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
Charlotte Ellen Perry, Off-Site Office Assistance (OSOA)
Describe your business:
OSOA provides outsourced administrative support to small businesses and not for profit agencies. Our areas of expertise are data entry, database creation and management, internet research, desk top publishing, and event planning and management.
When and why did you start your business?
My story is unique in that, unlike so many of my colleagues, I didn't wake up one day saying I think I will start a business!! After college I worked as an editor and a reporter in the construction news division for McGraw-Hill publishing until the birth of my 1st daughter in March of 1982. I had a second daughter in 1985 and a son in 1987 and was a stay-at-home mom until the Spring of 1994. At that time, feeling the urge to serve others and to do something different with my life, I began applying to various police agencies. After rigorous testing, I was hired by the Village of Woodridge, attended the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, graduated and finally became a sworn police officer. Quickly finding the demands of that job too much for my family-to the dismay of my fellow officers I soon resigned my position. However, to this day, I credit what I learned through that experience with giving me the audacity to believe that there was nothing that I couldn't accomplish. That shift in my mind set was the impetus that propelled me toward the success that I enjoy today. In 1998 I started working part time out of my home for my sister who is an attorney. Her assistant became ill and she needed help with her monthly billing. At that time, I worked approximately 5-6 hours a month. Having my first small taste of success as a virtual assistant, and a growing desire to increase my billable hours I ventured out and expanded my client base. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. I am proud to report that my billable hours for April 2008 exceeded 350 hours making it the best month ever in the history of my company! I will celebrate 10 years of being in business this November.
Previous positions/careers:
I earned Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Loyola University of Chicago in June of 1979.
What do you like most about what you do?
Having confidence in my abilities makes most projects pretty effortless. Also, knowing that I provide my clients with peace of mind is a great reward in and of itself.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
What I like the most about being an entrepreneur is the sense of satisfaction that I get from knowing that my success is the result of hard work, dedication and putting my ideas into action. Least-really there isn't anything-it is all part of the package-as my mom always taught me "You have to take the bitter with the better!"
What advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
I believe that support and encouragement are critical when you are just getting started. I would tell the would-be entrepreneur to utilize the resource that are available to women business owners: talk to other entrepreneurs; pick our brains; educate yourself about your industry; visit your community college; read Entrepreneur magazine; find a Mentor, attend a WSWE meeting!
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
WSWE has been a constant source of support and encouragement to me. The opportunity to meet women from all different industries has been incredible. I have learned so much from our speakers and from the shared experiences of our seasoned members. I love being able to share my knowledge with fellow members and/or women who are trying to decide if they are ready make the leap into the world of entrepreneurship. Joining our Board of Directors has really added to my personal growth and has provided me with the opportunity to deepen and enrich my relationships with fellow WSWE members. I am looking forward to my role as President for the 2008-2009 year.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself or your business?
When I was just starting out in my business I received a motivational card showing a basketball hoop and the message which said "You Miss 100 Percent of the Shots That You Don't Take!" As an entrepreneur I am living my life with that philosophy knowing that the shots that don't quite make it in are lessons learned and the ones that are "nothing but net" are what keep my dreams alive and my business thriving!!
Member Spotlight
Diane Dassow, Binding Legacies
Describe your business:
I help people preserve their memories, family stories, and personal histories in heirloom,-quality books for their families.
When and why did you start your business?
After Freelancing for the Daily Herald for a dozen years, I found that this work allows me to use my skills and talents to capture people's stories in more depth.
Previous positions/careers:
Daily Herald Correspondent; transcriptionist; Transportation & Food Service Director for a school district; Director of Benefits & Comp for a hospital. Going way back, pension and insurance administration.
What do you like most about what you do?
Everything! Overall, I love helping people accomplish something they could not or would not do on their own.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
Most-representing myself and paving my own road. Least-not having someone to bounce ideas around with.
What advise do you have for women considering starting a business?
Plan carefully but don't be too tentative.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
I am new to WSWE.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself or your business?
Clients tell me I really listen, capture the essence of what they are saying, and reflect it in the most positive light. I've been called a "family tuckpointer".
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 Beth Fuchs.
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
"It's been wonderful to be in a group like WSWE that has so many dynamic and caring woman. I have learned so much!"