14 minute read
Exceptional Women of Business
WELCOME TO EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” ―Sara Blakely
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In celebration of Women's History Month, Our City is profiling these successful women to inspire the next generation of leaders in our community.
Denice Landaeta
Team Leader
Dluxuss Group at Coldwell Banker Realty
HER STORY
Denice rose through the ranks of real estate to become the Team Leader for one of the most successful real estate teams in South Florida. Her smart, inspiring, passionate, and respectful group of professionals have proven talent. She works and lives in Weston and knows the market as well as anyone.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
Men have dominated commercial and investment real estate. I educated myself twice as fast as they did and earned respect thru knowledge and experience. You can overcome any obstacle with expertise!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
Be a trendsetter of your business! Your best team will always be your spouse, partner, or family; you must have a mentor or someone you admire. Remember you will always have setbacks, but never allow people to diminished you; on the contrary, learn from them and continue your path of helping and delivering a unique and authentic service.
Dr. Susan Fox, D.O.
Founder & Vascular Surgeon
Fox Vein & Laser Experts
HER STORY
For over 20 years, Dr. Fox has been treating everything from cosmetic spider veins to large varicose veins, venous ulcers, leg edema, and lymphedema. Around six years ago, her practice expanded and started offering more medspa-like services as well. They now have an entire side of the office that offers facials, peels, spot removal, hair removal, tattoo removal, microneedling, hair restoration, and more.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
Vascular medicine is a male-dominated profession. However, I believe that being a woman in this field has been a benefit. Many women and men prefer female physicians.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
Find your niche and be the best you can be at what you do. Don’t focus on being male or female; focus on being your best. Help and empower other women. Work together with them, not against them!
“At the end of the day, you are the only one that is limiting your ability to dream, or to actually execute on your dreams. Don’t let yourself get in the way of that.” ― Falon Fatemi
Dr. Tamy Faierman
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Tamy M. Faierman Holistic Spa and Wellness Center
HER STORY
Dr. Faierman has been a board-certified plastic surgeon for over 20 years. Her approach and philosophy are focused on what she calls “whole-body” beauty. Dr. Faierman believes that beauty and wellness are deeply intertwined. As such, in 2017 she expanded her practice and opened the Tamy M. Faierman Holistic Spa and Wellness Center. The center includes services that help a patient journey and seek their own discovery of beauty and wellness. The center has experts in various fields that provide holistic facials (which are different from traditional facials), noninvasive skincare techniques, and massage services such as lymphatic drainage. She also holds wellness workshops and herbal consultations at her wellness center.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
I have dreamt of becoming a surgeon since I was eight years old and it has been an incredible road full of challenges, sacrifices, and life-changing connections with people along the way. There certainly are challenges that are unique to women entering the surgical fields -both physical and emotional challenges such as Juggling your career, being an entrepreneur, and creating a business, and for many women also includes birthing your children, having a partner, and managing your household. In addition, gender discrimination is still active in the workplace, and I continue to work diligently for gender equality, specifically by mentoring young women entering the surgical field at this time. The biggest challenge for me, as a woman surgeon, and mother of five children, has been to balance time for my career, as well as time for raising my kids and being an active presence in their lives. This is honestly a challenge that many women face today. I have been able to dance this delicate dance by working in solo private practice and managing my own time commitments and schedule.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
Explore and find what your heart wants to do in this life, and if the answer is becoming a surgeon, go for it! If the answer is becoming a surgeon, go for it! There are hills and valleys along the way, as is life, but nothing compares to the experience of supporting another human being on their journey, through the transformative and profound power of surgery.
Marcia Harrison
Senior Vice President and Operations Manager
Bank of America
HER STORY
Marcia manages the Consumer Banking Operations team at Bank of America’s Weston office. She is also the Chair of the South Florida Chapter of Black Professional Group Employee Network and a mentor with Empowering Young Black Professionals(EYBP). The EYBP was established to help young (entry-level) African American employees at Bank of America increase their business acumen and flourish.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
I was born in and grew up in Jamaica. I had a successful career there, but was ready to do something more. My husband and I decided to move to the United States. It was exciting and new, but I had my own personal experience to fall back on.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
First, education opens the gateway to opportunity. I would encourage people to pursue their education even if they have to go part time while they are working; second, everyone should find a mentor to help her navigate the culture of the company or organization that you are working in. Finally, find a networking group. It doesn’t have to be formal. Exposure to different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints will go so far in your career.
