Small Business
stories
Together, we’ve built a one-of-a-kind opportunity for women-owned small businesses to be seen, share their stories, and celebrate as a community.
with love,
Amanda, Mel, and Julie
apply now
the skirt project's
Small Business
stories
the skirt project's
Together, we’ve built a one-of-a-kind opportunity for
women-owned small businesses to be seen,
share their stories, and celebrate as a community.
with love,
Amanda, Mel, and Julie
apply now
*Spots are intentionally limited to keep this experience personal and impactful.
*Spots are intentionally limited to keep this experience personal and impactful.
Small Business Stories channels the empowering heart of The Skirt Project directly into the world of entrepreneurship—helping you share your story with confidence, build a brand presence that feels unstoppable, and secure your place in The Skirt Project’s legacy as an inaugural Brand Muse.
Your business
is your craft —
your story is your power.
Get ready for a year-long, all-in experience that’s here to put the YOU back in your business.
Small Business Stories channels the empowering heart of The Skirt Project directly into the world of entrepreneurship—helping you share your story with confidence, build a brand presence that feels unstoppable, and secure your place in The Skirt Project’s legacy as an inaugural Brand Muse.
Your business
is your craft —
your story is your power.
Get ready for a year-long, all-in experience
that’s here to put the YOU back in your business.
the team
the team
When you join The Skirt Project: Small Business Stories, you’re gaining more than a program—you’re supported by Amanda, Mel, and Julie, three women who care deeply about your heart, your story, and your business.
Amanda brings the soul and vision of the project, Mel offers warmth and connection through her photography, and Julie embodies resilience and artistry as a small business owner. Together, they create a safe circle of encouragement, collaboration, and community-
because when women unite with passion
and purpose, beautiful things happen.
and purpose, beautiful things happen.
i'm ready to apply!
learn more about us!
the team
the team
When you join The Skirt Project: Small Business Stories, you’re gaining more than a program—you’re supported by Amanda, Mel, and Julie, three women who care deeply about your heart, your story, and your business.
Amanda brings the soul and vision of the project, Mel offers warmth and connection through her photography, and Julie embodies resilience and artistry as a small business owner. Together, they create a safe circle of encouragement, collaboration, and community-
because when women unite with passion
and purpose, beautiful things happen.
and purpose, beautiful things happen.
i'm ready
to apply!
learn more about us!
october 2025 - september 2026
Starting
Ending
october 2025 - september 2026
Starting
Ending
A Skirt That Tells Your Story
Commitments & Perks
program details
Every participant (Brand Muse) becomes part of The Skirt Project’s mission and is celebrated with a skirt from The Skirt Project's Collection named in their honor—styled to reflect your brand colors and story.
Year-Long Connection
& Support
Stay encouraged and accountable with 4 quarterly Zoom calls, a private community thread, and direct access to our team for
pep talks, brainstorming, and
real conversations.
Visibility & Promotion
We’ll shine a light on your business all year long—through social media features, website spotlights, highlight reels, collaborative opportunities, and more!
Celebrate & Give Back
Be part of something bigger with giveback initiatives that ripple through the community—then wrap up the year at our signature in-person celebration - market-style showcase.
- Group calls (mini + quarterly)
- In-person events (happy hours,
meetups, holiday + big event)
- The Skirt Project Experience
Short Session with Amanda
- Brand Session with Mel
- Custom Earrings by Julie
- Monthly business promotion
(features/shout-outs/shares on
social media platforms and
quarterly newsletters)
tier two:
tier three:
- Everything from Tier One &
Two
- Quarterly 1:1 calls with Mel,
Amanda, and Julie
- Full Brand Session with Mel
- The Skirt Project Experience
Full Session with Amanda
- Premium Earring Collection by
Julie
- Expanded content +
collaboration opportunities
investment:
tier one:
Four payments of $270 (only $90/month) OR $1,080/year
valued at over:
- Everything from Tier One
- The Skirt Project - Content
Mini Sessions with Amanda &
Mel (exclusive mini session
event with BTS iPhone video
content)
- Custom Jewelry Set by Julie
- WhatsApp Group Access
- 20% off additional services or
products from Amanda, Julie,
and Mel
- The Skirt Project - Content
Mini Sessions with Amanda &
Mel (exclusive mini session
event with BTS iPhone video
content)
- Custom Jewelry Set by Julie
- WhatsApp Group Access
- 20% off additional services or
products from Amanda, Julie,
and Mel
valued at over:
investment:
Four payments of $360 (only $120/month) OR $1,440/year
valued at over:
investment:
Four payments of $450 (only $150/month) OR $1,800/year
group favorite
Program Tiers
i'm ready to apply!
A Skirt That Tells Your Story
Commitments & Perks
program details
Every participant (Brand Muse) becomes part of The Skirt Project’s mission and is celebrated with a skirt from The Skirt Project's Collection named in their honor—styled to reflect your brand colors and story.
Year-Long Connection & Support
Stay encouraged and accountable with 4 quarterly Zoom calls, a private community thread, and direct access to our team for pep talks, brainstorming,
and real conversations.
Visibility & Promotion
We’ll shine a light on your business all year long—through social media features, website spotlights, highlight reels, collaborative opportunities, and more!
