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Malissa and Francis Mangogna

These are a few of our favorite things about the fall — pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and the annual Women’s EXPO at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Thursday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  More than just a trade show, the EXPO showcases the talents, products, and businesses of Long Island women entrepreneurs.

An initiative of the Middle Country Library Foundation, this annual event supports the work the library’s Miller Business Center does all year to help local entrepreneurs. 

“Advocating for women-owned businesses not only sets the stage for presenting to young women a path to entrepreneur possibilities,” says Carol Allen, CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and the EXPO’s long-time Café Sponsor, “but has proven to be essential to overall grass-roots community and overall economic growth.”  

From limited access to funding to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, women entrepreneurs navigate numerous obstacles on their path to success. EXPO Supporting Sponsor Stony Brook Small Business Development Center’s Director Martha Stansbury, “applauds today’s women entrepreneurs for their perseverance in commercializing their business ideas.”

The EXPO not only celebrates these entrepreneurs but also highlights how supporting women-owned businesses strengthens community and economic growth across Long Island. The event not only brings shoppers, it connects the women with each other. “The EXPO provides an invaluable opportunity for women to connect, learn from one another, and collaborate. By coming together, we create a powerful network of support and innovation that fosters both personal and professional growth,” said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Director of Middle Country Public Library.

Let’s shine a spotlight on some of the incredible local women entrepreneurs who will be this year’s Women’s EXPO:

Malissa and Francis Mangogna

Malissa and Francis Mangogna

Beam of Light Designs

Malissa and Frances Mangogna made a bold leap into entrepreneurship in the summer of 2023, launching Beam of Light Designs. Inspired by the creative potential of the Innovation Space at the Middle Country Public Library, they initially created laser-engraved items as gifts for friends and family. However, as interest in the designs grew, Malissa and Frances decided to turn their hobby into a business.

They started by selling through Instagram and Facebook, with last year’s EXPO being their first event. Meeting and speaking with people in-person allowed Malissa and Frances to learn more about what customers really want. Malissa loves designing new products, from custom ornaments to unique visor frames. She says that this year’s EXPO will feature even more personalized options and that they will be affordable. “I’ve been in a position where things were too expensive, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way about our products,” says Malissa. 

When asked about their biggest business success, Malissa says, “Our repeat customers. People order a personalized item and often order another right away.”

Vanessa Rodriguez

Vanessa Rodriguez

Creations by Bazookilla

Returning for her second year, Vanessa Rodriguez of Creations by Bazookilla reflects on how far she’s come since last year, when she attended her first ever event – the Women’s EXPO.  Vanessa taught herself to crochet, giving her blankets, hats, and more to friends and family. “People would always tell me I should sell my items, but it was just something I did for fun.” That changed when her friend and mentor gave her the push she needed. “I wasn’t sure I could do it,” Vanessa admitted. “But I’m so glad she pushed me into it.” Vanessa, a single mother, balances her budding business with her studies in payroll management. Despite the challenges, she continues, driven by the memory of her late father, whose work ethic continues to inspire her to move forward. 

She met many fellow women entrepreneurs at the last EXPO, including Lisa Brunetti of Fashion Forward with Lisa. Since connecting at the EXPO, Lisa has encouraged Vanessa to sell her products at Retro Relics in Lake Grove and join a networking group. Vanessa joined TNT and through the meetings she has gained vital support, helping her business grow. She says, “The best thing about starting this business has been meeting new people—other entrepreneurs—and connecting with them.” From hobbyist to business owner, from uncertainty to confidence, Vanessa feels like this year is her “moment.” And she’s just getting started.

Sue Folan

Sue Folan

Sue’s Balsamic Glazes

Sue Folan, a registered dietitian, was looking to do something different. Having spent a lot of time helping people season food in healthy ways and knowing balsamic glazes are an easy, healthy way to add that flavor, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes was born. 

Unsure where to start, Sue used some of the resources available to entrepreneurs in New York starting at the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center where a business counselor helped her get begin. Still Sue knew she needed to learn more about getting a food product to market safely, so she worked with the Cornell Center for Excellence for Food and Agriculture.  This led to her being invited to be a part of the inaugural session of the Cornell Food Spark, a program designed and led by leading food science experts to help entrepreneurs bring new food products to market. 

