THE STORIES THAT STARTED IT ALL
Three years ago, in the very first edition of Local Life Magazine, we introduced She Means Business—a complimentary feature created to shine a light on women making a difference in our community.
With every edition, our readers nominated women whose stories deserved to be told. Those stories are linked below for you to read and enjoy.
We are now honored to bring She Means Business to life as an annual award ceremony and gala—where any woman can be nominated or apply. We hope you'll join us.
WE WANTED TO DO IT DIFFERENTLY
The She Means Business Gala was created with one simple goal: to celebrate women for what they have accomplished, the impact they are making and the difference they are creating—that's it.
Our nominees don't pay to participate.
No nomination is left off the ballot.
The community—no one else—has the vote, including the final winning vote.
Votes are completely free.
WHO IS SHE?
She doesn't fit into one category.
She might be an entrepreneur building a business from the ground up. She might lead a nonprofit, create change in her industry, mentor the next generation or quietly make a difference that most people never see.
She might have taken an incredible leap of faith. She might be building something brand new—or simply making the world around her a little better every day.
She is a woman whose leadership, vision, influence or impact is making our community better.
And we want to know her story.
THE GALA
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 5–10 PM
Hosted at The Lumen House
Guests will enjoy an exceptional plated dinner, open bar, music, meaningful stories, a curated Silent Auction, unexpected surprises and plenty of time to connect with the incredible people in the room.
One night. One room. Hundreds of stories. One very big celebration.
THE SILENT AUCTION
PRESENTED BY THE CLOSET NICHE, TURNING CELEBRATION INTO ACTION
100% of silent auction proceeds will be reinvested into our local business community through the She Means Business Community Impact Fund, supporting women and businesses making a meaningful difference in our community.
Funds will provide financial support to selected local women and businesses making a difference in LKN.
FULL TRANSPARENCY
After the Gala, we'll publicly share every winning bid, every recipient and every dollar awarded. Every dollar will have a destination that strengthens the LKN community.
Want to help us make an impact? Donate a product, service, experience, gift package or other item to the Silent Auction. Your contribution helps us put more resources directly into the hands of the people building our community.
JOIN THE MISSION: BECOME A SPONSOR
Great celebrations are made possible by businesses that believe in the people and communities they serve.
Partner with us as a She Means Business Gala Sponsor and place your brand alongside an evening dedicated to celebrating extraordinary women in Lake Norman.
Sponsorship opportunities are designed to provide meaningful visibility before, during and after the gala while helping us create an unforgettable experience for our honorees and guests.
A NEW, ANNUAL MAGAZINE: SHE MEANS BUSINESS LKN
With so many incredible stories to tell, we're excited to introduce the She Means Business LKN Magazine—an annual editorial-style publication dedicated entirely to the women of Lake Norman.
The first edition will make its debut at the 2026 She Means Business Gala.
This isn't your typical magazine. It's a collection of stories that go deeper—into the women behind the businesses, their hearts, their missions, their challenges, their triumphs and the journeys that brought them here.
If you have a story to share, we'd love to include you. Join the inaugural edition by November 1, 2026.
Sponsorship Inquiry, Silent Auction & General Questions
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Follow Local Life
FollowThe founder and host of the She Means Business Gala. Join us on Instagram for fun giveaways, announcements, and to find new businesses to enjoy and support!
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Follow The Lumen House
FollowThe proud venue sponsor of the She Means Business Gala. A Modern event venue designed for weddings, gatherings & celebrations that combine architecture, hospitality, and beauty.
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