November 19 marks annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Day! On this national holiday, we shout out the amazing opportunities Girl Scouts provides for building entrepreneurial skills at every age—whether you’re getting ready to run your first-ever cookie business, or you’re on track to hone your leadership skills and pursue your Gold Award. 

Girl Scouts of the USA has introduced new Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy activities for girls to continue practicing their skills and working toward badges. For a little inspiration before diving into these activities, keep reading for tips, career advice, and stories form five western Ohio businesswomen who spoke at our Leading the Way entrepreneurship event earlier this month!

Brenda Moots-Holder
Brenda knew she wanted to own a business from a young age, which inspired her to earn a degree in business administration. Her goal was to work in an environment where she could meet and socialize with people, do something different each day, and have the opportunity to be creative. Her passions helped her discover a career in retail, and today, she and her husband are the proud owners of Indian Lake Outfitters and The Depot in Indian Lake, Ohio, plus The Depot No. 9 in Kenton, Ohio!

Charlynda Scales
Charlynda is a TEDx speaker, brand ambassador, Air Force Veteran, and Gold Award Girl Scout. She is the founder and CEO of Mutt’s Sauce, which she created to honor her grandfather’s love of food and friendship. Charlynda is also the founder and creative director of OH Taste, which provides resources to growing food businesses, and owner of the Empower Collection, a clothing brand that donates scholarship money to female empowerment programs with every purchase. “I realize that the way I process information, as well as all of my unique life experiences, were all intertwined in order for me to continue serving others,” Charlynda says.

Cheryl Dillin
Cheryl is a branding and marketing consultant who has provided leadership, vision, and mentorship to many iconic company brands and nonprofit organizations over her 25-year career. She is also an active traveler, volunteer, and advocate for soldiers and veterans. Most recently, she has taken on event planning at Austin Landing, turning the shopping and entertainment center into a household name in her community and raising over $1 million for local charities through fundraising events. “None of these accomplishments were done alone,” Cheryl says. “I’ve dedicated my career to encouraging others to accomplish their goals strategically, with passion, and with positive intent — and I simply try to lead that charge by example.”

Jenny Noel-Brandt
Jenny is a Practice Leader and Benefit Consultant for USI Insurance. She has over 20 years of experience in human resources, as well as a degree in International Business from Southern Illinois University. In her work for USI, Jenny focuses on providing a safe a rewarding work experience to other employees, which includes providing health care, education, access to wellness programs, and an eco-friendly environment. Her leadership and project management skills have qualified her for some of the top awards in sales, and she also makes time outside of work to coach youth volleyball!

Jesy Anderson
Jesy is the owner and creator of Needle, Ink and Thread, a modern sewing studio located near Dayton. The studio offers sewing kits, machine repair, and sewing lessons for kids and adults. Jesy is focused on teaching custom sewing work, operating on the core values of respect, integrity, and acceptance. “I believe that to be an inspiring person, you must adapt to each student that is trying to learn and relate to them at some level,” she says.

Looking for more ways to build business skills? Visit our council website for the latest information!