Jennifer Kapp Proud Weston Residents Since 1998
Founder
JK Consulting Group
HER STORY
Jennifer is the founder of JK Consulting Group, a boutique consultancy firm that specializes in helping practitioners and business leaders in the rapidly changing field of integrative medicine, women’s wellness, beauty, and lifestyle brands. She assists clients in developing and integrating actionable strategies within their practice to communicate more effectively with their audience.
The global wellness economy today is a $4.5 trillion market. Her team works strategically with their clients to dissect consumer data and rethink their businesses. “Our scope goes beyond branding; it includes establishing a new vision that includes modernizing content and establishing new growth categories. “Seven years ago, I expanded my practice to include wellness lifestyle and real estate. Our team uses an approach that requires attention to the details from the very beginning. That can often include redesigning physical spaces. For example, we have added kitchens to nutrition practices and flex spaces to doctor offices so they can add complementary services to their traditional medical practices. We have reconfigured larger waiting rooms, which especially after COVID, are becoming a thing of the past and we have improved air quality and lighting. Today’s new medical and business spaces bear little resemblance to what they were even 5-7 years ago.
Wendy Hill ElDeiry
Partner
ElDeiry & ElDeiry, P.A
HER STORY
Mo N. ElDeiry Wendy is a founding partner at the law firm ElDeiry & ElDeiry. She helps her clients pass their assets to their Wendy Hill ElDeiry ATTORNEY AT LAW loved ones without the headaches and hassles of Probate Court; Additionally, she takes the beneficiaries through ATTORNEY AT LAW the Probate Court Process when that is not done. HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN WILLS • TRUSTS AFFECTED YOUR CAREER? As a woman, I can really understand our clients’ ESTATE PLANNING concerns about leaving their children to have to deal with headaches after they pass away. Additionally, if clients find themselves in the Probate Court process, as PROBATE ADMINISTRATION HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER? I had a successful corporate career with the Estee Lauder Companies. Leonard Lauder, always said “Never make a decision without a woman at the table.” My career was always a world where women were valued, equal, and an essential part of the effort. In 2008, when I began my consultancy career, I realized that many women had experienced obstacles along the way. So, two years into my consultancy, I narrowed my focus to working with women-owned and like-minded business owners. a woman, I can empathize with their emotions and help them get through the process so they can move on. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN? If you are interested in pursuing a career in law, definitely go for it. It’s rewarding in that whatever your interests are, there is an area of law that you can go into which deals with them. (954) 670-2800 ElDeiry & ElDeiry, P.A. Convenient in-your-home appointments available in Weston WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?480 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 110Marketing is a great career path that is well-positioned for the 21st Century. There are many niches within a marketing career. Mine Sunrise, Florida 33325 “It is pure mythology that women specifically is more focused on strategy, messaging, and technology, but there is also the more creative and artistic end-all of which (Near IKEA on NW 136 Avenue)cannot perform as well as men in science, engineering and mathematics. In my experience, the opposite have a seat at the table where core decisions are being made. Additionally, flexibility is important in a woman’s life and career and marketing affords that opportunity later in your career. For me, www.eldeirylaw.comis true: women are often more adept and patient at untangling complex problems, multitasking, seeing starting my career in a large company with many resources and a the possibilities in new solutions and winning team lot of training was invaluable so I often recommend starting with support for collaborative action.” a large corporation. That gave me the experience and confidence ― Weili Dai that I used to become an entrepreneur and business owner.
Wendy NewmanScheppke
Principal Broker and Owner
Royal Palm Realty of South Florida
HER STORY
Wendy has been in the real estate industry for more than 18 years. She began her career on the commercial side of the industry in New York City, but soon moved to sunny South Florida and has been helping families buy and sell homes ever since.
She founded Royal Palm Realty to give her clients the level of service that she expected herself. Wendy and her family are also long-time residents of Weston.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
I don’t know any successful woman who hasn’t faced roadblocks head-on in their career. I began my career in the construction industry and learned quickly that you must be resilient with your head held high and the confidence of knowing you will get the job done.
