Building a business community for MOMs

A message from the president:

January 2008

With our sight on a successful 2008 in business and motherhood, it is always a good thing to take time out of our busy schedules and reflect on the important achievements and events of the previous year.

In 2007, I have met several milestones in my life. One, with my son Gavan turning one years old last February, I never realized how rewarding it is being a mother and raising a family. Two, the official opening of Blue Dress Press, the business I started with an outstanding business partner, mom and who also happens to be my cousin, Sara Winnick. The third is being surrounded by a terrific community of women which all helped birth Northwest Enterprsing Moms. Through our members I have found the encouragement and inspiration that is needed in the balance of business ownership and motherhood.

The organization has reached its own milestones. We have held two member events, wrote a business and marketing plan, officially launched the organization, we are in the process of the filing for our 501 not-for-profit status and we have a pretty incredible website! The Fall Event that was held on November 11th was one of my highlights. I believe it was a huge success, we not only doubled, but tripled the attendance from our spring show; which leads me to believe that the northwest community is cheering us on to achieve our dreams. The event could not have happened without the dedication and commitment of many of our NWEDM members. I thank you all for being on task and delivering a great event. I am looking forward to the Northwest Enterprising Moms 2008 events. I know they will just keep getting better!

This March we will hold the first of four continuing education programs. Our first program will focus on marketing. We will have a panel of experienced professionals in the industry. Marketing topics are abundant, so we may have to use the spring session to continue the topic in order to touch on the subjects that are most important to our members.

As an organization we will strive to grow the Northwest Enterprising Moms brand so that it is more recognizable in the tri-state area. This will help our members business actively market themselves from within the organization as well as the public eye. I will be sending out a letter and NWEM decal to retailers and businesses who support mothers in the organization.

What started out as a community event for mothers who own their business, has quickly turned into an organization with a purpose and what a wonderful purpose it is. I am so pleased to be a part of Northwest Enterprising Moms and am very fortunate to be surrounded by so many inspirational women!

Happy holidays and best wishes for 2008
Kelly Sharples
President and co-founder of Northwest Enterprising Moms

kelly@bluedresspress.com or kelly_sharples@northwestenterprisingmoms.com
 206.931.2542