#100BusinessGirls Philly Meetup Recap {Winter 2012}

L to R: (Back Row) Kevona Robinson, Charmaine Bouy, Carrie Kholi, Rasheedah Phillips, Dianna Montague, (Front Row) Etophia Lane, Felicia Biles, Jamillah Johnson, Karima Adkins, (not pictured Thomasene Gee)

We kicked off our first meetup of 2012 on what had to be the coldest day of the season thus far. But that didn't stop the wonderful ladies that came out to meet and eat at Supper located at 926 South Street in Center City Philadelphia. This was our most diverse and experienced group that we've had thus far from Dianna Montague, the first woman to be certified as an Ironworker in the City of Philadelphia to Thomasene Gee, owner of Tommie's Passion Parties. That was just the tip of the iceberg.

Our Business Girl topic of the day "Definition of a Business Woman" brought many points of view as we discussed how we are definining our business and the challenges faced as being a women in male-dominated industries.

Here are just a few quick tips:

1. Think Strategically - Look at something from more than one point of view
2. Personal Branding - Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself. Have more than one stream of income.
3. Initiate - Act without being told.
4. Communicate - Say what you mean and mean what you say. The clearest most productive and effective way to communicate is honestly and openly.
5. Share your knowledge & learn from others

Thank to everyone in attendance:

Kevona Robinson -- Branch Chief & Contracting Officer, US Department of Defense

Charmaine Bouy -- President, Dora Décor
Interior Decorating to fit your lifestyle
http://www.dora1decor.com/


Carrie Kholi -- Ph.D Candidate & Serial Entrepreneur, The Ardor Brand LLC, Alist Entertainment & Event Services, & KholiOli.com
http://about.me/carriekholi | @kholi


Rasheedah Phillips, Esq -- Community Legal Services of Philadelphia | Afrofuturist Affair
www.facebook.com/afrofuturistaffair | @afrofuturaffair


Dianna Montague -- CEO, Iron Lady Enterprises
Iron Work - Welding - Construction
http://www.ironladyenterprises.com/


Felicia Biles -- Primerica
Helping families become debt free, properly protected and financially independent
www.primerica.com/fbiles


Karima Adkins -- Owner/Creative Consultant, Skinny Minority
Fashion Consulting Brand for the Thick & Curvy
http://www.skinnyminority.com/


Thomasene Gee -- Owner, Tommi's Passion Parties
Tasteful in-house parties to educate and unleash the diva in you!
http://www.teespassion.com/


Special thanks to Macy's for providing a special discounted treat!

[video] #100BusinessGirls Let's Do Brunch!




Check out our 2012 promotional video and recap of our Fall 2012 events done by cofounder Etophia Lane-James, owner of The Bizness Girl