The theme for Women's History Month this March is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories". So I decided to interview a few special women and share their stories.
I hope you enjoy learning about them - who they are, what they do and WHY they are phenomenal women!
Please meet Haneisha Wortham! She is an entrepreneur and owner of Moo, which is a homemade specialty ice cream company that also DELIVERS! Here is her interview:
Me: Why do you think it's important to celebrate Women's History Month?
Haneisha: The past and the present are important to acknowledge, so that we can show women's progress. It also gives other women motivation. I think if we don't recognize our own efforts, they tend to go unnoticed.
Me: What woman in history has influenced your life the most?
Haneisha: Althea Gibson. She was one of the first women to cross the color line of international tennis. She was also the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. I love tennis and plan to teach my children to play.
Me: What is your profession and why did you choose it? OR did it choose you?
Haneisha: I chose it. I wanted to do something that makes me happy. I believe God put me on this earth to make others smile. Making homemade ice cream does that. I love to see the smiles on people's faces when they taste my ice cream.
Ice cream brings happy moments! -Haneisha W.
Me: What impact would you like to have on women's history? And what story do you want people to look back and tell about you?
Haneisha: My interest is not to necessarily be the first at anything, But I do want to be one of maybe a few African American women that has ice cream in stores. My impact locally, in the city of Dayton, would be to keep making ice cream and have an ice cream truck or something more like a party bus! I don't want a mail truck ice cream truck. I want a bus that has couches, a nice vibe and of course MY ice cream. I want to allow people to come in, talk and relax so I can see them smile.
And the story I want others to tell about me would be that I was always happy. That I lived a good life attempting to bring joy to others.
Me: What are some of your favorite things?
Haneisha: Family, food, writing and tennis
Me: Name one fun fact about yourself that most people may not know.
Haneisha: I was an avid tennis player until I became a mom (hence her admiration of Althea Gibson). I don't have time now! But when I do start playing again, I can't wait for my children to see my skills!
Me: Why are you a phenomenal woman?
Haneisha: No matter what obstacle life throws at me, I tackle it with a smile and still continue to help others with a smile.
Me: Describe yourself in ONE word.
Haneisha: OPTIMISTIC
And after this interview, I would concur with Haneisha's one word description of herself! It was a pleasure to speak with her and I look forward to seeing her business grow while she keep on smiling. Save me a seat on the ice cream bus, Haneisha!
Here is how you can connect with Haneisha on Facebook and Instagram: @mooicecreamcompany.
And if you are local, you can find her at the District Market in Downtown Dayton, located at 200 Wayne Ave, Wednesday through Sunday - 12pm until 5pm.
Love and blessings,
Dachell