SHE MEANS BUSINESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT HER
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.
Over the years, we've watched those stories grow into something much bigger. We knew it was time to bring them off the page and into a room filled with the women, businesses and people who make our community extraordinary.
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—not for what they can contribute to the event.
Our nominees don't pay to participate.
No nomination is left off the ballot.
The community—not a board or panel—has the vote, including the final winning vote.
Votes are free. Recognition isn't something you can buy.
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.
She might be creating change in her industry.
She might be mentoring the next generation.
She might be quietly making a difference that most people don't see.
She might have taken an incredible leap of faith.
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 | 5–9 PM
Hosted at The Lumen House
This isn't your typical awards ceremony.
We're creating an evening that feels as extraordinary as the women we're celebrating.
Think black tie, beautiful surroundings, meaningful stories, silent auction to give back to the community, incredible food, celebration, connection and a room filled with women who are making an impact.
Come dressed to impress. Come ready to celebrate. Come ready to be inspired.
THE STORIES THAT STARTED IT ALL
Before there was a gala, there was a magazine page (or a few).
For the past three years, Local Life Magazine has featured women through our She Means Business giveaway series.
Read their stories. Meet the women behind the businesses, organizations and causes. And discover how She Means Business has played a role in our community since the very first edition of Local Life Magazine.
AN EXCLUSIVE "SHE MEANS BUSINESS" MAGAZINE!
That's right! You all have inspired us so much, we are certain that there is enough incredible stories to fill a magazine entirely of stories from the Lake Norman Women.
We're hoping to launch the first annual She Means Business Magazine at the Gala, so deadline to join is November 1st!
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.
