How FemCity Founder Violette de Ayala Continues to Forge Formidable Relationships
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing seasoned entrepreneur Violette de Ayala of FemCity®. When she first envisionedFemCity® she knew she was blazing a trail by starting a unique female-empowered business networking group.
This was 13 years ago, and after having launched her first small business at the age of 22, she admits that she is obsessed with business growth and helping women grow their own big businesses.
Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and thought leader who is eager to help other women reach their full potential.
“I personally strive to create innovative resources, platforms, and webinars so that each FemCity member can create the business and life they envision, all within balance, prosperity, and happiness,” de Ayala explains.
What are some of the personal and professional benefits of joining FemCity?
Personal: the friendships made, self-improvement, unlimited support, and greater self-esteem. Professional: expand your network, referrals, professional and business classes, library, office hours with me, access to experts, and weekly live classes.
What sets FemCity apart from other local, national, and international female networking groups?
FemCity infuses positivity, gratitude, and a high level of connectivity in a familial way. We are not a traditional networking group, and we definitely have our own vibe. We understand that we are responsible for sharing our support and paying it forward because energetically and karmically, it comes back to us in more opportunities and abundance.
What is the mission of FemCity?
The mission of FemCity is to connect businesswomen through a local and online community that captures a global network with a grassroots approach. Local FemCity communities are formed within cities around the world supporting its businesses and members through programs, [connection events, around Town Socials, Power Hour Series, and Philanthropic Activities]. Each local FemCity community is governed by a president/leader and members of the Leadership Circle.
Please talk about the long-lasting business and professional relationships that have resulted from joining your unique organization.
We are constantly hearing about friendships and business relationships that started at FemCity more than a decade ago. I have personally made amazing connections through FemCity as well as some very good friends.
How did COVID make you and your members pivot?
FemCity went into full overdrive to deliver more classes, resources, and support for our members through creating a mental health series, coaching, book clubs, and movie nights. Our members reached out to one another and offered support and exchanged information and resources that kept us all growing and thriving.
What are you hearing overall from recent testimonials given by the members?
They love how FemCity changed their lives and are grateful that we were there for them, especially during the hardest times of the pandemic.
What are some of the current partnerships with FemCity that you are excited about?
Neiman Marcus and La Mer had a great event for us in Miami and that was really special. We have great partnerships with other women’s organizations like the Her Entrepreneurial Network in India (HEN India) and we are hosting our first virtual networking event with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce.
Why do you encourage businesswomen and others to join FemCity for the first time or come back to the organization if they have not been active for a while?
FemCity is unique and magical and you may know it’s the perfect fit for you within a few minutes of attending one of our events, or you may revisit our events in the future and find a profound connection with our community. We believe if it’s for you, it’s totally for you and many come back as they know we are always here for them to cheer them on.
Tell me about the diverse members that are part of the group.
We have a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee and this is a very big focus of ours as we are here for all women. We also host events and discussions to share what we are learning about DEI.
It’s not about celebrating diversity when it’s popular or when people are watching. It’s about focusing on DEI every single day and making sure that every day brings about change that helps all women in an equitable way. We ask ourselves almost daily, how can we be better for all women? And we make the changes to support this mission.
What are some of the aspects of the group that you are excited about?
We are always evolving and creating curricula, events, and resources that we foresee our members will need in the coming months. Things change so fast, and seemingly overnight, and we provide ways for our members to keep ahead of the game when it comes to growing personally and professionally.
What does the future of FemCity look like?
We are starting to grow again, and we have added more programs through our Foundation and also as partners for corporations, nonprofits, chambers, and municipalities. I would like to build FemCity so that there are 1 million members, who are forging vital business relationships and forming friendships. I want success for each and every woman involved.
Please share your social media handles with my readers
To join FemCity please go to, femcity.com
For FemCity: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
For Violette Ayala: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