After all her hard work, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes were ready for market in June 2023. In her first year, Sue sold 3,700 bottles and is on track to sell more than 5,000 this year.  She is looking forward to her first EXPO.  Former EXPO vendors have recommended the event as “a great way to meet and talk with other women in business,” says Sue.

Even though being an entrepreneur means Sue works 7 days a week, she is excited about what’s to come.

Sena Kolayli

Sena Kolayli

The Cinnamon Candle

Sena Kolayli’s journey from chemist to candle maker is as unique as the hand-poured sculptural soy candles she creates. Originally from Turkey, Sena moved to the U.S. to work as a chemist at a pharmaceutical company, but her career path shifted when she became pregnant. Wanting to balance her desire to work with staying home to care for her son, Sena took an online candle-making course. With her background in chemistry, she saw an opportunity to create natural, safe candles and was determined to craft the best product possible.

Now in her third holiday season with The Cinnamon Candle, Sena has grown her business from a single color, scent, and mold to offering five scents and a variety of colors and designs. “I started small, but I’ve always wanted to keep growing and adding to my collection,” she said. She hopes to offer candle-making workshops in the future and possibly open a coffee/candle shop — an idea inspired by her sister’s love of coffee.

For Sena, the biggest success is the positive feedback from customers. “People tell me my candles make their homes beautiful, and that just makes me cry,” she said. “I put so much care and effort into every single candle.”

A neighbor mentioned how much she enjoyed the EXPO and encouraged Sena to apply. She is looking forward to being around other women entrepreneurs

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Whether it’s the corner deli, the local card shop or an entrepreneur at the Women’s EXPO, every local purchase is a vote of confidence in your community.

The 24th annual Women’s EXPO will take place on Thursday, October 10 at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and there is ample parking. For further information, call the library at 631-585-9393 x296 or visit www.womensEXPOli.org.

 

A product from Sweet Woodland Farm. Photo courtesy of Rachel Stephens

The leaves are changing and there is a nip in the air, which means it is time for one of the community’s favorite fall events! After two years virtual and outdoors, the 22nd annual Women’s EXPO returns in-person at the newly renovated Middle Country Public Library, in Centereach on Thursday, Oct.6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with more than 70 exhibitors.

An initiative of the Middle Country Library Foundation, this annual event celebrates women entrepreneurs by connecting them with their peers, local business women and most importantly, potential customers. 

It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone and entrepreneurs have really taken a hit. “While the library’s Miller Business Center never stopped working with these and other entrepreneurs the entire time, we know that the camaraderie and energy of the EXPO is invaluable. We are happy to welcome these local entrepreneurs into our new space,” says library director, Sophia Serlis-McPhillips. 

“Our favorites along with a great selection of new women entrepreneurs will be at this year’s EXPO and we can’t wait,” said Elizabeth Malafi, coordinator of the library’s Miller Business Center. As it has in previous years, EXPO welcomes a diverse group of entrepreneurs with something for everyone including soaps, food, clothing and more. Like all entrepreneurs, they have worked hard to survive uncertain times. 

Shahnilla Jamal, chair of the EXPO’s planning committee and an SVP and Relationship Manager at HSBC Bank is excited to appreciate and celebrate these entrepreneurs. “Resilience is what I see in the women of Long Island, especially the EXPO entrepreneurs,” she said. “They have endured many trials and tribulations over the past couple of years, yet these amazing women have emerged stronger and more determined than ever before.” 

Long Island has always supported small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit. The support comes from shoppers and other Long Island businesses, including People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union (PAFCU), who has supported the EXPO for many years. Lisa Mitnick, Senior Manager of Business development for PAFCU knows how important it is. “Driving initiatives that advance women in their careers is not just critical to our business success, but is extremely important. The EXPO promotes the career advancement and success of women throughout Long Island,” she said.

Let’s learn more about some of the women you’ll meet at the EXPO.

