Ep 22: Kick up your heels and start spreading kindness with Karen Gillman, Lisa Ford, and Tanya Cielo
In this Trailblazer podcast, Sarina Fazan kicks up her heels in a lively conversation with Lisa Ford and Karen Gillman, founders of Charity Chics, and Tanya Cielo of Sky Strategic Marketing, all of whom are successful female entrepreneurs with a mission to make a difference. Listen as they discuss the importance of women supporting women in business, why they launched nonprofit organizations, and how little kindnesses can add up to something big!
Lisa and Karen founded Charity Chics in 2009, with the goal of creating a group for like-minded businesswomen to come together for philanthropy, fun, and networking for a cause. Since its start, the organization has expanded to two chapters, serving north and south Tampa.
The members of each Charity Chics chapter choose the local nonprofits that they’ll support for the year, assisting them in raising awareness and donations. Their slogan is “Kick Up Your Heels,” and the Charity Chics meet monthly to identify current needs and ways they can help – with members often wearing their trademark red shoes!
In addition to their charitable work, both Lisa and Karen are also leaders in the local business community. Lisa is an AICI Certified Image Consultant, Color Analyst, and CEO of Invent Your Image. Along with her husband, Karen owns On Point Executive Center, a virtual office and services provider that has been in business for 20 years, and she’s also a three-time author.
Lisa, Karen, and Tanya all agree how important it is to have strong female role models and mentors, both in business and in charitable efforts. They point to social media for helping to create more connections and to make stories of inspiring women more accessible.
Lisa and Karen explain how Charity Chics started in a recession, giving an opportunity for women to network and to support each other. If you’re interested in starting a not-for-profit, they advise that you find the charities that you’re most passionate about, saying wherever your heart lives is where you will thrive. They recommend that you look for organizations in need of time, talent, and treasure and give a little bit, which will add up cumulatively.
Likewise, the idea for the “Let’s Spread Kindness” initiative was rooted in the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tanya founded Sky Strategic Marketing 10 years ago, and a core belief of the agency is community service. As Tanya and her team worked to restrategize marketing plans for her clients, she noticed the outpouring of love and support from their customers, which really touched her heart.
Realizing the impact of simple kindness, the Sky team made a list of easy ways that people can support each other, from leaving 5-star reviews for locally owned businesses to charitable donations and volunteer opportunities. The idea of the larger “Let’s Spread Kindness” initiative grew from there.
One of Sky’s team members, Kelly Falconer Miller, who also is a long-time member of the Charity Chics, has been very active in the kindness campaign. At the end of the podcast, there’s a surprise announcement from the Charity Chics honoring Kelly’s community work!
If you are interested in learning more, you can get involved with the Charity Chics at www.CharityChics.com and start spreading kindness with the “Let’s Spread Kindness” initiative at www.LetsSpreadKindness.com