2023 SHE.E.O. DENISE BROHOSKI
Denise Brohoski, Owner of Commercial Real Estate NW
Owner, Commercial Real Estate NW + Commercial Property Management NW
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Denise Brohoski for the past several years through a networking group and so I was absolutely thrilled when she expressed interest in participating in the SHE.E.O. Project with me.
Denise is a poised and articulate speaker, and she is truly one of the smartest and most professional women I know. She will make time to chat with you—whether it’s about the complicated nuances of commercial real estate…or simply what is currently going on in your “regular” life. It’s immediately evident that if you decide to work with her, you can trust that she will be in your corner and will help you in whatever way she can. I admire the hell out of that.
So, it goes without saying that if you are currently looking for commercial real estate, or even if right now it’s only a “someday” goal—Denise should be your go-to person. I have no doubt you will be in competent, trustworthy hands.
Here is Denise’s SHE.E.O. story:
One of the scariest moments in one’s life is leaving everything you know behind, to start over and try something new.
For Denise Brohoski, one of these defining moments happened 18 years ago when she was working in sales and marketing in the aluminum industry and debating her next career move. The previous role had its perks: Denise was able to travel the world, visit over 30 countries and experience many different cultures, meet people from various walks of life, and gain from the experience a knowledge that she will forever feel gratitude for.
However, after years of consistent travel, while raising two kids, she was ready for a new chapter in her career that would support her home life and re-ignite her passion for sales.
Denise took a practical approach to deciding what’s next, by asking herself, ‘what do I want my day-to-day to look like?’
“There were a few things I knew I wanted. First, I wanted to stay in sales and B2B, it couldn’t include traveling, and I wanted unlimited earning potential.” Denise shared. “Commercial real estate checked all those boxes, but it was a big leap to leave a stable salaried position to commission only.”
In 2005, Denise became a Commercial Real Estate broker and worked for large brokerage firms until starting her own business in 2018. After years of honing her craft and building up her clientele, Denise felt she was ready to branch off on her own and apply her industry knowledge, values, and client-driven focus to start a company. Getting started in the industry had its up and downs, but Denise knew it was a risk worth taking because she was fueled by a passion for the work and an inner knowledge that she was on the right path.
Building a business comes with its share of challenges and non-stop lessons, especially as a first-time business owner.
“The best advice I can give someone just starting out is to build your infrastructure first, then hire people. Get your processes in place, create your systems, and then grow slowly at a pace you are comfortable with. Surround yourself with a solid support system, and be ready to work some long hours in the beginning,” Denise said.
As the company scaled, Denise identified a new business opportunity that stemmed from her clients' requests for personalized commercial property management services. This natural business alignment with her expertise in buying, selling, and leasing commercial property at Commercial Real Estate NW, led her to launch a second company, Commercial Property Management NW in January 2023. Today, Denise has eight staff; including four brokers, a project manager, a social media manager, a business development manager, and a property manager. She also has an extensive array of subcontractors in support roles including marketing, bookkeeping, CPA, an attorney, IT support, and others.
Commercial Real Estate NW and Commercial Property Management NW buy/sell/lease/ and manage all asset classes including office, medical, retail spaces, industrial, commercial land, and multi-family properties. When asked what she was most proud of, Denise shared it is that her businesses are focused on client care first and foremost.
“We love helping people with commercial space–whether they are a buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant. We don’t miss phone calls. Our byline is “The Commercial Real Estate Resource” because we truly want to be that to help educate and serve clients at any stage of their commercial real estate journey,” Denise said.
As for what’s next for Denise, her main focus will be on building up the property management side of the business, which requires extra hours upfront. However, she’s learned the power of work-life balance and prioritizes spending time with her family and investing in her wellness. Especially, as she and her husband Mike get ready to welcome their second grandchild this year. Denise looks forward to the future with optimism and is grateful for the journey that led her here.
DENISE BROHOSKI’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH DENISE BROHOSKI HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here:
2023 SHE.E.O. ERIKA ELLIOTT and DR. LIZ REYNOLDS, DPT.
Erika Elliott and Dr. Liz Reynolds DPT
Owners, Cascade Physical Therapy
Whenever a potential client contacts me because they are considering doing branding photos, I always ask them to tell me about their business story. I love hearing the “why” of this particular business and business owner(s).
When Erika Elliott contacted me for branding photos and told me her story of becoming a business owner and business partner with Dr. Liz Reynolds (only months before COVID, mind you!), it was immediately apparent to me how much pride she had—not only in Cascade Physical Therapy—but in their deep commitment to their patients’ health and well-being.
