Women came from all over the Tri-State to participate in one big GNO — Girl’s Night Out — except it was during the day. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce hosted Symmetry Women’s Executive Luncheon at Oasis Conference Center in Loveland. Over 111 ladies gathered to enjoy each other’s company while visiting the 12 vendor booths, followed by a wonderful lunch provided by Oasis.

The event opened with a video produced by Vickie Sceifers that exemplified the struggle women face trying to meet the various challenges of life. After the video, emcees Jan Krakowski and Shelley Schooley, of Vibe Nutrition, stirred up the crowd as aloe shots were passed out and, on the count of three, thrown back!

Next, Chamber President, Jodi Inabnitt, welcomed everyone. She revealed the special events that had been going on behind the scenes of the luncheon, such as the drawing of 3 people to receive makeovers by Salon Rapport and Dillard’s Lancome. The 3 winners and their stylists came up front and showed off the new do’s and makeovers. [See editor's note below.]

Following that was the panel discussion on how to balance the home-work-health demands we all face. On the panel were three successful business women who deal with these issues in their respective businesses every day. Sandra Ambrose-Clark, President of ESJ Carrier Corp., has been in the transportation field for over 26 years and shared about her experiences of dealing with the many ups and downs throughout those years. Amy Storer-Scalia started Cincy Chic in 2007. It currently has over 20,000 subscribers. This lifestyle blog covers topics such as health, beauty, fashion, social and career, as well as a Chic Spotlight, which features a local newsworthy woman. Loveland’s own Jan Ranard, owner of Pizazz Studio and the 2012 Loveland Valentine Lady, spoke about the challenges of running a retail business and how she has had to adapt and change in order to remain successful. Be sure to visit her store in downtown Historic Loveland. You’re sure to find several gift items; if you don’t need them now, you will in the future! Panel moderator was Shari Goldsmith, author of “Finding Your Inner Sass“. The panel discussion even included a short Q&A session from the audience.

In closing, Jodi encouraged everyone to go to Salon Rapport’s booth for a quick curl and style before leaving. Several people took advantage of that offer and looked fabulous, of course!

On the way out, Tracy Cole, Chamber’s office manager, handed out the parting gifts, Swag Bags. These bags were Vera Bradley totes, provided by Pizazz Studios, and held a treasure trove of goodies donated by several businesses. Highlights of items from the bag are: a painting by Jamie Morath, commissioned just for this event, made into a mousepad by Lynn Thompson of Thompson Gifts and Awards; a scented diffuser; a small bottle of wine; designer cookies; a very professional notebook-type portfolio donated by Sandra Ambrose-Clark; and a variety of other samples and discount cards.

Major props to Tracy, Jodi and the committee for all their hard work, which certainly paid off. Symmetry was a fantastic event!

[EDITOR'S NOTE] I was a last minute addition to the makeovers and am still reeling from not only the kindness, but from the absolutely fabulous results! At Salon Rapport, I was given highlights, which I have wanted for years but never had the nerve, and a trim. My stylist, Brittaney, was very friendly and did a wonderful job. We were in a hurry because I had to get out to Oasis, but she explained everything as we went along, helping me to re-create it later. I actually went back the next day for a more relaxed demo and have been able to do a fairly decent job since then to style it similarly. My deepest gratitude also to Don Heywood for offering me this gift. I cannot recommend them highly enough for their knowledge, listening to what the client wants, and friendly attitude. Everyone who enters becomes a friend! Here are my before and after pictures. I’ll publish the others’ before and after photos if I get their permission.

Check out the gallery of all the photographs I took at the event. Feel free to right-click to download any of the images. These images will not look good if printed any larger than they are by default. If you would like a larger size for printing, please contact me and I can get you a larger resolution image. Diane Bomar of The New Studio was the official photographer and will have much nicer pictures. Contact her for some really nice stuff!

[Show as slideshow]