For Amma Johnson, success is “in the bag”. She’s the founder and designer of AMMA JO, a handbag and accessory line that’s featured in more than 60 stores across the country and has become wildly popular online. But, Amma Jo’s passion is more than just purses.
Amma Jo is passionate and dedicated to empowering and educating local businesswomen, young professionals, and emerging entrepreneurs.
To bring them together, she’s hosting the AMMA JO Women in Business Summit on September 14 at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.
Women will have the opportunity to network with other professionals from a variety of industries including John Dame, executive business coach; Kathy Prime, Chief Talent Officer for the High Companies; and Dr. Madelyn Blair, an expert on the topic of resilient leadership. Attendees will participate in a “hands-on” workshop to assist them with strategic planning for their business, career mapping and building a digital marketing plan.
In preparation for the event, I spoke with Amma Jo to learn more about the summit and her “the future is female” business philosophy.
HF: What was your inspiration for the summit?
AJ: I actually hosted a women’s event a few years ago before I launched my fashion brand. I have always naturally been a motivator, someone who enjoys inspiring others, and I’ve always just naturally helped people with their ideas.
I decided to do this because I want to make more of a difference with the AMMA JO brand. I started my handbag and accessories collection with just $100 and one sample after a wonderful 15-year corporate career. Yet, even though I knew people and was well connected, it was still tough as a young woman and as a mother with kids to launch my ideas. I was constantly looking for events to help inspire me and help me learn.
I want to be more than handbags, so this event is actually the launch to our annual series of events, workshops, and initiatives for women. It’s part of my mission – to empower women. That’s the goal of AMMA JO … we’re a fashion label AND a women’s empowerment brand.
What are you hoping women who attend the event leave with that day?
The event is for entrepreneurs and career professionals. Simply speaking, I would like attendees to walk away with their 30-day action plan and a sketch of their 5-year strategic plan.
We’ll start the morning sharing and featuring the stories of incredible women doing incredible things in their lives and communities, then attendees will participate in a strategic planning and leadership session and a hands-on workshop to help them put together their business plans. It’s really more than an educational event, it’s a life changing experience!
We all go to so many events for so many reasons, I’m hoping this day will go beyond great content and be a catalyst to help women think about making some changes.
What advice and encouragement would you like to share with women/professionals?
My advice would be to PURSUE the dreams inside of your heart and don’t be afraid to tell the world what you want. Many of us have big dreams. These dreams have been squashed many times by people around us or the difficult situations in life we think are hindering us.
My message for women is, DECIDE what you want and go for it like a torpedo! Get focused and don’t let anything stop you. Gain the information and establish the relationships you need to move forward. But don’t forget to be kind and reach back to the women around you. I want women to be strong, confident, enjoying their lives and careers, but regardless of the success we reach, I hope we, as women, can remember to help others along the way.
Women empowering women? AMMA JO’s got it in the bag! Visit the event’s website for more information and to register.
Amma Jo extends a special thanks to event sponsors, Members1st Federal Credit Union and UPMC Pinnacle, and event host Harrisburg University.
