Kalamazoo Women2Women builds connections, fuels growth for local businesswomen

Editor’s Note: This story is part of Momentum: The people and companies shaping what’s next, a weekly series that explores new ventures, founder support, and the resources powering entrepreneurship and small businesses across seven counties in Southwest Michigan. This project is sponsored by Southwest Michigan First.

KALAMAZOO, MI — People naturally want to connect with others, and that’s especially true when they have a mutual interest, such as working in business.  This is what Kalamazoo Women2Women is all about.

“Our focus is on connection; that’s really the core,” says Anita Ritter, president of the organization for a half-dozen years.  “We encourage one-on-one connection between professional women to mentor, to encourage, to get acquainted so that when a referral is appropriate, an individual might come to mind.”

That emphasis on connection extends to a diverse mix of women from across the business spectrum.

“There are professional women from many fields. You might have a person that’s involved in a multi-level marketing venture or a home-based business, or professional women who are part of a corporation, so we welcome all women in business,” says Ritter. “Probably a good portion of our group is entrepreneurs.” 

“I think Kalamazoo is this amazing hub of entrepreneurs. In downtown alone, we’ve got many woman-owned businesses. I’m so proud that our downtown is filled with so many locally owned businesses.” Lauren Parker Lasater, founder and CEO of Colors and Cocktails,

That diversity also creates opportunities for meaningful mentorship within the group.

“Quite often, we’ll connect two individuals, one that’s a senior person in a particular field with someone who is starting out, so that they can start up a mentorship relationship if it’s appropriate. We really encourage that. It’s such an uplifting, energetic atmosphere where they can connect with like-minded women and have growth opportunities.”

Ritter helped start Kalamazoo Women2Women (KW2W) in 2016. She is a longtime financial advisor and operates Anita Ritter Financial in Sturgis, where she lives. She also has a business office in Portage and often works there on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The number of KW2W members is approaching 100. The organization has no membership dues and only charges for monthly luncheons or evening events, which typically cost $25

“We also don’t require that there only be a certain number of individuals from any particular industry, so we could have several financial advisors, we could have several real estate agents, and so forth for different professions,” says Ritter.

The monthly luncheons feature businesswomen talking about subjects ranging from the power of small businesses to self-advocacy and self-confidence.

“I had lunch recently with one of our members, and she said that when she goes to a Kalamazoo Women2Women event, she almost feels like she’s been to a therapy session because she feels so good when she leaves,” says Ritter.

“For each luncheon, we have between 40 and 75 women. Lately, it’s been more since we partnered with the Chamber,” Ritter says, referring to the Southwest Michigan First Chamber.

“The Chamber approached us at the end of last year about us being their partner women’s group,” says Ritter. “They had an earlier one, but it disbanded.  They were looking for another opportunity to promote a women’s organization that was doing good things.”

Since being listed on Southwest Michigan First’s website, says Ritter, they’ve seen an “uptick” in attendance.

One enthusiastic member of KW2W is Lauren Parker Lasater, founder and CEO of Colors and Cocktails, 240 S. Kalamazoo Mall.  Her company’s motto is, “Bringing happiness to people through art.”  Lasater says, “I’ve definitely found it very fruitful for my business because I know a lot of the members, and as you get to know people, referrals will follow.”

A member since 2017, Lasater continues, “It’s a group for connections.  It’s a great way to get to know like-minded women. Say you’re looking for certain things, like an estate planner or event planner, or you’re looking for someone that does amazing makeup. You’ll get connected with amazing women, and then when you’re out in the community, you can say, ‘Oh, I’ve got the perfect person to connect you with.’”

Lasater praises the business environment of the Kalamazoo area.  “You say you’ve got this good product, you’ve got this good company, and then you just figure out ways to share that with the community. I think Kalamazoo is this amazing hub of entrepreneurs. In downtown alone, we’ve got many woman-owned businesses.  I’m so proud that our downtown is filled with so many locally owned businesses.”

On May 1, Colors & Cocktails will have a celebration for being in business for 12 years — six years on the Mall and a location in the Park Trades Center before that.

“The atmosphere is very welcoming; we make a point of it,” says Ritter.” We have women come who are between careers. We’ve had women come who are retired and just want to connect with other women. It’s very open. We thrive on watching other women flourish.”