Women in Business Spotlight Series: Celebrating National Women's History Month
Women’s history month was created by the United States during the women’s suffrage movement when women were fighting for the right to vote. The Socialist Party of America first declared National Women’s Day in 1909 amid the Women’s Rights Movement, but the idea quickly spread throughout the globe. In 1910, during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, the idea of an International Women’s Day was proposed and approved. In the 1970’s a group of people in California were fed up with the lack of education on women’s history in the classroom. In March of 1978, the first ever Women’s History Week was celebrated with a parade in downtown Santa Rosa, California. This week long celebration sparked a movement which helped to make National Women’s History Week official. In 1980, President Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the second week of March as National Women’s History Week. Momentum continued to grow and eventually, in 1987, congress officially declared March as National Women’s History Month.
As the economic development leader of the county we put our own twist on the Women’s History Month celebrations and decided to dedicate the month to honoring Women in Business. The goal with our Women in Business Spotlight series was to highlight women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses throughout Mason County. We aimed to increase visibility of women-led businesses, to empower women entrepreneurs, to foster a network of women in business, to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial goals, to educate women in business on resources available to them, to strengthen community engagement by highlighting the contributions of women-owned businesses, and most importantly, advocating for gender equality and diversity in business by showcasing the achievements of women entrepreneurs and sharing their challenges.
March 7, 2024
Courtney’s remarkable journey with Turning Pointe, a local survivor advocacy center, commenced in January 2019 when she reached out to WorkSource Mason County. Through them, she found a volunteer receptionist opportunity at Turning Pointe. Recognizing Courtney's potential, former Executive Director, Gina, quickly promoted her to a full-time role as the administrative assistant. With dedication and hard work, Courtney ascended to the position of office manager, where she honed her skills in finance, shelter operations, and development, eventually landing as the community engagement specialist in January 2023. This was all due to her newfound passion for fundraising and donor stewardship. Not only is Courtney an exemplary proponent of her organization, but she also extends her support to the community by serving on the Shelton Family YMCA Advisory Board, as a rotary member, and is part of the Women’s Ministry at Shelton First Baptist Church.
Balancing the roles of a working mom and community leader, Courtney faces challenges in juggling work, family, and volunteering her time. Despite these hurdles, she remains dedicated to raising her two daughters to be involved community members and to instill in them the value of helping others. "I want them to learn by watching me being involved," she says, emphasizing the importance of setting an example for her children.
“It feels good to get involved,” says Courtney, embodying this sentiment through her active participation. She serves as an ambassador for the local Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the growth and cohesion of the local business community. “Whatever brings you joy - Hype each other up.”
Courtney kicks off our Women In Business Spotlight Series this month, and her tenacious drive for community improvement is truly inspiring. Hats off to you, Courtney!
If you've had the pleasure of working with this local icon, share your brief story in the comments below! Way to be #MasonCountyStrong!
March 11, 2024
For our next spotlight in the series, we're thrilled to feature Veronica Brambila. Veronica embarked on her journey with Herbalife in 2012 as an independent consultant, selling products from the comfort of her home. With low overhead costs and the flexibility it offered, Veronica found this to be an ideal setup. Herbalife, renowned for its dietary supplements and a wide array of nutritious products, provided Veronica with a platform to promote health and wellness.
When the world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, Veronica's business was deemed essential due to its focus on health products. She witnessed a surge in demand for vitamins, immune boosters, and other health essentials as people became more health-conscious during this time. It wasn't until around Veronica's birthday that she spotted an empty spot on Railroad Avenue. Seizing the opportunity, Veronica reached out to her brother-in-law, who facilitated contact with the building owner. After some persistence and negotiation, Veronica secured her spot as apart of the Shelton Downtown Merchants!
Opening a brick-and-mortar location during a global pandemic was no easy feat, but with support from the building owner, Veronica managed to set up her store. Despite the initial nerves, Veronica's passion for her products and dedication to her vision kept her going. She enjoys interacting with customers, discussing the benefits of her products, and creating a welcoming space for health enthusiasts and moms alike.
