Ladies, start your economic engines Female entrepreneurs are all business at MCPL's annual Women's Expo
By Jennifer Choi	write the author
October 08, 2008 | 03:24 PM Women entrepreneurs from all over Long Island gathered Oct. 2 for the Middle Country Public Library's eighth annual Women's Expo. Female artisans, designers and distributors showcased their products in a special marketplace designed exclusively for economic development and networking. According to MCPL Director Sandy Feinberg, 75 vendors participated this year, making it the biggest Women's Expo to date — there were only 35 vendors at the first expo back in 2000, Feinberg noted. The library director, who conceived and launched that first expo eight years ago, said the idea stemmed from a conversation she had with Barbara Jordan, the library's assistant director of community relations and special projects, and Suzy Sonenberg, executive director of the Long Island Community Foundation. The three women were admiring one another's jewelry when it dawned on them that a networking event would help women who design products in their homes "get to the next level," Feinberg recalled. Eight years later, the Women's Expo still serves two purposes, she said: spurring "community feelings" and empowering women for economic independence. The venue also allows female entrepreneurs to "expand their credentials" and allows the library to enhance its role in the business world, Feinberg noted, adding the event is a "living example" of the good coming out of MCPL's Miller Business Resource Center, where entrepreneurs of both genders can gain access to extensive and specialized business resources. Feinberg cited many volunteers who contribute to the success of the annual expo, and said a follow-up workshop this spring will disperse further information about building a successful business. The Women's Expo at MCPL is the best of its kind, according to sixth-year participant Sue Eros of Eros Design in East Hampton. "It's a good day to escape," noted Eros, a 20-year jewelry designer who said the venue joins "women with women" and provides an opportunity "just to enjoy and connect." Nancy Morro of St. James, who operates Marionettes and Dolls in Kings Park, also praised the annual expo. "They run a good show," she said. "They treat the exhibitors really well. They celebrate us each year, which is nice." Centereach resident Grace Hunt, who attended the event for the first time with her 4-year-old granddaughter, Shannyn, said the expo sounded "very interesting." She purchased a purse for herself and a book for her granddaughter, and said she would gladly return next year. Kathy O'Neill, a Centereach resident who arrives at the Expo at 11 am sharp each year, said she returned this year to find more "beautiful and different" products created by Donna Hadjipopov, who manufactures pottery in Bulgaria for Bulgar USA in East Hampton. Introduced in the States in 2001, Bulgar offers collectible pottery that has been featured in Elle Decor Magazine, Vogue and Domino Magazine, according to Hadjipopov, whose husband is a native of Bulgaria. Having participated in the expo last year, she was impressed by the turnout and decided to participate again this year, she said, adding this is the only public showcase she does throughout the year. For 30-year Coram resident Theresa Cohen, this might have been her last showcase. Originally from Ghana, Cohen said she plans to return to her homeland shortly — but still believes the Women's Expo is "a good starting point for a woman in business," noting that she began participating about three years ago when "somebody dragged me here." Cohen, who operated the Nubian African Market in Coram for five years, said all her products are collectibles sent to her from her family in Africa. "Sometimes, our neighborhood doesn't support us," she noted. "This is the place to get yourself out there." According to Farkhunda Sultana of Sultana's Collection, the expo is an opportunity to "represent India in the best possible way." Her shop in New Hyde Park offers traditional Indian shawls and cloths, all handmade, handwoven and hand-embroidered. Sultana, who has showcased both her products and her culture at the library for six years, said she would feel "empty" if she didn't participate in the annual expo. "This is my home," she said.