01/01/2025
THE FUTURE IS FEMALE
2024 Recap: July - November
TLDR: In five months I created a business plan, secured funding, transitioned to an LLC, and leased my first storefront. I did this with the help of dozens of women all while maintaining my full time private practice, household, and hobbies.
Keep reading to learn more about a few fabulous females. (Not all RWN members)
:Side Bar:
Most of these connections are a result of the Breakfast Club Referral SIG or members of Rochester Women’s Network (www.rwn.org)
Some are just me being on my path (IYKYK).
In 2022, I had to the idea to create a second referral group to help support business on the westside of Rochester and to accommodate the growing RWN community. With the help of Melanie Watson, owner of Melanie Watson Design, (https://www.melaniewatsondesign.com), we started the Breakfast Club Referral Group, formerly known as Westside Women Refer.
An early member to our group, Jolana Hollister, Owner of The Photography Experience,(https://rocphotoexperience.com), soon became a customer of my in person functional fitness program. Gratefully during our meetings she shared her wins that were attributed to exercise and movement. Happy one year train - adversary!
Sara Keul, owner of Root & Bloom Communications (https://www.rootandbloom.co) was able to help me realize my passion for aging and longevity after we had several great conversations. This led to her editing and developing the copy you see on my website, GracefulBodyworks.com
That website was designed by the talented owner of Tech Creative Web Design (https://techcreativewebdesign.com) and our current RWN President, Susan Jefferson. Not only can Susan develop a beautiful website, her creativity extends to jewelry making too; check out her unique collection https://susanjeffersonjewelry.com
With a new website came new photography and Susan referred me to another women owned business, Renée at Immagine Photo, https://immaginephoto.com Renée made me look strong - have you seen the website?!!
Follow Renée on social media, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at some of Rochester’s most popular events!
Alecia Peterson, owner of Drummer Girl Marketing (https://drummergirlmarketing.com) shared an opportunity for business owners whom are minority or women owned to become certified within Monroe County. (M/WBE) The certification process for Monroe County is free. (https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/mwbe)
Sherry Mitchell, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-j-mitchell-mba-03851747/) who helps you become financially independent with Clement Wealth Management, has always supported my affiliate business with the Shaklee Corporation. If you are interested in having chocolate for breakfast, you know how to find me!
Juli Raner, another member of our referral group, is the branch manager at M&T Bank at Latta Road in Greece. (https://locations.mtb.com/ny/rochester/bank-branches-and-atms-rochester-ny-1211.html)
She is your private business banker and will help your small business navigate banking, loans, and credit cards. While working with her, she put me in contact with her former colleague at the Small Business Development Center at Brockport University. (SBDC) (https://www.sbdcbrockport.org) While Christine is not an RWN member, the relationship Juli has with her provided an opportunity for me to work with a business advisor, for free.
Waiting to sign papers that approved the business loan in a random downtown office building, I overheard the female security guard voice text a search that I knew Tameria Terrell, could answer. Tameria works with Ortolani Services (https://ortservices.com) and was able to help this woman after we crossed paths. Kismet!
Skillful with her referrals, Lisa Kretzer, owner of Employ-Ease (https://employ-ease-inc.com), has shared contacts and referrals that have created opportunities moving forward. When you Lisa you know everyone.
While hosting our bi-annual visitors day, Lisa Mayberry (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mayberry-37149310/) attended our referral group meeting. She works at M3 Placement & Partnership, yet another certified women owned business, https://m3placement.com/about/our-team/ She also came by the Exercise Studio for the Ribbon Cutting during our Grand Opening after only knowing me for barley 90 minutes!
Janette Bielher, owner of Beals Graphic Design https://bealsdesign.com not only celebrated with us at our Ribbon Cutting, but she came in for a BIG art project! We can also thank Janette for asking me to be a sub when she was a member of the Friday Connections Referral Group in 2021. Big hugs girl, I love knowing you!
Over the summertime, I met with Rachael Johnson, Freelance Copywriter and Brand Voice Enthusiast at RJ Creative (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-johnson-copywriter) While walking along the lake she mentioned a book written by Denise DT, “Get Rich Luck B”. At that point, this book was mentioned by 2 other women - in the same day! Game changer - forget the title, read the book - https://amzn.to/4dCUD3i
Holding my personal and professional policy’s, I asked Megan Mills, owner of The Mills Agency https://themillsagency.com and Reimagine Renovation (https://reimaginerenovation.com) for some design ideas as the construction process was underway. Some of her suggestions can be seen at the studio!
Krista Hudson, who coaches overwhelmed moms at Hudson Life Coaching (https://www.hudsonlifecoaching.com) will be part of our Love Yourself Series in February At Graceful Bodyworks!
Knowing that bookkeeping was something that gives me anxiety (I know I am not alone!) I hired Jordan Fritz who owns JF Bookkeeping Solutions, (https://jfbookkeepingsolutions.com) Seriously, she is so patient even when she has to email me 5 times to follow up - money and I are working on our relationship. Jordan also owns Sip Back & Relax Tours (https://sipbackrelaxtours.com. She and her team help you create a fun and memberable way to explore the Finger Lakes!
While not officially members of RWN I must also mention these fabulous females!
Susan Seale, https://susanseale.com. I have been a student, a goddess, a priestess, and the owner in several of her amazing programs that help you clear limiting beliefs that are holding you back from your reaching your potential.
Kristy Wumkes, owner of Soul Fire Wellness, LLC (https://www.soulfirewellnessllc.com) was invited to the Exercise Studio to cleanse and bless the space. Kristy will also be offering a Devine Feminine Workshop in February as part of our Love Yourself series!
Hali Forshee, owner of Flow & Glow Yoga (https://www.flow-and-glow-yoga.com) and
Karin Rodgers who teaches at the Westside YMCA, taught yoga and Pilates during our Preview Week. You can find her classes here, https://rochesterymca.org/locations/westside-family-ymca
This long post must also mention my Thrive Together Team. Together we have shared triumphs and success, experienced loss and sadness, but through it all, we really do Thrive Together. While 95% of what we do together is online or via text, we have helped dozens of families create healthier lifestyles in a number of ways. When you are ready to make healthy happen, I have a team at the ready to add their expertise.
Newelle McDonald - Affectionately known as our Shaklee Fairy Goddess Mother, Newelle gives so much to the people she cares about. She also introduced me to Susan Seale as I mentioned above!
Tovah Spring - As a Speech Pathologist, Wife, mom of twin boys, and the owner of Tovah Yoga, this woman inspires me to my core. She is so thoughtful and kind and I learn so much from her and you can too!
Emilia Z - Emilia brings a tenacity that is contagious. In the years I have known Emilia, she has achieved every single goal she set out to accomplish. She is our cheerleader and one of the best accountability partners!
Sandra C - Watching Sandra grow her confidence after making her health a priority is awe-inspiring. This globetrotter is a go-getter and shares her experience with other mom.
