Join us for a conversation with three of the most successful women in manufacturing in San Francisco. In a highly interactive discussion facilitated by Janet Lees, Senior Director at SFMade, we will hear how Kathy Wiley, owner of Poco Dolce, Clare Bressani, Vice President of Tanko Lighting, and Julienne Weston, CEO of Weston Wear, have grown and developed their companies.

Come network and learn about:

• Best practices and how to apply them to your business operations
• Running your own production facility
• Building your brand
• Managing employees
• Owning a retail store as part of your business model
• Hybrid selling models including, wholesale, retail and online sales channels
• Key lessons learned
  
  

Light refreshments will be served

Bios:

Julienne Weston, Weston Wear

The San Francisco native, Julienne Weston, specializes in making clothing that moves with the body.   “Stylish yet comfortable”, is the motto for Weston’s designs, and with the added excitement of a plethora of prints, this locally made design/ manufacturing company brings it home every time.

Clare Bressani, Tanko Lighting

Clare Bressani has an extensive background in energy efficiency consulting, sustainable energy and project management.  She has served as Vice President of Tanko Lighting since 2011 and leads the company’s business development, marketing and operations efforts.  Ms. Bressani holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Seattle University and a Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University.

Kathy Wiley, Poco Dolce

Kathy Wiley started Poco Dolce in 2002 as a small-batch baking company specializing in regional Italian cookies and pastries. The goal was to have just enough sugar to bring out the flavors, not to overwhelm them - hence the name Poco Dolce, which translates from Italian as "little sweet" or "not too sweet." Within a year, Kathy discovered a passion for creating handmade chocolates and confections on "the savory side of sweet." She took her predilection toward savory foods and applied her new love by sprinkling just a pinch of Grey Sea Salt on some Bittersweet Chocolate. Poco Dolce's Bittersweet Chocolate Tiles were born. She states that "at a certain point, it all becomes clear and you know exactly where you're meant to be." Poco Dolce's products are all handmade and feature only the finest ingredients - from local butter and California Olive Oil to Sea Salt harvested from the coast of Brittany.