{CHICAGO} FFC Fall Day: Beyond the Startup: Scaling Journeys for Women Founders
Join us for "Beyond the Startup: Scaling Journeys for Women Founders," an evening dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. This event will feature insightful discussions on accessing funding, scaling operations, building strategic partnerships, and effective work compartmentalization. Network with fellow women founders and gain valuable insights from experienced leaders in the industry.
Hosts:
Ari Krzyzek, CEO & Head of Strategy at Chykalophia
Ari Krzyzek is the CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia (read: see-ka-lo-fia), a woman minority-owned web & creative agency transforming websites for women-led B2B tech brands. With over 13 years of experience, Chykalophia has helped 250+ businesses achieve 6- and 7-figure success through high-quality web design & solutions, branding, and UX services. Ari, co-author of the bestseller Made to Sell: Creating Websites that Convert, actively supports female entrepreneurs through various organizations and as a board member at DePaul University's Coleman Entrepreneurship Center. Chykalophia's expertise is recognized by Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Gold House Ventures, and SBDC. Ari has been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, and Buffer. Recently, Chykalophia was named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO—100: America's Top 100 Small Businesses list, cementing their industry leadership. Chykalophia stands out with WBENC certifications, award-winning work, and a 5-star Clutch rating.Megan Nufer, VP of Finance and Consumer Innovation, SmarterX
Megan Nufer is the VP of Finance and Consumer Innovation at SmarterX, a data and AI company that helps retailers compliantly store, transport, and donate products. She joined SmarterX following the acquisition of her business, Mayven, which she founded in 2020. Mayven is a multi-dimensional search platform designed to empower consumers to discover brands that align with their values. Prior to launching Mayven, Megan held various leadership roles in finance and accounting, including auditor, project manager, controller, and management consultant. The pandemic marked a pivotal moment in her career, inspiring her to create Mayven and advocate for brand transparency and intentional consumer spending. At SmarterX, Megan continues her mission of providing consumers with reliable information through her latest product, Dupe Score, which offers a transparency-driven score on makeup dupes. Megan is passionate about leveraging data and innovation to help consumers make more informed and empowered choices.
Speakers:
Monica Royer, Founder and CEO of Monica + Andy
Monica Royer is the Founder & CEO of Monica + Andy, the children's and family brand that parents can rely on for the products, resources, and support needed to confidently navigate every stage of raising a family. Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Monica created Monica + Andy in 2014 to provide softer organic fabrics, better-designed clothing and essentials, and a seamless shopping experience for parents. The brand's commitment to thoughtfulness extends to their in-store and online workshops and community driven activities that include expert classes for new parents and babies. In 2023, the brand collaborated with mass retailer, Walmart, launching its new collection, M+A by Monica + Andy online and into 1,200+ stores nationally. Monica + Andy has been praised by Forbes, Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar for its organic clothing collections, and as a As a veteran in the direct-to-consumer and retail space, Monica has been featured on CS Magazine's "Trendsetters of the Year" list and Crain's Chicago Business' "40 Under 40" list. With a young daughter at home, she has made it her personal mission to empower other female entrepreneurs and young girls to reach their potential through her podcast, "The Mentor Files," which launched its third season in fall 2023. For more information, please visit www.monicaandandy.com, as well as @monicaandandy across social platforms.Mara Smith, Founder/CEO of Inspiro Tequila
Mara Smith is the founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila. She practiced law at a large Chicago law firm before joining the corporate strategy team at a Fortune 500 Company. After her twins were born prematurely, Mara left her corporate career to stay home. Mara always envisioned running her own company and in 2020 she set to create a new additive-free tequila brand. The goal was not only to craft impeccable tequilas, but it was also to bring more female perspectives to the spirits industry.Lindsay Pinchuk, Entrepreneur
As an Entrepreneur, Marketer, Consultant, Educator, Speaker, Connector, Community Builder, Podcaster, Small Business Advocate and Activist who turned $500 into 7-figures, Lindsay Pinchuk makes marketing simple so that you can build your brand and grow your bottom line without a million followers or a million dollars. Lindsay grew her first company to reach 3MM people and turned a profit in year one. Less than a decade later, she led her company through its acquisition to a large agency holding company. Following her exit two years ago, Lindsay now uses her nearly 25 years of experience to help you take your brand to the next level with easy to execute, cost effective and proven strategies. In addition to working with businesses, both large and small, to build their brand and grow their bottom line, you can also find her behind the mic of her Top 1.5% twice weekly podcast for female founders, Dear FoundHer... Lindsay grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and now lives on Chicago’s North Shore with her husband, two daughters and mini Bernadoodle, Ollie.