 

 

To learn more about Tiffany and her fantastic products, visit her website!http://www.vesicassplendor.com/

 

 

“Mimulus Design”-Breann Whitcomb

Breann Whitcomb- Owner, “Mimulus Design”; Co-owner, “Thinking in Cups”

“Hello! My name is Breann Whitcomb and I create, design and build items to transport your mind into a world of imagination. Colors and unusual themes are my specialty as well as the stories to go with them. Gaining inspiration from everything from leaves on the ground to electricity; I encourage the owners of my products to play in the lands I create for them and become the stories I tell.As a little girl I loved to take my mother’s old clothes and make them into something new. An old nightgown would become so much more with just a few safety pins and belts. My childhood love of interesting apparel and accessories has only grown through the years, leading me to expand my interests into unique body products, knickknacks and interior design. With my pieces, I hope to encourage people to come out of their shells and play “make-pretend” every day. I believe life is a lot more fun when you walk out of the house with a little more pizazz, a burst of color and a smile; ultimately, making people more confident.”- Breann Whitcomb

Watch EWI’s interview with Brea to learn how becoming an Entrepreneur Training for Success Graduate has impacted her and her goals for the future as an Empowered Woman!

To learn more about Breann and her products, visit her website! http://www.mimulusdesign.com/#

Our Second Raffle Winners Are Getting Away!

Congratulations to Nora Mady, Abby Sadek, and Hoda Atia Moustafa for being our Getaway winners! Lucky them, they are headed for a 3 Day and 2 Night Getaway Vacation for Two at any number of destinations of their choice!

Thank you Nora, Abby, and Hoda for giving to EWI during our Spring2Action campaign, from all of us, the Empowered EWI S2A Team!

Our team from top: Sara, Gabriella, Morella, Alexandra, Mariana.
And below: Mary, Hanna, Alexia, Marga, Sharmila

Our next big raffle hour is from 7-8pm. During that time, give a minimum of $10 and you are automatically entered into our raffle for a … drum roll please…Cruise for Two on the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera valued at $1,500/package. We will announce THREE PRIZES! Travelers are responsible for minimum port fees, government taxes and processing. 

More prizes to prize, more raffles to raffle, we’re on a roll, we’re rocking on, and with your help we can make it to the top!

DONATE HERE:

http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/Empowered-Women-International

Paws for Peace Entrepreneur, Caryn Reitkopp

Empowered Women International sat down with Caryn Reitkopp, a recent graduate of EWI’s Entrepreneur Training for Success program and owner of “Paws for Peace.”

Check out her interview below where she celebrates sowing the well deserved fruits of her labor and how EWI had a hand in EMPOWERING ONE MORE WOMAN!

Tell us about your business.

While in the EWI’s Entrepreneur Training for Success(ETS) program last year, I developed the Paws for Peace curriculum for preschoolers to teach social skills, empathy, and promote humane education and kindness towards living things.  We use animal themes and puppets, to make connections with the children.  We also work with parents teachers as part of an all-inclusive program.  I am in the process of waiting for approval from the Maryland State Department of Education to have my teacher training workshops qualify for continuing education credits for teachers. I think what I’m teaching is a timely due to all the violence in the news and bullying behavior starting younger.

Congratulations are in order.  We understand you just got your first real client.

Yes – I am very excited!  This summer I will deliver 11 weekly classes to this preschool’s  29 children ages 2-5. They have chosen my Amazing Friendships Unit which we will end with a meaningful bake sale to raise funds for an animal charity of their choice.  The children will have baked home-made dog biscuits and other items to sell.  I’ve given my customer a discounted rate because this is a pilot and I need to get my name out there.  I’ll be able to take photos and testimonials that will benefit my marketing efforts.  I hope to sign schools up for fall too.

How did you find your client?

I found her during cold-call marketing when I was in ETS.  She had shown interest in the idea and was open to piloting my program.  After the ETS class ended, I called her again several times with no return calls and then finally e-mailed.  I just didn’t give up.  It took some work to reach her.  She had given me some ideas on an early call and I was able to incorporate her ideas which pleased her.  I had to make a LOT of cold calls and she’s the only one that was enthusiastic and seemed really interested.  I can see that patience is needed!

What advice would you give to other EWI entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to stay on your path.  Accept feedback and change what needs to be changed. You find your niche by trying different things.  Believe in yourself.  Do odd jobs if you need to so you can earn money while giving yourself time for your business to catch on.  The worst thing that can happen is that you will fail, but you will have given it your best shot.  And new doors always open when you have the courage to take chances.

How did the ETS course help prepare you?

 The ETS course helped me put my idea down on paper and make it happen.  I had been dreaming of doing a business where I combined my love for animals with my background in early childhood education for over 10 years.  Each session was a step towards completing my business plan which had felt like too big of an undertaking before I took the course. I also enjoyed the networking with other entrepreneurs and supporters of EWI.  In addition, I found the social media information to be really helpful since I am even new to Facebook.

 How can other EWI supporters help you? 

I appreciate connections or introductions with any daycares, preschools, children’s programs, museums or other venues.  Just help me spread the word!!!  My website is www.pawsforpeaceprograms.com and my phone number is 301-502-4167.  I can be reached by email at info@pawsforpeaceprograms.com.

Caryn’s family at the beach

Our First Raffle Winners!

Congratulations to Isabelle Schoenfeld for winning the Cruise for Two on the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera and Maria Standal for winning the Getaway Vacation for Two of her choice!

Isabelle is a long-time supporter of EWI from Bethesda Womenade Circle (second from right).

And Maria Standal is the amazing mom of our Development Associate, Alexandra Standal!

We wish them both an fabulous time and look forward to hearing about their getaways!

The next raffle includes three weekend vacations at 3pm! Stayed tuned for more. Will you be our second raffle winners of the hour?

The Empowered EWI Spring2Action Team!

Hanna, Alexandra, Mariana, Alexia, Sara, Morella, Mary, Sharmila and Marga

We’re rocking and rolling! Our Empowered EWI S2A Team is full of energy and excitement at the EWI office. Stop by and say hi and help us out in any way you can!

Latest Update:

We’re in 9th place in the Spring2ACTion Race …

We need your help now to get to the top in the next hour. Between 11am-noon we can raise an additional $500 in the category of most money raised.

My lucky Spring2ACTion Power Purse holds $4,333 and 50 donors.

Please make a generous donation between 11am-noon to bring EWI in the lead!

Thank you so much for everything you do to support EWI. Together we’re transforming women lives, our communities and the world!