Chic Spotlight: The Women’s Small Business Summit

Donna Salyers, Owner of Fabulous-Furs

Cincy Chic: What is the Women’s Small Business Summit?
Donna Salyers, Owner of Fabulous-Furs: The Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, recognizes the importance of small businesses to a growing and vibrant national economy. Small businesses grow to become big businesses and are truly the backbone of our economy. It behooves all of us to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs!

Cincy Chic: When and where will the Women’s Small Business Summit be held?
Salyers: The all-day event takes place at Receptions in Erlanger on Friday, Sept. 26. The address is 1379 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, Kentucky, 41018.

Cincy Chic: What’s the cost to attend?
Salyers: The $25 fee covers both breakfast and lunch plus workshops, career counseling, networking and guest speakers! It’s a bargain!

Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind the event?
Salyers: Thinking back 26 years ago when I started Fabulous-Furs, I can’t imagine a person less-qualified than I! I was a self-taught writer with a syndicated newspaper column. With no college, I had never heard of a business plan, knew nothing about human resources – really about anything! But I did know a great deal about creating and making what I considered beautiful things. It was that passion that launched a business that today leads the world in our category. I’m not the first clueless entrepreneur and it’s obvious if we can get guidance and help along the way, the odds for our success are greatly enhanced.

Cincy Chic: What’s your role in this year’s Women’s Small Business Summit?
Salyers: I’m the opening speaker: The warm-up act for the high-achievers who will deliver the really important meaty topics.

Cincy Chic: What can attendees expect at the summit?
Salyers: Crystal Kendrick, President & Owner of the Voice of Your Customer will speak. Debbie Simpson who’s President of Multi-Craft and who led our NKY chamber this past year is speaking and she has an awesome story about her journey from receptionist to president. Rebecca Volpe who leads the NKY Small business Development Center is speaking and she’s just an incredible speaker and motivator. Plus there are workshops on marketing trends, IT management tips, operations and on and on. I believe Heritage Bank is a sponsor and they’ll be there – because, like every bank, they’re looking for successful new customers.

Cincy Chic: How much does it cost to attend and where can readers register?
Salyers: You can register here. It’s $25 for the day and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Cincy Chic: What do you hope people will take away from attending?
Salyers: I attended a similar event in the early 90’s when Fabulous-Furs was just a toddler. It was profound! I found a new banker, a business form supply and added to my network of contacts – some of whom remain great friends and sounding boards over two decades later! Success breeds success and the inspiration we draw from one another can be the most important take-away.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more?
Salyers: Readers can visit www.wbcky.org!