How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your Instagram handle?
@emlconsultingllc
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Yes! Other than living in upstate New York for college and a brief stint on Long Island, I’ve lived in Greater Boston all my life. My family, good friends, and the educational system brought me back.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
I’m the Director of Business Development for Pepperlane, a company that supports women-owned microbusinesses. My career path has been broad and varied. If you told me at 18 that I’d end up in business and sales, I would’ve laughed!
I began as a social worker for adults with disabilities, earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology, and spent the first 15 years of my career in non-profits, working my way up to director roles. Eventually, I decided I wanted to work from home and stumbled upon Paint Nite in its early days. I launched one branch in Nashua, NH — and discovered my knack for business growth. Within five years, I had a business partner, 12 branches across 10 states, and over 80 employees.
After moving on from Paint Nite, I found Pepperlane, where I initially worked as a small business consultant. Pepperlane later contracted me to grow their Boost event program, and within a year, I was hired full-time as Director of Business Development.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
We’ve received countless wonderful testimonials about our Boost events, Pathways, and marketplace. My favorite quote sums it up:
“I am forever grateful I found Pepperlane. It has given me so many wonderful opportunities in my business. Not only did Pepperlane introduce me to my first client, but it also gave me the confidence and validation I needed as a new business owner.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Value yourself and your skills. It’s easy, especially for women, to get sidetracked by doubt or outside circumstances. Stay centered, focus on your many talents, and remember your worth. And if you forget — call your best friend, she’ll remind you!
What is your favorite book?
That’s like asking which child is my favorite! But if I had to choose, Little Women shaped me as a child. It taught me the importance of generosity, perseverance, humility, work ethic, love, family, and humor.
What is your secret weapon?
GCal — or it didn’t happen.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s not as bad as you think it is. And you’ll never regret being kind over being right.
How do you enjoy your free time?
Reading, shopping with my daughters, participating in community theater, and singing with a nonprofit that raises funds for cancer research through performance.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I got my first tattoo — a phoenix — at age 43.