A Candid Conversation with Philadelphia’s Top Women Entrepreneurs

PHILADELPHIA (August 10, 2010) – On August 25^th, Empowerment Group hosts the 4^th Annual Success in the City event to celebrate Philadelphia’s community of women entrepreneurs.

Are you curious to hear how Sarah Van Aken of SA VA started her fashion boutique or how Taria Avery came up with her mobile pet salon?  How about how Hillary Bor of Pumpkin Restaurant, Market, and Café keeps customers coming back for more?  At Empowerment Group’s 4^th Annual Success in the City, attendees will have the opportunity to do just that.

Amidst all the store closures, bad news, and recession losses, Empowerment Group invites four successful women entrepreneurs to tell the other side of the story.  Attendees will learn how these women are remaining innovative, attracting customers and overcoming obstacles in these difficult economic times. 

This year’s panelists are:  Sarah Van Aken of SA VA, Hillary Bor of Pumpkin Restaurant, Café, and Market, and Taria Avery of Avery’s Pet Styling Salon and Boutique.  Rakia Reynolds, owner of Skai Blue Media and a Philly 360º Creative Ambassador, will moderate.

At this dynamic event, the panelists will not be the only source of inspiration.  Empowerment Group tapped into Philadelphia’s rich network of women entrepreneurs to build this event from the ground up.  From the venue to the florist to the postcard printer, Success in the City boasts contributions from a variety of local woman-owned businesses.  The audience of established and aspiring women entrepreneurs will have no shortage of mentors, contacts, and partners from which to draw. 

The 4^th Annual Success in the City will be held at the Jeanne Ruddy Dance Co. Performance Garage (1515 Brandywine St.) on August 25^th from 6:00 to 8:00pm.  Admission is free and includes beverages and light hors d’oeuvres.  For more information, visit the “Events” page on www.empowerment-group.org or contact Lindsey Shapiro at lshapiro@empowerment-group.org or 215-427-9245, ext 204. 

About Empowerment Group:  This event is presented by the Empowerment Group, an SBA Women’s Business Center. Empowerment Group is a non-profit organization that accelerates economic growth in distressed urban communities by cultivating local entrepreneurship.  Our bottom line is to create positive, lasting change for our clients, their families, and their communities.  Empowerment Group envisions successful businesses and empowered individuals sustaining and enriching their communities, thus building a stronger Philadelphia. To learn more about Empowerment Group, visit www.empowerment-group.org.