On November 8, more than 100 women from across eastern Kentucky gathered at the first Mountain Women Mean Business conference held at the Harlan Center, organized by the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK). Sessions included “Makers: Selling Your Work,” “Food: Farms, Food Trucks, and Restaurants,” and “Understanding Your Online Presence,” and more. Regina Becknell from MACED led a session on the “Basics of Business Finance” and I led an “Introduction to Social Enterprise,” during which I interviewed three women social entrepreneurs: Mae Suramek (Noodle Nirvana), Mary Ann Mullins (New Beginnings Child Care and Preschool Center) and Gwen Johnson (Hemphill Community Center & Black Sheep Bakery – read more here!).
Sky Marietta from CEDIK served as the master of ceremonies. She explained that the organizing committee wanted to take the opportunity to highlight woman-owned businesses from the region by featuring coffee from The Ugly Mug Coffee Shop in Barbourville, amazing donuts from Hole and Corner from Berea, and a delicious lunch from Taco Holler in Harlan.
After the sessions finished, we headed to the Harlan Yoga studio for a reception (beautifully catered by Linda Hensley) and awards ceremony. Award recipients included Sandi Curd (Kentucky Promise Zones), Kristin Smith (Wrigley Tap Room), and artist Lacy Hale, for their leadership and roles in revitalizing their communities. Mary Ann Mullins from New Beginnings Child Care and Preschool Center was awarded $1000 (provided by Appalachian Impact Fund) for her tireless work in providing high quality child care and preschool for the City of Hazard and Perry County.
This was a special opportunity to hear from women entrepreneurs. The high turnout showed that it was needed, and CEDIK plans to host some follow-up events as well as another conference in a year.