Veronica's resilience and determination paid off, and with assistance from the Mason EDC, she navigated through challenging times by securing COVID relief funds. Today, Veronica stands as a shining example of a resilient entrepreneur who never gave up on her passion.
Looking ahead, Veronica envisions expanding her business to serve more areas, extending the same opportunities to others that she received. At Best Choice Nutrition, Veronica's shop, customers are more than just clients; they're friends first. Offering a range of products including waffles, protein shakes, coffee, and healthy energy drinks, Veronica caters to post-workout needs and overall wellness.
Whether you've just finished a Zumba class or hit the free weights, make sure to swing by Best Choice Nutrition on 131 W Railroad Ave to stock up on healthy proteins and supplements. Keep an eye on Veronica's Facebook page for updates on her new spring menu—trust us, you won't want to miss out!
Smoothie & Juice Bar Hours:
Monday - Friday 7am-12pm & 6pm-8pm
Saturday - Sunday 8am-11am
March 13, 2024
Today is a great day to highlight another inspiring woman from our Women In Business Spotlight Series for National Womens History Month. Mary Ricker, the Communications Specialist for our beloved City of Shelton, WA is up next!
Originally from Massachusetts, Mary's journey led her to Colorado, where she immersed herself in the world of communications as an intern for Colorado State Representative Daneya Esgar. There, she mastered skills in social media management, event media, and more, laying the foundation for her next adventure.
In 2019, Mary embraced a new chapter and made the leap to Shelton, Washington, stepping into the role of Communications Specialist for our vibrant city. Armed with a background in political science and journalism, Mary dove into her position with boundless enthusiasm, eager to make her mark.
The beginning wasn't without its challenges – Mary compared it to "drinking from a fire hose" as she delved into Shelton's programs and community intricacies. But with the guiding hand of mentors like Donna Nault, Mary quickly acclimated to the rhythm of rural Mason County, finding her stride in her new environment.
Her message to aspiring professionals? "Get involved." Mary's journey speaks volumes about the power of exploration and seizing opportunities. She didn't have all the answers from the start, but by embracing new experiences, she uncovered her passion for communications.
Despite feeling like the "new kid at school" amongst life long community members, Mary thrives in her role. She describes her job as the "coolest in the city," where each day brings a fresh challenge and opportunity to make a difference.
Let's celebrate Mary's unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence in communication. Here's to strong, inspiring women like Mary who illuminate our community every single day!
March 18, 2024
Continuing Our Women in Business Spotlight Series: Deb Petersen of Riverdance Soapworks!
Let's embark on a journey to the heart of Washington's bath and body scene with Riverdance Soapworks, a true pioneer in the craft. Founded by Deb Petersen, Riverdance Soapworks has been crafting luxurious handmade products since 1996, making it one of the longest-established manufacturers in the state.
Deb's story began amidst the beauty of Mt. Rainier, where she tended to her farm and family with passion and dedication. What started as a simple item on her "To-Do List" quickly evolved into a deep-seated passion for soapmaking. In 1994, Deb returned to her roots on the Skokomish River, finding inspiration in the tranquil surroundings of the Olympic Peninsula. With the river as her muse, Deb officially launched Riverdance Soapworks in May 1996, supported by her enthusiastic community.
From humble beginnings offering handmade soaps, Riverdance Soapworks has blossomed into a full-fledged bath and skincare empire. Deb's love for the craft led to the inclusion of an extensive range of products, including body butters, bath bombs, scrubs, and lip care. Evenings were spent packaging these beautiful creations, and weekends were dedicated to selling them at craft fairs, bazaars, and farmers' markets.
In 1998, Riverdance Soapworks made its debut at The Olympia Farmers Market, marking the beginning of a permanent presence. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings and changed its name to Riverdance Soapworks LLC in 2011.
