Saudia Sekandri is the owner of Moroccan Touch Day Spa. She has built and run the business since October of 2019. Moroccan Touch Day Spa offers facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, a sauna, massage, waxing, body contouring and various packages for those looking to have more than one treatment. She believes in how peace, tranquility and relaxation can improve overall health and welcomes her clients with fragrances of Morocco such as rose, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, musk and jasmine. She also offers complimentary glasses of fruit flavored water or organic mint, green, ginger, turmeric or saffron tea. She also runs a car dealership with her husband. In her spare time, she loves listening to music and having game nights with her family who is very proud of its Moroccan heritage and culture.
Brittany Kues is a podcast expert that specializes in helping female entrepreneurs monetize their show while creating massive impact. She is the owner of Kues Productions, a boutique podcast marketing and production agency. In two years, she has built her online business from the ground up and has achieved her main goal of working part-time hours while making a full-time income. Earlier this year, she launched her own podcast, Dreamer to Entrepreneur, in the hopes of motivating other women to go after their dreams. Alongside co-host Amanda Benedict, both ladies are on a mission to help moms create the life they yearn for. Aside from the world of podcasting, Brittany is a wife and mom to one incredible little boy, three dogs and six chickens! 
Sierra Bowyer is the owner of Howlin’ at the Moon Bakery which she opened in November of 2021. She has since opened a DIY dog wash at her shop. “It was a hobby that turned into something I couldn’t ever imagine,” said Sierra. “I was managing a bar when Covid shut everything down. I already decided I wanted to eventually open some sort of ‘dog place,’ so that put everything in motion. I think it’s important that dogs are able to get human grade, locally made, 100% dog safe dog treats and pastries without wondering what’s hidden in the ingredients and without paying a fortune. I have a blast creating dog versions of snacks that we eat; like pop tarts, dirt cake, popcorn, waffles and donuts; just to name a few! I wanted to open a place that was more of a community space, rather than a traditional ‘dog store.’ I invited more than 20 local artists and crafters to offer their dog and cat related items for the whole family in our boutique area.” In her spare time, Sierra enjoys spending time with her family including her two pups, George and Frank as well as her cat, Kitty. She also loves playing video games.
Brittany Russell is the CEO and senior agent for Health Saving Solutions. “I’ve worked in the insurance industry for four years and, in 2015, I satisfied my creative passion by starting my own Marketing Agency, CAVU Marketing,” said Brittany. “Both of my businesses have helped me to develop a strong attention to detail, an ability to manage multiple priorities at one time and an intense focus on customer service. I have the pleasure of working with many individuals and businesses to solve whatever needs they may have. Knowing I’ve calmed someone’s insurance fears is just as gratifying to me as designing a new website or ad campaign that will launch someone’s dream business. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family on our farm, working in the garden, relaxing by the pool and taking day trips with my husband. I’m also very passionate about my community and love volunteering and especially focusing on Main Street initiative. I love coffee, music and wearing my comfy leggings!”
Jessica Hemmen is the owner of Mommy & Children Boutique, LLC. She opened her first location in Iowa. “Mommy & Children Boutique offers baby, toddler and kids’ clothing for boys and girls, along with women’s, women’s plus and maternity! I love shopping for new arrivals on my off days; I love adding new things to the website – mommychildrenboutique.com! My sister and dad are out here in North Carolina, and that is what made me make the big move out here! I love being close to family and traveling whenever we get the opportunity! I love to support other local businesses in the surrounding areas! I am a small-town girl, and I always believe in supporting small businesses!”
Personal tragedy became the springboard for strength, compassion and adventure for Michelle Kline. In 2019, while out for a stroll on an idyllic spring afternoon, Michelle was physically attacked. She was one month shy of graduating with a master’s degree in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill. The attack altered her trajectory. Instead of staying on the beaten path, she pivoted to build the largest dog walking company in the Triad, focusing on building a supportive environment for a team of employees who need space to explore their own “next thing,” all while providing a needed resource to Winston-Salem pet parents. Seeing her ability to grow a vibrant team and build something from nothing, Michelle was approached to join a startup in Winston’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and joined BEAM Dynamics as the director of customer success. When Michelle isn’t running Venture Dog Walking or working to help develop BEAM, she spends time investing in real estate and traveling with her husband and two dogs, Winston and Ronin.
