Business feature: Expo to bring businesswomen together

Courtesy photo: Ernie Kos

From left, Joy Felty, Sabra Smith and Sydnee Horton decorate glasses for the “Martini Madness” fundraising event at last year’s inaugural High Plains Women’s Expo. Organizers hope to raise at least $3,000 at this year’s expo on Saturday for United Way of Eastern New Mexico.

It may have taken 40 years, but Yolanda Vela will finally make her childhood dream a reality on Saturday.

Anticipating her own fashion show debut at the second annual High Plains Women’s expo, Vela said she wants to prove to herself and to others that “it’s never too late.”

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Clovis Civic Center, local women will get the chance to mingle, network and promote their businesses. While the event is free, visitors are encouraged to give back to the community through various donations to local nonprofit organizations.

The event offers more than 40 vendor and exhibitor booths, at least 20 presenters and speakers, plus plenty of fundraisers and a blood drive.

Clovis Civic Center General Manager Misty Bertrand described the expo as both “a consumer show” and “the ultimate girls’ weekend experience.”

“It’s basically an empowerment event to bring women together so they can network, pool their resources and see what’s available in the community,” Bertrand said. “To help them better themselves, their lives, and learn to be happy with who they are.”

For businesswomen like Vela, the expo is an opportunity to not only strengthen their clientele, but also strengthen themselves and each other.

“There are not enough words to describe what this means to me,” Vela said. “This is a passion I’ve had that I’ve tucked away since I was 11, and this is as close to fashion as I can get.”

In May, Vela opened her boutique space, Glow31, in the Exhibit A store in Clovis. Vela, 51, is preparing to organize her fashion show debut for Saturday’s expo.

As a single parent and a counselor in mental health therapy, Vela said opening the shop was “not easy” and hopes her fashion show will inspire others.

“This expo is an event that empowers women,” she said, “and I want to empower all kinds of women. I love seeing women succeed and building each other up. This event went along the lines of both my personal and professional philosophy. It’s an opportunity where passion and destiny meet for me.”

Vela’s contemporary styles on the runway will be one of two fashion shows at the expo; the other is a pinup show put on by MLS Studios Photographer Missy Terry.

Both are equally focused on the theme of empowerment.

Terry’s fashion show will consist of women displaying their pinup makeovers — hair, clothes and makeup — as they walk up and down the catwalk.

“In this world that we live in today,” Terry said, “it’s hard for women to get going on the business front, especially women who are independent business owners. To put on an expo and see what different opportunities are available, it’s empowering to women. Don’t listen to outsiders; you can do whatever you put your mind to.”

One person who knows all about building strength in women is Megan Martinez.

At the expo, the fitness instructor at Force of One Martial Arts will not only speak about nutrition, but also give a fitness demonstration.

Martinez said she’s looking forward to being at the expo for the second time.

“My favorite part last year was getting to be around other women in the community that have businesses and have a vision,” she said. “It was a really great experience for me and all the women that gained knowledge. I look forward to that this year and building relationships. It’s very inspiring to be around that many women that are strong and focused.”

The expo will also feature a variety of seminars and presentations, ranging from gun safety to car seat safety.

Topping off the night will be the “Martini Madness” fundraiser to raise money for United Way of Eastern New Mexico. The painted martini glasses, decorated at various painting parties leading up to the event, will be sold with the chance to win prizes.

Bertrand said the goal is to raise at least $3,000 — more than double what was raised last year.

Despite being a “women’s” expo, the event is geared toward anyone in the community.

“Everybody’s invited out,” Bertrand said. “It’s for women, and it’s for the gentlemen that love and support women. Kids can come too. There’ll be a little bit of everything for everyone.”