A group of Louisville women-owned businesses have banded together to create the Downtown Louisville Women’s Business Group, a collective that aims to support and uplift fellow business owners.
These women will convene on Small Business Saturday in Downtown Louisville on Nov. 30, with an event that will put local shops in the spotlight, while ensuring a visit to downtown Louisville as an unforgettable experience. The event will feature more than 25 businesses — from cute shops to cozy restaurants. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a holiday artisan market, free visits with Santa, holiday music and free gift wrapping.
Neige LaRue, owner of Punch Buggy, with the help of Jenni Hlawatsch, owner of The Singing Cook, created the informal women’s business group to help further unite the downtown community — as many of its owners are women. A challenge some of these hard-working women have, LaRue said, is that the responsibility of raising families and keeping up with their homes ensures that they’re never really off the clock.
After LaRue attended a few Louisville City Council meetings to keep herself apprised of decisions that would affect the local economy, she said she was surprised that many business owners could not represent themselves at the meetings because life’s responsibilities get in the way.
“(The meetings) are at times when it’s really difficult for mothers — and those of us who help take care of our households — to show up,” LaRue said.
LaRue thought that if one of her business neighbors could make it to the meeting, they could all work together to represent each other, and this Downtown Louisville Women’s Business Group could relay information back to the group.
“I truly believe that women don’t view each other as competition,” LaRue said. “We really want to raise all boats and work together in order for all of our businesses to thrive.”
Heather Mellish, co-owner of The Archer and The Ram, said that it’s been her connections with women that have always lifted her throughout her life. She thinks this group has the power to make Louisville a great place for the business community and beyond.
“I think this is a phenomenal exercise in community and women working together,” Mellish said. “I think we’re better together than as individuals.”
Although the Louisville Radiance Medspa location is new, owner Stephanie Schlageter has been in the business world for 19 years. She said that since commerce is constantly changing, this women’s group is a great way to help new businesses gain footing and for longtime business owners to gain new perspectives.
“I am so psyched about this alliance of smart, energetic women who just want to get together and do great things,” Schlageter said.
Chelsea Sarver, owner of Eleanor, a clothing boutique, agreed with Schlageter and said the collective offers an important space where women can brainstorm ideas and offer support.
“We really want Louisville to thrive and we really want every business to do well here,” Sarver said.
What started as 10 businesses holding events or incentives to visit the downtown area for Small Business Saturday has turned into over 25 businesses striving to provide a day of fun, including sales, gift-wrapping stations, horse-drawn carriage rides or ice skating.
Hlawatsch said this event is a great way to keep local dollars in the community. She said Louisville is special because the community knows that by buying locally, they’re helping their neighbors.
“In the end, what helps all of us helps each of us. It really is about being stronger together,” Hlawatsch said.
The group said Small Business Saturday is just the launching point of what they hope to achieve. In the future, they hope to host other downtown events to activate the area and provide a unique experience for Louisville.
Rebecca Hummel, owner of Pitch Karaoke, hopes people have a great time at the event. She said with all the activities available, people can start their day with a coffee, do their holiday shopping, entertain the kids and maybe even end the night singing their favorite song at karaoke.
“It’s for all ages, bring the grandparents, bring the kids. There’s going to be something for everybody,” Hummel said.
While the group is currently all women, LaRue said anyone is welcome to join. Inquires can be sent to [email protected].
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