Today, Riverdance Soapworks proudly offers its luxurious handmade products online and through various retailers around Puget Sound. You can find their products at Some R 4 U in downtown Shelton on Railroad Ave, as well as the Eastside Olympia Food Co-op. But what truly sets them apart is their exceptional team. Deb emphasizes the brilliance of her team members – Ellory, Wendee, Mark, Yoely, and Savannah – whose creativity and dedication are the driving force behind their success. Their passion shines through in every product, ensuring that customers receive nothing but the best.
Deb's journey has been filled with valuable lessons, as she learned most from her costly mistakes. She believes that it's okay to make mistakes because they lead to discovering what works. This resilience and willingness to learn have been integral to Riverdance Soapworks' success.
Deb's journey is not just about passion and perseverance—it's about innovation too. With the support of an Impact Washington Grant, Riverdance Soapworks has revolutionized its soap manufacturing process, making it more efficient than ever before. This grant has been instrumental in reorganizing their operations, allowing them to continue delivering exceptional products to their customers.
Whether you're a soap fanatic or simply seeking a little luxury in your skincare routine, Riverdance Soapworks has something for everyone. Explore their range of products online or visit them at the Olympia Farmers Market, where their friendly and knowledgeable team awaits to assist you.
March 19, 2024
For our next Highlight of our Women in Business Spotlight Series, we would like to introduce Ashlee Johnson, Culinary & Nutrition Manager for Mason Health. Ashlee has always been a lifelong learner, however, when faced with traditional education, Ashlee rebelled. She learns different than most and for the longest time she was really hard on herself for this unique difference. Not understanding that that would one day be the difference that made her shine.
Ashlee’s journey to Culinary & Nutrition Manager had many twists and turns. She began as a nursing assistant at Maple glen during the night shift. It was at this job that she found her spark. That spark would later lead to a lifelong pursuit of helping others.
From there she went to Fir Lane to become a CNA, again, finding joy in helping others. She knew every patient, every dietary plan, and even the way people liked their beds made. While Ashlee did drop out, she always felt that work is what made sense to her. From there she went on to Shelton Health & Rehab and worked the night shift again. She particularly enjoyed post-mortem care as she was able to single handedly ensure that each patient was treated with the utmost care and respect. She always believed folks deserved to be laid to rest with dignity and this was something very important to her. From there, she again ventured on to work as an in-home care aid.
Eventually leaving the healthcare industry, she was hired on by Tom and Mo at what is formerly known as Smokin’ Mo’s as a line cook. Mo, current co-owner of High Steel Beer Co., has long been someone who Ashlee admires, crediting her for teaching her a lot about being a leader, and a strong female employee. Tom and Mo both took a chance on Ashlee as a very green cook and from there she flourished. From Smokin’ Mo’s she went just a city over to Olympia Washington where she worked at the McMenamins Spar Cafe. If there is one thing Ashlee has always been, that is being adaptable. Chef Emily and Chef Cara are major influences on Ashlee’s work as well. Ashlee credits Chef Emily for her inspiring creative talents and Chef Cara for always being an uplifting spirit and a very talented Chef to Ashlee when she really needed it.
Just when Ashlee was getting the hang of things she decided, after 14 years, to go back and get her GED. She passed 1st try! From McMenamins, Ashlee accepted a position with Mason Health as a cook. She worked her way up into a supervisor position and from there earned the manager position in 2022. The rest is history. Ashlee raves about the employees who work for her referring to them as genuine. Ashlee fosters an environment that is family oriented in her workplace, playing to the unique strengths of every individual. After experiencing a worldwide pandemic as a team, Ashlee has grown to truly care about her employees. “You can pay for hands, but you can’t pay for the heart.” -Michael Nash. Ashlee is proud of where she works, stating she truly aligns with Mason Health’s missions, values, and goals. Ashlee never gave up.
“Everything just feels right” when asked about how she feels in her current position. And we could not agree more. Ashlee has done some fantastic things for her community, giving selflessly along the way. She has things “cooking up” for the future and we cannot wait to hear about her continued successes with her incredible staff. When asked if there was any advice she could give to others she responded strongly, “NEVER stop believing in yourself."
