Ever since I was little, I have had an entrepreneurial spirit. I remember being told “You’re just a girl, you can’t start your own business!” Well, that was all I needed to hear…I was off to the races to prove them wrong. Whether my childhood babysitting enterprise or presenting to my marketing professor at UConn that in lieu of an internship I would start my OWN business for credits (which ended up paying for my college) or Julie’s Java, my slope-side coffee shop that grew to 4 locations in Colorado, I always gave it my all. I had a passion for creating something new while providing value to others.  I read that the 7 characteristics of entrepreneurs are…They have vision, They are focused, They start with a plan, They start small, They know their customers (and potential customers) intimately, They build an engaged tribe, They have perseverance. When I started The Vanderblue Team, I was tiny, but I had vision and a plan. I knew I had to surround myself with a tribe of people (most of whom were women) who shared my passion for improving what I believed was a broken industry. 25 years later, I watch in awe at the passion and diversity of our TEAM of true entrepreneurial leaders.

 

Seeing other women succeed, whether helping or just witnessing, has always brought me joy. Today I want to honor just a small selection of women I have come to know in our community who exemplify the true meaning of the word entrepreneur.

 

Jennifer Butler Designs is an amazing, local fashion designer with a shop located in Greenfield Hill where she personally creates everything from sportswear to wedding gowns. Jennifer Butler takes “one of a kind” to the next level and customizes clothing to fit perfectly. You will absolutely LOVE the way you look!

Marsona Horan owns and operates her own luxurious full-service Salon located in Fairfield, Marsona Horan Salon. Her team is committed to providing exceptional customer service and personalized hair care experience. Making people feel and look their very best is their specialty.

 

Kara Golden manages her family business, Tiger Inspections. They have highly experienced inspectors for both home buyers and sellers.  Kara goes the extra mile to educate clients throughout the process to make it as stress free as possible.

 

Maureen Abrahamson owns and operates Fairfield’s Mo’s Wine & Spirits with her husband Mark. Mo’s brings Mark’s passion for wine and Maureen’s great business sense and experience together for a wonderful locally-owned store. No matter how big or small the celebration, Mo’s makes it special!

 

Anna Guzzi Photography is, in a word, exceptional...and we have a high bar when it comes to real estate photograghy!  Anna Guzzi brings her passion for photography wherever she goes and it is evident in all of her work, whether real estate, portrait, babies, events...and more! We truly love her work!!

 

If you have not yet had the privilege of meeting or supporting them, I highly recommend you take the time to do so. Their dedication to excellence shows in all that they do, and the results you will receive as a patron will delight you beyond expectation.

 

Meanwhile, we are always looking to invite those with passion to come talk with us about the unique career opportunities we offer at The Vanderblue Team. And yes, of course, men are welcome… as long as they bring a desire to change the world for the better.

 

With passion, 
Julie Vanderblue 
Owner, The  Vanderblue Team at Higgins Group