For the first time ever, women are more likely to start a business than men– but business is still a boys club in which women only receive 2% of the venture capital. This is exactly why we made it our business to shine a light on woman-owned businesses at our first-ever Women Supporting Women’s Evening Event.
We caught up with some of the women vendors that will be showcasing and selling their products and services at the female founded marketplace at our Women Supporting Women’s Evening Event on November 8th at The Riveter. These women dive into the mission and concept behind their brand, what it’s like being an entrepreneur, and how they manage to thrive and stay afloat in their industries.
Check them out below and make sure you connect with them on all socials! #bosswomen
Laila’s Luggage
Tell us the name of your brand and when it was founded?
“My brand is called Laila’s Luggage, after my daughter, Laila, and my travel adventures. We have been traveling together since 2014 when Laila was just two months old, however, I formally launched in May 2019.”
How did you get the concept for your brand?
“As a new, working mom I traveled weekly for business for 1.5 years and then bi-weekly for another 6 months – with Laila in tow. I was able to quickly develop routines and travel hacks that allowed me and Laila to do this smoothly, but every time I traveled I noticed at least one overwhelmed mom on the verge of a breakdown from the stress of traveling with her child(ren). Seeing this ignited a spark in me to share tips I picked up along the way with other moms who may not travel regularly. The desire to show my daughter the world and help other moms/parents along the way made way for me to found Laila’s Luggage.”
What is the mission of your brand?
“My greatest mission is to encourage young moms of color to expose their children to the world through travel. Oftentimes when Laila and I are on vacation I’ve noticed that we’re the only or one of few families that look like us. I want to encourage moms who look like me to get out and see the world! I also hope to use my tips and experiences to ease parental anxiety when it comes to traveling with kids.”
What services and/or products does your brand offer?
“I’ve recently launched easy to carry travel activities to keep kids busy during travel. I think the most difficult part of traveling with kids is keeping them occupied. My products are designed to keep kids busy and avoid tantrums and restlessness, thereby doing both parents a favor and those traveling with no kids! I also designed a line of matching t-shirts that are great for those fun travel photo ops! The shirts are available in adult and kid sizes. They’re cute, comfy, stylish and customizable as well.”
If you could give advice to a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
“I am a new entrepreneur myself, so I’m always looking to mentors and others in this space for advice. What I consistently tell myself is God wouldn’t give you the dream if you weren’t fit to pursue it.”
What’s one thing many people may not know about your or your brand?
“Even though Laila is only 5, she has consistent input into the products we’ve created. My goal is for her to one day take over this business.”
What are three words you would use to describe your brand?
“Authentic, Fun, Educational.”
Where can people find/follow your brand?
Instagram: @lailas_luggage
Blog/products: www.lailasluggage.com
Naila Lane
Tell us the name of your brand and when it was founded?
“The name of my brand is Naila Lane founded April 13 2018.”
How did you get the concept for your brand?
“As far back as I can remember I’ve always had a love and zeal for fashion and being different from the crowd. With that in mind, I was on the hunt for exclusive everything from clothes, shoes, belts, accessories etc. Along with my many years of experience working for high end designer brands and retail I knew I had something to bring to the industry. I wanted to create true unique pieces that brought out my vision incorporating gems, precious stones, and high quality leather at a reasonable price. After making a couple pieces for family and friends with positive feedback I realized that this was something I could do and love!”
What is the mission of your brand?
“My mission is to create a special glow to each individual wearing Naila Lane each piece is lovingly handcrafted and infused with positive intentions and affirmations that can be worn for any occasion by anyone, at a price people can afford.”
What services and/or products does your brand offer?
“I offer a sense of uniqueness in which my pieces display a mix of culture from the places I’ve traveled. Naila Lane also offers its buyers to also make custom requests online.”
If you could give advice to a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
“If I could give advice to a new entrepreneur it would be to never stop doing what they envision. Stay determined and consistent and you will succeed. Being positive with whatever comes along the journey of your new endeavor will always keep you on track.”
What’s one thing many people may not know about your or your brand?
“One thing people may not know about Naila Lane is that she’s a philanthropist she’s very involved in the community, church and giving back.”
What are three words you would use to describe your brand?
“Unique, Chic, Exquisite.”
Where can people find/follow your brand?
Website: www.nailalane.com
Instagram: @nailalane
Facebook: @nailalane
Gentle Haven Massage
Tell us the name of your brand and when it was founded?
“The name of my business/brand is Gentle Haven Massage, and it was founded in 2015 while in massage school.”
How did you get the concept for your brand?
“I got the concept for my business/brand by trying to keep away the cliché massage names . The definition of haven, which is used in my business name, is a place of safety or refuge. My office is a peaceful and relaxing place where my clients can reset, renew and revive, and leave a new person.”
What is the mission of your brand?
“The mission of Gentle Haven Massage is connect with the world through overall wellness.”
What services and/or products does your brand offer?
“I am still in the startup process. As of now I offer the basic services such as Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, prenatal massage, sports massage, stretch assistance, and chair massage for corporate offices/events. I am in the process of adding organic bath and body products such as bath bombs, and soaps in the new year.”
If you could give advice to a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
“My advice to a new entrepreneur would be to RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! Follow people in your field that can help you along the way that have more experience so that you can learn. Also starting a solid foundation, so that you won’t have to start over.”
What’s one thing many people may not know about you or your brand?
“I use to be a former track and field athlete which inspired me to get into this field as massage therapist.”
What are three words you would use to describe your brand?
“Rejuvenating, Peaceful, Rewarding.”
Where can people find/follow your brand?
Facebook: Gentle Haven Massage
Instagram: @gentlehavenmassage
The Picnic Chicks
Tell us the name of your brand and when it was founded?
“The Picnic Chicks was founded in 2019 when planning a birthday party for my daughter. We wanted to create an out of the box, intimate, outdoor event with close friends and family. Using our decorating and creative planning skills, we planned a posh outdoor picnic and The Picnic Chicks began.”
What is the mission of your brand?
“Our mission is to promote more intimate and meaningful experiences in an engaging atmosphere by adding a modern twist to a classic pastime. We also hope to inspire and empower women to not only have a seat but create their own table, in our case a picnic table.”
What services and/or products does your brand offer?
“The Picnic Chicks offers a variety of posh packages from simple elegance to a lavish affair. We personalize a picnic perfect for dreamy date nights, bachelorette parties, brunch babes, and so much more.”
If you could give advice to a new entrepreneur, what would it be?
“My advice to a new entrepreneur would be to just start, don’t wait for perfection. You and your business will continually evolve, so start where you are and evolve to where you want you and your business to be.”
What’s one thing many people may not know about your or your brand?
“Many people may not know that I am a laboratory scientist by day and a crafter by night!”
What are three words you would use to describe your brand?
“Unique, Vibrant, Empowering.”
Where can people find/follow your brand?
Instagram: @thepicnicchicks
Facebook: @thepicnicchicks
Snapchat: @thepicnicchicks
