I hope you know how powerful you are. Our club just read WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES and I was reminded how easily it is to let our intuition get drowned out by the voices OUTSIDE of us.
I hope this Fall issue reminds you of all of the best parts of being a WILD WOMAN. That we can be all of the things that matter most: independent and connected, courageous and vulnerable, creative and productive, free and grounded, loving and loved.
In this issue, you’ll be reminded to take care of your mental health from therapist Katana and get inspired by our boss Chicks hitting their work, wealth and wellness goals in Goal GettHers. You’ll get to know our new Associate Editor Kari Ernest, who came to the position because my intuition told me she would be a great fit and she said yes. You’ll meet Shylah and five other boss Chicks in our spotlight. Shylah is our surprise cover model because my intuition told me she was meant to be on the cover. (Look how gorgeous it is – as is Shylah!) My a-ha moments are pivotal to my success because I have learned to trust them and they rarely lead me astray. That’s my wild woman archetype in full force. I hope you’ll let your intution howl for you, too. Read it here online or download it as a PDF.
I hope to connect with you soon. Join us in Hochatown if we have a spot and you have the time so you can unwind in the pines and plan for 2026 with some amazing women. We’re here for you.
“Boots, Boss Chicks and The Bold Life” was our theme for this year’s SHE Shines conference where we take our SHE Leads conference on the road to explore a new city, create greater bonds between our members and meet and learn from other boss Chicks.
Meredith Sense-CruzKatie AndersonDr. Lori McKinnonRebecca MarmolejoStacy BozarthMalena PutnamSome of our speakers and attendees on the beautiful Travellers Rest property in Nashville.
We’re especially grateful to Liberty Federal Credit Union, our VIP sponsor, for being a part of our leadership day and the Spark talk by Rebecca Marmolejo, Business Development Officer, for sharing her insights on authenticity in your journey and how that evolves over time. She told us to not cheat others or ourselves by not showing up fully and being who we are. We miss out and deny others when we aren’t being authentic.
Bold Talks That Sparked Change
Every Spark Talk at SHE Shines was a lightning bolt of insight, authenticity, and encouragement. These women showed us what The Bold Life truly looks like:
Stacy Bozarth, Connection Advocate and Exec. Director at the John Maxwell Team shared High Road Leadership for Women, reminding us that connection is where high road leadership begins. How can we improve connection and close the gap on what divides us?
Lori McKinnon, School of Media & Strategic Communication, Oklahoma State University, informed us about the power of authenticity in branding and how trust, values and brand clarity lead to brand amplification. How is your brand building trust with your customer base?
Katie Anderson, founder of Let’s Get Social based in Florida, encouraged us to “Take the Leap” before we are ready and to believe in our ideas even when others don’t. What’s holding you back from taking the leap?
Malena Putnam, CEO, Yay Dude Media & Marketing & Chicks in Chargeshared the Goal GettHers FROG framework: Focus Reaches Our Goals, which includes prioritizing and writing down our goals in the areas of work, wealth and wellness and make actionable steps and deadlines for achieving them. She also shared her “5-Minute Trailblazer Plan”, which includes the three primary steps for marketing your business – Disco, Lasso, and Rodeo. Visibility & awareness, attraction & conversion, and experience. What are you focusing on in 2025? How can you grow your brand using the Disco, Lasso, Rodeo steps?
Meredith Sense-Cruz,Certified Women’s Sexual Health Educator & Intimacy Consultant, expressed how important it is for women to give themselves permission to make pleasure and playtime a priority in all areas of our lives so we can be in touch with who we are and what brings us joy. What feels good in your life right now?
You can view the full list of speakers and their Spark Talk topics here.
A Walk Through Herstory: Travellers Rest Tour
A standout moment was our exclusive tour of Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, where we explored the life and legacy of Mary Overton, the matron of the home and wife to Judge John Overton (founder of Memphis and campaign manager and good friend to our 5th president, Andrew Jackson). Known as a healer, herbalist, and a resilient leader for her family and the property, Mary’s story echoed our own conversations on bold wellness and feminine leadership. She was a six-foot-tall woman who through her knowledge of medicine and wellness, was able to keep all of our nine children alive until adulthood, which was rare in the 1800s.
