SAN ANTONIO – The Accion Women’s Business Center is hosting a 20×20: 20 slides, 20 second show and inspiration worksession:
MONDAY, May 20th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Geekdom 112 E. Pecan 11th floor.
20×20: Women Inspiring Women, Margaret Anaglia, owner of Al’s Gourmet Nuts; Magaly Chocano, CEO of Sweb Development; Kathleen Mayes, owner of MaGi Foods; Anne Ng, owner of Bakery Lorraine; will share their stories of the entrepreneurship and life journey. Each of the presenters will share 20 slides, sharing their story during those 20 images; taking participants from idea, to startup, journey, today, and their vision for the future. “These women have been challenged on all levels and kept pushing toward their dreams,” said Martha Zurita, director of the Accion Texas Women’s Business Center. “We wanted our presenters to share their journey in a unique, story challenging way. We believe these four women will inspire others to keep striving forward.”
Participants can register for this event online: http://accion20x20.eventbrite.com/
ABOUT THE WOMEN BEING FEATURED:
Magaly Chocano
In 2009, Magaly Chocano launched Swebapps, the first build-your-own-app platform. As a result she garnered the attention from the likes of Time magazine, Mashable, GigaOm, and Entrepreneur magazine to name a few. This spring, she was given the “Social Revolución” “Innovator” award during the Southwest Interaction Festival in Austin. She has helped local, national, and global brands find their footing in the mobile space. Chocano showcased her innovation in supporting the creation of the site and system for San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro’s SA2020 Initiative. This platform allows citizens and non-profits to connect in entirely unique ways that make taking action in the city more effective and inspiring.
Anne Ng
Before she moved to San Antonio and brought her recipes for delicate French pastries with her, Anne Ng and her partner, Jeremy Mandrell, toiled in the famed kitchens of Bouchon Bakery in San Francisco, and in other fine restaurants in the Bay Area. After working as the pastry chef for restaurants in San Antonio, Ng tip-toed into entrepreneurship by opening up a booth at the Quarry Farmer’s Market on Basse on Sundays, and created a legion of gourmand fans. Last year, Ng opened up Bakery Lorraine in a traditional brick-and-mortar location, not far from ThePearl. At their shop, located at 511 E. Grayson, Ng and Mandrell offer pain au chocolate, savory and sweet tarts, muffins, croissants, and an assortment of other fine pastries and cookies.
Margaret Anaglia
Before pursuing her own dream of starting her own business – Al’s Gourmet Nuts – Margaret Anaglia helped jumpstart other people’s businesses as an economic development manager for the city of San Antonio. Today, Anaglia and her husband Albert can be seen throughout the city at farmers markets and other events promoting their special flavored nuts, such as guajillo honey peanuts, lavender pecans and Becker port wine pecans, as well as other traditional flavors, such as cinnamon pecans and salty and sweet peanuts. While growing her catalog and online business, Anaglia continues to help other entrepreneurs by serving on the Brooks Development Authority board of directors. Recently, the San Antonio chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners awarded Anaglia with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award
as an innovator.
Kathleen Mayes
Kathleen Mayes gave up a high-paying job in corporate America when she decided to stay home and consult while taking care of her asthmatic baby in 2004. She seized an opportunity when she saw that the Cajun and Creole food brand, Louisiana Purchase, was up for sale, and Mayes opened MaGi Foods in 2007. Soon after, Mayes faced a downturn in the economy like other business owners, as well as a commodities market explosion that could have put her out of business. To survive, Mayes changed her business plans and applied for an Accion Texas Small Business Administration community advantage loan. MaGi Foods produces and markets Louisiana Purchase, which is sold in H-E-B, Central Market and other grocery store, as well as Kathleen’s brand, which offers convenience and natural ingredients in a microwavable cup.
