What year did Phoenix officially surpass one million residents — opening new opportunities for women-led businesses?

Quote Of The Day

“Behind every successful woman is herself.”

Across the United States, more people are rediscovering the satisfaction of hands-on creation, fueling a dynamic maker movement.

From resin art and polymer clay jewelry to candle pouring, the revival reflects a deep craving for mindful creativity and tactile mindfulness.

This crafting resurgence prioritizes intentionality over perfection, offering meditative escapes like woodworking and upcycled décor that soothe the mind in a digital world.

Every handmade piece becomes a symbol of personal expression and creative wellness.

Online platforms spark inspiration and foster community, while local workshops and events—like Nashville’s TN Maker Fest and Fayetteville’s Maker Faire NWA—bring creative people together and strengthen local bonds.

In our fast-paced era, making things by hand offers a luxurious pause, where the process is just as fulfilling as the result.

Authenticity and joy truly flourish in this new wave of DIY creativity.

Tip of The Day

Network horizontally, not just vertically—peer relationships often unlock the biggest collaborations.

Fiji welcomes solo female travelers with its blend of tropical beauty, vibrant culture, and heartfelt hospitality.

This South Pacific paradise features over 300 islands, allowing women journeying alone to find both adventure and tranquility.

Locals greet visitors with their signature “Bula!”, creating an atmosphere of warmth and safety from the busy markets of Suva to boat rides out to the Yasawa Islands.

Many resorts offer women-only dorms and curated excursions to help solo travelers feel secure and engaged.

Nadi and Denarau serve as easy starting points, while Taveuni, known as the “Garden Island,” dazzles with lush trails and waterfalls.

The Yasawa Islands’ beaches and close-knit resorts promote friendships and relaxing experiences, perfect for those seeking meaningful connections over parties.

Popular activities include snorkeling, yoga, local village tours, or simply unwinding by the ocean—each enriching the solo travel experience in Fiji.

Interesting Facts

• Phoenix is one of the top five U.S. cities for female-owned businesses.

• Women lead over 45% of startups in Arizona’s health tech sector.

• Phoenix’s women-run coworking spaces, like The Hera Hub, are among the fastest-growing in the country.

In 2025, a growing number of people are turning to mindful living, focusing on sustainability and personal well-being.

Adopting eco-friendly habits like reusable products and supporting local, ethical goods is at the heart of the shift toward sustainable lifestyles.

Minimalism also remains popular, helping individuals declutter and choose quality, leading to a more intentional and simplified daily experience.

Remote work continues to offer flexibility, allowing better balance and more control over daily routines.

To ease digital fatigue, many people are embracing digital minimalism, limiting their screen time and choosing offline activities to support mental health.

Personalized wellness takes center stage as wearable technology and AI-driven plans help tailor fitness routines.

Together, these trends reflect a commitment to healthier, more conscious lifestyles, prioritizing well-being and balance over excess.

🍁 Roasted Delicata Squash & Blackberry Fall Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings (seeds removed)
  
  

• 2 cups baby arugula
  
  

• 1 cup shredded radicchio
  
  

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
  
  

• ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  
  

• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper
  
  

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss delicata squash rings with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until caramelized, flipping halfway.
   
   

2. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
   
   

3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, radicchio, blackberries, and roasted squash. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
   
   

4. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts.
   
   

5. Serve immediately while the squash is still warm for a cozy contrast.

Why it Works:
This salad blends savory, sweet, tart, and creamy — with roasted squash bringing warmth, blackberries adding brightness, and radicchio giving a bitter edge. It’s light but deeply satisfying, perfect for fall lunches or dinners.

National Coffee Day goes beyond great brews, spotlighting the women entrepreneurs infusing the coffee industry with creativity and genuine leadership.

Across the country, female founders are transforming cafés into lively community spaces, prioritizing sustainability and empowering others through their ventures.

In Salem, Oregon, the Women/BIPOC Coffee Club for Startups and Entrepreneurs stands as a vital network for small business owners, nurturing leadership and collective resilience.

Racine, Wisconsin features the Strong Women, Strong Coffee series, where local trailblazers like AnaLisa Garcia of Ambitious Vibes Candle Co. inspire with stories of success and bold change.

These efforts mark a powerful shift—women are not just part of coffee culture; they are defining its purpose and future. Today, let’s honor the women crafting a more authentic, empowered, and connected industry.

Secret Little Hack

Use the Arizona Commerce Authority’s free business mentoring portal—it connects you to state-backed funding tips most owners don’t know about.

As 2025 draws to a close, communities throughout the desert Southwest are energized by the Great Lock-In, a growing grassroots movement.

This initiative urges residents to dedicate the year’s final months to personal growth, productivity, and community engagement.

First sparked by social media, the Great Lock-In has blossomed into a region-wide push to end the year on a high note.

People are setting bold fall goals—from boosting wellness habits to intentionally shopping local.

In cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Palm Springs, the movement aligns naturally with the desert lifestyle.

Cooler weather sees locals embracing outdoor activities, fueling self-improvement and discipline.

Businesses adapt by offering programs to keep the community motivated and focused.

The Great Lock-In highlights the enduring spirit and unity of these vibrant desert communities.

1985