Being able to highlight Barbara Winter as an “official” Woman Who WOWS is a huge honor for us! Although she didn’t know it at the time, she was by my side at the very beginning of my entrepreneurial journey! Her book, Making A Living Without A Job was the first business book I ever read — and, to this day, the business book I’ve re-read most often. She’s practical and inspirational, fun and strategic.  Do yourself a favor and visit her at  www.joyfullyjobless.com.

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the “WOW” factor?

Conscious devotion to creating her best life.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

The female celebrities that I admire most aren’t performers, but writers and my short list would include Anne Lamott, Mary Oliver and JK Rowling. The great lesson from these women is to keep creating whether anyone is paying attention or not.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

I learned a cautionary lesson from watching her: low self-esteem leads to a life of sadness and frustration.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Stay wildly curious and share what you learn along the way.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

“Work with the Willing” became my mantra a few years ago and it’s made everything I do more joyful and effective.

Pam Guyer is the mother of three… a published author… and a “kick-sass” business woman. But the thing I love about her most? That she admits to still having a “crush” on her husband! Not many women can say that — and mean it! Seriously excited to feature Pam’s wisdom here, because she’s definitely a Woman Who WOWS! (Find more about her here: www.hippmoms.com)

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the “WOW” factor?

A woman that lives on purpose and owns herself!  She knows what it is she wants, and she creates her life by design (not default).   She does not follow the crowd, or take her “lot” in life.  She casts a vision for her life and based on that vision, she creates the opportunity to work and play as she chooses.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Oprah:  Live Your Best Life.   Oprah teaches us how to listen to our gut, how to discover our purpose and how to follow that vision and dream and inner voice that whispers our calling.

Maria Shriver:  Reinvent Yourself.  Maria knows from experience that we need to reinvent to grow, change, adapt and thrive.  She teaches us to be empowered and build ourselves so that we can build our future.

Rita Davenport (not a celebrity but is a National Speaker).  What you think about you bring about! Rita teaches women how to increase their level of expectation and to ”mind their mind”.
To expect great things, visualize what you want, and take action to get there.   (www.ritadavenport.com)

Amy Cosper is the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. She has been described as fun,  quirky, surprising and uber-authentic.  Always impressively authentic. And ballsy.  Whether she’s riding a four-wheeler, her  new Ducati, or perhaps a horse, I have a feeling this girl’s ALWAYS in control.  And always ready to go a BIT further than the day before.  Since she took over as the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, the Editor’s Note has — consistently — been one of my favorite parts of the magazine.  This Woman Who WOWs is inspiring — and equipping — entrepreneurs all over the world and is definitely one to watch! Reach out to her on twitter at @EntMagazineAmy.

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the “WOW” factor?

Ramona Rice is a massage therapist, mom, wife, sister, daughter and employer.  She also happens to be a University of Virginia grad, which we'll just have to forgive her for.  (lol, Ramona!) That slight lapse in judgement aside, this woman is SO WOW Worthy!!  Take a minute to get to know her.  If you live anywhere close to Newport News, be sure to schedule a massage at Destress Express, the WOW! Worthy business she owns.  Their services are phenomenal and I'm a huge fan!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

Confidence- all about attitude- you can do anything you want with the right attitude.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Angelina Jolie – she owns what she does without apologizing

Ellen DeGeneres – proves you can dance and be happy while you work

Betty White – working your strengths is the best advice

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

Lynn: Women can be independent and strong – be a trailblazer not a path follower

Ramona: Never let fear get in the way of opportunity.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

How to start a conversation – in our business we love making our clients feel welcome and invited – often it is simply saying hello to a stranger. You will probably make their day

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Create great partnerships with other small businesses and local charities! We have grown so much largely through word of mouth because of our business connections. And you need to be involved within your community, so that means maybe giving away a product for free so a charity can do a raffle or volunteering. Make sure it is something you’re passionate about because that generosity will come back to you tenfold.

DeStress Express

www.DestressExpress.com

Meet Jane Falter.  Baby Boomer.  Mom.  Dog mom. =) Courageous coach.  Mindful mentor.  She's most certainly a woman who WOWS, and I'm excited to introduce her to you!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

It starts with passion—but that’s not enough. It’s the willingness to take bold risks to make passion into reality.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Oprah – Her lesson is that all of us have an opportunity to achieve greatness—no matter where we start from. I love the fact that she doesn’t apologize for her wealth. She’s earned it.