I had a “behind-the-scenes” opportunity to observe this in action when we invited Cascade’s actual clients in to help demonstrate some of the techniques and maneuvers for the photos, and even with real injuries and pain they were working through—the clients were comfortable, laughing, and obviously felt “at home” with the staff. When you are in a healing field, I can think of no better compliment/testimony for your business.
Here is Erika and Dr. Liz’s SHE.E.O. story:
Most small business owners would probably agree that taking those first steps into the world of business ownership can be exhilarating, but they can also be scary and hugely uncertain.
When Erika Elliott and Dr. Liz Reynolds decided to become business partners and purchased Cascade Physical Therapy (a clinic they had both been working in for over 12+ years), their main focus was confidently carrying on the reputation and legacy of a clinic that has been a part of the Gresham community for 35+ years. What they had no way of realizing, was that only two short months after taking over the business, COVID would suddenly shut the world down.
"We felt shoved into a spin cycle of chaos much like the rest of the world. We did have huge concerns about how the business would survive as we were forced to shut our doors down to a community of people that really needed us. We did the only thing we could do at the time which was not to panic, support one another in times of joy and fear, and take every step with open eyes and to make small goals that we felt we could achieve," Erika said.
It's now been three years since Erika and Liz stepped into their roles as business owners. The clinic is thriving and going strong.
Erika and Liz take their patients' care very seriously. In fact, Cascade Physical Therapy does not use aides or technicians because "We believe that the patients need our expertise from the start to the finish of every session and plan of care (over course of weeks or months)." Liz said. "We believe that utilizing educated and licensed individuals to critically think, teach, and apply interventions offers the client the most favorable opportunity to reach their full potential and goals."
Outside of the clinic, Erika and Liz both maintain a work/life balance by communicating with each other the mechanics of the business and by trusting that when one needs time away, the other one can take the reins. "It is about trust, because we see this business as our teenager now (not a baby anymore...) who still needs guidance but also needs to work itself out, try new things, and learn with the objective of growing. We realize and embrace that we will not always succeed every time we try but are open to the learning opportunities that mistakes and hardships offer! And we welcome and celebrate the successes! " Erika stated.
Today, hiring and growth are at the forefront for Cascade Physical Therapy, as well as organizing more community outreach events in 2023. In addition, they are looking to hire a licensed clinical staff therapist who engages their patients with a sincere and energetic approach (so if you know someone, let them know about Cascade!)
DR. LIZ REYNOLDS & ERIKA ELLIOTT’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH CASCADE PHYSICAL THERAPY HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here:
2023 SHE.E.O. DR. KRISTINE MEDYANIK
Dr. Kristine Medyanik
Owner, Shattered Glass Leadership
Dr. Kristine Medyanik is one of those people with a big personality that just wraps around you and makes you feel instantly like you could be best friends even though you just met. It was no surprise to me, then, when I learned that her business, was one focused on leadership—both for small businesses and women/teen girls.
I, of course, wanted to hear all about the Women’s Retreats and the Teen Girl Difference Maker series that Shattered Glass Leadership offered. As a former middle school teacher, I just know that a workshop designed for helping young adult girls become leaders is not only needed…it’s necessary.
Dr. Medyanik is providing the change I hope we all want to see in the world—helping lift others to their highest potential, and so I am so grateful our paths crossed last Fall and she jumped on board for the SHE.E.O. Project. Here is her story:
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and women and girls have been shown to be some of the most powerful agents of change. From female emerging leaders to women that have been maneuvering a lot of change in their leadership journey, to teen girls committed to early leadership development; women and girls around the world are using their power to effect change.
It is for this reason that Dr. Kristine Medyanik understands the importance of helping women and teen girls navigate their leadership journeys. And like many of us, the COVID Pandemic lead to many big realizations for her about her life, and career and the women that fact that she, along with so many of the women she connected with, felt like they all needed more time, space and energy, while also holding up the world. It was in that sentiment that Shattered Glass Leadership was born 1. 5 years ago.
THE PURPOSE OF SHATTERED GLASS LEADERSHIP
Shattered Glass Leadership was born from my 15+ years of teaching experience and a doctorate in business with a specialty in Organizational Psychology. I’ve delivered my original personality assessment to 1000s of students and clients over the last 13 years—and those students teach me something new every time.
My retreats and workshops build on concepts of personality, motivation, and brain science. We dive deep into your goals and real challenges. We provide time and space to envision your next chapter or ten. Then we take those “aha” moments and turn them into action plans, so you can bring real change to your everyday life.
