Each month we'll be featuring a chamber member woman-owned business for their impact in our community. For November, we have chosen DYV Events, owned by Michelle Stewart. CONGRATULATIONS!
How long have you been in business?
Michelle:Since 2011
What is your favorite part of working with businesses in Central Arkansas?
Michelle: The people. The clients I work with have great businesses with great heart which matches well with the vision I am able to build for their events.
How did you get started?
Michelle: I feel like I have been in the 'organization and details' game most of my life as I am actually an engineer by trade turned event planner. I started out as an assistant to an experienced wedding planner and worked a dozen or so weddings of her all the while building my own wedding clientele. It took a few years but then I was able to expand out to non-profits and corporate clients who I work with primarily now.
What are your biggest challenges as a business owner or as a woman business owner?
Michelle: Being in a male dominated field most of my life has given me a very tough skin but also made me empathetic when working with all kinds of clients. I had many mentors starting out which were key in helping me manage my business. I would highly recommend surrounding yourself with great people who can do the things that either you don't like to do or are not good at.
If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Michelle: Most days I am the marketer, the budgeter, the scheduler, the note taker...Being a solopreneur is not for the faint of heart. I would offload more of the business things that I have in the past. I am a big believer in partnering with people who love to do the things that don't bring me joy.
Do you have any important advice you could share to another person or woman who wants to start their own business?
Michelle: Get organized from the start! Get a mentor and have them help you work out some of the big things you need like licensing, insurance and accounting. You will thank yourself later.
Friday, December 10th
11:45 am - 1 pm
North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Conference Center
The Camp Robinson/Camp Pike Community Council is committed to lending support to ensure the wellbeing and longevity of the military community through education and dedicated community involvement. Quarterly informative, networking lunch meetings are held and attended by military leaders, community leaders, local legislators and business owners.
JOIN TODAY!
You will discover that a $100 annual membership is well worth the investment.
For more information contact Ashley Hight at 372-5959 / ashley@nlrchamber.org or click on link for the membership application.
Preparing Today's Youth For Tomorrow's Leadership Challenges
ALPS: Advancement, Leadership, Personal Growth, Service (formerly Leadership Renaissance), the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce's youth leadership program, is beginning its twenty seventh year of building and empowering students to become future leaders. The program is designed for high school JUNIORS who live in North Little Rock without regard to which school they attend and to students from surrounding areas that attend North Little Rock High School and North Little Rock Center of Excellence. The three sessions focus on Leadership Skills, Social Service, Government & Law, Financial Literacy, Business & Industry, and Community Development.
With your support, we are able to provide all program materials including: snacks, lunch, graduation dinner, T-shirt, class picture, graduation certificate, a limited number of scholarships and tuition for those who need financial assistance.