March 21, 2024
Up next in our Women in Business spotlight series is Gwen Casey, owner of Casey's Bar and Grille, located in Belfair, Washington. Formerly known as Bobaloo’s, Gwen had worked there for eight years as a bartender and assistant manager. In 2011, her and her husband decided to take the risk and purchase the establishment from former owner Bob Richards. This investment would not come easy for her as she went through some serious ups and downs as a business owner. The bar experienced a recession, a fire that made them close their doors for 30 days, and a global pandemic.
It seems that although times have been rocky, Gwen is always amazed by the beauty in the support she receives from her community. She credits the Belfair community for being the reason they have survived such troubling times.
Over the past 13 years, Gwen has grown to absolutely adore the community she serves. She always knew the bar would be able to help her give back to her community, and she never wanted Casey’s Bar & Grille to be just another neighborhood bar. Her commitment to serve extends far beyond the four walls. In total, Casey’s Bar & Grille was able to fundraise $100,000 during their Annual Autism Speaks Fundraiser which goes to support a non-profit autism awareness organization.
In order to keep more money in the North Mason area, She now hosts Community Monday’s at the bar on every third Monday of the month where half of the profit is donated to a different non-profit each month. This month, they were successful in raising $1068.77 for North Mason Fast Pitch! We call that #MasonCountyStrong!
Gwen also offers some activities like the Paint N’ Sip event that happens every second Thursday of each month. Wednesday’s you can expect to play Barstool Bingo for different prizes. And stay tuned for upcoming events such as Bottomless Mimosa Brunches on Sundays and Friday Night Poker Games for Cash Prizes! They currently offer free play on Saturdays for group settings.
When asked if there were folks in the community who have helped her, she credits County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin and our very own Karin Leaf! Randy and Karin were both instrumental in helping to reduce the gambling tax for pull tabs from 5% to 3%. Karin was pivotal in helping Gwen navigate the gruesome pandemic when the world closed its doors.
Above all else, Gwen is humble when speaking on her journey over the years. Gwen felt that her transition from manager to owner was a natural one, as her love grew so did her skills. Gwen believed in herself and is, 13 years later, running one of the most beloved businesses in Mason County. Go Gwen!
March 28, 2024
As we approach the final days of Women’s History Month, we have two more spotlights to bring you as we conclude our Women In Business series. Today, we have the honor of highlighting Nicole Frazier, a local business owner at The Painted Heart LLC located in downtown Shelton at 221 W Railroad Ave D.
The one thing you should know about Nicole is that she is a creative. She has always loved art, and every birthday she would receive art supplies as presents. She would save her babysitting money for art supplies and even wake up at 3 am to watch Bob Ross on PBS. Creative should have been her middle name. When she was just 6 years old, she experienced someone who tried to dim that creative light. She was finger painting one day in youth group, and she remembers her art instructor smearing her painting, stating that she used the “wrong” technique. This is something that would shape the way Nicole viewed art, how she interacted with art, and how she eventually created projects that centered around healing.
As Nicole grew older, she took up other creative hobbies such as baking and cake decorating. At just 16 years old, Nicole decided to enter into running-start where she attended Bates Technical College. From there, Nicole went on to work in the food service industry for 12 years. Her dream was to eventually open her own restaurant, but when she had children and fell sick, she temporarily gave up her dream of owning a business.
With health issues standing in her way of economic empowerment, Nicole did what she knows best: create art. That’s when she decided to start selling. She painted wood signs with friends, and even figured out a way to make art while on bedrest. She eventually went on to making T-Shirts and coffee cups. All this creating soon took over her living room, which prompted her to rent her first office space on Olympic Hwy, which afforded her just 500 square feet. While in this new creative space, Nicole decided to enroll in a Business Builder Course hosted by the Enterprise for Equity and eventually would move again after graduation.
