HER Brunch To Offer Networking For Women

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

As graduate students at Norfolk State University, Keisha Reynolds and Secoya Holmes developed a personal and professional bond that they aim to pass on to others at their first Empowering HER Brunch. Whether they were completing schoolwork, hanging out, or envisioning the future, the two developed a warm, rewarding partnership they aim to pass on at the Empowering HER Brunch. The networking event will be held Aug. 14 at 12 p.m., in The Room NFK, located downtown at 251 Granby St., in Norfolk. The keynote speaker will be Shelia Harrison, director of marketing and public relations at Nautilus.

“What started out as two girls in grad school has blossomed into two successful business owners and a friendship like no other,” said Reynolds, who earned her master’s in media and communications study in 2015 at Norfolk State and launched her own business K&R Communications, which provides digital public relations services to small businesses. “We figured, if we could create the same camaraderie among women in Hampton Roads, we could bridge the gap and build a tremendous sisterhood with like-minded individuals,” said Reynolds who is also a communications specialist at Norfolk Collegiate. “There is no event or partnership like this in the Tidewater area.”

Over brunch and unlimited mimosas, about 30 women will exchange business cards, swap career tips, and get answers. For example, how do you develop a personal brand or blog? How do you manage finances, tweak a business plan, or handle relationship building and parenting? Harrison, the keynote speaker, will help the women swap answers during the Question-and-Answer session. “This event is for the entrepreneur, stay-at-home mom, career woman, blogger and more,” Reynolds said. “There is no competition. To succeed, it is so important to be united. What we really wanted to do is build on the camaraderie we had in grad school, and really being there for each other.”

This means if you are a new business owner and you need someone to help you develop a web site, crunch numbers, shoot photos, or critique a business plan, chances are someone at the brunch can help you. “We partnered a lot on projects and visited each other’s home,” Reynolds said of her partnership with Holmes in grad school. “We had a lot in common, coming from urban areas. I am from Detroit. My friend, Secoya is from Charlotte. This is our perfect opportunity to help others form partnerships.”
To become a vendor or to buy tickets, please go to empoweringherbrunch.com or phone (757) 785-4903.