March is Women's Month, a time to celebrate women's achievements, resilience, and contributions across industries. At Ducy Design, we are proud to be a woman-owned and operated business in Cleveland, Ohio, and we believe in the power of women supporting women. Our founder, Kristen Hennie, has built Ducy Design on the foundation of empowering other women in the design space and beyond. This Women's Month, we’re highlighting inspiring women entrepreneurs, their journeys, and the passion that fuels their businesses.

Kristen Hennie: What It Means to Be a Woman-Owned and Operated Company

For Kristen, being a woman in business is about more than just running a successful company – it’s about creating opportunities for other women to thrive. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of women to believe in themselves and know they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Kristen’s journey began with an innate design talent, but it flourished through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in her vision. She has cultivated Ducy Design as a creative space for clients and a healthy, supportive environment for other designers to grow and do what they love.

“I want to create an environment where other creatives passionate about design can flourish. We should all be able to do what we love while being supported and valued in the process.”

— Kristen Hennie

Highlighting Local Women Entrepreneurs: Stories of Passion and Resilience

This Women's Month, we also want to shine a light on the incredible women in and around Cleveland, Ohio, who are making a difference. Their stories of passion, resilience, and commitment to their "why" are truly inspiring.

Devon Fegen-Herdman of Declutter With Devon

Devon Fegen-Herdman, the owner of Declutter With Devon, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by a love for organizing and a desire to bring peace to people's homes. "I initially started my business because purging and home organizing was something I loved to do," Devon explains. However, her mission evolved beyond just decluttering. She recognized the need to address the systemic undervaluation of women's work.

Devon (right), and her assistant, Huma (left). Photographer: Mark Adams

"When we talk about women in business, we need to talk about money," Devon emphasizes. She highlights the pay inequity that persists in traditionally female-dominated fields and is determined to change that narrative. "Starting and running a business are especially meaningful to me because I can take the work that I and other women do and raise the value on it to level the playing field."

Devon's commitment extends to empowering future generations. "For me, it's also about showing my own daughter, as well as the girls and women who come after me, that they can truly do whatever they want without needing the blessing or assistance of a man." Her dedication to her team, including her assistant Huma, underscores her belief in the power of women supporting women.

Rose Vinci: Aligning Faith and Business

Rose Vinci, Kristen's business coach, brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurship. For Rose, success is rooted in aligning one's priorities with faith. "My journey as a business owner is built on the unwavering belief that when we align our priorities in divine order – God first, then Self, Spouse, Family, and Work – we unlock a life of intention, clarity, and fearless leadership."

Rose's coaching philosophy is about more than just business strategy; it's about helping women integrate their faith and careers. "Watching a client step into full alignment with their faith and career is my deepest inspiration – and in turn, it challenges me to do the same." She believes that entrepreneurship is a calling, a way to shape legacies and foster communities. "Because when we lead with faith, we don’t just grow our businesses – we transform lives, including our own."

Karen Chaikin of District Gallery

Karen Chaikin, co-owner of District Gallery, brings a unique blend of journalistic background and lifelong passion for art to her business. "My background is in journalism, but art has always been a significant part of my life," Karen shares. Her love for art, sparked by her mother and uncle, led her to co-found a gallery that celebrates creativity and connection.

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"Every day, I love stepping into the gallery. The vibrant colors and textures from over 60 artists from around the world fill me with joy and excitement," Karen says. She strives to create a welcoming and comfortable space for all art lovers, from seasoned collectors to casual browsers. "It’s essential to me that our gallery remains a comfortable, exciting, and welcoming space."

Karen's commitment to supporting her team is also paramount. "As it relates to our District Gallery Team, it’s really important to me that we create a supportive atmosphere that encourages growth. I want to make sure we’re advocating for our staff and keeping communication open and valued.”

District Gallery owners, Karen Chaikin, Richard Uria, and members of their staff

The Power of Community and Collaboration

At Ducy Design, we believe that supporting women creates a ripple effect of positive change. By highlighting the stories of Kristen, Devon, Rose, and Karen, we hope to inspire others to embrace collaboration, celebrate achievements, and build a community where women can thrive.

This Women's Month, let's commit to lifting each other up, sharing our stories, and creating a world where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Support Women-Owned Businesses

If you’re looking to support incredible women entrepreneurs, consider working with businesses like Declutter with Devon, District Gallery, and Rose Vinci Coaching. And, of course, if you’re looking for exceptional design services, Ducy Design is here to bring your vision to life with expertise and passion.

Let’s continue championing women in business – not just this month, but every day of the year.