Enthusiasm and Passion Connect Women From Around the World.

Women business owners from around the world may speak different languages, but there is one commonality that bonds us all together and that is the passion for delivering the very best products and services to our customers. I witnessed this connection first hand at the recent NAWBO conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The event attracted women from around the globe to network and share their enthusiasm, energy and expertise to help each other grow and build their business enterprises.

Renee Lombardi from Peru was one of the amazing women in attendance. Thirty-eight years ago, Renee had a dream of creating a business providing custom knits and woven clothing incorporating the latest fashion trends in designs most women like and can wear. Today that dream is a reality. Renee is the proprietor, designer and General Director of Tomati's – a company providing employment for more than 20 families and offering opportunities through an apprenticeship program to become a qualified weaver.

"We, at this company, believe that generating income to our benefit is not everything and that to grow means to have social conscience, proof of which is the formation of the theoretical/practical course called 'Weaving Dreams' which we provide at no cost to women artisans of limited resources," Renee explained.

Although I love traveling throughout Mexico and South America, I only speak a few words of Spanish, but language barriers didn't prevent Renee and I from connecting through the beauty of her clothes. One of her jackets caught my eye while I was making the rounds in the exhibit hall. I walked over to her booth and if the jacket was for sale or display only. Through an interpreter, I learned all the merchandise was for sale. Renee took the jacket off the hanger and encouraged me to try it on.

Well, I put it on and it looked as though Renee had made it just for me. Renee beamed at me and we hugged. "Hermoso. Perfeccione el ataque," she said which I think means beautiful, perfect fit. Still beaming with pride, Renee handed me another knit top with a matching skirt to try on as well. The items were not something I would have picked out for myself, but Renee was so excited I slipped into them. Oh my gosh: It was stunning.

Renee's apparel is now home with me in St. Louis, but in addition to the clothing items, I've found a good friend for life. Renee took such pride and pleasure in helping me choose just the right pieces -- two women business owners speaking different languages connecting and communicating nonetheless. I've been invited to visit Renee in Peru and I may take her up on that one day. In the meantime, I've worn the jacket on a number of television programs and I'm sending Renee copies so she can share with her staff.

Click here to see one of the appearances where I wore the jacket. And here is a picture of me wearing Renee’s design with my traveling companion, Maxwell.

If you’d like to learn more about NAWBO and how it can help you grow your business and connect with women around the world go to www.nawbo.org or visit my web site, SBTV.com, for information and interviews with some of the outstanding women who attended the event.