Photo Courtesy CR Photography

By Lisa Parent

Women in Business Expo empowers entrepreneurs in Medicine Hat

Sep 12, 2023 | 5:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Diverse businesses, from clothing boutiques to construction and trades are set to attend the upcoming Women in Business Expo this Saturday. This local event is a celebration of women entrepreneurs and an opportunity for them to sell their product.

Stephanie Gronning owns Infinity Dance and Harvest and Rose Boutique in Medicine Hat. She says owning a dance studio is a dream she’s had since she was a little girl.

“I was like, ‘I’m gonna own a dance school studio someday, I’m gonna be a dance teacher when I grow up,” said Gronning.

She added, ‘all my life everyone was like, ‘well, what’s your backup plan? What else are you gonna do? What are you gonna go to school for?’ And I was like, ‘I’m gonna dance, I’m going to teach kids how to dance.’”

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Gronning started attending Women in Business events, learning from other CEO’s on how to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

“Just having other women to speak to who are just really open about what has worked and what hasn’t worked, has really helped me separate personal life and business life,” explained Gronning.

Eventually, Gronning was nominated for the inspire award by her peers, given to someone who makes a positive impact on the community.

Tearfully Gronning said, “I think I just wasn’t expecting it,” when asked about why the nomination meant so much to her.

Recognition of businesses like Gronning’s was made possible by the Women in Business committee. Ally DeWolfe is a volunteer on that committee, and a co-organizer of the Women in Business expo.

“It just provides a lot of exposure for women owned businesses. It provides that networking and collaboration that I think we really just need more of,” said DeWolfe. “We want to build each other up, and events like this allow us to support one another.”

The event is now in its second year, but some changes have been made. This year children were also invited to the market to sell their own products.

“We’re teaching them the value of working hard for your money and then the value of how it’s being spent,” DeWolfe said.

With both DeWolfe and Gronning also having kids of their own, they hope these events will set a good example for young female entrepreneurs.

“I want my girls to see that when you have a dream and you want to do something, you can do it.” said Gronning. “If you put your heart and soul into what you want to do, you can make it work no matter what it is.”

The Women in Business Expo will be held this Saturday from 9am to 3pm at the Stampede Auditorium.

More information on the event can be found here.