The Women’s Empowerment Expo, hosted by the Maple Shade Business Association on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Fox Meadows Clubhouse, brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and professionals for an evening rich with valuable resources, knowledge, and networking opportunities. The event’s mission was clear: to empower individuals—one entrepreneur and one resource at a time.

LAEDA as well as all the attendees had the opportunity to connect with key resources that could help drive their businesses forward, from funding advice to strategic guidance. The atmosphere was filled with collaboration, and every conversation provided actionable insights for personal and professional growth.

Vendors were asked, “What is your favorite part about your business?”
“I advocate for the needs of students and have a deep passion for therapeutic art. Through my work, I help students not only read but also express themselves, creating meaningful, positive change—one student, one heart, and one art piece at a time. This is the heart of what drives my business — making a difference in the lives of students through the power of art and advocacy.” — Angelena J. Pellegrino with A.J. Love Arts .

“Meeting people, wowing them, and capturing their moments is what I love most about my work. Each session is an opportunity to connect with someone, understand his or her vision, and bring it to life through my lens. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the joy on their faces when they experience their memories captured perfectly.”-Darwin Williams with Sharper Images LLC.

“Making connections and helping people is the most rewarding part of my work. It is not just about creating beautiful jewelry; it is about building relationships, understanding the needs of my clients, and being part of their special moments. Every connection I make is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.”- Cindy Wagstaff owner of fused Permanent Jewelry visit Instagram page @fusednj

“Being creative and making a difference by helping small businesses is truly my favorite part of what I do. I find great fulfillment in collaborating with entrepreneurs, finding innovative solutions to their challenges, and helping them thrive. Every small business success story is a reminder of why I’m so passionate about supporting their growth and development.” – Jabari Adams with NJEDA (Economic Development Authority). Visit website at NJEDA.GOV.

“My favorite part about being in business is being creative and giving my clients the confidence to keep on shining. I love making people feel confident.” –Tara Rebel with Rebel Aesthetic.

“My best friend and I started The Urban Scent with a passion for creating everything by hand. What I love most is getting together, meeting our customers, and spreading the scents of joy and success everywhere. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re proud to have our products on the shelves of Curate Noir in both of their locations (Moorestown Mall and in Camden, NJ) since 2022.” – Gatty Mercy with The Urban Scent.

“Connecting with other small business owners and making valuable connections is what I enjoy most about my work. It is inspiring to collaborate, learn from others, and share experiences that help us all grow. The relationships I build along the way not only strengthen my business but also create a sense of community and support.”- Monica Atcheson with Forever & Again Designs, LLC.

“RFCP is a family-owned custom painting business in Southern New Jersey, Bucks County Pennsylvania & Pennsylvania, bringing years of experience, skill, and dedication to every project. We pride ourselves on being respectful, trustworthy, and committed to exceptional customer service. Our goal is simple: to deliver quality work that leaves you delighted. We aim to be your lifelong painters. What I love most about my business is the people.” — Cindy O’Barr, Managing Partner of RFCP LLC.

Guest Speakers:

Inspiring Insights from Dana Marie, Owner/Creative Director of Amped XTD to Dance

Dana Marie, the dynamic owner and Creative Director of Amped To Dance, filled the room with energy and wisdom at our recent event. She began by asking, “What is your biggest fear?” Dana explained that fear often holds us back from reaching our full potential. She identified four types of fear that we must overcome:

• Fear of rejection, where hearing “no” shouldn’t stop you from pursuing what’s meant for you;
• Fear of judgment, urging us to walk into our next level of excellence and not let the past hold us down;
• Fear of failure, which she encouraged us to reframe as a learning opportunity;
• Fear of uncertainty, reminding us that while we cannot predict the future, we can always adapt and take the next best step.

A Powerful Lesson from Gina Marie, The Wicked Wealthy Woman

Gina Marie, The Wicked Wealthy Woman, shared a powerful message challenging entrepreneurs to stop living in chaos. She asked, “If you don’t put the destination in your GPS, will it know where to go?” Gina emphasized that success is not about doing more; it is about being more—which brings peace of mind and raises your frequency. When we focus on being aligned with our vision, we attract the right people, opportunities, and success effortlessly. As Gina Marie wrapped up her session, we were left with a profound truth: true success is not about more hustle—it is about more being. When we allow ourselves to be grounded, intentional, and at peace, we open the door to more abundance and growth, both personally and professionally.

As the night ended, it was evident that the connections made will have a lasting impact on the community. This event was just the beginning of a network that will continue to grow and create opportunities for all involved. Together, we are building a stronger, more empowered future.