BIG Expo of Women Entrepreneurs in Summit: Free admission

The SIXTH Annual B.I.G. Expo of Women Entrepreneurs will be held on June 14 from 10am until 1pm at Twin Maples, 214 Springfield Avenue in Summit.

Entrepreneurial women will showcase their products and services in the areas of; jewelry; skin care; fitness facilities; moving services; legal services; catering; book sales; parenting classes; plastic surgery; photography; tutoring; nutrition and wellness; college planning; promotional services; career and educational services, day spas; ADHD coaching; kitchen design; professional theatre, web and graphic design; software; hair care and more.

Exhibit space is available. Exhibitors must be members of the Summit/New Providence Berkeley Heights BIG pod. Monthly membership is $29.95, and allows unlimited monthly meetings in Summit, Chatham,
Millburn and many other surrounding communities, as well as members-only Facebook pages, webinars, special events, and promotional opportunities. The cost to exhibit is $50. Sponsorships for the group
are available as well—the monthly meetings attract 25-40 local women.

Come meet a great group of seriously talented, inspiring, smart and creative women entrepreneurs who have taken the plunge to launch their own businesses, franchises and dream jobs in the Greater Summit area.
Admission is FREE. Free refreshments provided by Paolo’s Kitchen and Zing Meals.

Preliminary participants as of (As of May 9) are below. This list will be updated until space fills up.

Jewelry, Clothing, Pottery, Gifts, Accessories:
Scooch A Mi Boutique—Ellen Eppie
ART with HEART Designs—Tracy Tango
JoJo's Boutique--Johanna Hale
EsBe--Wendy Wolski
Bijoullie--Hetal Kothari
Touchstone --Lisa Mabee
High Tor Honey--Joan Tak
India Hicks--Heather Johnston
Floral accessory design--Nancy Conner

Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness--Alyse Blank

Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Spa, Beauty, Skin care
Morning Light Accupuncture--Sara Youner
Holistic nutrition coaching--Christina Todaro
Rodin and Fields--Stephanie Gallegos

Education Services, Summer Camps, and Art
Parenting Matters—Lisa DiSciullo
Academic Journeys—Maureen McGovern
Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre—Laura Ekstrand
Brain Balance--Betsy Stoeber

Catering
Zing Meals Gourmet Dinners and Catering-- Elizabeth Girouard
Paolo's Kitchen Caterers in New Providence—Paula Vieira

Services
The Toy Tamer--Evelyn Cucchiera
Wilson Family Law—Cindy Wilson
B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow) Women’s empowerment, education, networking and support
Andrea Silvershein Life Coach—Andrea Silvershein
Cultural Care Au Pair--Kathleen Lawrie
Glisel Jimenez State Farm Insurance
Maryanne Hogarth Portrait Photography
The Mavins Group moving services--Patricia Ott
Shedclutter--Jessica Hwang

These talented women will share their business ideas and products in a fun, informative trade show format. Enter for chances to win valuable prizes.

Led by Melanie Wilson of Summit, and assisted by Lisa DiSciullo of Summit, the Summit/New Providence/Berkeley Heights chapter of B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow), a, support, education and networking
group for women entrepreneurs, with over 100 members, has grown to the largest in the multi-state network.

“At B.I.G.,” Wilson said, “We strive to empower women at all stages of their professional pursuits, from stay at home mothers looking to re-engage in the workforce, to seasoned entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and career executives looking to make a change.”

At last year’s Expo, some came for the jewelry and skin care products for sale. Others showed up to be inspired by dozens of local entrepreneurial women who shared advice and ideas on how to launch a business. All left impressed with the bountiful talent of the women who displayed their wares.

“The Expo gave the exhibitors an opportunity to reach a hungry marketplace,” Wilson said. “The women who attended were smart and curious. As B.I.G. members, the exhibitors have learned to grow their businesses with regular monthly workshops on topics such as search engine optimization, brand building, social media, and legal concerns.”

Wilson said that she was thrilled with the results of the last five years. Attending, she said, will be particularly helpful for any woman considering launching her own business, since they can chat with those brave ones who have taken the plunge, and are now able to showcase their brand.

Rupa Kale, a longtime B.I.G. member and realtor with The Natalya Price Group, says, “My favorite part of the expo is learning about the other businesses. I also love the positive almost electric vibe of the whole space. I love hobnobbing with other smart, creative and forward-thinking women.”

Betsy Stoeber, owner of Brain Balance Achievement Center in Summit, said, “The Expo gave me a true
sense of belonging to a community of women entrepreneurs in Summit-- I can't wait to build on the connections made!”

Wilson said that each monthly meeting provides a safe environment and offers face-to-face support from a like-minded tribe of peers. Since every woman has special gifts and talents, the power of a community of women working together can help every woman discover theirs.

Come find out about the products and services of all these talented women, or just come get inspired by the women who have taken that next step and launched their own businesses.

Check out the full calendar at www.believeinspiregrow.com

To find out about joining the Summit/New Providence/Berkeley Heights B.I.G. group and/or exhibiting at the Expo, contact Wilson at melaniewilsonsummit@gmail.com

There is one regular meeting before the Expo: May 24. Attendance is free for first-time guests.