The Women’s Business Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Women’s Business Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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WBC Client Spotlight Highlights from 2025

WBC Client Spotlight Highlights from 2025

Celebrating the Women We Were Honored to Support

HEARD for Life – Patient Advocacy & Healthcare Navigation

Owner & Founder: Kayla Thompson-Riviere, RN, Patient Advocate

What they do:
HEARD for Life provides one-on-one patient advocacy services, helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems, including care coordination, insurance challenges, and medical decision support.

How the WBC helped:
The Women’s Business Center supported the founder with business planning, marketing guidance, and community connections that helped launch and grow her advocacy practice.

“It’s amazing to see the transformation when my clients finally feel heard, understood, and supported.”

Learn more:
🎧 Podcast: How to Survive Healthcare
https://www.heardforlife.com/

 

Two Scoops Ice Cream & Waffles – Downtown Dessert Destination

Owner: Nicole Rogers

What they do:
A locally owned dessert shop offering hand-scooped ice cream, waffles, gourmet treats, and locally roasted coffee in Downtown Salisbury.

How the WBC helped:
WBC mentorship, education, and encouragement helped owner Nicole Rogers strengthen operations and grow confidently as a woman-owned brick-and-mortar business.

“As a woman-owned business, it’s empowering to have support that understands our unique challenges.”

Visit & follow:
📍 100 E. Main Street, Salisbury, MD
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1PnNjX4kR3

 

Blackwater Apothecary – Handcrafted Metaphysical Goods & Wholesale

Owner: Nicole Bishop

What they do:
Blackwater Apothecary creates handcrafted candles, incense, oils, and spiritual goods for retail and wholesale customers nationwide, along with subscription boxes and community events.

How the WBC helped:
The Women’s Business Center provided a strong entrepreneurial network and meaningful connections that supported confidence, growth, and wholesale expansion.

“Sometimes, the most powerful support is knowing you’re not building your dream alone.”

Explore online:
🔗 https://www.blackwaterapothecary.com

 

Woman of Essence Beauty Parlor – Full-Service Multicultural Salon

Owner: Latoya Baltimore

What they do:
A full-service beauty salon offering hair styling, braiding, eyelash installation, waxing, nails, and professional haircare products for a diverse clientele.

How the WBC helped:
From early business planning and funding guidance to continued mentorship, the Women’s Business Center played a foundational role in helping this salon succeed.

“What once was just a dream is now my reality—a dream come true.”

Book services:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/womanofessencesalonandspa/

 

AJLEADS, LLC – Leadership & Workplace Culture Consulting

Owner: Annette P. Johnson, MSOL, CPC, Founder & Leadership Consultant

What they do:
AJLEADS, LLC provides leadership development, workplace culture consulting, and coaching for individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses—especially those supporting women in transition.

How the WBC helped:
Through WBC workshops, one-on-one coaching, and the 2025 Shore and Soar Pitch Competition, founder Annette P. Johnson refined her business model and secured funding to grow her programs.

“Be clear on who your clients are and what problems you are helping them solve.”

Learn more:
🔗 https://www.thisisannettejohnson.com

 

ACE Orthopedic Services – Mobile Orthopedic Bracing & Orthotics

Owner: Angela Evans Hudgens, CO, CPED, Founder & Certified Orthotist / Pedorthist

What they do:
ACE Orthopedic Services provides mobile orthopedic bracing, custom orthotics, and pedorthic solutions for adults and children, serving medical and workers’ compensation patients.

How the WBC helped:
The Women’s Business Center provided business education, confidence-building support, and access to pitch competition funding to help grow this mission-driven practice.

“Don’t give up. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”

Learn more:
🔗 https://www.aceortho.net

These women-owned businesses represent the heart of the MCE Women’s Business Center’s mission: providing no-cost guidance, trusted resources, and a supportive community so women entrepreneurs can build businesses that thrive.

Ready to Work with the Women’s Business Center?

Whether you’re just exploring a business idea or looking to grow an existing one, the MCE Women’s Business Center (WBC) is here to support you—at no cost.

We offer:

  • One-on-one confidential business consulting
  • Business planning and financial guidance
  • Marketing and growth strategy support
  • Educational workshops and webinars
  • Access to capital resources and pitch competitions
  • A supportive community of women entrepreneurs

Our services are made possible through funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration and generous local support, allowing us to serve women entrepreneurs across Maryland at no charge.

If you’re ready to take the next step—or even the first one—connect with the Women’s Business Center today. Let’s build your business, together.

Learn more and get started: https://www.marylandcapital.org/womens-business-center