As we moved through the home’s storied rooms, we felt connected not just to history—but to a lineage of women who nurtured, led, and healed in their own right. It was the perfect close to a day rooted in sisterhood and strength.
💫 What’s Next?
Connect with our speakers here. If SHE Shines or this blog post left you feeling fired up, stay connected with us! Join our OKC or Cloud membership, attend a Goal GettHers session, or watch for details on the next SHE Leads event coming in 2027! Bold living isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement.
One of my favorite things about our community at Chicks in Charge is getting to ride along on the journey of life with so many fabulous women leaders over the past 8 years. When I chose “The Bold Life” for our theme for 2025, I knew that meant I had to not only embrace it, but LIVE it. What could I do that would be bold this year? What would help me step out of my comfort zone and even make me a little queasy when I thought about it?
One neon-sign sized message was: create a digital magazine for women called, Bold Moves. Now, I’ve always been an avid reader and still love magazines, but I had no idea how to put one together or what that would look like. Now, we are two issues in on our quarterly magazine focused on highlighting bold moves from our boss Chicks and community. It’s provided another platform to showcase incredible women’s stories and provide inspiration and advice for our readers based on what we are doing and learning in our club and in the world. You know what was extra-scary? Putting MYSELF on the cover. I spent two hours looking at stock photo options before I remembered doing brand shoots with the talented Snappy Goode from Snap Media Branding was exactly for THIS PURPOSE. To do what I tell others to do! To embrace your personal brand power and SADDLE UP & SHINE! Future issues will have other Chicks on the cover, too, but once you “get over yourself” it does become easier to put ourselves out there. Stop nitpicking yourself.
This leads us to our Spring issue of Bold Moves focused on bold adventures including trips around the world – we spotlight Africa, Paris and a cruise – and professional leaps like Lisa Woody opening a bigger studio in Edmond for her Live Well 360 Beauty & Wellness Studio to Amy Urbach turning her love of wine into a side business with Urbach Wine Shop.
Roll with it, Chicks!A wellness upgrade.Bold offers from local boss Chicks.Wine not? Connect with these boss Chicks!Networking doesn’t have to be scary.When can you join us? Create your own Spring vision board.
In each issues, you’ll get to meet women who could help YOU with something you need in your life, too. That’s the power of connection and collaboration.
Download your FREE copy of our spring issue here and if you are interested in being spotlighted for our summer issue, just fill out the form and we’ll get back to you.
Now, how are you going to live more boldly this year? I’d love to hear back.
Join Us at the SHE Shines Nashville Conference: Boots, Boss Chicks and The Bold Life
This spring, Chicks in Charge is thrilled to host our 7th annual SHE Leads conference in – drumroll, please – Nashville, Tennessee! Scheduled for April 24th and 25th, 2025, this one-day women’s leadership conference offers a unique opportunity for women leaders and entrepreneurs to enhance their leadership skills, network with like-minded professionals, and enjoy the country culture of Music City. We’ll do a meet and greet the evening before as we explore a few of the hot spots together.
Why Attend the SHE Shines Conference?
Leadership Development: We’re emphasizing micro-learning at our conference with 5 minute Sparks from our leaders in the areas of Bold Leadership, Bold Business and Bold Wellness.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with women in business from across the country, fostering relationships that can lead to collaborations and lasting friendships. We’ll do a speed networking round at 11:30a to get to know each other better before lunch. Students and teams are also encouraged to attend. From Tennessee? We want to see you there, too! We even have a special local rate for you.
Experience Nashville: We wanted a casual, laid-back environment that fit our theme, so we’re hosting at a barn event venue at Historic Traveller’s Rest, home of the historical 1799 home built by the founder of Memphis. We’ll do a self-guided tour of the house after lunch. Beyond the conference, attendees are encouraged to explore Nashville’s renowned music scene, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife. Find the top things to do and see at VisitMusicCity.com.
