Jewish Women Entrepreneurs in Crown Heights Makes its Debut

By COLlive staff
Photos: Tzvi Levenhartz/COLlive

The JWE (Jewish Women Entrepreneurs & Executives) made its Crown Heights debut, bringing its signature mix of business acumen and community building to a packed room of over 50 Jewish businesswomen.

Boutique 25’s elevated and beautiful showroom provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of professional networking.

After more than a decade of successful events nationwide, the organization’s expansion into Crown Heights proved to be a timely addition to the neighborhood’s flourishing entrepreneurial landscape.

The diversity of businesses represented was remarkable, spanning from corporate executives and service-based entrepreneurs to Judaica producers, coaches, medical practitioners, and retail business owners. This rich cross-section of industries created a unique opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas and potential collaborations.

Attendees were treated to gourmet offerings from Meat. Event sponsor Pazelle Marketing Studio elevated the experience with a custom beverage experience from Kaff Kafe, where attendees marveled at personalized coffee and martinis featuring their own business branding etched artfully into the froth—a creative networking touch to conversations.

Shani Lechan, founder of Shani Wigs, delivered a compelling presentation on authentic brand building, emphasizing fundamental questions every business owner must answer: “What does your brand exist for? What problem are you solving? What added value do you provide?” She guided the audience through identifying their ideal customer and creating visuals that align with brand identity.

Lechan also addressed the evolution of marketing, noting that “showing your product was once enough, but today’s strategy requires the no-sale sale approach—providing entertainment and education to sell without selling.” She cautioned against the “trap of clickbait,” urging entrepreneurs to “prioritize engagement and impact over numbers” and “play the long-run game.” Lechan concluded by reminding attendees that “traditional marketing is not dead”—a balancing perspective in today’s digital-first world.

Sary Farkash, a popular makeup artist who is launching her own makeup line, followed with a candid discussion of her journey, sharing the risks, unknowns, and valuable lessons learned along the way. Her transparent account of entrepreneurial challenges resonated deeply with the audience of diverse business professionals.

“This community is bursting with talent, creativity, and drive,” remarked JWE Program Director, Gani Goodman. “The energy in the room tonight confirms what we knew—Crown Heights women are ready to connect, collaborate, and elevate their businesses together.”

The evening, sponsored by Pazelle Marketing Studio, Boutique 25, and Meat, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Crown Heights’ business community. With its powerful combination of practical strategy and supportive networking, The JWE’s presence in Crown Heights promises to be a catalyst for the already thriving ecosystem of women-led businesses in the neighborhood.

For information about upcoming events, visit www.thejwe.com/events