Kristen Smith Young
@kcs_tarheel | Chapel Hill native and troublemaker

You may remember Kristen from her weekly conversation with Aaron Keck to give the Short & Sweet Business Beat. She’s back but for a limited time only. Inspired by so many women entrepreneurs and business owners she’s met and known, she decided to feature one woman a day in March on social media (follow her on Instagram and Twitter) in honor of Women’s History Month. Follow along and let us know your favorite women entrepreneurs. A digest of Kristen’s posts will appear right here in the Town Square section of Chapelboro each Friday in March. Check out the first of five digests posted on March 9, 2018.

Aaron Keck talked to Kristen on-air about her social media series on March 8, 2018, also International Women’s Day. Click below to hear their conversation:

 

Focus on Women Entrepreneurs (2 of 5)

Home without my hubby, not sure what I am doing for a pre-game dinner. If only I had a copy of “The Farmhouse Chef”! 😉 I used to run into @jamiedement at @thetopofthehill and then I saw her on Capitol Hill, and now I am so grateful she’s a resident of Hillsborough. When it comes to food, this woman has done it all—co-owner of @coonrockfarm, @piedmontrestaurant, and @bellabeanorganics. Now she’s a cookbook author! Although she’s a guest lecturer at @ncstate & @dukeuniversity, she also teaches at her alma mater @uncchapelhill and her cookbook was published by @uncpress. She’s been named one of NC’s “Outstanding Women in Business,” in addition to being a member of TBJ’s “40 Under 40” in 2017. Be sure to learn about this UNC alumna and pick up a copy of her new book! jamiedement.com #womenshistorymonth #farmhousechef #uncpress #Repost @jamiedement with @get_repost

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Many of my stories of women entrepreneurs are about women I met earlier in life and then our paths crossed again. @hebasalama and I were in chorus together in high school, she a year older and much cooler than I. Her journey took her many places, including a stop on reality TV, and then in 2017—the year we both got married—she photographed my bridal portraits. Heba brings stories to life and I love following her Instagram stories day to day. She would be a perfect person to capture your special day, whether a wedding or just an afternoon with your family. Check out Heba’s photography at hebasalama.com and hoping my paths cross with these inspiring women again and again. #womenshistorymonth #chhstigers #photography #Repost @hebasalama with @get_repost

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When I started focusing on women entrepreneurs for #womenshistorymonth, I really wanted to highlight just on businesses and startups. But yesterday, at a friend’s invitation, I had the opportunity to help package more than 20K diapers at the @nc_diaperbank and was inspired by the founder’s story. Michelle Old, after helping her fostered (and then adopted) child fight an illness, wondered about families who couldn’t afford diapers, which are not covered by WIC or food stamps. A mom to three children, she quit her job and started the Diaper Bank of North Carolina with the goal of distributing 50,000 diapers. They now distribute more than three million diapers a year across the state and are also collecting and distributing feminine hygiene and incontinence products for those that cannot afford them. Their goal for next month? To have 30 diaper drives in 30 days! Thanks @parcelax for teaching me about this organization and I’m glad you challenged me to feature this social entrepreneur. Learn more about donating, volunteering, or hosting a drive at ncdiaperbank.org. #womenshistorymonth #aprilshowers #dignity #Repost @nc_diaperbank with @get_repost

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Again, it’s amazing where friendships originate. When I moved back to Chapel Hill in 2009, I signed up for a free resume review at a local co-working space. Who knew that encounter would introduce me to a fellow native and UNC alumna who became a mentor and like a big sister to me. Meet @margotlester of The Word Factory. Twenty-five years ago today she left her job at the University and started her own business writing and consulting. She’s acquired clients like @staples and @salesforce, but also selflessly gives her time and talent to local organizations and efforts. I’ve benefitted from her coaching and she’s helped me write stuff that was tough for me to get down on paper. Today on her blog, she’s shared 25 lessons learned she’s learned as entrepreneur and business owner. Check it out at thewordfactory.com/small-business-lessons and you should work with Margot when you need help with content and strategy. #womenshistorymonth #twentyfiveyears #gladiator #Repost @margotlester with @get_repost

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Feeling fatigued (and feeling my age), I’m looking for renewal and restoration before heading to bed. So with a @thistlefarms lavender candle lit and a @thistlefarms facial mask smeared on my face, I want to make sure you know about Becca Stevens, founder of one of the most amazing social enterprises. Read about this business that offers employment and community to women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. And you can order their products that offer relaxation at thistlefarms.org. And hat tip to my mom who introduced me to Thistle Farms and works to support women every day. #womenshistorymonth #businessasmission #buildthefuture #loveheals #Repost @entrepreneur with @get_repost ・・・ @becca_thistlefarms is the founder of @thistlefarms, who will be at @foundermade’s #cds2017. Their mission is to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Q: Why do you do what you do? A; When love and economics come together the intrinsic and extrinsic value grows a movement exponentially. That economic power helps the next woman leave the street. Q: What has been the most difficult part of growing your business? A; Convincing people that we can be a social enterprise while also producing products that are high quality. Customers aren’t just doing a good deed for Thistle Farms…they are getting a great value and a remarkable product. Q: What milestone are you most proud of? A: Passing the $2million mark in sales revenue the same year that 100% of the women in our program completed it clean, sober, and employed. Q: When business has got you down, how do you stay positive? A: By keeping myself surrounded by a community that reminds me daily of the power of gratitude.

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When Dylan asked me where I wanted to go to dinner for my birthday, I knew I had to pick a woman-owned restaurant. But when I said that I’d like to go to @deathandtaxesnc, I had no idea that on the same day as my birthday, @ashley_christensen would be named a finalist for the James @beardfoundation Award for Outstanding Chef. I am so grateful for all she did in support of the @jamiekirkhahn Foundation, which is how I first learned about her incredible talents and generous spirit. And I am in awe of all she’s done to support downtown #Raleigh. Thanks to everyone for the kind birthday wishes and best of luck to the Chef, my birthday wish is for women entrepreneurs to receive the recognition they so deserve. Fingers crossed for this finalist. #womenshistorymonth #downtownRaleigh #dontforgetkindness #Repost @ashley_christensen with @get_repost

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If someone asked me what kind of franchise I’d like to open, I’d be tempted to bring all my guilty pleasures (and their drive-thrus) to Chapel Hill. But what would be best is to bring something sweet to Franklin Street. Meet Dylan Lauren of @dylanscandybar. More than sixteen years ago, she realized her childhood dream of building the world’s largest candy emporium. According to news reports, her company has grown 20% each year for the past three years. She’s brought her candy bar to major airports and is now going international. She is using her philanthropic dollars to support furry friends not to mention working on creating a lifestyle brand—this woman entrepreneur has made a name for herself. I hope one day to visit one of her candy lands! #womenshistorymonth #dylanscandybar #somethingsweet #Repost @dylanscandybar with @get_repost

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