Leading the Way: AWL Creative Cohort

Reflecting on My Role as Captain of the AWL Creative Cohort Class of 2023

Being the captain of the AWL Creative Cohort Class of 2023 has been an exhilarating and whirlwind experience. Over the past six months, I have had the incredible opportunity to work closely with 15 talented small business female entrepreneurs, guiding them on their journey to success. This journey has been made even more rewarding by the strong bonds and friendships that have developed, both with the owner of AWL Creative and the owner of Brandit B, who have become trusted allies and confidants throughout this transformative experience.

Empowering Small Business Women: Throughout this journey, I have witnessed the immense growth and progress of each business owner. It has been an absolute joy to witness their dedication, resilience, and passion as they worked tirelessly to move the needle in their respective businesses. Together, alongside Bea, we tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and embraced the entrepreneurial spirit that unites us. Not only did we bond over our shared goals and aspirations, but we also discovered a shared interest in Human Design, a tool that helped us better understand ourselves and each other on a deeper level.

Valuable Education and Support: The success of our AWL Creative Cohort Class of 2023 would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our exceptional educators. Their expertise, guidance, and support have been instrumental in equipping these women with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their industries. From marketing strategies to financial planning, our educators provided practical and actionable insights that have made a significant impact on the growth of each business.

Celebrating Our AWL Creative Cohort: I am immensely proud of every member of our Class of 2023. Their dedication, determination, and unwavering commitment to their dreams have been truly inspiring. In the upcoming sections, I will highlight the incredible businesses that have been part of this journey, showcasing the unique talents and contributions of these small businesswomen in their respective industries.

Together, we formed a diverse community of talented and passionate women entrepreneurs, each bringing their unique expertise and creativity to the table. Let’s take a closer look at some of the remarkable businesses that have been part of this transformative journey:

1. Sparkle Strands Fairy Hair: Offering stunning hair extension services, this Sparkle Lady helps clients achieve their desired looks for any occasion.
2. Wedding & Boudoir Photographer: Capturing beautiful moments of love and intimacy, this talented photographer creates timeless images that tell unique stories.
3. Portrait Photographer: With an eye for detail and a passion for portraiture, this photographer creates stunning portraits that capture the essence and individuality of their subjects.
4. Holistic Health Coach: Guiding clients on their wellness journeys, this health coach empowers individuals to achieve balance and optimal well-being through holistic approaches.
5. Wedding and Event Florist: Creating breathtaking floral arrangements for weddings and events, this florist adds a touch of natural beauty to special occasions.
6. Virtual Assistant: Providing essential administrative and organizational support, this virtual assistant helps business owners streamline their operations and focus on their core tasks.
7. Fitness Coach: Inspiring individuals to lead active and healthy lifestyles, this fitness coach offers personalized training programs and guidance to help clients achieve their fitness goals.
8. Luxury Candle: Handcrafted with care and infused with delightful scents, these luxury candles create a soothing and inviting ambiance in any space.
9. Baker: Crafting delectable treats and beautifully designed cakes using all-natural dies, this baker brings joy and sweetness to every celebration.
10. Luxury Handmade Stationery Designer: Creating exquisite stationery pieces, this designer adds elegance and personalization to weddings, events, and special occasions.
11. Safety Products for Dogs: Providing innovative and high-quality safety products for furry friends, this business ensures that dogs stay protected and secure during outdoor adventures.
12. Lash Boutique: Enhancing natural beauty, this lash boutique offers a range of eyelash extension services to give clients stunning, fluttery lashes.
13. Custom Jewelry Maker: Designing and handcrafting unique and personalized jewelry pieces, this artisan brings beauty and individuality to every piece. She’s also a master gardener, with a deep knowledge and passion for gardening, this expert offers guidance and services to create stunning outdoor spaces that thrive.
14. Strategic communication support provider – As an extension of your team, our experts specialize in a wide range of services, from social media account management, key message development, and brand strategy to marketing campaign management, crisis communications, and public relations.
15. Wedding Photographer: Capturing the love and joy of couples on their special day, this talented wedding photographer creates stunning and timeless images that tell the story of the celebration of love.

These incredible entrepreneurs have not only brought their talents and passion to our cohort but have also built strong connections and supported each other throughout the journey. It has been a privilege to witness their growth and progress, and I have no doubt that they will continue to thrive in their respective industries.

Additionally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Carmen, the owner of Loudoun Thrifts, and Jennifer of Bell Home Organizing for their invaluable mentorship and support throughout this year. Their guidance, wisdom, and expertise have been instrumental in the success of our Cohort. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and commitment to helping small businesswomen thrive. Their mentorship has truly made a profound impact on our entrepreneurial journey, and I am forever grateful for their contributions.

With the support of all these women, we have cultivated a community of empowerment, collaboration, and growth. Together, we are redefining what it means to be a successful small business owner and inspiring others to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience. I am honored to have been a part of this transformative experience, and I look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment and achievement alongside these remarkable individuals.

I’ll be a part of the Cohort Class of 2024 as well. If you have questions feel free to contact me I am happy to answer any that you may have! OOP and if you haven’t heard level 2 starts soon!

xoxo,

Stacy