When it comes to starting a new business, networking is key. You never know who might have that one piece of information that could take your company to the next level. Whether you are in the brainstorming phase or have been running your company for ten years, exchanging information among peers never seems to get old. Our most recent event hosted at Wix Lounge, created the perfect environment for entrepreneurs from all walks of life to come together and meet new people.
As we love supporting our local SF businesses, we began the night focusing on our featured vendors and pop up store entrepreneurs. Wix Lounge SF, having such an open and well-designed space, allowed guests to easily float around the room and experience each vendor station.
What made this event unique was that we were able to bring in a range of vendors from various industries. As soon as guests arrived they were welcomed by delicious treats provided by Moyoni Sweets and Secret Scoop, who raffled off Thai gelato to three lucky winners.
Representing the beauty and skincare industries we had Botanic Organic, a natural skin care company and StyleBee, a mobile beauty services platform which provided a full service beauty bar. Guests with an eye for style were able to shop Petra O, LBD (Little Black Dress) and Painted Originals Collections and check out Lynx Touch, a company originally from Spain, that showcased a variety of headbands and crochet caps perfect for any occasion.
Move Loot, an online platform for buying and selling furniture, and Share Brunch, our newest non-profit Ambassador focused on fighting hunger and poverty in America, contributed to our dynamic atmosphere as well. Lastly, but certainly not least was the Azerbaijan Community Center, Inc that provided the best stuffed dolma which had guests coming back all night.
In the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship our panel discussion focused on topics ranging from getting your startup off the ground to obtaining seed funding for larger businesses. Our emcee Petra O kept guests entertained as we heard from Alexandra Zatarain, Co-Founder of Luna Sleep, Deepa Sood, Founder of Cuff, Anna Santeramo, Co-Founder of StyleBee, and Funn Fisher, Founder of Secret Scoop.
What made this event successful in the words of Alexandra Zatarain, Co-Founder of Luna Sleep was “the energy from all people participating. From panelists, organizers and everyone with a table/booth, they all brought a great mix of different backgrounds, ideas and energy.”
Maria Anchuela of Lynx Touch commented on the “special emphasis on networking” that our event had mixed with the “exciting panel discussion which was a perfect way to learn more about other successful stories of international entrepreneur women.”
Nancy Newsom, Founder of Botanic Organic, who we have had the pleasure of partnering with for several events mentioned that “the international aspect of the attendees is always somewhat unique. It’s actually a pretty diverse crowd as well. Everyone is working on something different and it was nice to see some men in the mix.”
Since we are all about connecting women and sharing success stories we were very pleased to hear that our event “had a powerful message to support women entrepreneurs” – Awatif Yahya, Owner of Moyoni Sweets – and that “It was great to be among so many intelligent, beautiful, motivated women!” – Funn Fisher, Founder of Secret Scoop.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors Pure Chat and Wix Lounge SF. We appreciate their support and look forward to partnering for future events!
Contributors:
Writing by Martina Trejo
Photos courtesy of Sandhya Jaishankar and Martina Trejo
