-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
photo by Moore in Focus Photography
In celebration of Women’s History Month, East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) is reviving its highly successful Women Mean Business event in conjunction with She Rocked It, on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Society Hill Dance Academy (1919 East Passyunk Ave).
Women Mean Business boasts a panel discussion, community conversation, Q&A opportunity, and networking event featuring local women business owners sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes – including some much-needed real talk about the ups and downs of running and growing a business. The program is open to all and designed to inspire women around the region who are in business, starting a business or thinking about going into business. The event will once again be emceed by Karen Gross, a celebrated performer, communications pro, creative entrepreneur, and the founder/host of She Rocked It – a media and mentorship platform where creative, courageous women rock it together. This year’s panel includes Chef Tova du Plessis of Essen Bakery, Monica Nguyen of Meraki Luxe Spa, Christina Rosso-Schneider of A Novel Idea and Emily Rodia of Good Buy Supply. Tickets are on sale now for $10 and selling fast. Tickets are available at visiteastpassyunk.com/event/women-mean-business/
East Passyunk Avenue is home to more than 160 independently owned businesses, 50% of which are owned by women as of 2023. Women Mean Business was inspired by the amazing female-owned businesses of East Passyunk Avenue BID to give women around the region the opportunity to share stories, inspire each other and raise each other up. The panel gives women business owners an opportunity to candidly share their stories with an audience interested in launching a business of their own, getting an inside glimpse into the careers of some of their favorite local entrepreneurs, and meeting with like-minded individuals. Held at Society Hill Dance Academy (1919 East Passyunk Ave.), the panel discussion and Q&A are a phenomenal learning and networking opportunity for locals and visitors alike.
“East Passyunk Avenue embodies the authentic spirit of independently owned businesses throughout the city. Here, the majority of business owners are women of diverse ethnic backgrounds, ranging from local to international origins. They are resilient entrepreneurs pursuing their dreams and challenging stereotypes across the board,” said East Passyunk Avenue BID Executive Director Rebecca O’Leary.
“As a longtime fan and former resident of East Passyunk, I’m thrilled to collaborate with the Business Improvement District to host an evening of women supporting women in sharing their stories,” said Karen Gross, who prior to launching She Rocked It served as Editor-In-Chief of Where Magazine Philadelphia and as a contributing writer for Philadelphia Magazine. “The She Rocked It podcast pulls back the curtain on the lives of creative, courageous women entrepreneurs, and we couldn’t be more excited to hear and learn from women business owners who are rocking it on the Avenue.”
The panelists for this year’s Women Mean Business event are four of the Avenue’s female-owned and led businesses, including:
Chef Tova du Plessis – Owner of Essen Bakery (1437 East Passyunk Ave.) – After years of working in some of America’s most iconic restaurants, Chef Tova du Plessis decided to go back to her roots when she opened her first bakery. She took inspiration from the fresh baked bread and pastries she would make alongside her mother as a child. Her food reflects her heritage while being heavily influenced by her technical training. Chef’s dedication and innovation earned her four James Beard nominations and propelled Essen Bakery to success. In the face of challenges brought by the pandemic, she swiftly adapted, implementing new ordering and delivery services and transforming the bakery’s setup to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. She is expanding her vision with a new, spacious location in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, while simultaneously revitalizing the original bakery. With each endeavor, she continues to blend tradition with innovation, creating culinary experiences that resonate with her community and beyond.
Monica Nguyen – Co-Founder and Owner of Meraki Luxe Spa (1605 East Passyunk Ave.) Monica Nguyen (she/her) is a professional cosmetologist and has been in the beauty industry for a decade and counting. Through her experience as a nail technician, she was able to establish herself as a business owner and lash technician. She opened Meraki Luxe Spa in the summer of 2023, and she is eager to help others gain the knowledge and skills she’s acquired over the years.
Christina Rosso-Schneider – Co-Founder and Co-Owner of A Novel Idea (1726 East Passyunk Ave.) Christina Rosso-Schneider (she/they) lives and writes outside of Philadelphia with her two rescue pups and bearded husband. Together, they run an independent bookstore and event space called A Novel Idea on East Passyunk. She is also the author of CREOLE CONJURE (Maudlin House) and SHE IS A BEAST (APEP Publications).
Emily Rodia – Founder and Co-owner of Good Buy Supply (1737 East Passyunk Ave.) – Emily Rodia is the founder and co-owner of Good Buy Supply, a Sustainable General Store and Bulk Refillery located in the heart of East Passyunk. Before opening her own business Emily graduated from The University of the Arts with a degree in painting and worked for many small businesses over the last decade. She has no business degree! Founded in 2020, Good Buy Supply is a one-stop-shop where you can find bulk soaps and quality reusable products. Our mission is simply to be on the forefront of the refill movement and help bring awareness to sustainable living one simple change at a time.
Immediately following the moderated panel discussion will be a community Q&A session for attendees to ask questions regarding entrepreneurship, owning a small business in this neighborhood of Philadelphia, and beyond. Plus, panelists from previous Women Mean Business events will be in attendance to share updates about their businesses.
Throughout the evening, complimentary light bites courtesy of P’UNK Burger and libations courtesy of East Passyunk, will be available.
The event is open to all ages; tickets are $10 per person and are available to purchase here:
isiteastpassyunk.com/event/women-mean-business/
The event space has a capacity of approximately 200 people, so advance purchasing is recommended.
Women Mean Business is sponsored by Society Hill Dance Academy, P’UNK Burger, and Samuels and Son. For additional information and for a complete list of businesses along East Passyunk Avenue, go to visiteastpassyunk.com and follow EPABID on social media at @eastpassyunk.
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