“When women support women, amazing things can happen.”
These are wise words from Academy award-winning actress Viola Davis—but they are also words that could be the battle cry of local entrepreneurs Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt.
Arnold and Holt are the masterminds behind the popular Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. Their success with Junk in the Trunk is what led the duo to start their latest venture, The Foundress, a membership networking group designed to connect women entrepreneurs, and provide mentorships and support.
Years ago, Arnold was hand-painting furniture and Holt was selling barn wood signs on Etsy. They both had a passion for vintage treasure. While on a couples adventure with their husbands, Arnold and Holt found themselves lamenting over the lack of community and good places to shop for vintage pieces. They joked they should start their own event—and then did.
The very first market was held in a friend's backyard. Today, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale and has grown to be a three-day event. It became so popular that an out-of-state event was added, with the first held in 2016 in California.
The road to success for Arnold and Holt wasn't always easy, but the two friends always had each other for support and encouragement.
“When we were getting things started with Junk in the Trunk, we wished we had other women to look to, to ask questions and to learn from,” says Arnold. “All that was out there were corporate events or events for bloggers, and we didn't fit in. So, we started The Foundress out of our own desire to encourage women entrepreneurs.”
The Foundress was established three years ago and has since grown by word of mouth to include approximately 150 members, most of whom reside in Arizona, though some do live out of state.
“COVID-19 forced us to add the online component, which opened the door to offer online memberships,” says Holt. “That allows us to make the group accessible to all woman, from all over the country.”
Members of The Foundress include woman from all walks of life, ranging from young mothers to attorneys, photographers to business coaches, and more.
Arnold and Holt say The Foundress has a wide representation of women, all who have the common goal to inspire, teach, learn, and to celebrate the wins of business while providing camaraderie and a support system.
There are two membership options available for The Foudress: virtual and in-person. The benefits of each include monthly gatherings, quarterly happy hours, opportunities to connect with other group members, as well as monthly Mastermind Group Meetups and access to Foundress mentors. Additional perks include access to recorded meetings, member features in the group's newsletter and social media, and even childcare for in-person members on meeting days.
Membership prices range from $35-$45 monthly, depending on the option chosen.
“We chose to make this a paid membership [program] to hold the members accountable,” explains Holt. “The hardest part is showing up, but if it's something members have invested in, they are more likely to do so.”
Arnold and Holt are in this for the long haul as they believe there will always be a desire for what The Foundress offers.
“There will always be a need for community, especially with entrepreneurs,” Arnold says. “So, we will continue to provide a place where woman can come to push and encourage each other every month, where they can learn from the mistakes and successes of others, and [where they can] leave feeling refreshed.” Foundress.co