NELP Hosts Small Business Branding Makeover for Women Entrepreneurs

The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP), in conjunction with BNY Mellon Legal Department’s Pro Bono Committee, Mayer Brown LLP, the National Minority Business Council, and Vera Moore Cosmetics, hosted a “Small Business Branding Makeover for Women Entrepreneurs” on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at BNY Mellon’s downtown corporate office.

Thirty-three New York entrepreneurs attended the free event to learn best practices for marketing their business and successful strategies for protecting their business’ brand and intellectual property. Akira Arroyo from NELP opened the evening’s program by introducing the guest speakers. Ajita Abraham from BNY Mellon and Allison Stillman from Mayer Brown shared their expertise on patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property matters. Emily Mason from BNY Mellon and Peter Columbus from Mayer Brown shared marketing and networking tips, along with successful strategies for developing an effective brand identity.

The presentations were followed by a short talk by special guest speaker Vera Moore, President & CEO of Vera Moore Cosmetics. Moore shared her personal journey as an entrepreneur who followed her passion to become the founder of one of the most progressive cosmetic and skincare lines in the country. Moore recounted her initial struggles as a black businesswoman in New York and the barriers within the highly competitive cosmetic industry she ultimately overcame to thrive for thirty-three years in business.

Two lucky attendees won complimentary makeovers by Vera Moore Cosmetics: Deidra Braz of Life In A Day Of and Angela Friedman of Angela Friedman. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to network with each other and with attorneys from Mayer Brown LLP and BNY Mellon to receive informal business and legal tips over wine and cheese.