Success Stories
How does WSWE enhance the businesses and lives of its members? Read real-life stories here, where we'll profile members and business exchange and referrals between our members.
Member
Spotlight
Brooke Randazzo Eggert, r3 multimedia group (r3mg)
Year
you started your business:
2009
Describe
your business:
r3 multimedia group is a creative image boutique dedicated to the
pursuit of visual design from initial thought to final product. Whether photographing an
important moment or designing an exclusive digital identity for you or your business, r3
captures the essence of your individuality. Creating an exceptional stage on which to
share your passion is not just a goal, it’s our obsession. We bring your message to life using
photography, branding, web and paper.
When
and why did you start your business?
We started our business for a variety of reasons.
The owners are myself, my cousin (Mark), my brother (AJ) and my father is our investor.
Mark and I both are talented in our respective areas (him - photography and me -
design). AJ is a creative mind and could excel in both areas. My father decided to bring us
together and utilize our talents to help us build a business which would be our careers
and our lives. We all formerly worked for him and this is a way to allow us to work for
ourselves, do what we love and him not to worry too much when he retires.
Previous
positions/careers:
waitress/bartender for a lot of years (which I loved!), Art Director
for Retail Packaging Outlet and T&J Adventures, owner of SpiffyMoms.com (still
there).
What
do you like most about what you do?
being creative
What
do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
Most: Being able to define
how my time is spent throughout the day and not have it defined for me - while I’m doing
things that I love -- Least: The super-long hours and times when I feel like I’m running
around like a chicken with my head cut off.
What
advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
Go for it. Make it
something you love to do so it doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing it.
How
has WSWE helped you and your business?
I’ve met a great group of women who are in
all different stages of their careers. As a new businesswoman, this inspires me to keep
going, face the challenges head-on and know that others have been there and done that. If
they can do it, so can I. I’ve become friends with some of the women who are in my community
and look forward to working with them further.
Anything
else you'd like to share about yourself or your business?
Not much. I’m a Mom
of two boys (8 years old and 5 years old) and am looking forward to spending some off
days with them this summer.
Member
Spotlight
Pamela Peterson, An Angel’s Palette/Art Pastiche
Year you started your business:
2000
Describe your business:
It is a decorative arts business that is now focusing on creating fine art using mixed media techniques. I offer art pieces that tell a story through words, imagery, textures, paint, ink and vintage materials, as well as custom narrative collages that celebrate an anniversary, commemorate a significant occasion, honor someone held dear or memorialize a loved one or pet.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business over ten years ago because I felt the need to be creative and to have the flexibility to set my own schedule. I enjoyed the challenge of not only creating art, but creating a business that allowed me to follow my passion and share it with others.
Previous positions/careers:
Special education teacher
What do you like most about what you do?
I love the ability to work from my studio and to create artwork that makes a statement and touches the viewer in a special way.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur
I love the flexibility in setting my schedule each day. I often drag my feet when paperwork needs to be completed. For me, that is drudgery.
What advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
Do it!! As in anything, there are the ups and the downs, but to never try may lead to regret down the road. Take an honest assessment of your strengths and limitations. Play to those strengths and find support and/or education for your limitations.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
Joining and becoming involved in WSWE has enabled me to take my business in a new direction. The support, education and positive role models in this organization have made an immense difference.
Business Exchange/Referral Spotlight
WSWE helps its members to grow their businesses through many avenues. Members engage one another's services as needed, and also regularly refer one another to other clients and contacts. Referrals are not a requirement, but rather happen organically as members get to know one another and experience first-hand each others' expertise. This column will highlight these business exchange and referral experiences on a rotating basis. If you have one to share, please contact our communication chair, Danita Johnson.
Profile: Aileen Gilpin & Nancy Fallon-Houle
Recently, I needed legal advice for my business so I reached out to Nancy Fallon-Houle, Nancy Fallon-Houle P.C., and had a wonderful conversation regarding my needs. She took the time to listen to what I needed, provided me insight on handling the situation, exchanged some more communication and then based on my needs gave me a fantastic referral to someone that she respects in the business, David Fish of The Fish Law Firm PC. Now, David is providing me legal advice for my business situations. Thank you Nancy!
If this is the kind of networking group you are looking for, we invite you to join us. You'll find that you and your business are welcome at WSWE.
Learn more about Aileen Gilpin at www.agilpinconsultants.com or for Nancy Fallon-Houle, click here to email
