Hamilton Businesswomen Foster Community with Biannual Fashion Show
February 28—Innovative ideas often spark from unexpected conversations. Such was the case for three businesswomen from Hamilton—Sara Vallandingham, Casey Thompson, and Monica Hite. Their collaboration began when Hite, who manages Basil 1791, noticed Vallandingham dining at her restaurant.
A simple suggestion from Hite—”Hey, let’s do a fashion show”—evolved into a successful biannual event held every spring and fall, driven by their desire to collaborate with fellow businesswomen.
The upcoming Spring Fashion Show is scheduled for March 8 at Basil’s, featuring a brunch and showcasing clothing from Sara’s House, alongside hair and makeup styles by BeYoutiful Salon.
As part of a monthly series, the Journal-News is highlighting women in business to spotlight the talent within Butler County.
For these three women, giving up is not an option; they continually seek ways to enhance their businesses.
“What works one year may not the next. You just constantly have to re-evolve and adjust,” said Hite, explaining the importance of adapting when current strategies no longer yield results.
Using different terminology, Vallandingham describes this process as pivoting, while Thompson prefers the term merge.
Thompson added, “Forget the phrase, ‘This is always how we’ve done it.’ That needs to be eliminated from your vocabulary,” reflecting her motivation for relocating BeYoutiful Salon from Fairfield to Hamilton seven years ago amidst the city’s transformation.
To achieve success, Thompson stressed the necessity of a strong motivation, saying, “You better have a real strong ‘why.'” She is guided by a personal “no-quit policy.”
Their collaboration is integral to their motivation, they collectively affirmed.
When stress levels rise, Vallandingham and her daughter Maria, who co-manages their store, always remind themselves to seek enjoyment: “Where’s the fun? If the joy disappears, you can only sustain that mindset for a limited time.”
Hite noted that during economic downturns, reinvention becomes crucial, stating, “You have to re-invent yourself” and constantly explore new opportunities.
The fashion show emerged organically, explained Vallandingham, who transitioned Sara’s House to Hamilton over a decade ago. Its increasing popularity speaks to the interest it garners, having expanded each time it has been held.
“We strive daily to keep our businesses running,” shared Vallandingham, a Nashville native. “This event allows us to showcase our talents collectively and create something that resonates with women.”
Thompson, who founded BeYoutiful 13 years ago after unsatisfactory job experiences, appreciates the collaborative atmosphere in Hamilton. “You find more businesses here supporting each other than elsewhere,” she remarked.
“We frequently see this kind of collaboration. It’s part of Hamilton’s culture to partner with other businesses and engage the community,” she added.
While the fashion show directly benefits the participating businesses, it also contributes to the community by drawing people to the city’s core, positively affecting the local economy.
Hite, who joined Basil as the general manager after working at Courtyard by Marriott, dedicated time to developing the restaurant’s brunch offerings. The rising popularity of the fashion show events has also boosted Basil’s weekend brunches, making Sundays nearly as busy as Friday nights.
Vallandingham reflected, “You get what you give. Supporting fellow women and business owners fosters a cycle where roles of giver and receiver interchange.”
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Leading Ladies of Butler County
This article kicks off a series that highlights influential women in Butler County who are making a difference in their communities. Featured stories will include women leading both small and large enterprises, institutions, and organizations.