Robin Roberts (Good Morning America) – Her willingness to share her personal experience with cancer helped so many people. By making our selves vulnerable and sharing our pain and failures might help others who are in the same boat and feel alone. We never know how we impact others either in our words or as a role model.

Whitney Houston – We learn from others in many ways. I selected Whitney as a reminder for all of us not to discard our God-given talents and gifts.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

When I was feeling discouraged, my mother would often remind me that others (she would name a friend of mine) have done it—I can too. She gave me encouragement to go for it. When I feel like I can’t do it, I think of my mother’s encouraging words.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Determination. While others may have given up a long time ago, I have mustered enough gumption to keep going. I guess it’s because I felt that there was no other option for me.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Utilize and hone into your intuition. I had wanted to become a coach for 10 years, but pushed that feeling aside with excuse after excuse. Once I got laid off, I decided to go for it. That “voice” I heard for 10 years was my intuition trying to speak to me. It seemed that after I took that big step, I began to recognize that voice and while I might be fearful, I follow it and it has become louder and stronger. I believe that “voice” is God speaking to us—leading us to fulfill our life’s purpose.

Determined. Strong. Smart. Real. These are just some of the words that describe Michelle Braden, CEO of msbcoach.com. She also happens to win WOW! Factor points in my book because she looks BACK to give the most compelling direction to her clients, even offering a "Jefferson Leadership course." Excited for you to get to know Michelle Braden, Woman Who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

Her ability to be comfortable with herself, confident in her skin, knowing who she in professionally as well as personally and able to build authentic relationships with other women

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Diane Sawyer, Meryl Streep, Julie Andrews and Diane Keaton – all of these women are beautiful inwardly as well as outwardly, they have strong minds and physically take care of themselves – they have a passion for giving to something greater than themselves – really I would rather pick women I know and have relationships with – I could tell you about many of them and EXACTLY what they teach me.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

You can not change anyone but yourself – and to be confident in who you are as a person not what you do or a title you have

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Wisdom and tenacity – hopefully I am continually developing both in myself

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Build strong relationships around you to create a support group to encourage you as well as hold you accountable

Carla Bailey — mom, business owner, community leader — is one of the most connected women in the Hampton Roads area. As CEO of USA Backgrounds Incorporated, her devotion to business and community is driven by a love for her family. To me, this alone gives her the WOW! Factor. Please take a minute to learn what you can from Carla Bailey, Woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

I enjoy being with women who are so confident, that they simply expect positive outcomes to their challenges. They have the capacity, influence, and leverage connections to solve big problems.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Oprah Winfrey – has the gift of articulating her power and the power that is in all of us, unlike anyone I have ever heard. She is connected to her power and she understands that she can do anything with it. She choose to do “good”, and that is how I believe we get to the next level of power and influence that is granted by the all mighty. Angelina Jolie – is who I would consider and example of a humble “Woman Warrior.” The paparazzi captures and tracks her fame, beauty, and money, but her choices to go into the most horrific, dangerous, and poorest places on earth to help the destitute, is her “real truth” and her profound purpose. Harriett Tubman – we all know the story; but when think about the courage of this woman, and her skill-set to build relationships and establish multi- state operations to see her mission through, in those times… is mind blowing. She selflessly risked her life, time and time again to bring her people out of captivity into freedom. How can any woman fear or lack the courage to do anything in the United States of America in 2012 when you read her story?

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

My mother encouraged me to be independent and to be an independent thinker. In that, it has helped me in my role as a wife and mother. I am encouraged and aware of my commitment to my family’s successes and growth. I understand that I have a “place” in my family; and it is to love hard, create safe forward thinking intellectual environments, empower, exhibit excellence, and to create the “standard”.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

