On centre-stage: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Maryland
#EnterprisingWomen #WomenLeadership #MarylandBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #EmpowerHer
Maryland, known as the “Old Line State,” is making bold strides in championing women entrepreneurs, with a remarkable 52% of its businesses owned by women. These enterprising trailblazers are reshaping industries like – technology, healthcare, education & retail, revealing that success knows no gender limits! Fueled by Maryland’s robust support system – ranging from the Maryland Capital Enterprises to the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Loan Fund, women entrepreneurs are literally finding the tools they need to thrive.
Pioneering Progress & Innovation
What truly sets Maryland’s women entrepreneurs apart is their fearless innovation & commitment to community impact. They’re not just building businesses; they’re creating legacies, solving pressing societal challenges & inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Maryland’s unique blend of opportunity, diversity & entrepreneurial spirit makes it a hotbed for women-led ventures, that are transforming local & global markets alike.
Let us now, dive into the stories of resilience, creativity & ambition as we shine the spotlight on some of Maryland’s enterprising women entrepreneurs, who are proving that the future of business is ‘female’.
> Eula McDowell, Founder, Big Bean Theory
The Founder and Owner Eula McDowell of Big Bean Theory started small – with made- to-order meal services in Baltimore, before evolving the business into The Big Bean Theory.
The Big Bean Theory she actually started in her kitchen. The very first time she made a bean soup, was in her own kitchen for dinner. She was challenged by her grandmother to make a soup better than hers, since she had complained about it at their family’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner!! It turned out to be a hit and her career took off! And she opened her first store in 2011.
Big Bean Theory products are now available in farmers markets throughout all of Baltimore, along with a The Big Bean cafe in Mt. Vernon Marketplace. There is an endless array of products – from Black Bean Burgers, to Veggie Lasagna to even Mama’s Rock’n Moroccan Stew!
> Caryn J. G. Brookman, Founder, Blackwater Environmental Group, LLC
Blackwater Environment Group founded by Caryn J. G. Brookman was established in 2009. The goal of Blackwater was – to assist governmental agencies in making well-informed decisions integrating environmental and equitable community values, early into the project planning process.
Their planned mission was – to streamline environmental and planning services while upholding environmental regulations.
Blackwater Environmental Group provides environmental consulting and planning services to businesses in Maryland and beyond.
> Robin Holmes, Owner, Deddles Donuts
Deddles Donuts is indeed very different. This business specializes in creating unique and delicious donuts that are almost too pretty to eat! Their Instagram-worthy treats come in a host of flavours – from classic glazed to fruity pebble-topped creations.
The Owner & Founder Robin Holmes started Deddle’s Mini Donuts, as a way to honour her beloved mother. To elaborate, it actually originated from her desire to keep her mother’s memory alive and make her proud.
Deddle’s Mini Donuts & Chicken Food Truck has been bringing happy times to Baltimore City and the surrounding counties since 2016. You can see this on the street side, at local festivals and at private and Corporate Catering events statewide.
They offer the perfect sweet and savory combination of fresh made-to-order mini donuts and savory fried chicken, making Deddle’s the perfect food truck for any occasion like – Birthdays, Employee Events, Bar Mitzvahs, Retirement Celebrations and more!
> Ursula Spencer, Founder, Dope Nerds, LLC
Dope Nerds LLC, was founded by self-taught technologist and tech entrepreneur Ursula Spencer.
What the business is involved in is that Dope Nerds provides new and more impactful learning experiences – for youth and underrepresented communities using tech such as AI.
The education tech company specializes in virtual reality (VR)-based educational experiences for middle and high school students. It focuses on using VR technology to cover a wide range of topics including – engineering, game design, and digital art, all within the VR environment. Moreover, Dope Nerds provides hands-on, experiential learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and STEAM (adding arts to STEM) with its curriculum. She also launched Dope Nerds Impact, the nonprofit arm of Dope Nerds – to break down barriers to digital inclusion – so the youth and under-valued communities can access technology.
> Michele Tsucalas, Founder, Michele’s Granola
Michele’s Granola was founded by Michele Tsucalas. The interesting background is that she fell in love with the granola after spending a hard, working summer in New England. So, after growing fond of the locally made granola and then realizing she missed it, she decided to give it a try on her own.
At Michele’s Granola, they believe that real food, made in a ‘real’ way, tastes better and is better for the health of customers and the planet too. They believe old-fashioned techniques are the future of food production and they proudly employ them – to create a better tasting product. What do ‘real’ people do? To specify, ‘real’ people mix every batch, bake every pan and quality check every bag!! Their ingredients are clean, simple and wholesome, and their flavours are traditional yet unique.
Now, 15+ years later, she is still hand-making her products to share with the community.
> Jesse Sandlin, Founder, Sally O’s
Founder and chef Jesse Sandlin opened the restaurant – Sally O’s in 2020. It is located in Highland town.
What she did was that – she achieved a different status. Being a Top Chef alum, she created a vibrant and eclectic space for the community – with a menu that brings a special blend of unique ingredients to the table (of course, based on what’s in season).
She felt strongly about creating a place that the neighbourhood would feel comfortable in and want to patronize too. That mission has continued to guide Sally O’s, which was the first spot she has owned and operated. Her luck played out well, for since its debut, diners have flocked in from far and near!
With COVID there were setbacks. But as time flew by, it is running high, and she really shows her love for her neighbourhood & her customers (no matter where they come from!).
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