Mendocino Women’s Business Center, hosted by West Business Development Center, was created to support the outstanding women-owned businesses in Mendocino County, who are doing extraordinary work. Each month the Mendocino WBC features one of these inspiring women-owned organizations with Mendopreneurs Empowerment Night.
Mendopreneurs Empowerment Night is an informal networking event that features a speaker or host who highlights their women-owned business and gives them the opportunity to share their personal journey. Attendees meet other entrepreneurs and small business owners in Mendocino County and learn more about the exciting work that is taking place. Violet Ortigosa and her partner, Manny Jimenez, are the owners of the featured host for February’s Mendopreneurs Empowerment Night: Moxie Cleaners.
Violet Ortigosa started cleaning as a side job while substitute teaching in 2013. After visiting Mendocino County, Violet and Manny decided this was the perfect place to raise their growing family. They moved to Ukiah in July 2017, just before Mendocino Complex wildfire. Not deterred by the upheaval caused by the wildfires, Violet decided to take her side cleaning business full-time and settled on the name Moxie Cleaners. Violet chose the name “Moxie” because to her it means that you have something special, some spark, and a bright attitude, and that is exactly what she brings to the community. The business is an all-natural cleaning company with a focus on using environmentally and pet-friendly cleaning products, and provides personal and commercial cleaning services to all of Mendocino County.
Moxie Cleaners came out of a desire Violet and Manny shared to become independent business owners. “We wanted to show our children they can make their own opportunities, with their minds and hearts, and they can find people to help them achieve their goals,” said Violet. West Business Development Center was one of the resources Violet and Manny turned to when they needed help with their marketing strategy. “West has been a key to our success, not only because they could answer any of our questions and help with any doubts, they have given us great ideas,” Violets said. “They know no two businesses are alike, whatever their needs are, marketing, taxes, staffing, marketing.” Although there have been challenges in growing their business, Violet and Manny are looking forward to expanding and have big plans for the future.
Join us for Mendopreneurs Empowerment Night, which will be a fun evening of networking and storytelling as we learn more about Violet and Manny’s story. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Come enjoy local food and beverages while socializing with similarly driven local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Women’s February Mendopreneurs Empowerment Night
Friday, February 28, 2020, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
West Business Development Center,185 E Church St, Ukiah, CA 95482