Women Helping Women In Action

The first time I came across Women Entrepreneurs Inc. was via a flyer on King Street in 2019. They were hosting an event at Skinny Dip, and thanks to the amazing lead designer, Erin Rose, the paper immediately caught my eye. Since I wasn’t an entrepreneur at the time (I was in my second year at the College of Charleston), I didn’t entertain the idea of attending, but I immediately followed the Instagram for updates - which was also beatifully branded.

Later that year, my sorority hosted Rachael Bozsik as a speaker, back when Rachael was leading The Brand Girls. From there, I downloaded TBG’s College Career Guide. This was when I really started thinking about my future in business.

One prompt in the workbook asked you to list five networking contacts you currently have that relate to your end goal. The first name I listed was Melissa Barker.

After following Melissa and WE Inc. from afar for two years, I got an email. COVID had just shut down C of C, and I was at home wrapping up school work for my Junior year when I got a message from the College about internship opportunities for course credit. Usually, I would skim an email like this, but since I was bored at home, I noticed in the fine print that Women Entrepreneurs Inc. was actively looking for an intern.

I rushed to submit my application and interviewed with Melissa the following week. And I got the job!

I jumped right in working from home on Zooms with Melissa, Anne, and the team. I spent the Summer doing website work, attending meetings, and using my attention to detail to organize spreadsheets. The job was different than any I had ever had, because I felt heard. Even at an intern level, Melissa and the team were open and willing to hear me out on ideas, and encouraged me not to be shy about sharing my opinion.

I took on a part-time role with WE Inc. after my Summer internship and spent my Senior year at the College working on member service tasks and getting to know the company on a deeper level.

Today, I work with Melissa full-time to ensure the highest level of service for our members, partners, and Studio clients. I have the pleasure of working with a small team where all members are aligned on the vision and mission behind the company - that women will help each other if given the chance, and that we will provide them with that opportunity.

Never underestimate or overlook the power of connecting with women — together, we can be each other’s greatest allies.

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