The Women Founders Forum brought together a mix of emerging and established founders, operators, and investors for an afternoon of candid conversation, insights, and meaningful connection. The event, hosted by William Blair’s Private Wealth Management, highlighted topics from investor readiness and scaling strategies to mentorship and the broader resources founders can leverage as they build their brand.
In opening remarks, Laura Coy, partner and head of William Blair’s philanthropy and sustainability, encouraged attendees to lean into connection and action. Nancy Bonges, director of community engagement, reinforced the importance of intentionally making time to build new partnerships, noting that the event was meant to help “bring people together in ways that create access and opportunity.”
“We hope you leave this event feeling inspired, ready to open your network and make connections that could change someone’s trajectory,” Coy said.
Scale, Support, and Self-Reliance
Featuring two founders, the event underscored the importance of moving forward on your goals without a “perfect plan,” as well as using resources and relationships to secure capital to grow your business.
Jessica Fairchild, co-founder and partner of Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC, spoke about taking risks and staying open to “next steps.”
Reflecting on starting her own law firm without a clear roadmap, Fairchild credited her determination and belief in herself in motivating her to take the first step.
“It’s important to be willing to pivot,” Fairchild said. “Sometimes you have to leap at the opportunity as it’s before you.”
Hanahana Beauty Founder Abena Boamah-Acheampong shared an honest perspective when discussing how she built her business.
As her business grew—eventually expanding into retail—she pointed to a challenge many founders face.
“We bootstrapped for five years,” Boamah-Acheampong said. “When you want to scale, you need that capital injection to scale, too.”
Without the necessary funding, scaling for large retail partnerships proved to be a difficult fit, and Boamah-Acheampong eventually pivoted back to direct-to-consumer. The Hanahana founder recognized the tradeoffs in taking on significant capital, including dilution of her equity and control in the company.
At the same time, she emphasized something business owners often overlook.
“One of the best strategies for growth is actually prioritizing taking care of yourself,” Boahmah-Acheampong said.
An Impactful Difference for Business Owners
William Blair’s Chris Brathwaite, partner and director of pre-liquidity planning, concluded the event by reminding attendees of the firm’s work with founders. Providing planning expertise to founders and business owners, he and his team guide clients through liquidity events.
“We focus on how our capabilities can be as impactful as possible to founders,” Brathwaite said. “That means not just advising on a transaction but helping think through their long-term financial and personal goals, estate structure, philanthropy strategies, and tax efficiency alongside it.”
Across both discussions, speakers underscored that growth doesn’t always follow a linear line, access to capital remains a challenge for many founders and owners, and the right network—whether it’s investors, advisors, or other founders—can make an impactful difference along the way.
Connect With Our Featured Women Founders
Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC
Jessica Fairchild, Co-Founder, Partner
Hanahana Beauty
Abena Boamah-Acheampong, Founder
Inspiro Tequila
Mara Smith, Founder
LAB (Lillian Augusta Beauty)
Jannice Newson, Founder
Zoomies
Devon Brown, Founder