Ready to shine? Be a Spark Speaker
Are you passionate about sharing your expertise and inspiring others? We’re inviting our attendees to be a Spark Speakers with a 5-minute talk on Bold Business, Leadership or Wellness. It’s your chance to:
Share Your Story: Motivate and empower fellow attendees by sharing your unique journey and insights. You’ll get listed on our website and social media and receive a professional photo of yourself on stage from Snap Media Branding.
Enhance Your Profile: Position yourself as a thought leader within a supportive and engaged community of other women leaders at all ages and stages of life and business.
Expand Your Network: Connect with other speakers and attendees, opening doors to new opportunities. You’ll also go away with three Reels and lots of B-roll you can use on your social media accounts.
Explore Music City
After enriching sessions, take advantage of being in Nashville by:
Visiting Iconic Music Venues: Experience live performances in the city known as the heart of country music.
Indulging in Southern Cuisine: Savor the flavors of Nashville’s diverse culinary scene.
Sightseeing: Explore historical landmarks, art galleries, and the vibrant local culture. We’ll be hitting Honky Tonk Highway in the evenings. Join us or do your thing!
Secure Your Spot Today
Don’t miss out on this empowering experience. Whether you aim to inspire as a Spark Speaker or grow as an attendee, the SHE Shines Nashville Conference is the place to be this April. Visit our Events Page for more information and to register and submit your Spark talk.
Now, which boots should I pack? Got a question? Reach out to Malena@readyaimgrow.com.
In the dynamic landscape of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, staying inspired and connected is essential. Bold Moves, the free quarterly digital magazine by Chicks in Charge, serves to empower ambitious women seeking personal growth, professional connections, and a supportive community.
Photo by Kalee Isenhour
Discover Bold Moves
Bold Moves is more than just a magazine; it’s a movement celebrating the achievements, stories, and insights of boss chicks from various industries. Each issue is curated to provide valuable content that resonates with women striving to make bold moves in their personal and professional lives.
Why Download the First Issue?
Inspiration: Why a Word of the Year Matters (and how to choose one), how to get unstuck by biohacking success coach Kimberly Jarman, Kissing FROGS to reach our goals by Malena Putnam and prepping for that all-important brand shoot by photog Snappy Goode.
Education: Gain access to articles offering practical advice on leadership, business strategies, and personal development. In our first issue, we share 10 ways to be more bold with your presence!
Connection: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for growth and excellence. The magazine is PACKED with connection opportunities from our event calendar to meeting the leaders of our flock to our 2024 Chicks of the Year to Bold Offers and local spotlights.
Are you a woman entrepreneur or manager looking to amplify your brand’s reach? The upcoming Spring issue of Bold Moves offers a unique platform to showcase your business to a targeted audience. By partnering with us, you can:
Our Spring issue is focused on travel, adventure and transformation. Photo by Snappy Goode.
Increase Visibility: Present your products or services to a community that values and supports women-led ventures to our audience of 7K+ women in business.
Build Credibility: Align your brand with a publication dedicated to excellence and empowerment.
Expand Your Network: Connect with potential clients, partners, and collaborators within the Chicks in Charge community and our followers.
Leap In – Deadline Approaching
The deadline to secure your spot in the Spring issue is March 15th. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your business and connect with a vibrant community of women leaders. To book your spotlight or learn more, click here.
Join the Movement
Join us in celebrating women’s leadership and be part of a community that supports and uplifts each other. Learn more about membership in our local OKC chapters to our Cloud virtual membership here.
Would you like to unlock more self-discipline in your life to help you reach your goals and desires? That was our theme for May’s Chicks in Charge Lead & Learn Luncheons, featuring four inspiring Power 10 talks from our very own boss Chicks. Visit our directories to get to know our boss Chicks.
Kimberly Jarman, The Renegade Coach, in our South OKC chapter kicked off the series by encouraging us to define self-discipline in our own terms. She urged us to choose goals that are relevant to our current lives and to identify rewards that would motivate us to keep going. This approach made the concept of self-discipline more personal and attainable, emphasizing the importance of context and meaningful incentives. South OKC meets the first Tuesdays of the month at Water’s Edge Winery in Moore, OK.
