Success Stories
How does WSWE enhance the businesses and lives of its members? Read real-life stories here, where we'll profile members and business exchange and referrals between our members.
Member Spotlight
Joey Harman, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Life Coach
Describe your business:
I am a clinical counselor providing individual, family and couples counseling and I'm also a life coach helping people make transitions in their life. I work with children, teens, adults, families and couples. I'm also a Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist and use the Quit Success program to help people stop smoking. I have additional training as a facilitator for the PREPARE/ENRICH program for pre-marital and marital counseling.
When and why did you start your business?
From the first day of graduate school, my goal was to be in private practice. In my profession, a counselor must obtain two years of supervised work after obtaining a master's degree and then pass a clinical licensing exam with the state. Within two and a half years after completing graduate school, I opened my practice in October 2003.
Previous positions/careers:
My internship was in the adult partial hospitalization program at Good Samaritan Hospital and then I worked at Metropolitan Family Services for two years. I was part of a crisis team in collaboration with Orland Park Police Department. I was an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology for three years. My undergraduate degree is education and I taught for awhile until I decided to stay at home and raise my three children.
What do you like most about what you do?
Being part of the process of helping people realize that their lives can be better and that there really are a lot of things within their power to change. It's very rewarding to watch that spark of hopefulness ignite into all kinds of possibilities.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
What I like the most is the flexibility I have with my schedule. What I like least is paperwork.
What advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
Think BIG! Push through your fears, surround yourself with people who support your endeavors (no nay-sayers allowed!) and keep yourself current in your field through books, workshops and networking.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
I love being around women who have followed their passions. I find it very inspiring. Being part of WSWE allows us to recognize, support and celebrate the unique endeavors of all of us.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself or your business?
I recently wrote a book titled "Renovate Your Life Every Season of the Year". It's a book that is meant to reassure people that change is good and it's necessary for growth, just like change of seasons is a natural part of life. My book can be ordered through a link on my website at www.counselor-coach.com or directly through the publisher at www.authorhouse.com.
Member Spotlight
Cynthia Frymark, Frymark Floral Designs
Describe your business:
I am a custom floral designer, not a florist. I create one of a kind floral arrangements based on the needs and vision of my clients. I work with both fresh and permanent botanical materials. I am happy to create an individual piece or multiple arrangements for special occasions for personal, business or community events.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business in 2007 after examining what I wanted to be when my children grew up. I have been a longtime member of the La Grange Garden Club where I found I had some ability to arrange flowers. I successfully completed floral design classes. It does not feel like work. I really enjoy it. I choose to work from home for the flexibility and to keep my overhead expenses to a minimum.
Previous positions/careers:
My professional training is a ICU nurse. I spent the years as my children were growing up actively involved in the community. I became a volunteer for Buddies Place, grief support to children. I spent the last ten years as a volunteer and past Board President of CEP Youth Leadership.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love to see the pleased look and hear from my clients that the flowers are "just what I wanted. Your flowers are so unique".
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
As a floral designer not a florist it is a challenge to market my business.
What advise do you have for women considering starting a business?
If it is your dream, do not let fear or lack of confidence prevent you from starting your business. Join a business group for support and referrals.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
I am too new to have a personal story with WSWE. I am looking forward to the support and education the group has to offer.
Business Exchange/Referral Spotlight
WSWE helps its members to grow their businesses through many avenues. Members engage one another's services as needed, and also regularly refer one another to other clients and contacts. Referrals are not a requirement, but rather happen organically as members get to know one another and experience first-hand each others' expertise. This column will highlight these business exchange and referral experiences on a rotating basis. If you have one to share, please contact Beth Fuchs.
Profile: Aileen Gilpin & Nancy Fallon-Houle
Recently, I needed legal advice for my business so I reached out to Nancy Fallon-Houle, Nancy Fallon-Houle P.C., and had a wonderful conversation regarding my needs. She took the time to listen to what I needed, provided me insight on handling the situation, exchanged some more communication and then based on my needs gave me a fantastic referral to someone that she respects in the business, David Fish of The Fish Law Firm PC. Now, David is providing me legal advice for my business situations. Thank you Nancy!
If this is the kind of networking group you are looking for, we invite you to join us. You'll find that you and your business are welcome at WSWE.
Learn more about Aileen Gilpin at www.agilpinconsultants.com or for Nancy Fallon-Houle, click here to email
"It's been wonderful to be in a group like WSWE that has so many dynamic and caring woman. I have learned so much!"