Being a woman is not a deterrent; however, there are hurdles we have to overcome. You take those unique experiences and learn and grow from them. Being a successful woman means that it is possible to be unapologetically tough and behave with kindness and integrity all at the same time.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
Understand that the only person you are ever competing with is yourself. Surround yourself with a positive, motivated team that provides space for everyone to succeed. Develop your own, personal brand and strong reputation. Do not ever be afraid to ask for what you want - if you do not ask, the answer will always be no. Be assertive and reach out to people for advice, help, and mentorship.
Trust your intuition always! But not just young women Real Estate is a phenomenal option for women reentering the workforce or embarking on post-corporate world careers. It’s never too late to start over - and I am always happy to have a conversation with anyone thinking about their next steps in Real Estate.
Helen Ramos
Owner
Gymboree Play & Music
HER STORY
Helen owns and operates a Gymboree Play & Music franchise in the Weston and surrounding areas. They have been open for five years. She treasures the ability to interact with so many families, especially first-time parents. Gymboree offers parent/ child play-based classes as well as music and art classes. They also specialize in first-birthday parties! The team at Gymboree educates parents & caregivers on how to engage and play with their child and provide a clean, safe, and fun place to socialize.
HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER?
Being a mother of three and owning a business has been a difficult balancing act. Managing the time between being present for my children while running a successful business requires support from family and friends, which I have been lucky to have. While there have been challenges I have had to overcome, there have been so many personal and professional growth opportunities.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN?
The education field is the most rewarding field anyone can get into. Owning your business while impacting families is just the cherry on top! Children are the future, so to have the opportunity to be a part of their development is extraordinary.
“The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic. It’s part of the job description.” ― Caterina Fake
Maria Corina Martinez
Real Estate
AdvisorMIAMI | EDEN HOUSE | BAY & OCEAN VIEWS | $365,000 MC Group at Keller Williams
Dr. Andrea Bretal
HER STORY
Doctor & President
Maria has been a realtor since 1997 and Team Leader of MC Group at Keller Williams Legacy Weston. The MC Group helps people identify and purchase the right property for MARIA CORINA MARTINEZ Weston Medical Health & Wellness them. They also help people rent a home. With the highest level of integrity, commitment, and dedication, The MC Group KEY BISCAYNE | COMMODORE CLUB WEST | $685,000 provides the finest personalized service. They will guide you every step of the way, from showings to closing and beyond. HER STORY Dr. Bretal founded Weston Medical Health & Wellness to help HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER? people with health issues. I have learned that the best way to do this is to help them discover the best way to target their root cause and help them change habits. She has dedicated I do not think that being a woman has negatively herself to helping people live healthier, happier lives. affected my career at all. I became a realtor in 1997 while I was pregnant and had a 3-year-old daughter. It was a challenge at the beginning because I was a single mom. This business requires a lot of planning and time management as well as help & support from family. MARITZA MARTINEZKIM NICOLETTO LAURA UGUETO ADRIANA PAPALARDO PLANTATION | HAWK LANDING | $949,900 HOW HAS BEING A WOMAN AFFECTED YOUR CAREER? I have dealt with weight issues myself. This led me to pursue a second specialization in obesity medicine. So many women struggle with their weight. I wanted to learn how, scientifically, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN? Historically, women have been in real estate almost since its inception in 1794 and its establishment as a legitimate business in the 1840s. Today Women brokers and realtors dominate the residential real estate market. Being a woman in real estate is super 954.224.9748 | MCGROUP.ASSIST@GMAIL.COM WWW.MCGROUP.KW.COM 1625 N COMMERCE PKWY, SUITE 100 WESTON, FL 33326 SE HABLA ESPAÑOL Y PORTUGUÊS to help them lose excess weight and maintain a healthy body. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN? Focus on your goals. Don’t give up. If you want to do something badly, set goals and milestones and work toward achieving them. Before you know it, you will be where you want to be. enticing; the main advantage is becoming your own boss. You are in charge of decision-making, your schedule, and running a business. Like any other job, if you develop PASSION, TRAINING & COMMITMENT, you will be able to achieve your goals and dreams.
“Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t let any one person’s opinion move you; listen, but be confident.” ―Amanda Kahlow “One of the best things you can do is stop and listen; that’s why it’s good to not just immediately respond when someone talks to you. Just stop and make sure you internalized what they said.” —Lori Richardson