North OKC HR consultant Dawn Hart continued the series with practical advice: keep showing up. She highlighted the importance of taking things one step at a time and maintaining consistency. Dawn also stressed the value of having an accountability partner to support us on our journey. Her message was a reminder that persistence and support systems are key to developing and sustaining self-discipline. North OKC meets the second Wednesdays of the month at Yay on Broadway in Downtown Edmond.
Amy Shirola from our West OKC Chapter supplied the straightforward message: self-discipline is You vs. You. She challenged us to face our inner battles and stay committed to our goals, reminding us that the only competition we truly have is ourselves. West OKC meets the third Thursdays of the month at rotating venues.
Kendall Rogers, LPC and owner of the Railhouse Event Venue from our Norman chapter wrapped up the series by asking, “What does real self-discipline look like for you?” She emphasized that self-discipline is about what matters most to us. If something isn’t truly important, we won’t stay committed to it. This talk resonated deeply, making us reflect on our priorities and what drives our dedication. Norman meets the fourth Mondays of the month at the Railhouse Event Center.
For more information about Chicks in Charge and to learn about the benefits of membership, visit chicksincharge.club/membership. Be sure to check out our luncheon schedule on our events page. Every luncheon is a mini-mastermind encouraging us to become the best leaders we can be for our own lives and those we serve. Chicks in Charge is a leadership and social club for women business owners, managers, and executives, dedicated to empowering and supporting each other in our professional journeys.
That’s why we’re so thrilled to present our first SHE Shines Women’s Leadership Conference as our first “getaway” spring-break style leadership conference to help us unlock our highest potential as leaders this year – with some sunshine thrown in!
THREE REASONS YOU SHOULD JOIN US IN SUNNY SCOTTSDALE THIS APRIL:
Great leaders know they are never done learning. Continuous education is a hallmark of leadership because often we “don’t know what we don’t know” and learning from respected peers in their area of expertise is a quick way to level up and gain competence, which leads to confidence in our leadership abilities. Our morning session is all about leveling up as leaders. Come learn with us to make a big impact in your community.
Connections are always worth the investment.Relationships. Are. Everything. Great marketing is about the relationship between you and your audience. Sales is about building a relationship based on trust and good communication skills. Partnerships, co-workers, collaborations…the better we are at navigating relationships, the more successful we can become. Our afternoon session is all about improving our relationships skills + making new ones with 49 other incredible women who are leaders in their niche.
You deserve to fill your cup. Just as we’ll learn from La’Vista’s talk on systems and self-care, we need to pour into ourselves before we can serve others. We intentionally selected Scottsdale, Arizona because it’s “always sunny in Scottsdale.” You deserve some Vitamin D, some relax and rejuvenation and a grown-up spring break where you can recharge and return home feeling inspired with new information and relationships to prosper. Our VIP party is on Thursday, April 11th followed by our conference with keynote speakers and roundtable discussions and networking on the 12th. We’ll even have a happy hour after for those who want to keep connecting! Then we encourage you to stay and play throughout the weekend. I know I am!
Learn more about our conference and our speakers here. It’s an INCREDIBLE line-up of thought leaders who are passionate about what they do and sharing it with others. We’d love for you to share this with the women leaders in your life. Hope to see you in Scottsdale!
Norman Mixer hosted by Norman chapter leader Krys Marazzi and Chicks CEO Malena Putnam.
We’re excited to introduce you to the remarkable women who are founding members of our newest Chicks in Charge chapter in Norman, Oklahoma. Each of these individuals brings unique talents and experiences that enrich our network and empower us all to reach new heights. Let’s meet our Norman boss Chicks! To connect with these women, visit our Norman directory. First-time guests are welcome to attend a Lead & Learn luncheon to meet some members and learn more about Chicks. The Norman chapter meets the third Mondays of the month at the Railhouse Event Center. For ALL OKC AREA chapter meeting times and locations, RSVP here.
