On Centrestage: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Virginia
#WomenInBusiness #VirginiaEntrepreneurs #WomenLeadership #InnovationAndImpact #WomenOwnedVirginia
Virginia, known as the “Old Dominion State,” has become a hotbed of women entrepreneurs, making impressive strides across various industries. From technology to healthcare and creative arts – women-led businesses in Virginia are thriving, contributing over $3.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Old Dominion’s Business Pioneers: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Succeed
Not only do these trailblazing women offer innovative solutions, but many of them also incorporate a social impact focus into their ventures, helping to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The state’s support through resources like the Virginia Women’s Business Center, coupled with access to research institutions like Virginia Tech – offers a robust foundation for women to launch and scale successful enterprises. With over 30,000 women-owned businesses, Virginia is a hub of creativity, resilience & leadership.
These entrepreneurs are not only shaping the economic landscape but also inspiring the next generation of women in business to chase their dreams and leave a lasting legacy in the state.
Let us explore stories of some amazing women entrepreneurs from Virginia.
> Natasha Magrath, You’ve Got Maids (franchise) & Fairfax Counties
When Natasha Magrath came to US, she was in finance and accounting as a Controller in hospitality and commercial real estate. But her dream was to open her own business. It took off when she started her “You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia” franchise in 2017. But then just two years later, the pandemic hit. While her industry was hit hard during the pandemic, she stayed put and continued to move forward.
After launching You’ve Got Maids in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties – the business grew. She is thrilled that her community grew too.
She also serves on the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and at Stone Springs Hospital on the Board of Trustees. She has sponsored English classes for her employees – for giving the gift of knowledge and upward mobility to her employees is very important for her!!
She feels building a business takes time, hard work, and long hours but nothing is impossible as long you love what to do!
> Daniela Williams, Founder, Cucinamore
Daniela Williams launched Cucinamore on February 28, 2014. As a first-generation immigrant to the US, she was looking for a way to express herself, and her culture in a way that made her proud!
It was her husband’s job brought her family there in 2013. When she got down to doing homework to write a business plan, it turned out that she was going to fill a niche that had not been served yet in this part of the country….and it worked out wonderfully for Cucinamore.
She came up with the idea because the general perception of “authentic Italian food” here did not match what she experienced, back home. So, she decided to use her professional skills as a native chef – to allow her clients to truly experience an Italian dinner the way they would if they were to take a trip to Italy! Their catering style is different from most catering companies. The food you eat is prepared and cooked exclusively right before your eyes – and actually witnessing the cooking process is part of the experience they offer!
> Lisa Geraci Rigoni, Founder, The Organizing Mentors
Lisa Geraci Rigoni started ‘Leave it to Lisa’ in 2008 but it was in 2015, that she rebranded it to – The Organizing Mentors. The idea popped from helping friends in their garages, basements, and kitchens; and particularly when a friend actually suggested she takes it on as a business.
The Organizing Mentors is a certified company with The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM) that specializes in home organization and move management.
Besides, her proudest accomplishment professionally is – writing and getting her first book published; and it was launched on Kindle and in print.
> Alyssa Sobecki, Founder, The Difference Baker
Alyssa Sobecki launched The Difference Baker on November 7, 2019. The background was that she used to joke about opening a gluten-free bakery for years, but it took a serious turn, once her son was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies! She started with this mission and was so happy that she actually took the decision! In fact, The Difference Baker was awarded the Commending Resolution Award before Congress within the first two months of opening!
Based in Loudoun where they live, they love the community here! She surveyed and saw that the allergen community wasn’t fully served. So, this was her way of giving back and blessing as many lives as possible, one bite at a time.
She strongly feels that the closer you can be to your mission and passion, the less resistance you’ll meet in the aspects of creating, starting, and maintaining a beautiful business.
> Kelsey Mitchell, Founder, Escape Room LoCo
Kelsey Mitchell opened Escape Room LoCo in July 2016. She got the idea from going to an escape room in New Jersey and immediately fell in love with the concept! After deciding that she wanted to open one of her own, she researched – traveled and participated in many rooms to see how they work so that she could come up with a plan.
Incidentally, they change rooms about every two years so there is always something new and exciting to come back to.
She chose to build her business in Loudoun because she was already living and working in the county and at the time, and the nearest escape room was in DC. She loves traveling and being a business owner, it gives her the freedom to do so. They were named a Loudoun Chamber’s Small Business Award finalist in 2021 and 2022.
> Yasmeen Shields, Founder, Sassy Wreaths
It was in the fall of 2015 that Yasmeen Shields launched Sassy Wreaths – offering unique DIY wreath-making workshops throughout Loudoun at wineries, breweries, and event spaces. And, living in the east coast wine county was a bonus too! She always had a passion for home décor and beautifying spaces, and one of her favourite things was – to change the wreaths on the front doors for every season and holiday.
Her family, along with her, chose Loudoun because of the schools, beautiful homes, and community. And, when considering the market for her business, she thought Loudoun aligned perfectly for Sassy Wreaths. She notes that the small business community there is nurtured, there are opportunities for growth, and the support networks help businesses thrive. Sassy Wreaths won the Best of Loudoun for “Art Instruction” and besides, she was inducted into the Loudoun 40 Under 40 class.
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