The Center for Entrepreneurship and Kappa Zeta Rho recently hosted a Women’s Entrepreneurship Panel at Francis Hall.

This public event brought together aspiring business owners, students, and community members to learn from the experiences of two inspiring women entrepreneurs.

It highlighted the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and mentorship for future business leaders.

The panel featured Hilary Emrick, the founder of Altered Pine and Stay Golden Permanent Jewelry, and Kristina Dula, the owner of Brown Sugar Pastries and Desserts. 

Despite operating in vastly different industries, both women offered valuable insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing the importance of resilience, creativity, and community support.

Hilary Emrick shared the story behind her dual ventures. At Altered Pine, she transforms old or used furniture into beautifully repurposed pieces, showcasing her knack for sustainability and artistic design. 

Meanwhile, Stay Golden Permanent Jewelry offers a unique experience with custom jewelry that lasts forever, adding a memorable touch to her customers’ lives. Emrick expressed her passion for mentoring others.

“My favorite thing was mentoring, talking to other people that have a passion for starting their own business, as well as motivating them to get started and answering questions to prepare them for their journey ahead,” Emrick said.

Kristina Dula operates her bakery from her home. She creates custom cakes and desserts tailored to her clients’ requests. 

Her business, Brown Sugar Pastries and Desserts, has grown into a trusted name for delicious, high-quality confections. Sharing her story, she highlighted the importance of perseverance and staying committed to her craft despite challenges.

The panel attracted a diverse audience of students, staff, and local families. Attendees gained actionable knowledge about starting and sustaining a business. 

Emily Klinner, a member of QU’s CEO Club, felt that the presentation was valuable to her future endeavors.

“I gained a lot of knowledge about how to start your own business financially and about some of the struggles they have overcome. It was nice to hear that even though their businesses are successful, they did struggle at some point,” Klinner said.

Following the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers in a Q&A session. 

The exchange covered a range of topics, from financial planning to overcoming personal and professional obstacles. The event’s overarching goal was to inspire and equip women to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.

For those interested in connecting with the speakers, Hilary Emrick can be reached through her Instagram, offering more insights into her furniture and jewelry businesses. 

For custom cakes and desserts, Kristina Dula can be contacted through her website at brownsugardesserts.com.

The Women’s Entrepreneurship Panel demonstrated the power of shared experiences in shaping the next generation of successful women entrepreneurs. Through events like this, the Center for Entrepreneurship continues to foster an inclusive and empowering space for innovation and growth.