Northumberland County Home
She Owns It Women's Entrepreneurship Conference
Get inspired, feel empowered and grow your network!
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland's women's entrepreneurship conference is returning! Join us at the second annual 'She Owns It' Women's Entrepreneurship Conference on Thursday, November 7th at the Best Western Plus in Cobourg. Conference attendees will have the chance to network with local women in business and hear inspiring stories and tips from industry leaders.
The 'She Owns It' conference highlights and celebrates women in business, and aims to inspire women in their entrepreneurship journey. This year's agenda includes motivational sessions by The Sorry Girls, Co-Founder and Senior Director Julie Cole from Mabel's Labels, and media host, producer and food & lifestyle writer Pay Chen.
Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to get a free professional headshot from Laura Benn of Gooseberry Studios!
Last year, tickets sold out quickly so make sure to register today!
Event details
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Registration, networking, breakfast & photo headshot opportunity: Opens at 8 a.m.
Conference: 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Location: Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham Street, Cobourg)
Tickets: $43+HST
Deadline to register: November 1, 2024 (while supplies last)
This event is brought to you by the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland and Northumberland County, with support from Regional Tourism Organization 8.
Meet our keynote speakers
Mabel's Labels Co-Founder and Senior Director, Julie Cole
Julie Cole is a recovered lawyer, mom of six and co-founder of Mabel's Labels, a business that specializes in personalized waterproof name labels for kids. Julie is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling and award-winning author and media personality. She has appeared on NBC's The Today Show, CNN, HLN's Raising America, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, CP24, and CityLine, among many others. Her articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, Today's Parent, The Globe and Mail, Profit Magazine, Working Mother Magazine, and numerous websites.
When she’s not juggling her busy family and professional life, Julie is an engaged community member serving on boards and volunteering. She is passionate about women’s issues, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and social justice.
Presenting 'Managing the Motherlode: From Start-up to Sale'
With humour and practical advice, Julie will share business lessons learned along the way, from starting Mabel's Labels in a basement to a multi-million-dollar acquisition. She will speak to innovation, the importance of corporate culture, inclusivity, and core values, while sharing some of her key productivity tips as a busy working mother of six kids. Get ready to leave feeling inspired and equipped with useful take-aways!
Follow Julie & Mabel's Labels
Instagram: @juliecoleinc
Facebook: @julie.cole
: @juliecole
The Sorry Girls Co-Founders, Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid
Becky Wright and Kelsey MacDermaid started their creative journey together in 2010 when they met in university and dubbed themselves as The Sorry Girls. In the beginning, their channel was focused around small craft projects they could achieve from their dorm, such as Halloween costumes and sewing tutorials, but it quickly turned into their own creative outlet that resonated with do-ers across the globe.
With over 2.2+ million YouTube subscribers, more than 15 million monthly views across various platforms, appearances on shows like The Drew Barrymore Show, Good Morning America, Breakfast Television, Global News and Netflix, plus 14 years of experience, The Sorry Girls have grown into a full-scale digital media brand. They have partnered with company-giants like Google, Best Buy, Dyson, NHL, IKEA, Volvo, and Michaels. They focus on DIY and interior design, emphasizing sustainability, empowerment, and education. This reach has meant that The Sorry Girls have been able to inspire all ages and demographics to pick up a drill and do it for themselves.
Becky Wright (pictured on the left) is a master when it comes to all things sustainable design — The Sorry Girls' very own vintage connoisseur. By thrifting, up-cycling and refurbishing, Becky creates retro-inspired rooms in her home that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. In her YouTube series 'That 70's House', she effortlessly blends modern elements with a nostalgic 70's touch. When not working on her home, you can catch Becky hiking out in the wild with her border collie, Danny.
Kelsey MacDermaid (Right) has a passion for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious. She strives to incorporate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and upcycled or repurposed furniture into her projects. Currently on her YouTube series 'Making Home' she seamlessly combines functionality with her signature clean and sustainable aesthetic, creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Presenting 'Women-Owned, Women-Led: Building a Sustainable Company in the 21st Century'
In this keynote presentation, Becky and Kelsey will take us back to the start of their careers and share pinnacle successes and challenges that made them into The Sorry Girls they are today. From business strategy and financing, to team expansions and strong brand values. You will learn how these two women took trade skills in a male dominated industry, and turned them into female empowerment.
Follow The Sorry Girls
YouTube: @TheSorryGirls
Media Host, Producer & Writer, Pay Chen
Pay Chen is a seasoned broadcaster with over 20 years of experience as a producer, writer, host and guest expert. Born in Taiwan and raised in Nova Scotia, Pay has a Radio and Television degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and calls Toronto her home. Her work spans across all networks including the CBC, CTV, Global, CityTV, The Food Network and other specialty stations. As a freelance writer and food expert on TV and radio, Pay is frequently asked to share delicious discoveries as well as insight and opinions on industry trends and events. As a food and travel writer, she shares her adventures from across Canada and around the world. Pay is also the co-creator of a chili miso condiment called Sacha-ish, created with local Ontario company, Zing.
Presenting 'Media Relations Starter Pack: Unleash Your Brand's Potential'
Discover what the media really wants and learn how to make your business shine. From savvy social media strategies to confidently connecting with influencers, you'll walk away from this session with essential tips and tricks to get your business noticed. Join Pay as she explains the do’s and don'ts of successful media engagement.
Follow Pay Chen
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
