Inaugural Women in Business Conference Inspires Students at SMC

Kristen Drum

Contributing Writer

“Good morning, future CEOs, innovators, and world changers.”

With those words, Keynote Speaker Marjorie “Marjy Marj” Boafo Appiah kicked off the Inaugural Women in Business Conference at Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC). Just as important as the business tips those in attendance picked up were the life lessons woven into every conversation, by every speaker.

Dr. Robin McCarter, an Assistant Professor of Business at SMC, spearheaded the event.

“My hope was to bring this event to SMC so that they would be inspired, encouraged, and empowered by the speakers and business owners represented,” she said.

Speaking to a crowd of young women, young men, and SMC professionals, Appiah wove an infectious, enthusiastic tale of her first job, answering phone calls at a real estate firm. At times, she found herself feeling like an errand girl. She even spent time babysitting. While none of this was her dream career, she assured those in attendance, “My detour was not a setback; it was my beginning.”

Appiah learned the importance of networking and building relationships. While she included tips on how to make genuine connections and network, she hammered home gems that apply to life in general.

“Failure is data, not destiny,” she told the audience. “You learn what to do next.”

In a panel discussion focused on empowerment and growth, each of the three speakers counseled patience and perseverance as keys to success.

Isabella Gutierrez, a 19-year-old sophomore at SMC and professional hair stylist, explained the importance of patience.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight. You have to take a step toward your goal every day. If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me,” she said.

She should know. Gutierrez is used to going to class, spending time working in a salon, and then taking a shift at Starbucks. She credits working hard to grow her social media presence for being able to drop the Starbucks job to focus on her business degree and her clients at Muñeca’s New Style Salon in Spartanburg.

Realtor Katie Jordan shared that in any business, those who are successful sweat the details. “Master the minutiae” is her mantra, which helps build trust in any relationship.

“Nothing is too small. Do everything,” Jordan said. She also cautioned students to grow a thick skin. “You can’t take it personally. Your best friend may not use your services or buy your product. That’s just how it is.”

Molly Cashman, co-owner of Blue Moon Specialty Foods in Spartanburg, advised future entrepreneurs to stay humble.

“Don’t expect your dream job right from the start. Learn from every job, take every opportunity. You can always learn. Every job has led me to where I am meant to be,” she said.

Cashman also encouraged women in business to ask for what they want. You might not get it, but you have to ask.

Lane Schrader, a junior business major, not only attended the event; he was also a student volunteer. He was eager to soak up the knowledge being offered.

“It’s great to hear perspectives from women who are in business. Their advice applies to everyone, and we can all learn from them.”

Dr. McCarter agreed. “Each speaker provided so much insight into their personal industries that every student, male or female, could benefit.”

Freshman Frenchaire Myers put some of the advice she heard into action immediately.

“I’m learning about seizing the opportunity. Marjy Marj helped me to have the audacity to ask for what I want,” she said.

What Myers, a religious studies major, wants is to start her own magazine, so she spent the networking session making contacts and asking questions of the writers in attendance.

In the last session of the day, Dr. Araceli Hernandez-Laroche, the first Mexican-American and the first Hispanic person to earn a full professorship at the University of South Carolina-Upstate, opened some eyes as she shared with the crowd the fact of the $4.1 trillion spending power of the Latino community and how little marketing is aimed at them. She went on to discuss ways to tap into that market.

Her best advice? To connect with the people in the community.

“Major in whatever you want, but be connected to the community. Maybe your life-defining opportunity comes from giving your time, talent, and treasure to someone else,” Dr. Hernandez-Laroche said.

This advice echoed what the other speakers shared throughout the conference. Networking is more than shaking a hand and passing a business card; it is about genuine connections and treating others as you wish to be treated. One never knows when a chance meeting at the job you didn’t dream of may turn into a mentorship for your dream career. The little things can make all the difference.

“Little drops of water make a mighty ocean,” Appiah shared with the crowd.