Barbara Keskiner & Aly Zamore
of Divine Events
When Barbara Keskiner and Aly Zamore became moms, they had no idea how much their lives would change. "It doesn't matter if you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, the need to be social with other moms when you have a newborn is crucial," Barbara says. "From then on, the ability to relate to other mothers and share in the trials and tribulations of motherhood is almost a basic need."
So Barbara, mom to 13-month-old Sophie, and Aly, mother of infant Lilah and 2-year-old daughter Adley, took matters into their own hands. In April 2008, they launched Divine Events (www.divinetampa.com) , an events business geared specifically to bring moms together in a way to address their questions and needs about such topics as health and nutrition, fitness, beauty and smart shopping. Events typically provide women the chance to mingle with other moms and learn about ways to improve their lives and the lives of their families. "During our events, we take the opportunity to tell moms about favorite new products and provide them with swag bags filled with goodies from local and national product sponsors like MD Moms, Boogie Wipes and BellyBar," Barbara says.
Aly says she always knew she wanted to pursue entrepreneurship someday. "From a very young age, I would tell my friends and family that I wanted to be my own boss," says the South Tampa native and former elementary school teacher. "Barbara approached me with the opportunity to partner in business...there was no hesitation to my decision. Combining my love for entertaining with my knowledge of mommyhood and all of the joys and challenges that come with it is a perfect combination to start my own businss. Divine is hands down my professional calling in life!"
In addition to holding fun educational events for moms, Divine Events also hosts a few fundraising events each year to raise money for organizations they feel passionate about. "It's important for us to give back to the community as moms and families are part of the backbone in any community," says Barbara, who also serves currently as site director for Clinical Research of West Florida.
Both women are active members of the Junior League of Tampa and recently joined the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Earlier this year, Divine Events introduced Luna Fest to the Bay area, a festival of short films celebrating women, with cinematic work made entirely by women, about women and for women. All profits were donated to a breast cancer research fund and Alpha House, which helps young moms in need. They have another event scheduled later this fall, Moms Reinvented, designed to inspire women to pursue their career dreams, whatever their calling, and to raise funds for a fellow mom battling Crohn's Disease.
Becoming entrepreneurs has provided each woman valuable learning experience not only about running a business but about themselves, as well. "I've learned that I receive great joy from seeing others happy. It is truly rewarding to make a positive impact on someone's life, especially a new mom," Aly says.
"There are people in the community, other women, that are there to support you in your business ambitions," Barbara says. "Join us at Moms Reinvented to hear inspirational stories of women following their dreams. Anything is possible. Get inspired, take a chance, make it happen!"
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