WOW Members Spotlights

The W.O.W. Members Spotlights feature new members, highlighting how our members’ work in their businesses or occupations is making a difference both in the community and in their respective fields. The spotlight offers an opportunity for members to share their initiatives with our network, inspire other women to consider membership and strengthen awareness of our mission and association.

Women Optimizing Women. is not just a group of successful women in business. It is a solution to a problem: helping women advance their businesses and incomes by spotlighting them through various means. W.O.W. encourages businesswomen not just to survive but to thrive and prosper. Discover how our members achieve financial WOWNESS through the WOW Spotlight Questions.

Successful Women in Business

Wendy Vaught-Weiner

My love for floral design started in high school when my first job was at a garden center that also specialized in weddings.  After gaining several years of experience, I moved on to a local florist. Growing with experience and passion, I then went on to fully manage two other full-service florists. While managing the retail side, I also personally handled weddings, from meeting with the brides, designing the wedding flowers to delivery and setup of ceremonies & receptions.

I also worked with local companies, colleges, & hospitals for all their yearly events. Twenty-five years later, I found myself longing for just the “one-on-one” relationship with specialty event planning. Today, I am the owner/operator of Flowers By Wendy Carol, offering my personal service and expertise from your initial consultation to the moment of your occasion. My true passion still drives me to bring that personal touch of elegance and beauty to your special day.

Getting up every single day with the desire to do what I love and share my floral creations with my clients and friends.  I love that my passion builds friendships in the community and brings people together through the celebrations of life.

I’ve been providing florals for the hospital gift shop for over 2 years now.  It provides low cost flowers for patients to receive flowers from visitors and staff.  We are also looking into classes and events where we do floral design for those who wish to learn.

My family has definitely been so supportive for me starting my own business almost 10 years ago.  If I have to take a step back, my Mom and my horticulture teacher Dick Weaver (North Carroll High School) played a huge role in my passion for plants and flowers, from flower beds around the farm to the greenhouse beside the cafeteria in 9th grade!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for nurturing that spark!

I’m always looking for ways to improve my skill as well as looking for young people to share my passion with and pass on my desire for happiness through floral design.  As a woman in my 50’s, I’ve also begun the journey of fitness and health goals.  It’s a process but I’m truly enjoying the trials and successes!

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Spotlighting Women's Empowerment

Stacy Gillis

A Baltimore native, Stacy Gillis is a trailblazer with over three decades of expertise in the video production industry. As the founder of Advanced Video Systems, Inc., she revolutionized video marketing, from launching video clubs in the 1980s to being featured on the cover of Smart Woman magazine.

In 2020, Stacy moved her business to Clearwater, Florida, where she actively contributes to her local community as an Ambassador for the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce and The Bluff’s Business Association. Her leadership exemplifies successful women in business who embrace innovation while giving back to their communities.

My Why is a Journey of learning and growing to be the Best Person Possible. 

I pay it forward

My 3 kids inspire me. They teach me to shut up and stay in my lane!

Physically I am attending Crossfit. I started 2 years ago at the ripe age of 58. I am getting stronger everyday. I also started drinking an all natural tea called SipBlu. https://sipblu.com/ It has improved my energy, aches and pains, morning fog went away and blood flow is better!

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Tricia Soderstrom

As a Digital Operations Specialist, Tricia Soderstrom supports small business owners by streamlining workflows and enabling them to focus on their passions. Her expertise in technology and administration has helped many businesses optimize their processes, reflecting the power of women’s empowerment in action.

My passion for organization and efficiency serves as the cornerstone of my role as a Digital Operations Specialist. I thrive on streamlining processes, managing tasks seamlessly, and creating order out of chaos. I have the privilege of working closely with individuals and businesses, understanding their unique needs, and contributing to their success. The relationships formed in this collaborative journey add a profound sense of purpose to my work.

For eight years, I’ve built an online platform for Lyme disease education, supporting and coaching moms and children affected by the illness. Having transitioned from my role as a homeschooling mom, I continue to give back by mentoring homeschooling parents and offer discounted services to nonprofit homeschool businesses. In addition to my work in the health and education spheres, my husband and I support Christian missions through Christian Aid Missions, aligning our efforts with spreading Christian values and providing aid to those who need it.

My three adult daughters inspire me! Each one has overcome significant health challenges associated with chronic Lyme disease. Presently, they are not just thriving; they are embracing life to the fullest. Each one has followed their unique path whether traveling, learning new skills, caring for their families, or engaging in creative pursuits. I have enjoyed watching them successfully achieve their goals and create lives where they are flourishing.

I have always been committed to ongoing growth. I actively pursue new skills to better serve my clients. I strive to stay informed about the latest technologies and efficient task management methods. I enjoy networking within my industry which allows me to learn from successful peers. Additionally, I am always learning new things in personal areas of interest such as natural medicine, gardening and furniture restoration. 

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Explore our WOW Members Spotlights to see how these successful women in business are creating waves in their fields and communities.

Check out our Membership Spotlight Archives for more inspiring stories of W.O.W. women breaking barriers and advancing together.
Past Spotlights

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