MUNCIE, Ind. — Vending season is approaching, which means Muncie's small businesses are preparing for busier months. The city of Muncie has hundreds of businesses and hosts events year-round to support all businesses, new or old.
Women in Business Unlimited supports businesses, new or old, through their monthly luncheons. WIBU provides women with networking opportunities and a chance to showcase their services. Watasha Barnes-Griffin, WIBU president, says she looks forward to the monthly luncheons because of the resources they provide to members.
“We want to make sure that women have resources, are in power, have connections, opportunity, and visibility, and I think that we really strive to do that with WIBU,” Griffin said.
In addition to providing the resources women in business need, the luncheons include keynote speakers, presenting sponsors, and tables set up for vendors. WIBU encourages its members to take pride in their businesses in and outside of the organization.
“One of the things we do at the beginning, you’ll see people stand up, and we’ll have them say their name and where they’re from. A lot of people are nervous when it comes to doing that so being able to tell them, ‘Hey, it's ok. Just tell us who you are,” and it really helps them build that confidence talking about themselves and how awesome they are,” said Cheyenne Reed, vice president of WIBU.
Some members take advantage of WIBU and excel, joining executive boards. Kelly Kendall began as a member at WIBU and recently joined the executive board this past January after five years of being a member. She brought her business from Tipton, OH, to Muncie, IN.
“The Yorktown Chamber president, her name is Kat B. She's a realtor, and she helped find this space for me. And she said you need to go to WIBU,”
Five years later, she is a business owner and board member of WIBU. Kendall is the owner of Kolby Wellness Center, where she specializes in holistic spa. Now, she focuses on body therapy. Before, she planned to build a business as a makeup artist. That plan took a sudden turn after the loss of her baby, 48 hours after birth.
“Being able to like, move through grief versus grief overcoming me. That's where that deep sense of loving women came from,” Kendall explained.
She turned her grief into something positive and interactive through her entrepreneurship. Her services include massages, facials, and body treatments. She strives to make women feel relaxed, safe, and beautiful. With the help of WIBU, she has been able to expand her business in various ways.
Contact Kahmara Munn with comments at kahmara.munn@bsu.edu.