Loretta Oberheim
Artwork by Loretta Oberheim

Loretta Oberheim

Loretta Oberheim Art

@lorettaoberheimart

After hearing great things about the EXPO from her dear friend and photographer, Holly Hunt, Loretta Oberheim, decided to apply to participate. “The support she had received from the wide range of female entrepreneurs, as well as Middle Country Library, was something I found to be extraordinary…To see an entire event celebrating female entrepreneurs is phenomenal, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” 

Loretta is an award-winning sculptor and abstract artist. After graduating with a B.F.A. in Textile/Surface design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she began working in the interior design industry with her designs gracing the pages of Vogue, Architectural Digest and more. A traumatic brain injury made creating impossible for a while, but after a time, Loretta was able to create again in a new form – contemporary abstract impressionism. 

As an entrepreneur, sales are important of course, but for Loretta, one of her greatest business and creative successes happened when she gave a piece of her artwork away.  “A young woman came by my booth with her parents and commented on my cool cane. After looking at my work, she commented to her mom that she needed to start painting again.” This comment touched Loretta. She gave one of her paintings to the young woman telling her to “go home and just start trying.” For Loretta, nothing compared to the moment. She knew that the young woman would forever look at that painting and see that a complete stranger had faith in her.

Rachel Stephens

Rachel Stephens

Sweet Woodland Farm

@sweetwoodlandfarm

Born and raised on Long Island, Rachel Stephens owns and runs Sweet Woodland Farm on the North Fork, growing elderberry, herbs, roots and more. The crops are hand-harvested, barn-dried and used in all the wellness products Rachel makes and sells through farmer’s markets, local shops and the EXPO. Using the herbs she grows to help people is an incredible feeling for her. Some moments, when Rachel is alone on the farm, looking around, she is reminded that success doesn’t need to be proven financially, but success can mean that you are doing what you love to do. 

“Besides these cherished moments, I celebrate quietly to myself every time a customer tells me how well my products have helped them. It feels incredible to know that I can help people using herbs I’ve grown myself and processed by hand into a product that people will enjoy and benefit from. It’s these moments when I can appreciate the work that I’ve chosen rather than feel the rush and burdens of running a business.”

Rachel is thrilled to be at EXPO again this year. What she remembers most about last year’s event is the camaraderie and support among the women who participate. “I appreciate that there is an event recognizing and celebrating woman owned businesses. As women gain momentum in every field I’m happy to represent women in farming at the EXPO.”

Tina Dos Reis

Tina Dos Reis

All Out Anime!

@alloutanime

After too many years in retail management, in 2014 Tina Dos Reis decided to be her own boss, starting a small business that suffered too many losses during Covid and closed. Having plenty of time on her hands, she started watching Japanese anime. Tina quickly became hooked on the action-packed scenes full of heroes with powers and quirks and started collecting keychains, figures and her current obsession, nendoroids. 

That’s when it clicked, her next entrepreneurial outing — “selling anime figures!” Choosing a business name wasn’t difficult.  “The phrase ‘go all out,’ is used quite often in anime. Characters will say it when they are determined to act on or do something important. Going all out was exactly what I wanted to do with this new venture.” And so, All Out Anime!: Your Place to Go All Out! was born. It is a business built on trust. With much of the product imported, there are many fakes out there. This can be a big challenge and is the reason customers may turn to well-known, larger shops first. But Tina is trying to change that in her corner of the anime world — she guarantees that her merchandise is 100% fully-licensed. 

As an online business, one of Tina’s proudest moments has been creating her first website. “When you see your vision come to life, it’s truly exhilarating!” She is excited to be a part of this year’s EXPO. “This event is such a great opportunity not just for myself, but for all women entrepreneurs.  The local community will have the chance to see firsthand the price we women put into our small businesses, as well as the friendly service we provide in order to make each customer experience a happy one.”

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The 22nd annual Women’s EXPO will take place on Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Snacks and lunch will be available for purchase in the EXPO Café. Admission is free and there is ample parking. For further information, call the library at 631-585-9393 x296 or visit www.womensEXPOli.org. 

 

Stock photo
The outdoor Craft and Gift Fair scheduled to be held at Newfield High School in Selden on Sunday, Nov. 1 has been canceled out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19. A representative from DePasquale Enterprises confirmed the cancellation on Oct. 27.
The outdoor Hauppauge Craft Fair scheduled for Nov. 14 at Hauppauge High School has been canceled as well.
For more information, please call 631-846-1459.