Liz Zipperer - Liz + Co
What is the most rewarding part of getting to work with so many incredible women?
The unbelievably strong sense of community! I personally feel that the emotional component women provide creates a more intentional business environment where all perspectives are valued. So much of what we do in the real estate sector surrounds immense anxieties of new life chapters. We as women have an innate sense of springing into action in order to facilitate a seamless life transition for you. I was raised by an incredible woman and am grateful to have so many incredible women in my life in several different capacities.
What does it mean to you to be involved with the YWCA Junior Board?
I have been extremely blessed by my YWCA volunteer work, working for many years as a RE/New Angel. When women and children graduate from the Weaver Domestic Violence Center, a group of us provides a beautiful, fully furnished home for their new safe haven. Furniture, decor, appliances, kitchenware – you name it. An entirely new life chapter beginning with a true act of unconditional love – that is what makes it all so deeply meaningful. All items we provide are donated, so please keep us in mind during your next redecorating project. I now have an even broader view of the YWCA’s life-changing work, with a two-year term as a Junior Board Committee member. With a mission statement “dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” it is extremely easy to be a cheerleader for the YWCA. If you would like to learn how you can help, please contact me or visit their website.
Samantha Howington - Howington Construction
What’s a misconception people have about being a woman in your industry?
A common misconception is that being a woman in residential construction is a disadvantage. In reality, it’s often been a strength. I’ve found that we bring a different perspective, especially around communication, relationships, and problem-solving—our female team members have helped build trust with both clients and subcontractor partners. At the end of the day, the residential construction industry respects results, where consistency and execution matter most.
Terri Sears - Hermitage Kitchen Gallery
What does it mean to you to run this company alongside your sister?
Running this company alongside my sister means building something that is both deeply personal and highly professional. There’s a level of trust, shared values, and accountability between us that you simply can’t replicate in a typical business partnership.
We’ve grown up understanding how each other thinks, where our strengths lie, and how to push one another to be better. That allows us to move quickly, stay aligned, and make decisions with confidence. At the same time, we’re very intentional about maintaining clear roles and open communication so that the business operates with structure and respect.
What matters most to me is that we’re not just building a successful company—we’re building something we’re proud of together. It’s about creating a legacy, supporting each other through challenges, and holding a shared standard for the work we put into the world.
Elizabeth Perkins - Bennett Galleries
Who are the women who have influenced you in your journey?
Bess Bennett, who opened and ran Bennett Galleries for many years, was a dearly loved mentor. Working for her taught me so much, not only about business but about how to live life well.
She was tenacious and tough as nails, yet she also had a tender side, and how she carried both at the same time was a great example of true leadership. She also conducted herself and the business with a commitment to excellence, while remaining down-to-earth and avoiding the pretentiousness that is so common in the fine art world, a core value I've carried forward in my own life and leadership.
I was also inspired by how she built the business up to leave an inheritance for her sons, and since I took ownership in 2018, it has been my vision to steward it and then pass on the legacy to my own son. Bess's influence in my life was so much more than I can fit in this answer, and I will always be grateful to her.
Marie-Joe Bouffard - Le Studio
What advice would you give to other women who are passionate about
design and dreaming of pursuing a job in design?
If you love interior design, follow that path—it is extremely rewarding. It’s about telling a client’s story and working through a gazillion problems, while staying true to your creative vision. No two days are the same, which makes for a fully packed schedule. It requires incredibly hard work to build a network of talented team members and tradesmen you can trust. The key is to understand that it’s not as glamorous as people think. Half the time, we’re in an architectural meeting, and the next, we’re trudging through the mud in 45-degree weather for a site visit. (Tip: Keep an extra pair of shoes in your car!)
If you’re on the fence about the route you want to take, there is always the option of becoming a decorator. If you prefer something less technical and more focused on choosing wallpaper, selecting textiles, and adding finishing touches, it’s something to consider.
Stay curious, trust your instincts, and find inspiration everywhere!
Ashley Luther - Chord Real Estate
What is one obstacle you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
One obstacle that comes to mind is when I transitioned professionally from education to real estate as a single mother "way back when," and while there were many obstacles in my way, I took a look around me, started with what I knew, and served people just like me. I dug in deep as a student of this industry and came alongside other people in a similar stage of life, offering seminars to first-time buyers and educating them on wealth building through real estate. By the end of my first full year, I was awarded "Rookie of the Year" from my brokerage. Looking back, that became a foundational cornerstone of my career, whether now I'm representing a $10M estate or an executive corporate rental, I help people where they're at to make wise financial decisions through real estate that impact their lives.
