As the ninth annual Women of Influence Summit approaches, 10 local small businesses are buzzing with excitement. They are preparing for the iconic women-owned business Marketplace, where they can network with a community of more than 700 new clients.
“First of all, I couldn’t believe I was chosen to participate in the Marketplace— I was overjoyed, honored, humbled and excited all at the same time,” said Kimberly Jones, owner and founder of Epic Infants, an infant care product line . “This is just the coolest thing that ever happened to me and my business.”
Each year, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Women United philanthropic group hosts the summit to celebrate International Women’s Day and raise funds for education and literacy. Since 2017, the summit has raised more than $1.6 million with more than $55,000 directly benefiting small businesses since the Marketplace began in 2023.
Regeily and Epic Infants will join other first-time marketplace participants Nothing Bundt Cakes, PGS Cosmetics, Raqi & Bo, Halie & Co and Alcott’s Attic Bookstore. Other participants including Detroit’s Future is Female, Inkcourage and Rebel Nell will be returning for the summit for a second or third year.
Products ranging from cosmetics to cakes will be gifted to attendees, thanks to the women-owned business spotlight sponsor, Kelle Ilitch and our Marketplace sponsors; Accenture, BOSCH, DTE Foundation and Stellantis.
“As part of a large organization, you don’t realize how life changing these opportunities are,” said Courtney Larvadain, co-founder of Regeily, a body skincare line . “It might seem like United Way is putting together a nice event and is happy to choose some awesome retailers to showcase, but you have no idea how great this opportunity was for morale, for our bottom line and for our ability to showcase our story to more people in the community.”
The Marketplace is always a highlight of the summit – allowing attendees to explore new products and allowing business owners to network, share ideas and create opportunities that can catapult them towards even more success.
Regeily was founded on the principle of sharing your dreams with others. Army veteran and esthetician, Christian Hawkins yearned to start a skin care line. She met her co-founder, Courtney, while giving her a prenatal massage.
“I always tell people you should share—not hoard your dreams because you never know who can guide you, assist you or who is thinking the same way,” said Christian. “I happened to share my dream with Courtney, and it inspired her to propose a partnership when we didn’t know each other at all.”
Courtney saw her own experience of running a marketing company as an asset. The two decided to meet for lunch and the rest is Regeily history.
“I really like our story because it showcases the power of community and the power of connection,” said Courtney. “One of our core values is building community by working with black-owned, women-owned and local businesses.”
Maintaining a close relationship with the community is crucial for building a successful business. With feedback, business owners can address real needs and fill gaps in care.
The owner of Epic Infants, Kimberly was working in maternal infant health services as a registered dietitian when she was motivated to start her own business.
“Moms started telling me about their issues, like how conventional baby wipes would cause skin irritation,” said Kimberly. “Their neighborhood stores didn’t have organic or hypoallergenic wipes, and even at other stores, they couldn’t afford the premium wipes.
“My goal was to meet that need and find the solution to their problem.”
Epic Infants was created to provide accessible and affordable organic, alcohol-free and paraben-free wipes. Kimberly’s business was born out of her love for mothers and a deep-rooted connection to what they needed.
This year’s Women of Influence summit is sold out, but you can still support our Marketplace businesses by shopping their websites here. In April, we’ll host our annual Power of the Purse summit, providing another opportunity to support women in our community. Get your tickets now, before they sell out.
More than 400 households in Southwest Detroit have recently been impacted by flooding. Volunteers are needed to help perform wellness visits, organize donations and assemble and deliver care packages.
