It was best foot—and face—forward at H on the Harbor for several members of Foster Inc., a consortium of women-owned businesses, on Tuesday, July 19. Foster Inc. was founded by Port Washington resident Hayley Foster. About two years ago, Foster, who had built and ran a design and manufacturing company in New York City for 12 years, decided to focus on a new passion in her life: “fostering” women-owned businesses by helping other women grow their businesses through imparting business advice, offering career coaching and providing social media education.
Part of growing one’s business means putting your best face out there on business websites and marketing materials, so Foster, along with fellow Port Washington residents and women entrepreneurs Sara Siskind, culinary nutritionist and owner of Hands on Healthy; Jane Abrahams, organizational specialist and owner of Jane’s Addiction Organization; and Greta Fox, college admissions process guide and owner of Fox College Consulting, invited Manhattan photographer Alyssa Peek of Peek Photography to photograph them for their professional portfolios.
When Foster was considering a venue for the photo shoot, H on the Harbor, a Port Washington event space, immediately came to mind. H on the Harbor is owned by Alan Feinstein, friend and business colleague of Foster. Feinstein, through his wife, Josephine, a longtime volunteer, is involved with Bethany House of Nassau County, a nonprofit agency that provides comprehensive services, including a composite of residential options to the homeless community in Nassau County. After hearing Foster’s plans for a professional photo shoot, Feinstein, who considers Foster “a dynamic and very forward thinker,” asked her if she could include a few Bethany House women residents to help them as they transition back to the workforce.
Foster did not hesitate, since one of the main goals of Foster Inc. is to have “women supporting women.” Through the generosity of Feinstein, who donated use of the venue; Peek, who donated her photography services; and Hairsay Salon of Port Washington, which donated hair and makeup services, two Bethany House women residents were able to experience an afternoon that was focused on them. Inspired by the success of the afternoon, Foster hopes to expand her “fostering” efforts and to “extend her mentoring interests” to benefit additional residents of Bethany House.
Visit www.fostering101.com for more information about Foster Inc. For more information about the mission and projects of Bethany House of Nassau County, visit www.bethany houseny.com.