1. Krystal R Marazzi – Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments
Krystal R Marazzi is a dedicated financial advisor with a passion for helping her clients achieve their financial goals – and leads our Norman chapter! With her expertise at Edward Jones Investments, Krystal provides personalized investment strategies tailored to each client’s needs. Her commitment to financial empowerment aligns perfectly with the mission of Chicks in Charge.
2. Tina Curtis – Real Estate Agent at eXp Realty LLC
Tina Curtis is a dynamic real estate agent who is passionate about helping people find their dream homes. With her expertise at eXp Realty LLC, Tina provides exceptional service and guidance throughout the buying or selling process. Her dedication to her clients and her community makes her an invaluable member of our Norman chapter.
3. Jean Florea – Owner of FG Electric
Jean Florea is a trailblazing entrepreneur in the field of electric services. As the co-owner of FG Electric, Jean is committed to providing high-quality electrical solutions to her clients, focused on commercial accounts. She also recently founded a club for women in the trades, WorkHers United, with the mission to empower, educate, and encourage young women to enter the trades and to support apprentices and mentors working in the trades. Her innovative spirit and dedication to improving the lives of others make her a natural fit for Chicks in Charge.
4. Tiffany Bettis – Photographer at Tiffany Bee Photography
Tiffany Bettis is a talented photographer with a keen eye for capturing life’s precious moments. Through her work at Tiffany Bee Photography, Tiffany creates stunning images that evoke emotion and tell a story. Her passion for her craft and her commitment to creativity are truly inspiring.
5. Kendall Rogers – Owner of The Railhouse Event Center
Kendall Rogers created a stunning event venue with her family with a vision for creating unforgettable experiences. As the owner of The Railhouse Event Center, Kendall specializes in hosting weddings, corporate events, and social events including reunions, Greek socials, and receptions. Her dedication to excellence and her commitment to her clients are values we hold dear at Chicks in Charge.
6. Christen Thomas – Account Manager at Upstream Rehabilitation
Christen Thomas is a dynamic account manager with a passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare rehabilitation industry. As the Account Manager at Upstream Rehabilitation, Christen is dedicated to providing top-notch services to those needing physical therapy. Her passion for service makes her a valuable addition to our chapter.
7. Heather Graff – Owner of Mercurial Hands Studio
Heather Graff is a talented artisan who specializes in handmade gifts and home decor. As the owner of Mercurial Hands Studio, Heather brings her creative vision to life through unique and thoughtfully crafted resin pieces. Her dedication to craftsmanship and her passion for supporting local artisans embody the spirit of Chicks.
8. Helen Wolney – Owner of The Apothem Boutique
Helen Wolney is a hard-working entrepreneur with a flair for fashion and design. As the owner of The Apothem Boutique in Campus Corner, Helen curates a collection of stylish clothing and accessories, spirit wear and Greek merchandise. Her commitment to customer service and quality goods make her a valuable member of our Norman chapter.
9. Cassandra Bournival – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Cassandra Bournival LMFT
Cassandra Bournival is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Cassandra provides support and guidance to her clients in their journey towards healing and growth. Her commitment to mental health advocacy and her empathetic approach to therapy are truly admirable.
10. Aleasha Shelnutt – Owner of Studio Promessa Creative/Administrative Business Studio
Aleasha Shelnutt is a multi-talented entrepreneur with a passion for creativity and organization. As the owner of Studio Promessa, Aleasha offers a range of creative and administrative services to businesses seeking to elevate their brand and streamline their operations. Her innovative solutions and her dedication to client success make her a valuable asset to our community.
11. Aurora Nicholson – Owner of Miss Handy Hands LLC Construction
Aurora Nicholson is a trailblazing entrepreneur in the construction industry. As the owner of Miss Handy Hands LLC, Aurora is breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her dedication to quality workmanship and her commitment to empowering women in trades make her an inspiration to us all.
12. Lupita Linda Fernandez – Independent Consultant at Parklane Jewelry
Lupita Linda Fernandez is a talented jewelry consultant with a passion for helping her clients shine. As an Independent Consultant at Parklane Jewelry, Lupita brings her expertise and her eye for style to every customer interaction. Her commitment to helping women feel confident and beautiful aligns perfectly with the mission of Chicks in Charge.