Laura Dale & Elizabeth Moore - bits & bobs nashville
One of the most meaningful compliments we receive is when clients tell us we’ve handled their tasks more thoughtfully and effectively than they could themselves. While bits & bobs nashville is, admittedly, a luxury service, we stand firmly behind the level of care, attention to detail, and discretion we provide. That level of finesse and personalization cannot be replicated by an online platform or automated solution—it’s rooted in relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs.
Amanda Wilson - PUREGLOW
What does it mean to you to lead and grow a woman-owned business?
Leading and growing a woman-owned business, to me, is a little bit power, a little bit play—and a whole lot of intention.
It’s building something beautiful that also means something. Creating a space where women feel confident, taken care of, and a little more elevated when they walk out than when they walked in. It’s business, yes—but it’s also energy, experience, and impact.
It’s knowing you can be polished and powerful, but still warm, fun, and human. You can run numbers, make bold decisions, and still care deeply about the details—the vibe, the team, the way people feel in your space. And growth? It’s evolving without losing your edge. It’s trusting your gut, refining your vision, and continuing to raise the standard—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.
At the end of the day, it’s about building something that feels as good as it looks—something that reflects you, supports others, and leaves a little glow everywhere it goes.
Amy Parson - Bouquet Bar Flower Box
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses - and if you can’t stop, at least surround yourself with them (while always wearing sunscreen).
Eric Wright - Eric Marshall Salon
What does it mean to you to run a salon that uplifts women while also reflecting your own journey and community?
Running a salon that uplifts women means creating more than just a workplace—it’s about building a community. It reflects my own journey and the belief that when women are supported, valued, and given opportunities to grow, they don’t just succeed individually, they elevate everyone around them.
Caroline Shirley - Vogue Voyage
How has your confidence evolved from when you first launched the business to now?
Early on, I led with logistics and destination knowledge — the perfect hotel, the punctual private driver, the detailed itinerary. Then I started planning a trip to Japan for a family. I set up a private kimono fitting at a temple in Kyoto that was closed to the public, just for their visit. Nothing about that moment had anything to do with the car that got them there or the complimentary breakfast they had that morning. That's when I stopped thinking about what I could arrange and started thinking about what I could create. Now I know my clients don't hire me for the logistics. They hire me for the experiences I design.
Allison Weiffenbach - Cortina
Many people associate clear or healthy skin with confidence. How do you help patients redefine self-love beyond just appearance?
I always tell patients that healthy skin can support confidence, but it shouldn’t define it. My goal is to shift the focus from chasing “perfect” skin to feeling comfortable and confident in your own. I also try to understand what’s really driving their goals, so any treatment feels empowering rather than rooted in comparison or pressure. At the end of the day, I want patients to feel good not just because of how they look, but because they feel informed, respected, and in control of their choices.
Heidi Bellerjeau - Face Foundrie
Your brand sits at the intersection of beauty, efficiency, and modern self-care—how do you define ‘investing in yourself’ for today’s woman?”
Investing in yourself is not about vanity; it is about mental health + intentionally choosing peace over noise. Investing in yourself becomes less about self-optimization and more about alignment—becoming who you were divinely designed to be; with grace, balance, and purpose.
Reesha Sanghani - Velaris Health
As a woman building something meaningful, what has been the most defining moment in your journey?
For me, it hasn’t been one defining moment—it’s been a collection of them. For years, I’ve been the first call when people I love were scared, overwhelmed, and didn’t know what to do. Each time, I stepped in to translate the healthcare system and make sure they didn’t fall through the cracks. I felt the same mix of relief and frustration they did, but in a different way: relief that I could help, and frustration that so many others—people I don’t know—were struggling alone.
At some point, it clicked: I wasn’t just helping the people closest to me. I was seeing a problem that affects countless others who don’t know how to advocate for themselves in a system that is overwhelming. That realization became the anchor of Velaris Health. As a woman building something meaningful, it’s the moment I understood this work is a responsibility.