Storefront Stories: Maggie Stewart Events - Celebrating Women's History Month Spotlights

In honor of Women's History Month, we’re spotlighting #ACKChamber Women Owned Businesses! We asked Maggie Stewart of Maggie Stewart Events a few questions, here are her answers!

Q. How has 2020 challenged you as a businesswoman, if at all?  

A. The events industry has been disproportionately affected by COVID19 and the corresponding shutdowns, our industry has been forced to plan, pivot, replan and jump through countless hoops to help support our clients. That said, despite the difficulties it has been really extraordinary to see how creative the Nantucket event community has been.

Q. You have been in the events industry for a number of years and have recently branched out on your own. What tips or advice do you have for other women wanting to start their own business?  

A. Taking a leap is always scary, but I know for me going out on my own was 100% the right decision. I guess my advice would be that even if it seems daunting, take the leap, you’ll never know how amazing it can be until you do it. 

Q. What mantra do you live by?  

A. Well, it kind of depends on the time of year, but these days “just keep swimming” seems to be a common one…

Q. How do you balance owning a business and your personal life?  

A. It’s a constant juggle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel proud to be showing both of my kids that women have the ability to balance a career and also have a family… and it’s ok if they only want to do one or the other too!

Q. Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?

A. It may sound odd, but my daughter Wendy has been the greatest teacher. Being her mom has changed the way I see the world and put into perspective the need for balance. I work hard everyday to set an example for her and am so excited to watch the woman she becomes.

Q. Why do you think it's important to support other women? 

A. I think that women are natural nurturers and somewhere along the way we got this notion that in order to get ahead we had to push others down… I know I wouldn’t be where I am with some of the women in my life and if I can help encourage and support another woman in pursuing her dreams I feel like that is just the way we should do things. How incredible would it be if we pooled our resources and knowledge and worked together to help each other succeed?!

Photo credit: Katie Kaizer Photography