By Justin Andress The Mountain Times
“Empowering.”
That was the word most commonly used by the entrepreneurs and professionals who took part in The Mountain Times Women in Business photoshoot on Saturday, June 7.
It was a perfect Saturday morning on the mountain as an eclectic and accomplished group of women gathered for some much-deserved recognition. The event included a professional photoshoot and video interviews with an eye toward increasing recognition for Mt. Hood’s small businesses and the intrepid women who keep them running.
The Mountain Times Women in Business will show up with this edition of The Mountain Times. Each woman filled out a questionnaire detailing their hobbies and philosophy. Those written details were coupled with professional portraits to create a Who’s Who of professional women on Mt. Hood. This annual event is set to become a hallmark of The Mountain Times.
The wide array of professions on display ranged from doctors to real estate pros and everything in between. Even some of The Mountain Times’ most notable contributors, like Peggy Wallace and Marie Kennedy, lent their presence. Throughout the event, the mood was high as the group took time for individual portraits before assembling for a group portrait under one of the area’s towering trees.
Prior to the event, several participants confessed that they had dealt with a pile of nerves before stepping in front of the camera, only to discover that the process wasn’t just simple; it was fun.
Shannon Shora, owner of Zentopia Massage, explained that while she was “extremely anxious” before the shoot, she was happy to have taken the time to participate afterward. Shora added that the process was “extremely easy” and advised any women who might be on the fence to “step out of your comfort zone and do it. It’s worth it.”
That sentiment rang true with each woman who took time out of their bustling schedules to attend the photoshoot.
At the end of the day, each woman hoped to shed some light on their business, whether they were a tutor or a massage therapist. Getting featured in a special insert in The Mountain Times will certainly further that aim. The women who took part in the Women in Business photoshoot ultimately decided to join for reasons as diverse as Mt. Hood itself.
Andrea O’Neil of Klobas O’Neil Roofing and O’Neil Restoration said she participated to support The Mountain Times and their efforts to promote the area’s small businesses. Gina Schingler, a real estate broker for Oregon Digs, exclaimed, “I love this part of the world,” adding that when she found out about the photo shoot, she “just wanted to be involved.”
Of course, one of the benefits of gathering professional women in one place is the camaraderie. Several attendees were surprised to find comrades among the assembled group. During their interviews, several women were thrilled to have encountered like minds among the group of driven, devoted women.
You can see all the women who participated in this year’s event by flipping through the magazine insert in the July edition of The Mountain Times.