Businesswomen Connect Through Chamber, Find Inspiration in Collaboration

Women empowering women is on the rise not only in our country but right here in North County San Diego. With over 11.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States, it is no
surprise we have groups of women business owners, in Oceanside, helping each other grow.
Since launching their businesses in the Oceanside community, this group of 6 female
entrepreneurs credits at least a portion of their success to the support and inspiration provided
by fellow female business owners.
 
These 6 women, Rita Lavasanipour, owner, Yummie Fountains; Kim DeGiulio, owner, Team
Souther - NRL Mortgage; Anastasia Kabitskaya, owner, Slight Edge Salon; Amanda Gerard,
owner, Kylie's Closet; Jyoie (pronounced Joey) Houston, owner, MedRev; and Marcy Browe,
owner, Marcy Browe Photography each own a different type of business with one thing in
common; they have inspired one another to take their businesses to the next level. 

After meeting at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, they quickly saw the benefits of
networking in this strong, vibrant community. “I have learned that true success comes from
supporting and collaborating with others, and I am truly grateful to have found it here in
Oceanside through local networking, the support of the community, and from other local
business owners,” Anastasia Kabitskaya expressed. As the owner of a hair salon, Anastasia
understands the importance of being a great mentor and team leader. She enjoys motivating the hair stylists in her salon and providing specialized training so each of the stylists can grow.
Attending community events and fundraisers are a big part of helping Anastasia build lasting
community relationships, which is key to her success.
 
Building relationships in the community seems to be a theme among these women.
"Encouraging other women entrepreneurs is a huge priority for me because I receive so
much support in my business from other women. Keeping that cycle of support alive
enables me to give back to this local community of women in business,” said Marcy Browe.
As a portrait photographer, Marcy has combined 15 years of experience in corporate marketing
with her passion for photographing people, to create her specialty in personal branding
photography. She takes pride in running an environmentally conscious business and she is a
passionate nature advocate.
 
Rita Lavasanipour expressed it well when she said, “Behind every strong businesswoman, she
is surrounded by strong businesswomen.” Being surrounded by other business women inspires
Rita’s fondue catering business. Between sponsoring fundraisers, volunteering within the
community, providing her service for corporate events, and family gatherings, Rita is able to be
a part of some of the happiest moments of people’s lives. Born in Oceanside, CA and raised in
Encinitas, CA Rita has a certain love for North County San Diego and the community it
provides.
 
Jyoie Houston echoes Rita stating, “The best part of living in Oceanside is the people. I have
made some wonderful friendships with other like-minded business owners who love to help and support each other.” With 20 years experience as an RN, medical revenue management is near and dear to Jyoie’s heart but she can help find solutions for any business. With a nickname like the “Money Nurse” you can be rest assured if your business has a pain point, Jyoie has the
cure.
 
“As a woman in business, it is important to encourage and support each other and pass the
knowledge we have to our future generations,” Amanda Gerard added. Passing knowledge
along is just what Amanda does, with her passion for creating clothing and costumes, by
teaching sewing classes at her shop. Amanda’s shop, named after her inspiration and daughter,
focuses on creating unique clothing for all ages.
 
Passing on knowledge also seems to be a common thread with this group of women. Kim
DeGiulio’s business thrives on sharing knowledge and supporting the community. As a
mortgage professional, her team’s goal is to educate people on all of their available mortgage
options, empowering them to make informed mortgage decisions for their family. Being new to
Oceanside, having recently relocated from Colorado, Kim is grateful for the local business
community and these women in particular. “Being new to an area and rebuilding your business
can be daunting. Luckily I found the Oceanside Chamber and it’s amazing members who have
supported me through all the trials and tribulations of a growing business.”
 
On average, women are opening 849 new businesses, each day, according to the 2017 State of
Women-Owned Businesses report. Rita, Kim, Anastasia, Amanda, Jyoie, and Marcy are excited
to welcome female entrepreneurs, old and new alike, to the Oceanside community. As they
continue to grow their businesses, these women look forward to supporting and inspiring other
women who are ready to take their business to the next level. 
​

Amanda Gerard, Kylies's Closet

Anastasia Kabitskaya, Slight Edge Salon

Jyoie Houston, MedRev

Kim DeGiulio, Team Souther

Marcy Browe, Marcy Browe Photography

Rita Lavasanipour, Yummie Fountains

​Check out the websites of these women-owned companies:
 
Rita Lavasanipour
Yummie Fountains
www.YummieFountains.com
 
Kim DeGiulio
Team Souther
www.TeamSouther.com
 
Anastasia Kabitskaya
Slight Edge Salon
www.SlightEdgeHairSalon.com
 
Amanda Gerard
Kylie’s Closet
www.Kylies-Closet.com
 
Jyoie Houston
MedRev
www.MedRevMgt.com
 
Marcy Browe
Marcy Browe Photography
www.MarcyBrowe.com