13. Lorri Czarneski – Photographer at Lorri Czarneski Portraits
Lorri Czarneski is a gifted photographer who specializes in capturing the essence of her subjects with a special passion for women over 40. Through her work at Lorri Czarneski Portraits, Lorri creates stunning images that celebrate a woman’s journey and brand photography to capture the spirit of a company. Her passion for storytelling and her dedication to her craft make her a valuable member of our Norman chapter.
These remarkable women embody the spirit of empowerment and leadership that defines Chicks in Charge. We are honored to welcome them to our community and look forward to the contributions they will make as we continue to inspire, support, and empower one another.
Connect with Us!
We are honored to welcome these boss Chicks to our growing community of empowered boss Chicks in Norman, Oklahoma. If you’re interested in joining one of our local OKC area chapters learn more about membership here.
Together, we can continue to build community as we unlock our highest potential. Chicks who flock together rock together.
In a world where women continue to break barriers and shape the future, there’s an event that’s redefining empowerment and networking: The Fire & Ice Event. This event will take place in all of our chapter cities: in Edmond, OK and Frisco, Texas on August 24th and in Delevan, Wisconsin on August 31st. The event is a white party where guests where chic white clothing noting that we all share the same common goal of supporting other women, no matter our background, experience or field of interest. Guests will receive a red metallic swag bag and receive fire and ice items from our ambitious women in business sponsors.
Celebrating Female Empowerment:
The Fire & Ice Event is more than just a gathering. It’s a celebration of female empowerment. Throughout the evening, attendees will get to meet women who have made great impacts in their fields and encourage every woman present to believe in her own potential to achieve greatness. Each guest is guaranteed to meet 15 other boss Chicks, plus enjoy food, drinks and get the chance to win door prizes from our sponsors worth hundreds of dollars.
Boss Chicks at our 2022 event, waiting to see if they won a grand prize.
Expanding Horizons:
At Fire & Ice, collaborations and partnerships may happen organically, providing opportunities for ventures for the future. The diverse pool of talent at the event offers a rich array of skills waiting to be shared. The attendees are encouraged to reflect on their passions, strengths & share their insights with like-minded, positive women in business in our “ring of fire” networking format to meet each other.
Building Lasting Friendships:
Like all of our Chicks in Charge social events, Fire & Ice Event will also cultivate new and lasting friendships. Shared ambitions and an understanding of the challenges women face in various industries create bonds that extend beyond the event’s timeframe. These new connections become a dependable support system, providing encouragement when you’ll need it the most, collaborations on future endeavors, and a wonderful resource for fun and friendship.
Tickets are limited and will sell out. Join us and share this link with your biz besties. Hope to see you there!
No matter! We did what boss Chicks do…PERSEVERE. See our 2020 ornament? A woman in a cape flying through the storm? Yep. We did that.
Even better, we kept our businesses afloat with creativity and pivoting when we needed to pivot and supporting each other however we could. We want to close out the year sharing our Rock Star Awards to showcase some of the cool things our members did this year. Remember, yes we can! To follow these women and all of our boss Chicks, click over to our directory!
Grow, Baby, Grow Award – Jenn Robbins, Funnel Fixer – double meaning. Jenn is pregnant with her second child, and as such, has quarantined this year, yet that didn’t stop her from growing her business big this year- helping entrepreneurs fix their sales funnels and web copy so they could persevere in 2020 and beyond. Yay, Jenn!
Go Giver Award – Megan Sittig, Manager, State Farm Insurance: Megan proves that even during a pandemic, volunteering is more important than ever. She holds several volunteer positions in the community while also managing offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in a turbulent year. We love your heart for service and the example you set!
Collaboration Queen Award – Cyndy Hoenig: We don’t know how she does it, but she does! Cyndy is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who owns a PR firm, Ever After micro-wedding event center in OKC, BootRoxx boot slip covers, and the Media Insider – a media directory for Oklahoma. She is not only a big promoter of small business and women entrepreneurs, but is constantly thinking of creative ways to collaborate with them for her own businesses.
