International Day of the Girl 2024
International Day of the Girl was founded in 2011 by the UN to highlight girls' rights and focus on empowerment of girls worldwide. The theme for International Day of the Girl 2024 is "Girls' vision for the future.' In the spirit of this theme, we've asked local female entrepreneurs and business leaders to look back and share words of wisdom they wish they could give their childhood selves. We hope these messages inspire girls and young women to look towards their own futures with optimism and inspiration thanks to the encouragement of our community. As a female-founded, owned, and led business, we are thrilled to be honoring our community in this way.
"Anything is possible. All you need is clarity and focus and the drive to bring it to reality. Also, tune into your own radio frequency and keep the static at bay."
Aline Buzzarello, Founder & Baker | Taart
Originally from Brazil, Aline credits the women in her family and her upbringing for instilling in her the values and baking mastery needed to create Taart. She refined her skills at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Madrid and trained at Michelin-star restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca, Benares, and Tasquita de Enfrente. Now based in Napa, Aline has honed her craft to make exquisite cakes, cookies, confectionery, and more.
Her Advice:
"Entrepreneurship is often challenging. There is not a single day that passes by that I don't question myself. I rely on my inner child to keep the spirits high when I doubt my talents and strengths. Treat your inner child with kindness and understanding, make time in your day for fun and creativity! Nurturing our inner child daily with love helps foster healing and growth."
Tara Jasper, Founder & Owner | Sipsong Spirits
Blending botanicals to create exceptional teas and gins comes naturally to Tara. After much experimentation with tea infusion, shrub making, and more, she began distilling and crafting liqueurs. A true example of strength and resilience, Tara continued leading her company through a breast cancer diagnosis back in 2019. Today, Tara uses her experience to champion for genetic testing and preventative measures, most notably working with Sutter Santa Rosa's Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing program.
Her Advice:
“You will leave a legacy, just keep following your intuition.”
Linda Cermak, Founder & Baker | Red Bird Bakery
Inspired by family, Linda nurtures her community with freshly baked goodies, from flakey croissants to seasonal galettes. Red Bird Bakery recently won the Press Democrat's Best of Sonoma County Reader's Choice Awards Best Bakery, which is no surprised to anyone who's stopped by one of their booths at a local farmer's market. Linda's dedication to local ingredients and creativity have created many loyal fans, leading to them expanding to two storefronts in Santa Rosa and Cotati.
Her Advice:
"Never give up on anything you truly believe in. You might fail a few times but, you must keep pushing forward. Believe in your power! If you want something in life, you will have to work hard for it and it will make it all worth it in the end. Absolutely stay in your integrity, self love, and self care. We can love everyone around us with all we have but, we need to take care of ourselves too."
Erin Hines, Founder & Owner | Bitter Girl Bitters
Erin founded Bitter Girl Bitters in 2013, utilizing her years of bartending experience to create vibrant, locally-sourced bitters. What originally started as a hobby blossomed into an award-winning business. Erin still utilizes fresh ingredients from her garden, including pears, hops, roses, lavender, and mint. Her commitment to quality and her values as a business owner are truly aspirational.
Her Advice:
"Stay true to who you are and what your gut tells you. I waited too long to do that for myself. There is no better strength than being your authentic self every day."
Emily Lynch, Founder & Owner | Acorn
When you walk into Acorn, whether it be the Sebastopol location or the Petaluma location, you are immediately immersed into a world where everyday moments turn into purposeful rituals. Emily infuses her dedication to serenity and fulfillment of self into every decision made to build Acorn. She lives by the adage, "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow." This powerful phrase not only inspired the name of Emily's shop but also her mission to find transformative power in small beginnings.
Her Advice:
"It can be painful to feel that you don’t fit in, but having a unique way of thinking, seeing and living life is a gift, and that showing up as your authentic self actually helps others to do the same."
Photo Credit: Fours Media
Alexandra Zandvliet, Founder & Baker | Sarmentine
Originally a midwife, Alexandra opened her first bakery in 2021. Her passion for quality bread and baked goods started at a young age, taking trips to the local boulangerie in her native France. Alex quickly grew her operation from a cottage business, selling bread through a Facebook page, to a local favorite with multiple storefronts. Since recently expanding to a new location in Petaluma, Alexandra's baked goods have garnered even more fans.
Her Advice:
"Don’t be shy, ask for help or advice when you need some. Don’t waste your time with envy or anger, this is not worth it. Trust your gut and believe in yourself. Yes you can do it.. just try. And finally, the most important thing, is to enjoy your life, every moment of it. Be happy, it’s all that matters!"
Joanne Krueger, Founder & Co-Owner | Little Apple Treats
Grown out of a love for vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers, Joanne started Little Apple Treats in 2009 with her husband Dan. After finding success with their first business, Flatland Flower Farm, Joanne and Dan bought a house in the middle of an apple orchard. What started as Joanne experimenting with the apples grown in their backyard turned into a blossoming business venture. Joanne continues to create all the recipes to this day, showcasing her creativity and craftsmanship.
Her Advice:
"Stay true to your vision. No one does things like you do and that's fine. Also, watch the movie "the Big Picture" from 1989—it's all about compromising your vision...or not."