Success Stories
Discover the inspiring journeys of women entrepreneurs who have transformed their dreams into thriving businesses with the support of California's Women's Business Centers.
Mamas Medicinals is a botanical skincare company based in Ukiah, California, dedicated to nourishing and rejuvenating skin using wild-harvested herbs and organic oils. Emily started it to help soothe her daughter’s painful eczema naturally, which ignited her passion for creating healing products for all skin types.
Emily held
Founder of Mamas Medicinals
“The Mendocino Women’s Business Center provided me with valuable resources and guidance, helping me refine my business model and expand Mamas Medicinals. Their support enabled me to better understand market trends and navigate challenges as a small business owner.”
“I recently had a baby which inspired a new product: baby balm! Crafted with infants in mind but great for everybody. Some favorite uses include diaper rash, chapped nipples, eczema, cradle cap, bee stings, bug bites, sunburn, heat rash, baby acne, and itchy or inflamed skin. It's made with 15 nutrient rich botanical ingredients and nothing else! [I’m] also working on expanding our wholesale partnerships with spas and wellness centers.”
– Emily Held, Founder
"My sister and I founded Socola Chocolatier in 2001 in Santa Rosa, California,” says CEO Wendy Lieu. "Our parents owned a nail salon close to See's Candies, so we ate a lot of samples. Then I realized there were no chocolates with Asian or Vietnamese-inspired flavors, so I looked within to create new flavors I didn't readily see in the marketplace.”
Socola Chocolatier, an award-winning chocolate company based in San Francisco, was founded by sisters Wendy and Susan Lieu in 2001. Inspired by their Vietnamese heritage, this artisanal chocolate company has become known for its unique flavors, which include Vietnamese coffee, guava, sriracha, and even durian!
Wendy Lieu
CEO of Socola Chocolatier
In 2012, Wendy connected with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Women's Business Center in San Francisco to help grow her business. Wendy shares, “They helped review my business and advised me to take the Business Planning Class to grow from sister entrepreneurs to now having a brick-and-mortar with two locations." Socola Chocolatier recently opened a location at SFO in August 2024.
For more updates, follow Socola Chocolatier on Instagram @socolachocs