Member Success Story: Dr. Maysa Hannawi and Emily Steele

You’ve likely heard me refer to Women Entrepreneurs Inc. as a community of women on a mission to support women on a mission. The story of Dr. Maysa Hannawi and Emily Steele, two amazing and talented members of our group, illustrates this concept perfectly.

Prior to meeting one another, Maysa and Emily were successful in their own right — Maysa, as a personal trainer, and Emily, as founder and writer for the well. After being introduced to one another through WE Inc., the two connected one-on-one over coffee. They quickly formed a bond that began to evolve into a successful business partnership.

After realizing how much of their personalities and passions overlapped, Maysa and Emily came up with an innovative new idea.

Meeting for coffee at what became their regular spot, they started to brainstorm ideas for a health program tailored to teen girls. Exchanging communication daily, the two eventually developed Girls Gone Buff.

Starting with 14 girls, and spanning over six Saturdays in the Charleston area, Maysa and Emily’s program taught participants how to barbell deadlift, read nutrition labels, and what to do when they experienced feelings of anxiety, sadness, or self-consciousness. The program's holistic approach to health and fitness helped all of the girls gain a new sense of strength and confidence. Through this thoughtful initiative, the girls were also able to let go of stereotypical ideas surrounding weightlifting for women.

“Melissa and WE Inc were the cupid to me and Emily's friendship turned business partnership,” said Maysa. “If it wasn't for WE Inc encouraging us to link up, we would have never discovered Girls Gone Buff. Emily is not only my soul sister, but we are now making waves in the fitness world by transforming young girls into strong and powerful women.”

Emily’s experience in connecting with Maysa was equally as powerful. "WE Inc walks the talk when it comes to connection & proving that women really do do it better together,” she stated. “Through this amazing network of women, I was organically & thoughtfully introduced to a female business owner in my industry who lived 15 minutes from me and I didn't even know it! Not only am I thankful for this introduction on a personal level, but this particular introduction led to the launch of a joint business venture that would have likely never happened had it not been for the power of connection that WE Inc offers every member.”

Girls Gone Buff is now enrolling for their summer program, which will be held June 13-17 for girls in 5th-12th grade. Learn more about Girls Gone Buff today.

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