Later on, Nicole attended a Paint N’ Sip with friends and thought to herself, “I could do this.” Being the entrepreneur that she is, she decided to test the market and held her very own Paint N’ Sip with just 10 friends. This venture proved to be successful and from there she held weekly Paint N’ Sips for private parties and bar parties. Just when she was in her groove of creating, tragedy struck once again. Her health issues forced her to sell the T-shirt side of her business. And if health issues weren’t enough, a global pandemic struck, forcing her once again to reevaluate how she would find her economic empowerment. But, of course, Nicole is creative. Nicole started sewing masks. It wasn’t long before Nicole ended up in the ICU for Covid. Despite being in recovery from contracting the virus, Nicole was able to sew 10,000 masks and donated every single one. She gave thousands of handmade masks to the hospital, to the casino, and to other local businesses. Folks even started to donate money for fabric so she could sew more! We call that #MasonCountyStrong!
After recovering from COVID, Nicole moved into her new location in June of 2022, thanks to the help of a local business, Railroad Tap Station. When moving into her new spot amongst the Shelton Downtown Merchants, business was slow and her first class only had two people in attendance. However, her highlander cow paint-along class seemed to grow in popularity. In November of that same year, Nicole had health flare-ups once again. But we know that Nicole the Creative will always return, and after struggling through the summer, Nicole was able to return to work in March of 2023. During that summer, Nicole led an art-themed Kids Camp for one week and then started her very own Kids art club. Nicole may be creative, but she also loves to teach her passion and does so without interfering.
Nicole loves her community and is constantly looking for ways to give back. She now offers a variety of services like art subscription boxes, private paint parties, private paint classes, beginner 1-on-1 sketch lessons, acrylic paint lessons, and watercolor lessons. Check out her website for more details at https://thepaintedheartshelton.com/.
Be sure to follow The Painted Heart on Facebook & Instagram to see what Nicole is creating next!
March 29, 2024
Today, we have the honor and privilege to introduce to you our final highlight for our Women in Business Spotlight series: Julie Knott, Executive Director of Blue Zones Activate Mason County, a regional healthcare initiative designed to support and accelerate local health and wellbeing policies and goals. Julie mentions that the challenges she faced in her youth have greatly influenced her work today. Indeed, Julie has always favored the underdog, resonating deeply with those whom people perceive to have little chance of winning.
In her younger years, Julie believed that college would be the key to her future. However, when she initially enrolled, she didn’t qualify for traditional funding, requiring her to pay tuition out of pocket. This led her to seek employment while attending, juggling a full-time job at a local bingo hall with part-time work at the mall. At the age of 19, Julie was diagnosed with cancer, prompting her to find a job with health insurance and reduce her course load.
During her college years, Julie embarked on various ventures, including interning with the first state agency dedicated to cleaning up the Puget Sound and undergoing training as a special agent, working undercover. Despite the intrigue of her work, Julie found it lonely. She later managed a municipal energy program and earned 32 college credits with an analysis anadromous fish populations as they relate to the health of Puget Sound.
After eight years of dedication, Julie completed her BA requirements, boasting a wealth of professional experience on her resume. Her journey wasn't easy, but Julie's resilience shines through as she pushed through incredible feats to achieve her goals. Now, she stands as a symbol of #MasonCountyStrong.
Post-graduation, Julie became the Founder and Director of a rural affordable housing project and a residential summer camp for teenage girls. Today, she spearheads a well-being transformation initiative aimed at impacting the lives of all those in Mason County. Julie's passion for rural communities stems from her identification as an underdog herself. She has already hosted several community events, and if you're interested in joining her efforts, be sure to follow her Facebook page for updates. https://www.facebook.com/bluezonesactivatemasoncounty
Julie, you are a remarkable human being, and Mason County is fortunate to have you in our community.
Additional Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
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The Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) helps women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. Programs include business training, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital.
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The Women's Business Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The WCWB provides business counseling, resources & programs for new and established women-owned businesses in Washington State.
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The Washington Center for Women in Business also hosts a podcast called the Inspire Women Podcast, which aims to provide weekly discussions on starting and running the business of your dreams. Ashley Whitley serves as the host of the podcast.
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The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) developed Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) to focus on the fast-expanding minority women entrepreneur population as a revenue generators for families, communities, and the nation.