I am passionate about women’s leadership development, it starts as children and is a lifelong journey. My business is just me, but rooting me on, I have an amazing husband and 3 growing boys. I also support local women-owned small businesses by bringing in local coffees, treats, and some fun surprises to all my in-person workshops and retreats!
IS THERE A PART OF YOUR BUSINESS YOU CONSIDER A STANDOUT?
Unlock Your Influence Women's retreats are not only MY favorite, but the feedback is always amazing. "The retreat was transformative. Wonderful energy, a fantastic circle of women coming together in leadership sisterhood. The circle began with opening up and sharing our vulnerabilities in leadership and ended with looking at the stories constructively with the aim of carrying over the lessons learned into our lives back home and businesses. Dr. K was able to inspire us to look past our past and help guide us into rediscovering our emotional intelligence and how to grow.”
Unlike other large “retreats” that force you to navigate full conference rooms, our intimate natural settings allow for reflection and rejuvenation. We use a specialized approach to women’s development in formal or informal leadership roles (work, home, school, volunteering—wherever you are now).
WHAT WAS PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING FOR YOU WHEN STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
As an introvert, endless networking fatigues me A LOT. Many days I think about finding the perfect yin to my yang in this business and finding a way to spend my energy on content development and presentations. I don't know that I have overcome it, I've just come to a place of finding better balance in it, even if it means the business grows slower.
WHAT'S UP NEXT FOR SHATTERED GLASS LEADERSHIP?
The first 6 months felt really overwhelming, I was juggling a lot and not enjoying chunks of what people said I "SHOULD" do for my business. I had an amazing conversation with a woman one day, and she said, find the stuff that works for YOU and let the rest go. If your business grows slower, it's better than a full burnout because you're constantly outside your zone of genius.
FINAL THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS?
I also have a beautiful retreat space that we use and utilize for our retreats, and I'm always open to collaborating or renting the space! It's ideal for co-ed team-building day retreats or something like an all-women yoga and restoration retreat! We can accommodate 30 overnight. The venue includes a hot tub, heated pool, sauna, full kitchen, and much more.
DR. KRISTINE MEDYANIK’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH DR. KRISTINE MEDYANIK HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here:
2023 SHE.E.O. HILARY SIMILA, L.Ac
Hilary Simila, L.Ac
Owner, One Mountain Acupuncture & Botanicals
Ok, I’m just going to start off by saying that I owe Hilary Simila mad props. The week of her branding session, my son was hospitalized with appendicitis for almost a week (try keeping an 11-year-old boy from eating or drinking anything for four full days—it’s AWFUL). Hilary was so understanding and accommodating with rescheduling her session. I have always said that one of the best parts about doing what I do is that I attract the very best clients, and Hilary is a testament to that. I’m so grateful that the SHE.E.O. Project introduced us.
As if her kindness with her rescheduling was not enough, on the day of her session, we found ourselves in a few challenging situations—first, we were then dealing with late Fall rain (hello, Oregon, eh?), as well as misplaced office keys that took us on a hunt for a spare. But through it all…we were able to laugh and just let the struggle roll off.
This wasn’t simply Hilary being nice—this is her personality. You only need to chat with her a few minutes to realize so.
And with that, I’d love to introduce you to Hilary Simila’s 2023 SHE.E.O story.
Growing up on the Oregon Coast surrounded by tide pools and ocean, Hilary Simila was a curious and creative child who dabbled in theater and jewelry making. But, at a young age, Hilary developed health problems that weren't alleviated by Western medicine. It was her curiosity which lead to an early passion for natural health and healing, and in particular, herbal medicines. By age 14, she was mixing her own herbal teas and salves.
Her passion grew into a career in natural healing and eventually into Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
"I grew up in a household of self starters and entrepreneurs, so once I graduated from Bastyr University and moved back to the coast, it just felt organic to open my private practice," Hilary said.
Starting a practice had its own challenges, however, and Hilary learned quickly the importance of networking with other acupuncturists and local doctors. She remembers having to shamelessly promote herself by doing health fairs and free demonstrations.
But after 18+ years on the coast with a thriving practice, Hilary recently moved her practice to Portland to further her career and education.
Hilary's advice to those just starting out in business is simple. "Creating business isn't just about the hustle. A true thriving business is about having fun and creating something you love and believe in. Combining your passion, with work, play and community."
"It is very important to me that people that walk through my door, no matter their gender, race, economic status, identity, or sexuality, feel comfortable and at ease. I have had the opportunity to work with marginalized communities, addiction/rehab facilities. and cancer centers. All of these opportunities have brought me the experience I need to understand how trauma (whether big or small) can affect our health and nervous system. I believe acupuncture and Chinese herbs are gentle yet powerfully effective at helping to heal us from the inside out. When our nervous system can heal from always being in fight or flight, it allows our body to finally be able to rest, digest and heal."
