Amanda Bear is the designer and owner of Larkspur Lingerie, a sustainable and ethical lingerie company based in Los Angeles.

I wanted to talk to Amanda because of she is very eco-conscious and focuses on sustainability within product design.

Karen Kawallek is the founder and creator of Lake Providence Lodge Scented Wax Melts.   She started making scented wax melts as a hobby which quickly grew into a full scale business.

I wanted to talk to Karen because she has a corporate day job and generates side income by developing her own products.

Her business philosophies

• Produce a high quality product; market it smartly and be kind.
• It’s nice to be important but it's more important to be nice.

Her biggest challenges

• Keeping up with logistics: raw material inventory management, etc.

Karen was able to solve her challenges by seeking the aid and guidance of others. In turn, Karen has helped others in their businesses.

Her advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs….

• Don’t be afraid.   If basing your business in an interest that you have, pursue it.
• You need a network. Begin building or seeking out that network starting with the people around you.

Links

• http://www.lakeprovidencelodgescentedwaxmelts.com/

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Ama KariKari-Yawson is the co-founder of Joojo’s, an artisanal children’s shoe company that aims to inject love, fun and play into the children’s shoe making business.  In addition, she is a self motivated change agent who has been able to design a wide variety of products and services.  I wanted to talk to Ama because of her focus on high quality materials and excellent craftsmanship as key values within her company. 

Seema Alexander is a business strategy coach who empowers purpose-driven women to make the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship.  She does this by helping her clients to maximize their credibility, productivity and profitability in business.  I wanted to talk to Seema to get her thoughts on what it takes to successfully transition from a corporate environment.  Not only has she made the leap herself, but she’s also coached many women to success.

Today’s queen bee created elegant portion control. After years of waging the war against obesity and longing to embrace a healthier lifestyle, Sheila Kemper Dietrich began researching and experimenting with the concept of “right-sizing” the food environment.

I wanted to talk to Sheila because she’s a really great example of someone who designs products by listening to and empathizing with the end consumer.   As a result, she’s been able to build her business through deep understanding.

Her Business Philosophy: 

"I am one but still I am one.  I cannot do everything but i can do something.  i will not refuse to do the something I can do."     ~Helen Keller

Be willing to say yes to opportunity

What does it mean to be Queen Bee?

Really proving that the vision, the idea was worthy - that it is something that is helpful to people...

Her advice to female entrepreneurs

• Go for it; believe and then seek advice for others from those who can help you with their insight and knowledge
• Enjoy the journey
• Don't do it if you don't think it's a fun thing

Links

• http://www.livligahome.com/

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Erin Werde is the President & owner of Affiance Coaching, a Kolbe-based consulting company out of Minneapolis, MN.  Erin teaches entrepreneurs how to cultivate, build and develop key relationships in business.

Nneka Alexander specializes in creating high-end custom garments for exclusive clientele with an appreciation for quality. Based in Atlanta, Georgia USA, Brides by NoNA is a luxury brand of bespoke bridal and formal wear serving clients globally.

After working in government, private industry and public accounting, Erin Johnstone took the entrepreneurial leap and started her own accounting firm, Vivid Numbers. She doesn't take herself too seriously, revels in the details, loves to laugh and actually likes accounting!

For over 30 years, Kathy Dannel Vitcak has in the pet industry and has been active in the dog show world. The Blissful Dog sprang from her own need for a product to help her dogs have smooth, healthy noses. And now, 13 years later, the products are changing lives worldwide.

Susan Burns is a business strategist and legal adviser to women-owned, small businesses. She is also founder and CEO of Small Business Legal School, an online learning course designed to support success by helping business owners become legally savvy.