The Bossier Chamber of Commerce made history on March 27 by hosting its first-ever Women’s Leadership Conference at Live! Casino & Hotel, presented by CHRISTUS Health. The half-day event, held in honor of Women’s History Month, featured dynamic keynote speakers, engaging workshops, and vendor opportunities aimed at inspiring and equipping women in business.
With the theme “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” the conference emphasized resilience, personal growth, and professional perseverance, encouraging attendees to thrive regardless of life’s challenges.
Two powerful keynote speakers took the stage to share their personal journeys of perseverance and success. Sara McDaniel, founder of Simply Southern Cottage, captivated the audience with her remarkable story of rebuilding both a historic Louisiana cottage and her life following personal hardships. She spoke candidly about overcoming divorce, career setbacks, and financial struggles, encouraging women to embrace change, trust their journey, and create intentional plans for success.
“I hope women attending this conference realize that you can truly make lemonade out of lemons,” McDaniel said. “Life gets tough, but my story is a testimony that redemption is possible.”
Nationally touring comedian Jinny Henson also brought her unique blend of humor and wisdom, offering a refreshing perspective on navigating life’s obstacles with grace and confidence. Her presentation resonated with attendees, reinforcing the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the ability to find joy even in difficult moments.
The conference featured interactive breakout sessions designed to provide attendees with practical strategies for success:
Work-Life Harmony: Addressing the unique challenges women face in balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
Finding Your People: Highlighting the power of mentorship and how building a strong network can empower women in their careers.
In addition, Table Talks provided an open forum for candid discussions on crucial topics:
Invest in Yourself: A discussion on navigating women’s health struggles while managing career goals.
Women Supporting Women: Exploring how to create a culture of mutual encouragement in the workplace.
Talk Like a Boss: A session led by McDaniel, focused on building confidence and communicating with authority.
McDaniel, who built her Simply Southern Cottage brand from the ground up, emphasized the importance of having a strong support system when pursuing dreams.
“It is incredibly important for women to have a support system,” she said. “Keep your circle tight with trusted advisors who can speak life and truth into you while encouraging you to take calculated risks.”
She also shared her journey of reinvention, explaining how she meticulously planned a five-year transition from a traditional job to full-time entrepreneurship, reinforcing the need for strategic decision-making and perseverance.
Despite challenges—including unexpected financial setbacks in restoring her historic properties—McDaniel said she found motivation in faith, community support, and personal determination.
“I constantly seek wisdom and discernment, and it has never failed me,” she shared.
The conference provided a space for networking, mentorship, and inspiration, leaving attendees motivated to take action in their careers and personal lives. Many walked away feeling empowered to push through setbacks and embrace new opportunities.
With a successful debut event, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce has set the stage for an annual tradition aimed at supporting and celebrating women in leadership.
As for McDaniel and Simply Southern Cottage, she hinted at upcoming projects and encouraged women to stay persistent in pursuing their dreams.
“The Lord has placed a dream on your heart for a reason,” she said. “Press on, surround yourself with the right people, and watch that dream become reality.”
The overwhelming success of the inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference paves the way for future events dedicated to empowering women, fostering mentorship, and driving professional growth in the Bossier community.
For more updates, visit the Bossier Chamber of Commerce website or follow Simply Southern Cottage on Facebook for insights into McDaniel’s latest ventures.