Currently, Hilary is working on promoting her new line of Chinese/Western herbal salves and oils, One Mountain Botanicals, which integrates Chinese herbal knowledge with both western and eastern herbal medicine, which has been over two decades in the making. These salves will soon be available on her website and also for wholesale accounts for practitioners or herbal apothecaries. In addition, she plans a new line of herbal medicine tinctures and flower remedies.
Since moving to Portland, Hilary is currently working on the East side at Sellwood Family Medicine.
If you are curious about Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine or have specific questions about how you might be helped, Hilary would love your support!
HILARY SIMILA’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH HILARY SIMILA, L.Ac HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here:
2023 SHE.E.O. DR. SONJA OLSON, DVM.
Dr. Sonja Olson, DVM.
EDUCATOR, SPEAKER, AUTHOR & CREATOR OF HEARTSTORMING WELLNESS
Dr. Sonja Olson is one of those people that can put you immediately at ease, just by listening to her voice. The first time I connected with her, she was looking to have branding photos taken because her first book, Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life, was being published and getting ready to be released, and she needed professional photos for various upcoming events. It was absolutely no surprise to me that she is a caregiver (both in her regular and professional life), as you could feel how present and compassionate she is, even over the phone. She listened to you—REALLY listened—because she wanted to know you, and I loved that.
Here is Dr. Sonja Olson’s 2023 SHE.E.O. story:
One out of 6 veterinarians has considered suicide, according to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Female veterinarians are 2.4 times more likely to die in this manner than the general population, and 80% of vets are women.
I found this information on NPR.org after chatting with Dr. Sonja Olson for the first time last year when she and I were chatting about her new book and business venture. She talked with me about the high burnout rate and mental health issues that are prevalent in the veterinary world. I was shocked by this information (and my own ignorance).
As an emergency veterinarian, Sonja knew all too well the stresses that were part of the profession.
"I have several decades of lived experience as an emergency veterinarian, as a team leader, and as a compassionate teacher inside and outside of the veterinary environment. I have navigated compassion fatigue, burnout, collective and cumulative trauma, and have learned (and continue to learn) approaches and strategies that complement what one needs to do for themselves and perhaps with other health professionals to thrive and flourish." Dr. Olson said.
This brings her to her new journey as an author, speaker, and "healer of the healers" on her newly launched wellness platform, Heartstorming.co.
In March 2022, Dr. Sonja wrote and published her first book (Creating Wellbeing and Building Resilience in the Veterinary Profession: A Call to Life), which focused on the caregiving challenges for veterinary professionals over the last 2 years. She is currently working on the proposal now for the complimentary workbook. Dr. Sonja credits "the creative and collaborative energy that was fostered in this process as well as my current full-time role alongside veterinary social workers that sparked my desire to connect with other like-minded souls globally."
Authentic, meaningful, and efficient strategies to decrease suffering and support collective healing are needed, she added. "We need to take a stand for what we believe in, find our people, and be courageously creative. In order to do so, we need to be fortified as individuals and in the spaces that we live in."
Dr. Olson’s full-time role currently is Veterinary Wellness Educator for the BluePearl Health & Well-being Team, working alongside licensed mental health professionals.
The team has had the opportunity to create initiatives and resources as well as facilitate discussions on well-being concepts that foster a more compassionate, healthy caregiving community and culture. Both in her BluePearl role and outside of work, she seeks to support veterinary associates more globally through podcasts, writing, speaking virtually and in person to veterinary colleagues, and creatively collaborating with other like-minded souls. Dr. Olson founded her wellness platform, Heartstorming Wellness in 2022 to support these well-being endeavors.
But even with all she has accomplished, Dr. Olson wasn't immune to the imposter syndrome that plagues many of us when starting out with an idea we have. She advises, "When your self-confidence wavers, find those around you who believe in you and the change that you can influence, even when you struggle to see and walk the path forward. Trust yourself. Trust your capabilities. Connect to your 'why' and what matters most to you and you will find the courage to be your authentic awesome self to contribute in ways that you may know and some that you may not have imagined!”
“Take the time to be clear on what is deeply meaningful to you and your top values. These will fortify you when you get anxious, fearful, and tired. Know that you uniquely matter and trust that the way that you will contribute will make itself clear with patience and time. So, keep an open, curious mindset, and an open heart, and have the courage to lean into your power!" Dr. Olson explained.
