Zero to 1 Hundred January Issue | Page 11

Ladies & Gentlemen, I introduce the Founders of

Zero to 1 Hundred........

Melinda Herron & Leia Avery

Page 9

Since the first conversation between these two women, they knew they were destinted to go from Zero to 1 Hundred. Although Melinda Herron, of Events by M. Herron and Leia Avery, of Just Play Chicago had successful businesses individually, it was inevitable for these two to collectively host some of Chicago's most prominent events in 2014. From Scandal Viewing parties, "All I Do Is Win" Game Nights, to the International Bites Gala with over 350 guests, they approached 2015 with a vision to expand their brand.

"Many may say that building your brand is difficult and resources for African American women are scarce. At the start of our journey, we might have agreed with you, but after a year of networking, numerous successes and 2015 looking more promising than ever, we would have to disagree. The most valuable advice that we can give anyone is surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs and always be the most valuable asset of your business."

The connections and business relationships we have built within the last year from hosting multiple events, has led us to develop a larger network full of talented business professionals in their individual craft. We realized that alot of small business owners have a great product or service but they lack the knowledge or connections to market and promote their brand. This is how Zero to 1 Hundred became one of the most sought after organizations in Chicago.

Since June 2014, Melinda & Leia have established

influential strategic partners such as the WBDC

(Women's Business Development Center). These ladies

were personally

selected by Jasmine

Nabors & Bethany

Hartley of WBDC to

promote the

annual Women's

Conference, with

Judy Smith as the

Keynote Speaker.

This wasn't just

happenstance.

Kerry Washington's

character, Olivia

Pope, is partially

based on former

George H.W. Bush

administration

press aide Judy

Smith, who serves

as a co-executive

Since June 2014, Melinda & Leia have established influential strategic partners such as the WBDC (Womens's Business Development Center). These ladies were personally selected by Jasmine Nabors & Bethany Hartley of WBDC, to promote the annual Women's Entrepreneurial Conference, that featured Judy Smith as the Keynote speaker. This wasn't just happenstance. Kerry Washington's character, Olivia Pope, is partially based on former George H.W. Bush administration press aide Judy Smith, who serves as a co-executive producer of Scandal and because we host veiwing parties for the TV Show Scandal, both Bethany and Jasmine thought it would be ingenious to partner and promote the conference and viewing party.

Their strategic partnerships doesn't stop there. Leia & Melinda host a monthly "All I Do Is Win" Game Nights at Park Tavern, where a portion of tickets sales are donated to the Metro Board, a division of the Chicago Urban League. This partnership was formulated as a direct result of simply having a conversation with Muhammad Shabazz, the Social Activities Chair and Lashonda Moore, Corresponding Secretary of the Executive board with the Metro Board. "Although we became members of the Metro Board less than a year ago, we believe that our partnership with the Metro Board is very viable to small business growth in Chicago and will strenghten as we progress."

Throughout 2014, they teamed up with local charities such as The Greater Food Depository, Boys and Girls Club and Windy City Habitat for Humanity. "As we grow, we will continue to give back."

producer of Scandal and because Melinda & Leia host viewing parties for the TV Show Scandal, both Bethany and Jasmine thought it would be ingenious to partner and promote the conference and viewing party simultaneously.

Their strategic partnerships doesn't stop there. Leia & Melinda host monthly "All I Do Is Win" Game Nights at Park Tavern, where a portion of tickets sales are donated to the Metro Board, a division of the Chicago Urban League. This partnership was formulated as a direct result of simply having a conversation with Muhammad Shabazz, the Social Activities Chair and Lashonda Moore, Corresponding Secretary of the Executive board with the Metro Board. "Although we became members of the Metro Board less than a year ago, we believe that our partnership with the Metro Board is very viable to small business growth in Chicago and will strenghten as we progress."

Throughout 2014, they teamed up with local charities such as The Greater Food Depository, Boys and Girls Club and Windy City Habitat for Humanity. "As we grow, we will continue to give back."

1+1=100

Zero to 1 Hundred

Courtesy of CRHarper Photography