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Delaware’s Very Own Knope-worthy Galentine's Celebration

Delaware Female Creatives: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs One Keystroke at a Time

By Leslie Hudson, Wilmington-New Castle Macaroni KID Publisher March 6, 2024

On Saturday, February 17, Delaware City saw a flurry of white and shades of pink. Droves of Delawareans attended “Pretty in Pink,” a signature event hosted by Delaware Female Creatives and WILDCHILD Floral Bar.

So, what's Galentine's Day? Celebrated on February 13, this fictional-turned-real, global holiday honors female friendships, and was founded by Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler on Parks and Recreation. It started with a simple brunch, where Leslie honored and expressed gratitude for the supportive and inspirational women in her life.


Macaroni KID was a proud sponsor of this Pretty in Pink. This article was part of their sponsorship package.



Photo by Ashlee Emerson Photography



Building Connections Online and Off

During Heather Nunery’s time away at college in New England, the impact of supportive communities for women entrepreneurs was palpable. When she returned to Delaware after graduation, she searched for similar hubs of female empowerment, collaboration, and networking, but couldn’t find any. Since “mother is the necessity of invention,” she founded Delaware Female Creatives in 2019. 

Its mission was to celebrate and showcase the amazing talent of local, female business owners and creatives. What began as a humble Facebook group and Instagram quickly grew in leaps and bounds. A handful of group members grew into a thriving network of over 2,000 women-owned businesses and creatives. Nunnery explained, “The journey wasn't limited to the virtual realm. Networking events and happy hours were organized to facilitate face-to-face interactions, strengthening the bonds within the group.”

“Witnessing the growth and success of our members has been immensely gratifying. The impact has been profound. It goes beyond the digital realm, illustrating that meaningful connections can lead to the birth of businesses and creative partnerships.”




 


Floor to Ceiling of “Poetic, Noble Land-Mermaids” 

One thing was obvious as you entered Petit Social Studio - a photo studio and party space with a mix of historic charm and modern flair - Pretty in Pink was the epitome of ladies celebrating ladies. Gals were greeted with boss babes slinging gorgeous wares - everything from inspirational stickers to velvety workout clothes, from guilt-free beauty products to indulgent T. Swift cookies. 

We “kicked it, breakfast-style” thanks to Jamestown Catering’s elevated brunch items. Even the welcome drink matched the party’s positive theme. The DD Project creates world-class wine with purpose. Wine proceeds support statewide female entrepreneurship and educational initiatives. DD’s delightful champagne was paired with pillowy, cotton candy by Candy Connections, a 2023 DD Entrepreneurial Foundation grantee.

In between bites, sips, and actual grown-up talk, attendees shopped from small businesses like Kinj Collective, Full Time Designs, WILDCHILD Floral Bar, Cabernet Candles, M & L Custom Creations, Megan Morole Artistry, La Nunery Apothecary, Pretty Little Link, and paiya



"No one achieves anything alone." - Leslie Knope


Whether it is a Facebook like or a conversation between creatives, Delaware Female Creatives has built a warm and welcoming community. "Pretty in Pink," their flagship event, was just as empowering and supportive IRL as its online counterparts. 


Heather explains, “Delaware Female Creatives is a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when like-minded individuals join forces in pursuit of common goals. As I continue on my entrepreneurial journey, I've come to appreciate the significance of cultivating a network of individuals that not only understand my goals but actively contribute to each other's success,” gushed Heather.


Lucky for the ladies of Delaware, we are not alone, thanks to Delaware Female Creatives.




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