Who Runs The World: GIRLS

March is National Women's History Month. March 8th was International Women’s Day. I purposely didn’t wear purple because it’s Courtney’s LEAST favorite color, so you’re welcome boss. We could definitely dedicate an entire blog to Beyonce’s greatness like the title suggests, but this blog is to share a bit of what I know and love about the woman behind Courtney Winet Design.

I’ve known Courtney since 2009. I can’t believe that means it was almost 15 years ago, but here we are (aging like fine wine IMO). We met at Swank Motion Pictures in St. Louis where I was in marketing and she was a graphic designer. We worked together on several accounts, from cute library programming ideas to correctional facilities announcements (yes, marketing to prisons). 

We shared the title of coworkers for over three years, and in that time became friends. I asked her to help design my wedding invitations, and after I got married we kept in touch as I moved across the country with my family. We worked together again while I was Marketing Director at Aeroflow Healthcare and hired Courtney to create a new brand image for us in the emerging breast pumps through insurance space (again with the glamourous product, I know). At this time she still held her corporate job at Caleres but was freelance designing on the side.

A few job changes later, Courtney Winet decided to end the side hustle. In 2019 she took the chance at leaving corporate employment behind and made Courtney Winet Design her full-time gig. A few months later, my family moved back to St. Louis where I ran into Courtney at Nordstrom; a little chit-chat led to business talk and voila here I am as CMO of Courtney Winet Design.

Just kidding, that’s not my title (maybe it will be after Courtney reads this? :) We keep things fun around here) and my title isn’t the point of this story. Why I gave you all that history is so you understand my sincerity when I say I admire Courtney. I have chosen her repeatedly and by that I hope my actions speak volumes for the respect I have for her talent.  I am honored every day to work with Courtney because she exemplifies what I think the world needs more of: kindness, creativity, joy, compassion, fun, ambition, love. She may not have thought one of her titles to me was mentor, but she has been one this whole time.

I respect Courtney’s bravery in taking the risk of going out on her own. I respect her organization and leadership skills that have kept her business strong for several years (even through a pandemic). I respect her humility in the way she asks questions and seeks help when she needs it. I respect her generous nature in the flexible hours she gives this working mom and her support for other small businesses and unseen things she does for clients (take it from someone behind-the-scenes that she cares so much about you and your product). I’m here to say she does all this and more with grace and obviously beyond-fabulous style.

So cheers to women everywhere, but a special shout out to my favorite designer Courtney Winet who embodies what it means to rise by lifting others. She certainly makes me proud time and time again! Maybe you don’t have the means to write a blog post, but be sure to share a positive word via Instagram or text or wherever with a woman that has made a positive impact in your life this March.

Love you, friend! - Marla