Women-owned businesses have added over 175,000 jobs to the U.S. economy from 2007-2017. Arizona is ranked in growth in number of women-owned firms over the past 20 years with a 128.6% increase. Nationally, the number of women-owned firms increased by 114% from 1997-2017 making the growth rate 2.5 times faster than the national average. Women-owned businesses represent nearly 40% of all firms and are one of the fastest growing types of small businesses in the U.S. Investors see 35% higher returns from companies that have a higher representation of women in management. Let’s take a look at some of the women-owned businesses making this happen…
Emily Blumen
Founder/CEO of Blue Urbane
I started Blue Urbane because I have loved fashion and jewelry all my life and after taking classes at Parsons New School, I knew I wanted to create a boutique where all the pieces were sustainable, ethically made, and primarily female-designed. To further our support of sustainability, we also give part of our proceeds to The Honnold Foundation, which helps advance solar energy access all over the world.
Website: http://www.blueurbane.com
Email: info@blueurbane.com
FacebookL facebook.com/blueurbane
Instagram: @blueurbane
Marlene Imirzian
President of Marlene Imirzian & Associates Architects
Marlene Imirzian & Associates Architects is a leader in the integration of sustainable design practices for building across projects across a number of industries and home types. The award-winning firm repeatedly ranks in the Top 50 in the U.S. for sustainable design—amongst many other honors. Recently, Marlene developed a prototype for a net-zero, entry level, single family home for a small lot type in Phoenix.
Website: www.imirzian-architects.com
Email: info@imirzian-architects.com
Phone: (602) 943 5279
Address: 8906 North Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85020
Megan Dickens
Interim Site Lead & Greenhouse Production Lead of Bayer Marana Greenhouse
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY IN YOUR BUSINESS?
My respect for this planet that we all share, my passion for developing teams and an obligation to influence my children’s future motivate me every single day. I have the great fortune to work for a company that is not only focused on innovation in agriculture and the quest to solve a global food challenge, but also a company that is focused on sustainability and the development of its people. So, my motivators align very well with key Bayer initiatives, which makes it easy to get fired up when I walk through those doors every morning.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO IMPLEMENT ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIONS INTO YOUR BUSINESS?
Each of us is responsible for leaving this world just a little better than we found it, and every decision we make on food, water and waste has an impact on us right now, and on future generations. Even the smallest changes to your daily routine can add up to big impacts, both at work and at home. At Bayer Marana, I love sharing the daily choices I make – meal prepping for the week to make the most use of the food I purchase, bringing in reusable plates and utensils to cut down on disposables – showing just how easy it is if you spend a few minutes preparing! At work, starting with small, eco-friendly changes and doing so in a group setting can help build new routines and behaviors quickly and you have some immediate accountability partners…it’s a win-win!
Email: Stefanie.Boe@Bayer.com
Website: www.bayer.us/marana
Tanya Shively
Owner of Sesshu Design Associates
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY IN YOUR BUSINESS?
I love seeing people happy in their home—when they walk in and tell me it’s even better than they ever imagined, that is so rewarding. If I add in the fact that we are creating spaces that are healthy for them and the planet at the same time, then that is just so much more fulfilling.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE BUSINESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
One thing that comes up with almost every furnishing project I do is, what do we do with our old furniture? My clients have large-scale expensive pieces that are not suitable for donating to Goodwill, and consignment is not always a great option either. So, I started a nonprofit that accepts donations of gently used high end furnishings and resells them, keeping them out of the landfill, and provides a tax deduction for the client.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO IMPLEMENT ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIONS INTO YOUR BUSINESS?
I grew up surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Grand Tetons, and the first national parks created specifically to protect and provide stewardship over our wealth of natural beauty, so it was ingrained in me from an early age. Plus, my father has severe chronic asthma, so the healthy indoor air quality was also a huge factor in my life and my design philosophy.
Phone: (480) 275 2968
Address: 3666 N. Miller Road, Ste. 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Email: tanya@sesshudesign.com
Website: www.sesshudesign.com
Elizabeth Joseph
Owner/CEO of Be More Clean
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EACH DAY IN YOUR BUSINESS?
I’m motivated every day to educate the public on the buried truth and treasure of your true health and self-healing properties of your body.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO IMPLEMENT ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIONS INTO YOUR BUSINESS?
I began implementing eco-friendly actions in my personal life about 10 years ago when I learned of the damaging environmental affects of the my food choices. From that point on I knew it was something that would a part of my life, whether I wanted it to or not. My business is no different. We use biodegradable, plant based “plastics” for our gloves, retail bags, trash bags and more.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE BUSINESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
My 3 greatest accomplishments would be the creation of Be More Raw LLC and helping people heal from things as serious as cancer to diabetes to weight loss and acne; 2nd would be definitely Be More Clean: Colon Hydrotherapy which I opened up in the middle of the world and the world being shut down; my greatest accomplishment would definitely be the annual Melanin Moms Natural Expo.
Phone: (480) 270 4566
Address: 2334 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste 111, Scottsdale AZ 85257
Email: info@bemoreclean.com
Website: www.bemoreclean.com
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE ECO-FRIENDLY ACTION IN YOUR BUSINESS?
I have been an advocate of ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing since the 1990s, recognizing select clients’ interest in investing in morally responsible companies aligned with their value compass.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE BUSINESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
- Serving a high net worth client base for over 38 years, and providing solutions and outcomes commensurate with client life goals, expectations and value systems
- Empowering women to further their education on financial management and financial independence
- Growing a high-functioning team with dedicated members aligned to my practice and philosophy of delivering a quality client experience under the Bailey Wealth Management brand
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU GIVE BACK?
I support many client business relationships in the area of “sustainable” missioned companies.
I have a number of clients that are integral operators of these new enterprises, and through our financial planning tactics, we are able to provide services and resources to advance these worthy enterprises.WHAT IS YOUR TOP ECO-CONSCIOUS BUSINESS ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE ANOTHER BUSINESS?
As a business owner, look beyond the traditional lenses of business management. It’s no longer just the bottom line that counts. Incorporate practices to accommodate and provide a positive work environment for employees, which fosters much greater results and productivity. Be mindful of your clients’ values; knowing your clients translate into the development of products and services you represent. Be aware and willing to pivot and adapt to the new world of ESG, diversity, digitization and financial inclusion. Be proactive not reactive.
Phone: 480-443-5408
Email: susan.bailey@ubs.com
Address: UBS Financial Services Inc., 4800 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 4500 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website: https://advisors.ubs.com/baileywealthmanagement/
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