I am not afraid to get out of my comfort zone. It is my opinion, that when you are out of your comfort zone, it presents opportunities for growth. Get into circles with individuals who can elevate you to new and higher levels of personal and professional growth. There are things you will see and learn that you many not ever have learned within your own “comfy” circles. I can learn from almost anyone, even a fool; I can learn how not to be one. Remember to be comfortable in who you are, and do not place so much importance in those who are around you that you allow them to make you uncomfortable or nervous. Strangers respect power and confidence, not fear.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Be a problem solver. When you live a life solving problems you possess the following: The ability to be kind and loving The ability to influence You serve mankind You have empathy for those who lack You are provided with unforeseeable resources You grow to higher levels of purpose and success

Maria Pinochet is the rockstar behind www.koreaccess.com, with a focus on marketing leadership! I just love her approach on the WOW! Factor: a woman's ability to be calm in the face of chaos, and can't wait to introduce her to you. Meet Maria, a woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

I find the amazing “WOW” factor in women when they display calm in the face of chaos – be it screaming kids, demanding clients or a crazy busy schedule!

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Hillary Clinton – grace and wits under pressure.

Oprah Winfrey – caring is a platform for success.

Ellen DeGeneres – fairness and acceptance are pillars for stardom.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

I always admired my mom’s ability to put anyone at ease. She has a way to draw people out, to make them feel important and engage them in lively conversation. To this day I still think of her and what she would do when I find myself in need of social grace and poise.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU Possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Single-minded persistence!

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Set a course and persist till you arrive at your desired destination. Examine your values and objectives and be true to yourself about the goals that you MUST accomplish to be fully satisfied. Ensure your success by asking from those that have achieved that same goal what you need to do next to move forward. Celebrate each step you take that moves you closer to your ultimate success!

In an industry often judged by it's hype, Julie Henderson is the REAL DEAL… teaching others how to create success in direct sales! Coach, mentor, author, and life long learner, Julie is definitely a woman who WOWS! Meet Julie, and let her show YOU how to be UNstoppable!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

Self-confidence. Women who are self-confident are often successful in business and life. Each of us has the ability to adopt new behaviors to effectively reprogram feelings about our abilities and personal worth.

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, (COURAGE) "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot."

Rosa Parks, The First Lady of Civil Rights (SELF-WORTH) “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

Corrie ten Boom, a Militant Heroine, (FAITH) “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog — the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.”

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

Organization skills. My mom was masterful in managing a household of eight, planting a garden, milking cows, feeding chickens, working on the land, preparing daily delicious home-cooked meals and desserts, plus she still had time for her craft hobbies.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

Positive attitude. If you can always see the glass as half full rather than half empty, choose to see the good in EVERYTHING, you will be happy.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Never compare yourself to others. You have your own unique gifts and talents to share with the world.

I met Laura Wayland in the stands of our sons' baseball game a couple years ago… when she and her husband were FIRST considering expanding their existing business to our small town. BOY am I glad they made the leap… visiting Chip's Beer and Wine is a regular Friday event for me now! Meet Laura, wine lover, successful business owner, (my) neighbor and TRULY a woman who WOWS!

What ONE THING do you think gives a woman the "WOW" factor?

The ability to inspire others!

What three female celebrities do you think we could learn from – and what ONE sentence lesson do they teach us?

Wow, I don’t know why I am having such trouble with this one. I don’t really follow celebrities, but in thinking about it I would definitely have to include Oprah Winfrey. She has taught me to listen and learn from others experiences and to listen to good advice. She is inspiring! Wonder Woman was my all time favorite super hero when I was little. I would intently watch her show. She is the epitome of girl power and I love it! Mary Kay Ash. Although, she is not technically a celebrity. She is an entrepreneur, businesswoman and enabled women to go to work for themselves in a time when it is was not that celebrated. I admire people that step out of the box, like she did.

What is the most important lesson you learned from YOUR Mom?

When you get knocked down, pick yourself back up. My mom was a single mom, working a full time job and taking me and my three sisters to every activity in the world. She always put us first and I saw strength in her that she probably didn’t even see in herself.

If women could instantly emulate ONE trait, habit or skill set that YOU possess, which trait, habit or skill set should it be?

I don’t take “no” for an answer. Actually, I don’t even think that world is in my vocabulary. If I want it, I go after it. I make it happen. I use my vision, I create and then take action.

What ONE success tip or strategy can you leave us with?

Do everything with intention and follow through. So many people lack the confidence to try and give up on themselves too easily. Have a vision, make a plan and follow through. Don’t give up on yourself so easily!