Women in Business: Celebrating Women's History Month
Throughout March, Greater Sandusky Partnership had the opportunity to highlight women who are leading businesses and shaping our communities across Erie County.
Each story was different — spanning industries, backgrounds, and experiences — but together, they revealed something consistent: this region offers real opportunity for people to build something meaningful.
Whether rooted in family legacy, driven by entrepreneurship, or inspired by community, these women are choosing to build their businesses here and finding success in doing so.
Sara Beard
Co-Owner, Mr. Smith’s Coffee House
For Sara, business is about creating connection. As co-owner of Mr. Smith’s Coffee House in downtown Sandusky, Sara has spent nearly two decades building a space where customers become regulars and regulars become family. Her story reflects the power of small business in a close-knit community — and how local support can sustain and grow something over time.
Meg Corso
Owner, Exclusively BA
Meg’s path to entrepreneurship began with a decision to take control of her future. Today, she leads Exclusively BA, a business development agency helping organizations grow through strategy, marketing, and sales. Her story highlights the opportunity to build a business from the ground up and the ability to grow a client base that extends well beyond the region.
Bridget Burel
Owner, Lena Beauty Lounge
For Bridget, Erie County is where creativity and ambition meet opportunity.
As the owner of Lena Beauty Lounge in downtown Sandusky, Bridget has built a thriving beauty business rooted in passion and personal connection. With clients traveling from across the region, her story reflects how a strong personal brand and a supportive community can turn a local business into a destination.
Åsa Bobel
President, Growers Mineral Solutions
Åsa’s journey brought her from a corporate engineering career to leading a multi-generational family business in Milan. As President of Growers Mineral Corp., she is helping guide a company with more than 70 years of history into its next chapter. Her story highlights the strength of deep roots and the opportunity to build on that foundation to support industries like agriculture for generations to come.
The women featured this month are part of what makes this region strong through their businesses, energy, leadership, and perspective they bring to our community.
Their stories are a reminder that this region is a place to invest, to grow, and to be part of something.
