S.H.E. Pitch, which recently completed its fourth year, is a competition for local female entrepreneurs in both the “idea stage” and “growth stage.” The event, hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce with sponsorship by The City of Frederick, offers participants an opportunity to present their business ventures in a shark-tank style event to win substantial cash prizes, gain publicity, and forge new networking connections.
Year after year the program continues to not only empower entrepreneurs but also make a significant impact on our local economy. Since the program’s inception, we have proudly watched seven past SHE Pitch winners go on to launch or grow a business within The City of Frederick limits.
Below we catch up past-standout and current local business owner Rachel Anne Warren to find out ‘Where SHE is Now.’
Frederick Wig Company
2023 Growth Stage Winner
How has your business grown or changed since SHE Pitch?
Since SHE Pitch, my business has moved to a larger space with parking downtown, and I have completed trade school and become a licensed barber.
What’s next for your business?
As Frederick Wig Company looks to the future, I hope to expand services to include barbering, hair cutting and styling, as well as manufacturing unique wig-related elements otherwise not available in the United States. I look forward to eventually hiring an employee to help more people, more efficiently, and to expand what I am able to do more quickly.
Looking back, what was the most valuable takeaway from your SHE Pitch experience?
The most valuable takeaway from the SHEpitch experience was the process. I had to think realistically about the detail and big picture of what an expansion would look like and therefore require. Breaking this process down into steps and goals has helped me to create, plan, and implement several projects since.
Advice to fellow entrepreneurs
If I were to offer advice to someone pursuing growth within, or starting a new business, it would be to think about problem solving and service. I have created my business and achieved several other creative goals by identifying an issue in my life that did not have a clear solution. Once I figured out how to help myself, I immediately figured out how to help other people. The financial reward and security come when you remember why you are doing work.
Are you thinking about starting or growing a business?
Contact The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov to learn more about the resources that can help!