In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from “The Bay State”
#WomenEntrepreneursMA #BreakingBarriers #TheBayStateInnovation #EmpoweringWomen #HerTimeToThrive
It can be rightly said that Massachusetts is home to some of the nation’s most dynamic women entrepreneurs, who are redefining innovation and resilience in business. Fondly known as “The Bay State,” Massachusetts boasts of a higher percentage of women-owned businesses (33.5%) compared to the national average, as highlighted in the “It’s Her Time: Women Entrepreneurship in Massachusetts” report by MACP and the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement.
Yet, despite this promising statistic, women entrepreneurs in the state often face unique challenges – including limited access to capital, with 71% identifying funding barriers as a major roadblock.
Thriving Against the Odds in “The Bay State”
What sets these enterprising women apart is their incredible ability to overcome these challenges – through determination, ingenuity & collaboration. They are driving growth in diverse industries – from cutting-edge biotech in Boston to sustainable farming in the Berkshires, thus contributing not only to the state’s economy but also to its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
To unlock the full potential of women-led businesses, targeted resources & initiatives like mentorship programs, accessible funding opportunities and networking platforms are essential. And, Massachusetts is stepping up to address these needs, empowering its women entrepreneurs to build successful ventures, break barriers, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Now here we present some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Massachusetts.
> Mary Alsobrook, Director of Events & Marketing, La Bonne Maison
In 1980, La Bonne Maison was founded by Dianne Hartman and Chef Linda Marino. They specialized in – private parties, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate gatherings; and they gained a loyal client base with chef-driven cuisine and impeccable service. Tracing its history, in 2015, Marino’s daughter Mary Alsobrook and husband Victor became the new leaders of LBM. They decided to take the company forward with a fresh take on globally inspired fare and a beverage program featuring craft cocktails and organic wines.
Growing up in the business, Mary wore many hats – from dishwasher to event manager!! Firmly believing one needs to understand all positions as it is important to great leadership, she always dreamed to have her own business. Now, she is proud to continue her mother’s legacy. She moved back to Boston from California to take charge. It is with great pride that she serves Boston because she feels that it always has been a city with a sophisticated palate and entertainment appreciation.
Now, after 35 years, LBM has moved to a new commercial kitchen, office & tasting room in Newton.
> Franny Andahazy, Founder, PBD Events
Franny Andahazy founded PBD Events in 1985, and it was built mainly as an all- female events company that specialized in creating props for social events.
It has evolved and expanded, over decades – to include a full-service carpentry and print shop, a rental warehouse & a design office, making it one of the largest and most innovative event companies in New England.
Today, PBD has a prestigious client list – ranging from Reebok to the Red Sox Foundation. What led her to start this business? As an artist with a background in technical theater, she noted that themed events were coming to the East Coast from California and that’s when she saw an opportunity – to carve out a niche here in the Boston region.
Being trained to see the big picture, design large spaces & create themes, she succeeded for ‘art’ is really her world. She is immensely inspired by women who step ahead not taking the normal route – from painters Mary Cassatt and Georgia 0’Keefe, who became as famous as their male contemporaries, to Gloria Steinem, who we all know speaks out for women all over.
> Julie Brown, Founder, JB|BD
JB|BD Founder Julie Brown feels that business development isn’t a new concept. And consciously, she has developed a different technique – for her method of simultaneously consulting with multiple firms and capitalizing on synergies between those firms is indeed, unique.
Starting in 2016, Brown became a leader in her field and then created a platform to inspire others. She assists clients in a number of ways – via tactical introductions, market visibility and relationship building.
JB|BD gives a number of offerings like – keynote speaking engagements, workshops & a video series – to help viewers overcome networking fears.
> Brooke Carroll & Elaine Peterson, Co-founders, Lark Fine Foods
After launching in 2008, Lark Fine Foods has evolved from a home-based specialty food business to a full-scale commercial baking facility in Essex.
When it was launched, Lark had one cookie, the Cha-Cha, with limited distribution in Cape Ann. Today, they have expanded – and have 12 cookies in their Cookies for Grown-Ups line, with nationwide distribution to multiple retail channels.
Lark’s private label business has also expanded over the last decade and they recently launched a new product line of savoury biscuit crackers. Co-owner Brooke Carroll, purchased Lark in 2015.
> Jeanne Costello, Founder, Serenity Hair Solutions LLC
Having dedicated 15+ years of her career to the noble cause of aiding women experiencing hair loss, Jeanne Costello is the face behind Serenity Hair Solutions. As the Owner and a seasoned Hair Replacement Specialist, she has woven her passion & expertise into the fabric of the unique business. Her commitment to sheer excellence is clearly evident. Living proof of this can be seen in her active membership in prestigious organizations such as Hair Loss University, the American Hair Loss Association, and Seamless Academy. Beyond her professional accolades, she shines through her volunteer work with Wigs for Kids, where she extends her
support to those in need, proving her commitment extends beyond the salon.
Her journey in the hair replacement industry began with a desire to make a meaningful impact, and today she is a specialist in addressing thinning hair and hair loss with a personal touch in the Boston area. Jeanne’s approach to hair replacement is unique and it ensured that Serenity Hair Solutions remains at the forefront of innovative hair loss solutions.
Her life’s story is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her desire to help people in a more meaningful way propelled her into the hair replacement industry in 2004. Incidentally, after acquiring a salon in 2014 and specializing in hair replacement, she faced a major setback in February 2023 – when the salon suffered extensive damage due to flooding. However, she turned it into an ‘opportunity’ – as she led a year of renovations, transforming the space into a state-of-the-art Hair Replacement Center. Actually, this transition marked a new beginning – specializing in medical hair loss, which also underlined unwavering commitment to her clients’
well-being.
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