I read a quote recently that "Girls Compete, Women Empower" and this week was a testament to great ladies all along the Gulf Coast who own their own businesses. One of the perks of my chosen profession is that I have the privilege of meeting and working with many female entrepreneurs. Their creativity and multitasking abilities are inspiring.
Meet Heather Loper, an Auburn graduate in finance and a real estate heavyweight in Baldwin County. Moving from the world of finance to stay-at-home mom to a top player in realty was a matter of following her passion. While in college, she took several real estate classes and the seed was planted. Nine years ago she hit the ground running, focusing on the Orange Beach market. Since then she has surrounded herself with an incredibly competent female support staff. She is a perfect example of women empowering other women. Visit her website by clicking here. You'll be able to read her story soon on meetdaboss.com.
Women in Business in Baton Rouge
I spent the later part of last week working in Baton Rouge. While I was there I met with numerous women entrepreneurs. One thing that stood out, was their strong desire to connect and help one another. I'll share a few of those encounters with you!
Counterspace is a Baton Rouge bakery owned by Sarah Joy Hays. Her bakery offers "to die for" brownies, chocolate chip cookies and so much more. She pours a delicious cup of coffee and is a lovely woman to get to know!
I was energized by her passion to educate everyone from children to adults about desserts, entertaining and more. She provides a welcoming space for folks to gather at her Perkins Road location (behind the wall next to Juban's). Check out her darling shop if you are in the area.
Many of you may recall that my mom was an artist and she cultivated my appreciation of artisans. I stopped into The Foyer and spent some time with owner, Laura Brignac on Friday. For those of you that have never been to her Perkins Road gallery, it is the largest collection of original art in the city. It also showcases interior designers and is an ideal gift destination. There is something for everyone at every price point!
I was fortunate to meet several restaurant owners as well as women involved in health care, fashion and toys this week. I'll share more about these incredible ladies in future blogs! The underlying message from all of them is that they don't view other women as competition and are looking for opportunities to support and uplift them. I returned to Mobile encouraged and excited about the future!
Boss of the Week in Mobile, Alabama
Meredith Simmerman MA, AADC, LPC
Meredith Simmerman is a licensed counselor with a focus on women. She has been serving the Mobile area for years and has two office locations to accommodate her clients. I've described her as "liquid love" because the passion she has for others radiates from her.
I asked her to answer a few questions and I'll share those now!
#1 What is one “insider tip” that you would share with people moving or visiting Mobile?
There are so many unique things to do and people to meet in this city! The Mobile Rundown is a weekly blog/newsletter that can give you the inside info on what’s happening all around you!
#2 What is your favorite thing about living in Mobile?
One of the things I love about living in Mobile is that you have the small town community feel as well as the big city growth and opportunity! You get the best of both worlds!
#3 What is one thing you would like people to know about your business?
I am passionate about empowering women to be their best selves! I want to come alongside them helping to build self esteem, discover their purpose and encouraging them to do life well!
#4 What do you do for fun?
I love going on trips with friends and family, trying new foods, doing puzzles, and going to movies at the Nexus Theater! (Nexus Theater is a dine-in wonderful experience that I've mentioned in past blogs).
Read more about Meredith at meetdaboss.com/meredithsimmermancounselor
A Shout Out to Baton Rouge!
On Saturday, I took my granddaughter, Sydney, to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Open House. She joined hundreds of other children from the area learning about caring for animals. In this photo she is becoming an "honorary vet" and getting her first stethoscope!
The event offered opportunities to see service dogs and police dogs in action. There were rabbits and reptiles to pet and plenty of skeletons on display. As we entered the anatomy
lab I wondered how she would react to bones and brains. She went right up to the display of cranial material and read every information card. She stood under the giraffe skeleton and looked up. She loved the hall decorated with whales, sea lions and other ocean dwellers. She peered through a microscope for the first time and gave "injections" to a donkey (not a real one). The team at LSU made learning fun! Although she is only seven, she was inspired to think about college choices and maybe becoming a veterinarian.
Another "shout out" to the team at the DoubleTree by Hilton. General Manager, Gary Jupiter and the crew at this hotel are by far some of the kindest folks under one roof. Everyone makes the guests feel comfortable. Sydney felt like a little celebrity when she joined me for a Friday night sleepover. I happened to mention that she was joining me for the night and the staff welcomed her with enthusiasm.
She loved the indoor pool and the warm cookie waiting for her after an evening swim. The stay was wonderful and I highly recommend that if you are visiting Baton Rouge you spend a night at this Hilton location.
Things Happening Next Week in Mobile, Baldwin County & Baton Rouge!
Spanish Wine Dinner with Noble South -Tuesday, January 28th from 6-8PM at Domke Market. Click here for ticket information. (Mobile)
Insider tip: Ask Brooke about Domke Market's Monthly Wine Club Membership!
Mardi Gras Kickoff Party - Wednesday, 6:30-9:30PM at AR Workshop Mobile, Click here for all the details!
Make Your Own Honey Butter with Girl Scout Cookies -Thursday, January 30th from 4:30-6:30 at The Cottage, 9211 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile. Click here for details.
Christine A. Moore Millinery NYC Trunk Show - Friday, January 31st at CK Collection in Fairhope, Alabama. Click here for more details.
Insider tip: If you are visiting Fairhope and you are looking for a wonderful lunch experience, try Julwin's on Fairhope Avenue, open daily from 7:30AM-2:30PM.
Annual Daddy & Daughter Valentine's Dinner - Villaggio Grille at The Wharf, Sunday February 9th from 6:30-9:30, click here for details & to reserve your table! (Orange Beach)
Bistro for LaFASA at Bistro Byronz on Government Street in Baton Rouge, Monday, January 27th from 5-9:00PM. Owner, Emelie Alton is famous for supporting great causes and tonight her mid-city location will be donating 20% to this worthy cause. Click here for details.
Yoga with Puppies: February 1 at Perkins Rowe, on Saturday from 9:30-11:00AM. Click here for more information for this fun event.
Insider tip: There are 98 pet friendly places to dine in Baton Rouge according to Bring Fido. Click here for the list!
First Free Sunday at Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, Sunday February 2, 1-4:30PM. This is a family friendly event and free! Click here for details.
I hope you have a wonderful week and if you are football fans, enjoy the big game on Sunday! I'll be tuned in for some awesome commercials! ~ Charlsie
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