Sarah Brown
Jeanne Callahan likes to quote former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare John W. Gardner: “Every problem is a brilliantly disguised business opportunity.”
She says that people who are interested in starting a business should always notice the problems and needs around them, and see the opportunities.
“Look for ways to make the world a better place, based on what you notice,” she adds.
Callahan, a Lebanon resident, teaches entrepreneurship at the College of Business at Oregon State University, and co-owns Chris Kopp Metalworks, and Atomic Speed and Supply with her husband.
When she lived in Denver, she owned and operated several small businesses, and launched a women’s entrepreneurship center at the University of Denver.
Now Callahan is sharing her passion for women in business by organizing a screening of “Dream, Girl” in Corvallis Wednesday, Feb. 15.
“Dream, Girl” is a 2016 documentary that follows five women who are in different stages of running their own business. They share their experiences about following their dreams by getting the courage to leave the safety of employment, finding funding, and taking a break to focus on family.
Following the film will be a discussion among local entrepreneurs.
“I have a panel of six gals who are all women business owners in their own right from the Willamette Valley,” Callahan said.
A moderator will pose questions and invite discussion among the panel regarding their experience operating a business, she said.
The audience will learn about the challenges these women faced and what motivated them to own their own business.
Among the panel will be Janelle Jackola, who co-owns Sugar Vibes Donut Co. in Lebanon with her mother Janice.
“I picked Janelle because she represents a younger generation of women wanting to own their own business, and not only own their own business but look for opportunities to expand it,” Callahan said.
Sugar Vibes opened last July on Main Street in Lebanon and is preparing to launch a second location in Sweet Home, at the corner of Long Street and 13th Avenue, across from the Post Office.
Callahan said the documentary event is an opportunity for women to be inspired and motivated, and to make connections with other like-minded women in the community.
“For young women, it’s showing them role models and opportunities that exist for business ownership, and also for older women to be inspired or to understand what’s involved in owning a business,” she said.
“Dream, Girl” will be presented Feb. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Corvallis. Tickets to the event are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door, and can be purchased on Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dream-girl-screening-discussion-corvallis-or-tickets-30356288476.
To see a trailer, visit dreamgirlfilm.com.