In the bustling landscape of entrepreneurship, where innovation meets passion, there stands a beacon of empowerment and support for women+ entrepreneurs: Takes Heart. Drawing from a varied background encompassing strategy, marketing, and creative disciplines, Laura Crossley offers a unique viewpoint rooted in gender equality in the business realm.
Takes Heart is an interactive art piece designed to celebrate and uplift women-owned businesses. But the mission goes behind the art; it’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and community connection. Through vibrant colors, inspired details, and interactive features, Laura’s artwork serves as a catalyst for change in how society understands and supports women’s entrepreneurship.
With the TakesHeart.org website, Laura provides a platform for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and access valuable resources. Through initiatives like the Parade of Hearts event, Laura teams up with local artists and sponsors to foster a sense of collaboration among women entrepreneurs and the community.
What drives Laura’s advocacy for gender equality in business? It’s rooted in her experiences as an entrepreneur serving other entrepreneurs. Laura often hears the deep, challenging stories of business alongside celebrating exceptional wins with her clients and connections. Through her own experiences growing a family, overcoming pregnancy-related mental health struggles, shifting between self-employment and in-house employment situations and more – she uniquely relates to the rollercoaster that many women experience while building businesses.
On top of that, Laura believes that diversity drives innovation and creativity. And, that innovation and creativity give us impactful answers to enormous issues that much of society accepts as the status quo. Laura understands the importance of representation and visibility for women entrepreneurs. By amplifying their voices and celebrating their achievements, Laura hopes to inspire future generations of women leaders and changemakers.
Through Takes Heart and TakesHeart.org, Laura Crossley continues to make a tangible impact on the lives of women+ entrepreneurs in Kansas City and beyond. Her mission is clear: to create a more inclusive and equitable business landscape where women entrepreneurs can thrive and succeed. As we celebrate Laura’s work, we also celebrate the limitless potential of women in business — and the power of art to drive positive change in our communities.
