In the Spotlight: Some resourceful women entrepreneurs from West Virginia
#WomenEntrepreneurs #WestVirginiaBusiness #MountainStateMavens #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWV #BreakingBarriers
West Virginia, fondly referred to as the “Mountain State”, is becoming a fertile ground for women entrepreneurs, who are rewriting the rules of business in a state known for its resilience and innovation. With the 10th best business climate in the nation (as ranked by Business Facilities) and a 12% lower cost of living than the US average, West Virginia provides the perfect backdrop – for entrepreneurial dreams to spark off & flourish.
Empowering Appalachia: The Women Entrepreneurs of West Virginia
What actually sets West Virginia’s women entrepreneurs apart is – their tenacity, creativity & commitment to community impact. Despite operating in traditionally male-dominated industries, women-owned businesses make up an impressive 42% of all businesses in the state, even outpacing the national average. These trail-blazing women are leading in industries like – technology, healthcare & sustainable energy – proving that innovation knows no bounds in West Virginia.
More than just driving economic growth, these women are shaping their communities with purpose-driven enterprises – focusing on sustainability, social responsibility & the betterment of local neighborhoods. From tech startups to eco-conscious ventures, the Mountain State’s women entrepreneurs are building a brighter future, while inspiring others to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
There are many women entrepreneurs in West Virginia, including those who have founded businesses, and those who have worked to help other women entrepreneurs too. So, let us take a look at some of them.
> Martha Carter, Founder, FamilyCare Health Center
Martha Carter, Founder, FamilyCare Health Center is a notable figure in the healthcare business. FamilyCare Health Center is a medical facility that provides quality healthcare services to the community. They offer a range of medical services – including primary care, specialty care & preventive care. Under Martha Carter’s strong leadership, the center has become a trusted provider of healthcare services, dedicated to improving the health & well-being of its patients. Her commitment to providing accessible & compassionate care has indeed, made a significant impact in the community.
FamilyCare Health Center is a federally qualified health center with 14 locations in and near Charleston. To trace back, she her career as a certified nurse-midwife and wanted to create an organization that would provide affordable and respectful health care.
> Shamika Robinson, Founder, Luv. Enterprises LLC
Shamika Robinson, Founder, started Luv Enterprises LLC – a car rental business in 2022. It was during the global pandemic that this company got launched. What is inspiring is that she built the business almost entirely with her own money, including maxed out lines of credit. As the world changed after the pandemic, they adapted their vision of what they perceived as the company’s future. This business was first started with the goal of bringing retail products to people’s doorsteps – in a way that was much more personal.
Fast forward to today and they are no longer about retail – they are all about ‘SERVICE’. Their rental vehicles are accessible to a vast majority of the population. And their mission is for people – to have access to affordable, clean, reliable transportation. What is special is that they support a younger population as they clearly understand that people aged 18-24 years may just be getting started with finances, credit & driving!!
> Cheri Satterfield, Founder, Tuscan Sun Spa
Cheri Satterfield, Founder is a prominent entrepreneur and businesswoman in West Virginia who owns several small businesses, including: Tuscan Sun Spas, which is her largest venture. She also owns Daycare facilities & a Video rental store, which she created with her former husband.
She is known for her drive and initiative in the business world’ as a successful entrepreneur, she has overcome various challenges, and leveraged her experiences to grow and expand her ventures.
West Virginia, being a rural state, presents unique opportunities and obstacles for entrepreneurs, that require innovative solutions and adaptability. Her success in this environment is really a testament to her business acumen & ability to thrive in a distinct market.
> Riley + Macie Queen, Co-founders, Moon Flower Hemp
Riley + Macie Queen, Co-founders own Moon Flower, which is a woman-owned, seed to sale cannabis company in the mountains of West Virginia. The farm is nestled along the Buckhannon River.
Today, this seed-to-sale cannabis startup, has become a sought-after retailer due to its transparency, quality & women founders providing hemp-derived products. They started to grow, offering the products solely online in 2019, and then decided to open the Buckhannon storefront in March of 2023. Their product line has grown and expanded; and all of their products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Their success story happened in small strides, and they are still pushing for expansion daily. In 2020, their warehouse caught fire and they suffered huge losses. Their success online led to opening the storefront, which really opened so many opportunities!!
Moon Flower Hemp has extended its online success into a physical store in West Virginia and plans are on – to scale its online customer base in the coming years.
> Casey Jo & Zack, Co-founders, Oren + Folk
Casey Jo & Zack, Co-founders launched Oren + Folk which is truly a passion project born out of hours of dreaming, designing & building. Casey Jo can be seen generally working with clients to plan and design the event of their dreams, while Zack is usually in the background – working to make sure their dreams comes true.
Oren + Folk sits on 62 private acres; and the barn is located less than 20 minutes from Buckhannon, West Virginia. What the 11 acre field can do is – accomodate and carry out outdoor ceremonies, yard games & a bonfire too!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
