“The Woodlands is a thriving place for women-owned businesses,” Melissa Rouswell says. She and Ali Everhard co-founded the Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs (WCE) in 2018 to support local businesswomen through educational, networking, and inspirational events. WCE has since expanded with chapters throughout the greater Houston area and in San Antonio.
“We are seeing so many new businesses after the pandemic as women pivoted or changed careers,” Melissa says. They join more than 600 women-owned establishments in The Woodlands. “Women are pouring their hearts and souls into their businesses,” she says. “It’s exciting and inspiring!”
As founder and executive director of The Facial Room Society, Kimberly Mason’s mission is to elevate esthetician training while inspiring her students. Her can-do attitude once landed her a job as a supervising Art Director for an award-winning independent film. This experience sparked an interest in makeup and skincare, so Kimberly added not only film credits to her resume but also esthetician. Her accomplishments now include founding The Facial Room Society, an esthetician school teaching facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, makeup, and more advanced skin and body treatments.
Opening in 2019, the accredited school offers full and part-time programs with small classes and individualized instruction. Coursework goes beyond state licensure requirements to provide “the necessary tools to be successful in this competitive field,” Kimberly says. The school is the only one in Texas offering National Esthetician Certification.
There’s always something to do to nurture and expand the business and only 24 hours in a day. Kimberly admits, “I need three of me to get it all done!” Nevertheless, she makes time to help survivors of human trafficking become licensed eyelash technicians. The program is free for them. To help sponsor a student, visit The Facial Room Society’s website.
Passion is a common thread among entrepreneurs. “My passion in life is spreading the love of dance to the next generation of dancers and arts supporters,” Kelly Ann Vitacca says. “When you love your work, you never work a day in your life.”
Kelly Ann founded Vitacca Vocations School for Dance in The Woodlands and Houston. And she launched Vitacca Ballet, a professional contemporary ballet company during the pandemic to help keep Houston dancers employed.
The Vitacca Vocational School for Dance has the unique distinction of being recognized as a Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding School since 2017. It's the only area school to offer a continuum of training from age 3 through pre-professional programs that prepare dancers for college and professional company opportunities.
Kelly Ann’s passion for dance allowed her to thrive in a competitive field, from choreographer to internationally recognized industry professional and entrepreneur. In addition to loving what she does, Kelly Ann attributes her success to hiring wisely and working closely with her staff and faculty.
Kelly Ann believes in sharing her expertise and knowledge with the next generation of female entrepreneurs. She recommends fostering creativity and taking risks. “Keep your chin high even in the most challenging moments, take time to listen to the crowd before answering, and always enter the room with confidence,” she says. “You can do it. I know you can!”
Meet owner Ivette Larralde, operations manager Ana Paula Guerrero, and marketing and events manager Jessica Romero. The trio pour their hearts and souls into Simona’s Bistro, a cozy café with a full bar that opened last December to rave reviews. The women’s attention to detail is obvious throughout — from curated artwork by female artists to Mexican dishes prepared from Ivette’s family recipes and specials made with ingredients from Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market.
The name “Simona” means to listen. Ana says they invite people in for great food, fine wine, and conversation. The bistro draws people from different cultures and a steady stream of regulars. “The restaurant owner is here to facilitate the experience — to be a bridge between the food, the staff, the kitchen, and the guest,” Ivette says.
Ivette feels each diner is an ambassador for the restaurant. “Women business owners have an advantage,” she continues, “since our approach is to nurture, to support, and to make people happy.” Mission accomplished, ladies!