I attended the second annual WIE Symposium on Sunday and Monday.... and it rocked my world! WIE stands for Women's Inspiration and Enterprise and the symposium did just that -- inspire us at J/Hadley to work harder and show us how to grow our business.

WIE was jam-packed with incredible women who have broken the glass ceiling and made a mark on this world. I had the opportunity to hear Nancy Pelosi talk about how she went from the "kitchen to Congress" while her youngest daughter was still in high school. Sonia Kashuk explained how incredible it was to approach Target with her new line and have them immediately say "yes we will carry your products, and we will fund the production" (so jealous). 

It was interesting to hear Tamara Mellon, the founder of Jimmy Choo, share how , as women, we have to be careful to not cross "the bitch line" while still being firm in our decisions. I thought she made a great point. Haven't we all been placed in a situation where, if we were a man, we'd be seen as a strong leader instead of a woman on the border of going crazy? (okay, I admit it... sometimes I DO feel like I'm going crazy.... but that's not the point!)

The past few days provided something that I think women entrepreneurs need desperately -- mentors! I could not believe how open and honest these powerhouse women were in giving their advice. A few of my favorites were: Never mistake activity for acheivement. Own your expertise -- Right.Now. Know your worth. And, it's okay to fall on your face... at least it's a forward movement!

At the end of the symposium, I left feeling invigorated. It was so nice to connect with other women going through the same highs and lows of owning a business and hear other women's success stories. 

Now? It's back to work -- and creating our own success story.