Women Shoppers, Entrepreneurs Network the Night Away

Anahid Raad never imagined she'd own. Despite her business being a total fluke, she said, she couldn't be happier.

Raad was one of 12 women business owners who set up booths during the third annual Thursday evening — an event allowing them to network with each other and the community.

Close to 70 ladies from Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Hayward attended, shopping for anything from vintage jewelry to gym membership.

For Raad, it was her first time participating in the event. She opened shop in February and said she was looking to meet the community and possibly gain some potential customers.

Originally from Persia, Raad has lived in over five counties and has worked in three different professions. It was in Germany as an interior designer, however, where her talents as a potential florist were discovered.

"Through accident I did this," she said. She explained that it was one of her clients whohad raved about a floral arrangement she had created for a room that got her curious about switching careers.

For th resource night, Raad brought along her floral design intern, Brenda Villalba, 18, who has helped Raad make everything from prom corsages to casket toppers.

"She is so good she can already take over the shop," Raad said. 

Without any formal training or classes, Raad claims it's her designer's eye and attention to detail that have helped her succeed in the floral industry. Raad hopes to take on bigger parties and events in the coming months.

"I can create better under stress, but I can also do something one month before," she said.

Another business owner at the event, Hayward photographer Sonia Underdown, said she also unexpectedly fell into her profession back in 1995 when assisting a friend in a photo shoot.

"It turned out that the photos I took of him were better than the ones by his photographer," she said.

Thursday night she had various nature shots of flowers, scenery and animals on display as photo cards and print screens.

Event veteran and owner Anu Sharma hoped to give women an empowering experience similar to the one she had after losing 75 pounds a few years ago. 

Though she lost the weight on her own, Sharma said, it was Curves that has helped her keep it off and stay toned and healthy.

"It turned out to be the best thing I've ever done with myself," she said. "I want to inspire other women to do the same."

Similar to previous years, vendors living in San Lorenzo were given first priority for a booth. Those who participated in last year's event, regardless of where they live, were then given the opportunity to purchase a table again this year. Remaining spots could then be reserved by all other interested participants.

Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan's assistant, Shelia Young, stopped by and was suprised not to see more vendors participating.

"I'm sure there are more out there, but they probably just haven't come around to taking advatage of this night," Young said. "It's really nice to see so many young, energetic women come out to this event."