By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist
ActionCOACH Spokane
When I think of strong, inspiring, women, I often think of Operah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. I am in awe of Billie Holiday and Etta James.
These women embody soulful determination and artful endurance. As role-models for every-day women like myself, their iconic stature is both a blessing and a curse.
They are larger-than-life.
My life isn't as large. My stage is not renowned. I live the simple life; but here, amidst the humble and reserved streets of Spokane, I've noticed, live some very larger-than-life women in their own right.
They own their own businesses. They inspire others. They kick ass and take names.
They are polite, warm, friendly. They are not elitists, snobs, or bitches. They earned their success through sweat, tears, determination and good ole' fashioned hard work.
Their beauty is stunning and their business acumen fierce. They are just like you and me...they too are mothers, sisters, daughters, and neighbors.
Inspiring women are, indeed, everywhere in Spokane.....
Deena Caruso - Owner of Finders Keepers:
I first met Deena when her daughter Sophia was taking ballet with my oldest daughter Marlena. Our two girls became close friends, and because of Deena's encouragement, my daughter became involved with the Civic Theater. Her daughter was Annie and my daughter was Molly. It's impossible to list all of Deena's AND Sophia's accomplishments without producing an unauthorized biography of these two! I would also be remiss if I didn't give kudos to Steve Caruso, father and husband and former golf pro dedicated to supporting his wife and daughter. Quiet, soft-spoken, yet bearing a commanding presence, this woman does it all. Not only does she run a very successful business, she is one of the most dedicated mothers I have ever met. All-in-all, she is a force to be reckoned with....all five feet of her!! Ladies, take my advice...don't hate...take notes instead!!
Finders Keepers Boutiques on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FindersKeepersBoutiques
Brooke Holloman - Owner of Chrome Personal Training Center:
Okay, I've never met her in person; I have only been following her on Facebook but think Zena Princess Warrior with business sense! Don't believe me? See for yourself....Need I say more?
"When the going gets tough WORK HARDER!!!" Check out this video..http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151035994426134
Find Chrome Personal Training Centre on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brooke.holloman
SUCCESS IN SPOKANE IS ALL AROUND YOU........
I challenge you to look for inspiration and wisdom in ALL your interactions....below is a list of other sassy and successful women you should know! Take a moment visit the associated links; read their bios and share in their accomplishments....GET INSPIRED!!!!Jennifer LaRue, Art Correspondent: Jennifer wrote a story on me last year and our friendship slowly evolved into something unique, sturdy, and safe. I used to worry people would think I was just "name dropping" when I mention her, but now, she is such an integral part of my life, it's impossible for her name not to enter into a conversation. We both share interesting paths and she is very quiet about her star-studded upbringing in the hills of California. Her journalistic integrity is unwavering and her opinions unedited. Careful to never cross the boundaries of our friendship, I recently asked her for a "journalistic" favor in regards to my art. Her response was that perhaps she would make an exception....in a year...if I pushed myself out of my artistic comfort zone! Gee thanks pal...she holds herself to very high standards and expects the same of her friends. Read some of her stories below....
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/feb/17/landmarks-actors-murder-suicide-left-behind-fame/
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/aug/13/promise-of-hope-depicted-in-work/
http://spokanecda.com/featured/magical-world-of-art/
Yvonne A.K. Johnson, Executive Artistic Director, Spokane Civic Theater: http://www.spokanecivictheatre.com/professional-staff/?eid=51
Laura Bracken, owner of Design Spike:
http://designspike.com/
Mary Eberle, owner of Anemone:
http://www.handmadepaperflowers.com/
Kathleen Cavendar, Professional artist, jazz singer, vocal coach, teacher:
http://
http://
Who has inspired YOU?
Do YOU know an extraordinary business in Spokane or North Idaho with 1-500 employees? Tell Coach Jim NOW! We are seeking nominees for the 2013 Business Excellence Awards! Coach Jim will co-sponsor (out-of-pocket) for six winners to take the stage in LAS VEGAS! CLICK HERE NOW!
The Business Excellence Awards:
The premier awards for small to medium businesses... IN THE WORLD!
The
Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by ActionCOACH Business Coaching,
the world’s #1 business coaching firm, is recognized as the premier
awards competition for small to medium businesses (1-500 employees).
Any company that offers a product or service is eligible for the award, provided their results were outstanding and measurable.
Entries can be submitted in 18 different award categories, ranging from Best Overall Company to Most Community Impact.
Awards recognizing Best Overall Company and Fastest Growing Company are segmented into company size, so a business with fewer than 10 team members can compete equally with larger businesses having a few hundred employees.
Award Categories:
Best Overall Company
Best Runaround Company
Most Innovative Company
Fastest Growing Company
Best Customer Service Results
Best Start-Up
Young Entrepreneur 35 and younger
Entrepreneur of the Year
Best Retailer
Best Service-Based
Best Manufactured/Wholesaler
Community Impact
