About a year ago, a friend told me about a program that she had just completed that was a training for women in business. The program, WEV, (Women’s Economic Venture) soon became part of my life. Not only does it focus on writing and completing a business plan and teach all about the necessary aspects of running your own business, but it becomes a social network of like-minded individuals all with one goal: starting their own business or making their business better. Although I had been in business for myself for quite some time already, it was such a good refresher and so eye opening as far as the knowledge that I gained from the experience. Each night would have a specific focus and usually included a guest speaker with expertise in that subject area. But getting back to the part about community and a social network, I have found that it was the best gift that came from participating in the WEV program. When our class came to an end, a small group of inspiring women came together to form our Mastermind group. We meet every other Tuesday to share our business accomplishments, express our frustrations and difficulties, and support each other in our endeavors. Our group has spawned new and lasting friendships and we are there for each other whether we are dealing with business or personal hurtles and triumphs!

Our Mastermind Team Players are~

Our team leader is Cya Nelson, a very accomplished artist and graphic designer who owns Cyan Design Studio. She is such a sweet person and so full of love. Her website link is:
http://cyandesignstudio.com

Sarah Lauderdale is our bubbly and most enthusiastic member who is mother to Kyla, her almost two-year-old daughter. She makes exquisite hand made baby accessories including beautifully embellished burpies, NuNus, and blankets, as well as a number of other quite beautiful creations. Her web site is: http://www.laudydaudy.com

Merissa Pratt is a sweet and creatively gifted photographer and painter. Roses inspire much of her personal work. She is mother to Leo, a big and ‘scary’, yet timid beautiful doggy. She is also co-owner of Lauren and Pratt Photography, a successful wedding and event photography business.

Her partner Michelle Lauren is a kind and energetic woman with such a big heart. She is creative and knows how to make things happen and get jobs done. She is hard working and so dedicated to her friends and family (including her puppy dog Gracie). Their business website is: http://laurenandpratt.com

A few other wonderful and inspiring friends are~

My Mom, Terri Fristad, a certified Developmental Support Educator, has been studying and working with children for over 30 years and has become a wonderful inspiration in so many children’s lives by helping them in their developmental processes. She is loved by all her pupils and so attune to what each individual child needs. Her expertise and her thorough understanding of children make her an incredible teacher…one children are lucky to have. She is also the most kind, generous and loving person!

Elyse Butler is an amazing award-winning photojournalistic photographer whose work is edgy, raw, and very stylistic. I am so in awe of her photographic eye, her way of seeing and capturing the world around her. She inspires me with her images. She is also a devoted friend and always makes me laugh. You can view her work here: http://www.solasea.com/

Candice Albach is a very talented photographer whose images are clean and beautiful. She is so motivated and already a success! Her business sense and maturity make her a wonderful person to work with. She is also 100% reliable and truly a remarkable woman with such a big heart. She is one of those people who know how to balance work and play, yet if a friend needs her she will drop all of her duties to help out. Her website is: http://www.candicealbach.com

Matt Mallams, an incredibly talented and creative individual is truly an inspiration. He is an award winning photojournalist who has worked from LA to NY and whose images have been seen across the world. He tells the greatest, most hilarious stories and is so much fun to be around! His latest creations can be seen at: http://www.mattmallams.com

Andreina Diaz is a fun-loving and very successful graphic and web designer. Her work is clean and elegant. She is the one who designed my photography business logo, which can be seen at: http://www.willakveta.com. She is one of the most dedicated, professional, and fun individuals I know, which is a perfect combination. Her work is posted at:
http://www.adiazphoto.com