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Writer's pictureAileen Mendoza

#HerStory: Highlighting Selena Barabino for National Women' Small Business Month - Amaryllis Beaute Haven, LLC Testimony



October is National Women's Small Business Month, and we want to highlight Selena Barabino, founder of Amaryllis Beaute Haven, LLC! This is #HerStory.


My name is Selena Barabino, founder of Amaryllis Beaute Haven, LLC., Toledo, OH, a beauty cosmetic aesthetics business that is coming in the summer of 2024.  First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Women of Toledo, Ms. Lisa Halsey, Ms. Kerri Brimmer (Brimmer Designs), Ms. Linda Fayerweather (Toledo Lucas Co. Public Library), Ms. Stephanie Villegas (ECDI), and the Toledo Chamber of Commerce.  All the above have been very inspiring, encouraging, and impactful to where I am today in my business. 



I was asked to discuss the connection I had with the Women of Toledo and how they helped me through my journey.  I knew nothing about Women of Toledo until I met Ms. Kerri Brimmer, Brimmer Designs.  She informed me that as far as networking, marketing your business, learning how to open your business, and future successes, this is the small business support team you need to be in contact with.  And she was correct. I hit the jackpot. Women of Toledo provided a great number of helpful resources, learning materials/links, great connections, and support like none other.  Ms. Lisa Halsey, Program Associate of Women of Toledo, reached out to learn about my business, how it started, and my goals, mission, and needs.  She provided a wealth of resources and additional support that were essential for my startup.  I was also invited to attend their Mentors on the Moment, Her Hub Luncheon, and other networking events.


On September 28, 2023, I attended the Mentors on the Moment (M.o.M) session. This session is purposefully set up so every mentee who enters the room can make that connection and speak to as many business mentors as possible.  I met experienced women business entrepreneurs who, without any hesitation, gave you great insight, advice, and support.  Being a new business entrepreneur with no clientele, every encounter I had with these knowledgeable women made me feel involved and encouraged to continue my journey even when it gets difficult; they reminded me that the Women of Toledo are here to support me.  


One of the mentors I met was Ms. Stephanie Villegas, Director of Lending and Sales, ECDI.  I sat down in front of her and learned about the funding ECDI can assist with. From that point on, it was history.  Ms. Stephanie and I worked closely as I was approved for funding for my business.  I never felt judged and always felt supported and encouraged.  On November 21, 2023, Ms. Stephanie Villegas called to inform me my loan was APPROVED!  Literally, one of the happiest days of my life.  I shared this great news with all the wonderful support networks that I connected with, and the immense amount of praise and joy in their emails was so genuine and heartfelt. 


Honestly, without the support of these amazing business networks, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  The best advice I can give anyone who is starting a business is to connect with these great small business support entities.  Listen, listen, listen, take notes, ask questions, it’s ok not to have it all figured out…none of these groups/individuals never judged me or my situation…they helped me.


They encouraged me when I was discouraged and ready to close the book.  They gave me hope and they believed in my business and my success.  You must do your part, nothing is hand given to you but with hard work, determination and being encircled by the right individuals sky is the limit.


This statement was a bit difficult for me as the original one I wrote was four pages long because I wanted to share my whole experience from start to finish.  I wanted to be able to ensure that my story might be able to relate to or empower others.  If you are looking for support, have questions, or need direction, please, without a doubt, connect with one of these business groups or people; they will not steer you wrong.  


Again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the Women of Toledo, Ms. Lisa Halsey, Ms. Linda Fayerweather, Ms. Kerri Brimmer, Ms. Stephanie Villegas, ECDI and the Toledo Chamber of Commerce for all that you do for the small businesses in our area.


Selena owns Amaryllis Beaute Haven, LLC, and recently opened her mini haven (temporary location) in preparation for her new location in 2025! Thank you, Selena, for sharing your story and advice with us. You can visit Amaryllis Beaute Haven LLC. on their social media sites or website here: Facebook, Instagram, Website.


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