Umbrella Award – Betty Goad, Onin Staffing: Betty said yes to opening the Tulsa Chapter of Chicks in Charge even though that meant most of their gatherings this year would have to be small, outside or totally virtual. Despite the pandemic, the Tulsa Chapter added a dozen fabulous members and held the Chicksella boho summer pop up event and the Trick or Treat Ball costume happy hour to promote their members’ products and services. Her optimistic attitude and perseverance and leadership through difficulty is inspiring and appreciated.
Tech Tutor Award – Kari King, Digital Exec. Producer, KFOR-TV: Kari knows her stuff and she has been hugely helpful in answering all of our questions when it comes to tech and social media changes. She routinely provides links and news articles in our private group and even gave a talk on what’s coming in 2021 for social media at one of our Lead & Learn luncheons.
Pop Up Queen Award – Mary Morris, Francis + Benedict: When it comes to side hustles, it doesn’t get much more beautiful or special than Mary’s – as Francis & Benedict advocate, Mary sells gorgeous skirts made by seamstresses in the poor village of Togo, Africa. Mary was one of our first members at The Coop work + event space (Chick’s HQ) in downtown Edmond, and hosted pop up events at least twice a month, inviting in other women entrepreneurs to join her – selling virtually and in person with masks. Thanks, Mary!
Pivot The Pivot Award – Rhiannon Abla, Balloon Masters: Things were looking very bleak this spring when Rhiannon saw all of her corporate events, school and sports banquets, and graduations pulled the plug on their events, which sent Rhiannon’s revenue down the drains. But birthdays and graduations still happened, albeit virtually, so Rhiannon created unique balloon displays with contactless delivery, including yard sticks and balloon garland clients could put up themselves. Her beautiful balloon displays added color and happiness during the otherwise gray year. Give Rhiannon a call for your next celebration!
Goal Digger Award – Ashley Sorrill, Ingrained Goods: One of the unfortunate effects of the pandemic was production and shipping. For Ashley and her husband, who own Ingrained Goods, making custom gifts, that meant they ran out of their best-selling supplies to make their goods and had to cancel orders by the dozens for months – after they had just bought the expensive equipment necessary to make the items. Ouch. Yet, Ashley focused on the products she could still produce and made sure she was at the top of the vendor list so when her items were available again she was the only distributor in the country and her sales sky-rocketed. She also shared her success on Pinterest with our flock at a Lead and Learn luncheon this year.
Go Getter Award – Amy Shirola, Pie Prerogative: Question: would people still eat pie during the pandemic? Well, sure, but when a big distribution point is put on hold and has limited attendance (Farmers’ markets) and more people want to stay at home and quarantine and in person pie crust classes, sales suffer. So what did Amy and her Pie posse’ do? They brought the pies to you – and even cooler – offered FREE pie-making and baking classes LIVE. They were a huge hit and so she’s continuing to do both paid and free virtual versions of her classes. Thanks, Amy!
Builder Babe Award – Jeanna Lichtenberger, WellOK and Essential Families: At a time when most of the country had to shut down production, quarantine and work at home, Jeanna had to finish what she started – renovating a former salon in Edmond to turn it into a wellness retreat and co-working space for women in the wellness community and event space. Now she has a dozen members, ongoing virtual and limited in person events. She even hosted our Read & Lead book club outside on the gorgeous back deck at WellOk to discuss UNTAMED by Glennon Doyle. Jeanna, we think you’re a mf Cheetah.
Social Butterfly Award – Julie Reising, LMFT: When you are a social networking and leadership organization, it really helps to have some extroverts who love to welcome and cheer on new members both online and off. Julie was a bright light at our events this year and one of our biggest cheerleaders. As a therapist who loves deep dive conversations, she also contributed with thought-provoking conversation at our Read & Lead book clubs. We love ya, Julie! Keep shining bright.
Chicks, we hope to see you in person or virtually at our next event, socially distanced at Eddie’s Event Center on 2nd & Coltrane in Edmond for our Manifest that Ish Vision Board Lead & Learn luncheon to make all of our dreams come true in 2021. Wishing you a safe and happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
CHICKS IN CHARGE 