DR. OLSON’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
CONNECT WITH DR. SONJA OLSON, DVM. HERE:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here:
2023 SHE.E.O. JENEYA VILLATORO
Jeneya Villatoro, Owner of Ney’s Cookie Craze
OWNER OF NEY’S COOKIE CRAZE; BEAVERTON, OREGON
When I first talked with Jeneya Villatoro, I was sitting at a freezing-cold, loud-as-hell Starbucks waiting for my son to get done with his camp class.
Even with all the distractions going on around me, I loved Jeneya instantly. She is just one of those people that has an infectious personality that is so positive and uplifting that she makes you feel like you’ve already been friends forever even though you are just meeting for the first time.
Being fairly new in business, Jeneya was looking for branding photos as a way to help update her website. She knew she needed some photos of herself but was also looking for ideas on how to best tell her business story to help connect to new clients.
Ultimately, we simply told her story authentically—one of a fun, homeschooling mom who takes pride in her work and who loves sharing her artistic baking talent with the world (and her daughter!).
Here is Jeneya’s 2023 SHE.E.O. story:
Painters have their paintings. Photographers have their photographs. Sculptors have their sculptures. Jeneya Villatoro has her cookies.
As a homeschooling mom who loves to be on and around water (“You’re likely to catch me with a fishing rod in one hand and a 5-year-old in the other…”), Jeneya’s journey into owning her own cookie decorating business was almost accidental. “It started as a hobby for me but I quickly became obsessed with it,” Jeneya recalls. “I became determined to get the hang of it.”
Deciding to take a leap into her baking business was a big departure from the corporate insurance world where she had spent nearly 16 years as a licensed agent, but the transition was made smoother because of the skills she had learned in insurance. “Once I started getting pretty good and my friends and family started buying cookies from me, I knew I wanted to take a break from the corporate world to do what I loved. But the insurance agent in me knew that I had to have EVERYTHING in order before I just went out selling food willy-nilly!” Jeneya said. “And so Ney's Cookie Craze was born!”
Figuring out the ins and outs of a home baking business while also homeschooling her daughter proved not as simple as it seemed, but Jeneya has found resources in her baking community. “I’ve learned so much in such a short time,” Jeneya said. “Sometimes our work-life balance can seem like a circus act!”
But juggling act aside, sharing her love of baking and decorating cookies is Jeneya’s connection to the community. It makes sense then, that the importance of community also extends to her competition. “I always say, ‘I am not them and they are not me. Other cookie decorators can't do what I do how I do it, just like I can't do what they do as they do it. Cookie decorating is an art and we all have different styles and influences,” Jeneya said. “I will say when I approach other bakers in a supportive way, they usually seem taken back a bit and I want to change that!
We are a valuable resource for each other and when we put community over competition because we all win!”
Jeneya describes her Ney’s Cookie Craze as luxury custom-baked goods made with premium ingredients, and her perfect client as the person whose love language is giving personalized gifts–like someone who loves to be a little extra for their kids' parties (because details matter!). So far, her best sellers are custom logo cookies that she creates for businesses, small or large. In addition to Ney’s Cookie Craze, Jeneya co-owns PDX Sugar Cookie Classes where people can take fun classes to learn all about how we make those cookies that are ‘too pretty to eat.’ “But trust me, you WANT to eat these cookies!” Jeneya said.
Next up Ney’s Cookie Craze? As Jeneya said, “I have a few surprises tucked into my apron this year but you will have to stay tuned to watch our journey!”
JENEYA’S 2023 SHE.E.O. FEATURE ARTICLE:
2023 SHE.E.O. MAGAZINE (FULL EDITION)—COMING SOON!
Please Help Support Jeneya and Ney’s Cookie Craze Here:
WHAT IS THE SHE.E.O. PROJECT?
Women-owned businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they often lack the resources to get their message out there, despite the fact that many of us have started and built businesses despite hardship, lack of funding, and while still doing things like raising our children and taking care of families.
The SHE.E.O. Project is about women supporting other women. By telling your story and being featured in our project, you're strengthening and inspiring a community of women entrepreneurs and helping to create a brighter future for all.
.The SHE.E.O Project combines the power of storytelling with strategic branding photography to help women business owners clarify their brand message, attract the perfect clients, and celebrate their successes while simultaneously helping lift other women. The women are then featured in the SHE.E.O digital magazine.
Because we know that when women support women, we all succeed.
#sheeoproject
INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED IN THE NEXT SHE.E.O PROJECT + MAGAZINE?
I’d love to hear your story! Let’s connect! Give me a call at 608.385.9079 or submit a contact form here: