by Doreen Ashton Wagner
On October 22, women business owners from across Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SD&G) and a few from Prescott-Russell gathered in Winchester for a vibrant networking event hosted by Business Sisters. The reception was graciously hosted by the team at Bridals By Al-Mor, with owners Kim and Lexy Carruthers, and their efficient manager Jessica Lortie. The food was expertly catered by Cheryl Beasley and Jolene Moore of Simply Baked, just across the street. With 32 participants, the event fostered connections and support among entrepreneurs from various industries.
In addition to meaningful conversations, the event featured exciting door prizes generously donated by local businesses. Pictured are the lucky winners: Véronique Landry (The Garden Tea Party), who received a fused glass pendant donated by an anonymous Business Sister; Lexie Jasiewicz (ACC Futures) and Jessica Lortie (Bridals by Al-Mor), each winning candles from The Garden Tea Party; Cheryl Beasley (Simply Baked) and Hayley Bedford (Handmade by Haley), who both won $50 gift certificates from Green Gables Vines; Lexy Carruthers (Bridals by Al-Mor), who took home merchandise from Winchester Travel; and Laura Peck (Laura’s B&B), who received a gift certificate from Bridals by Al-Mor.
This gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength and solidarity within the local business community and provided attendees with valuable opportunities to grow their networks. Business Sisters is a bilingual social enterprise supporting rural women business owners in SD&G and Prescott-Russell with events, advisory services and peer mentorship groups.