On centre-stage: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Connecticut
#WomenEntrepreneurs #ConnecticutInnovation #BusinessLeadership #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurialJourney
Connecticut is driven by a dynamic ecosystem that fosters growth & innovation. Over the past five years the state has witnessed a remarkable 44% growth in women-owned businesses – outpacing the national average. From healthcare and education to professional services – women entrepreneurs in “The Nutmeg State” are creating waves across various industries.
Key organizations, such as the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), play a pivotal role in this journey. By offering mentorship, training programs & funding opportunities, the WBDC equips women with the tools they need to succeed.
Additionally, platforms like the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame celebrate and recognize the contributions of trailblazing women – inspiring future generations to dream big and lead with confidence.
Driving Innovation: Women-Owned Businesses Redefining Business Success What sets Connecticut apart is its emphasis on collaboration, innovation & community. The state offers access to – networking events, business accelerators, and strategic guidance to help women entrepreneurs overcome challenges and scale new heights. So, whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to grow your venture, Connecticut provides a solid foundation for success.
Here’s presenting some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Connecticut.
> Liz Ceppos, Co-founder, Cross Culture Kombucha
Liz Ceppos and her husband founded this startup. When she was laid off from her job at a Norwalk commercial real estate firm, her husband, Ian, encouraged her to take time to consider the next step in her career.
Soon, without much time lapsing by, the couple turned their hobby of making kombucha into a business. Cross Culture Kombucha was founded in Danbury in January 2017 and the couple opened their first brewery and taproom in Danbury in September 2018. They expanded and moved to a much more spacious location in November 2022.
> Dr. Melissa-Sue John, Co-founder & CEO, Lauren Simone Publishing
Dr. Melissa-Sue John, a prolific children’s book author and accomplished publisher is a person who wears many hats! She has won multiple awards, and she is a psychology professor at the University of Saint Joseph and holds the position of Co-founder and CEO of Lauren Simone Publishing House (a subsidiary of Front Page Talent LLC) in East Hartford.
In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a dedicated researcher, a loving wife & a mother to two daughters too. Proud of her Jamaican heritage, she is an alumna of Harrison’s Preparatory School and Holy Childhood High School. Her educational journey moved over to the United States, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College, CUNY, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Connecticut. Backed by her passion for teaching, she enjoys lecturing and mentoring students. Driven by her diverse roles, she also collaborates with her daughters – in creating diverse children’s literature.
> Emmanuella Lauture, Owner, Ma Maison Childcare, LLC
It was in 2013, that Emmanuelle began a home-based childcare business. The business gradually and successfully grew to take over more space in her home – like her living room, dining room, and office. The success of this business encouraged her to open a dedicated childcare center in 2019 in Stamford; and two years later, she moved into her current location at the historic Hubbard Mansion in Stamford. As far as the future goes, she plans to continue striving to offer quality childcare programming and providing jobs in Fairfield County.
> Shellena Pitterson, Founder & CEO, Orchid Maids
Orchid Maids is a prominent cleaning service provider in Norwich and the nearby areas, and the Founder and Owner is Shellena Pitterson.
She received the Women Rising Award from the Women’s Business Development Council in 2023. The Women Rising Award honours female entrepreneurs who achieve their business goals and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and the highest quality of service. Her achievement highlights her exceptional leadership at Orchid Maids, where she has built a reputation for outstanding service, having built a great rapport with her clients.
Today, Orchid Maids has become a trusted name in Norwich, providing top-tier house cleaning services that prioritize efficiency, thoroughness, and client-specific needs. Under her guidance, the company has flourished, embodying the spirit of innovation and customer care that the Women Rising Award celebrates.
> Kristin Vece – Owner, Elevate Healing Arts
Kristin Vece, is the Owner of Elevate Healing Arts, in Cromwell and it is interesting that she was one of the six entrepreneurs who received the WBDC Women Rising award.
In January 2020, Kristin debuted her own space and established Elevate Healing Arts, which is a shared workspace for – healing arts practitioners and consultants in Cromwell. She started working with WBDC just as she was opening her space; and the organization helped her through the initial stages of building her business plan and also provided further support through online classes and group mentoring. She received a WBDC Equity Match Grant in 2022 and used the funds for several upgrades that allowed her to expand Elevate Healing Arts’ services.
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