In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the journey can often feel like a solo expedition. However, for Cora Spearman-Chang and Bernadette Rivero, their involvement with WBEC-West and WBENC turned their solitary paths into a shared adventure filled with success, camaraderie, and mutual support. Their story exemplifies the profound impact of community and authentic connections in the business world. 

The Importance of Community 

The benefits of being part of a supportive community of women entrepreneurs go beyond networking. Pamela Williamson, CEO of WBEC-West, often highlights how these connections can lead to deep, meaningful relationships that enrich both personal and professional lives. She believes that true success in business isn’t just about the numbers but also about the bonds we form along the way. 

Cora Spearman-Chang, the CEO and founder of Coradorables / Cora Spearman Hawaii, stands as a testament to this belief. Her journey is remarkable, not only because she runs Hawaii’s only product-based certified B Corporation but also because her business is deeply rooted in local sourcing and manufacturing. Cora’s commitment to her community and the environment shines through her work, making her a beacon of responsible entrepreneurship. 

Building Bridges 

When Cora joined WBENC, she wasn’t just looking for certification; she was seeking a community. Through her involvement, she met Bernadette Rivero, a fellow entrepreneur whose passion for storytelling through her media company mirrored Cora’s dedication to sustainable fashion. Despite operating in different industries, their shared values and goals created a strong bond between them. 

Bernadette, the founder of The Cortez Brothers, a media company specializing in global production services, found in Cora not just a business ally but a true friend. Their relationship flourished through mutual support, shared experiences, and a common vision of empowering women in business. This friendship exemplifies how connections made through organizations like WBENC can transcend professional boundaries, leading to lifelong partnerships. 

The Magic of Authentic Connections 

Cora and Bernadette’s story highlights the magic that happens when women support each other in business. Their collaboration extends beyond their companies, influencing their personal growth and contributing to their communities. This powerful connection demonstrates that success is not just about individual achievements but also about lifting others and growing together. 

Through their journey, Cora and Bernadette have shown that authentic connections can drive success in unexpected ways. Their story encourages others to seek out these connections and experience the transformative power of community. 

Success Through Collaboration 

Cora’s involvement with WBENC and WBEC-West provided her with a platform to showcase her business and its values. This exposure has been instrumental in helping her brand gain recognition and trust within the industry. It also allowed her to share her story and inspire other women entrepreneurs who are on similar paths. 

Bernadette, on the other hand, found in Cora a source of inspiration and strength. Their collaboration led to innovative projects that blended their unique expertise, demonstrating the incredible potential of cross-industry partnerships. Their journey together underscores the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to explore new opportunities and perspectives. 

The Ripple Effect 

The bond between Cora and Bernadette has had a ripple effect, influencing others within their networks. Their story has inspired many to actively seek out and nurture meaningful connections. By sharing their experiences, they have become role models, encouraging a culture of support and collaboration among women entrepreneurs. 

Pamela Williamson’s vision for WBEC-West has always been to create an environment where women can thrive together. Cora and Bernadette’s success story is a testament to this vision. It shows that when women come together, they can achieve extraordinary things, both in business and in their personal lives. 

Moving Forward 

As Cora and Bernadette continue to grow their businesses, their friendship remains a cornerstone of their journey. They have set an example of what is possible when women support each other, not just in business but in all aspects of life. Their story is a powerful reminder that while the road to success may be challenging, it is the relationships we build along the way that truly make the journey worthwhile. 

In the end, Cora and Bernadette’s story is more than just a tale of business success. It is a celebration of friendship, community, and the incredible power of women coming together to support each other. Their journey serves as an inspiration to all women entrepreneurs, reminding us that we are stronger together and that the connections we make can lead to a lifetime of success and fulfillment. For more information about Cora Spearman-Chang and her business, visit https://www.coradorables.com. To learn more about Bernadette Rivero and The Cortez Brothers, check out https://www.cortezbrothers.com/. To listen to their full journey, click this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/friendship/ 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)  

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.