Celebrate & Give Back
Be part of something bigger with giveback initiatives that ripple through the community—then wrap up the year at our signature in-person celebration - market-style showcase.
tier one:
- Group calls (mini + quarterly)
- In-person events (happy hours,
meetups, holiday + big event)
- The Skirt Project Experience
Short Session with Amanda
- Brand Session with Mel
- Custom Earrings by Julie
- Monthly business promotion
(features/shout-outs/shares on
social media platforms and
quarterly newsletters)
tier two:
tier three:
- Everything from Tier One & Two
- Quarterly 1:1 calls with Mel,
Amanda, and Julie
- Full Brand Session with Mel
- The Skirt Project Experience Full
Session with Amanda
- Premium Earring Collection by
Julie
- Expanded content +
collaboration opportunities
investment:
Four payments of $270 (only $90/month) OR $1,080/year
valued at over:
- Everything from Tier One
- The Skirt Project - Content
Mini Sessions with Amanda &
Mel (exclusive mini session
event with BTS iPhone video
content)
- Custom Jewelry Set by Julie
- WhatsApp Group Access
- 20% off additional services or
products from Amanda, Julie,
and Mel
- The Skirt Project - Content
Mini Sessions with Amanda &
Mel (exclusive mini session
event with BTS iPhone video
content)
- Custom Jewelry Set by Julie
- WhatsApp Group Access
- 20% off additional services or
products from Amanda, Julie,
and Mel
valued at over:
investment:
Four payments of $360 (only $120/month) OR $1,440/year
valued at over:
investment:
Four payments of $450 (only $150/month) OR $1,800/year
group favorite
Program Tiers
i'm ready to apply!
*Spots are intentionally limited to keep this experience personal and impactful.
*Spots are intentionally limited to keep this experience personal and impactful.
the timeline
september 1
Applications Open
september 17
Deadline to Apply
September 21
Participants Selected
October 6
Program Launch
Sept. 26, 2026
End-of-Year Celebration
Program Highlights Throughout the Year
- Monthly mini calls (starting November, pausing December)
- Big group Zoom calls: Nov 13, Feb 12, May 14, Aug 13
- Community events + collaborations (ex: Happy Hours, Volunteering, Markets, etc.)
- Photoshoots & Jewelry!
- And so much more!
the timeline
september 1
Applications Open
september 17
Deadline to Apply
September 26
Participants Notified
October 6
Program Launch
Sept. 26, 2026
End-of-Year Celebration
Program Highlights Throughout the Year
- Monthly mini calls (starting November, pausing December)
- Big group Zoom calls: Nov 13, Feb 12, May 14, Aug 13
- Community events + collaborations (ex: Happy Hours, Volunteering, Markets, etc.)
- Photoshoots & Jewelry!
- And so much more!
October 18
Meet & Greet/Initial Photoshoot
october 18
Meet & Greet/Initial Photoshoot
Shrader
amanda
Amanda is the heart and vision
behind The Skirt Project, an
empowerment movement that
celebrates women through
storytelling and portrait
photography. With years of experience in building community and curating spaces where people feel truly seen, Amanda brings the soul of connection to this program.
Founder of The Skirt Project
What Amanda Provides:
- Photographs each Brand Muse through her niche empowerment portrait photography, telling the story of the woman behind the brand
- Helps Brand Muses celebrate themselves and remember the importance of being seen
- Guides the storytelling process and amplifies each Brand Muse’s story across The Skirt Project’s platforms
meet Julie
meet mel
Shrader
amanda
Amanda is the heart and vision behind The Skirt Project, an empowerment movement that celebrates women through storytelling and portrait photography. With years of experience in building community and curating spaces where people feel truly seen, Amanda brings the soul of connection to this program.
Founder of The Skirt Project
What Amanda Provides:
- Photographs each Brand Muse through her niche empowerment portrait photography, telling the story of the woman behind the brand
- Helps Brand Muses celebrate themselves and remember the importance of being seen
- Guides the storytelling process and amplifies each Brand Muse's story across The Skirt Project’s platforms
meet Julie
meet mel
Mullins
Julie
Anam Cara Clay Goods
What julie Provides:
meet mel
meet amanda
Mullins
Julie
Anam Cara Clay Goods
What julie Provides:
meet mel
meet amanda
Matheney
mel
Honey Ridge & Lace Photography
What mel Provides:
meet amanda
meet julie
Matheney
mel
Honey Ridge & Lace Photography
What mel Provides:
meet amanda
meet julie
purposeful impact
the giveback
purposeful impact
the giveback
Why Giving Back Matters
Support Local
Giving back isn’t an afterthought — it’s a core value of The Skirt Project, and an essential part of the Small Business Stories Program. Each Brand Muse will be asked to commit to a giveback initiative of their choosing throughout the year. This could look like volunteering time, donating products, offering a free service, or supporting a nonprofit close to your heart.
Why? Because we believe small businesses carry incredible power to make a difference. By weaving generosity into the fabric of this program, we’re reminding ourselves and our communities that success isn’t just measured in sales — it’s measured in impact.
The Skirt Project will feature these moments all year long, showcasing the ripple effect that happens when small businesses lead with heart. Together, we’ll show what’s possible when community comes first.
Amanda, mel, and julie support organizations like VCAC, The american cancer society, the endo fund, comfort care, and more!
Why Giving Back Matters
support local
Giving back isn’t an afterthought — it’s a core value of The Skirt Project, and an essential part of the Small Business Stories Program. Each Brand Muse will be asked to commit to a giveback initiative of their choosing throughout the year. This could look like volunteering time, donating products, offering a free service, or supporting a nonprofit close to your heart.
Why? Because we believe small businesses carry incredible power to make a difference. By weaving generosity into the fabric of this program, we’re reminding ourselves and our communities that success isn’t just measured in sales — it’s measured in impact.
The Skirt Project will feature these moments all year long, showcasing the ripple effect that happens when small businesses lead with heart. Together, we’ll show what’s possible when community comes first.
Amanda, mel, and julie support organizations like VCAC, The american cancer society, the endo fund, comfort care, and more!
i'm ready to apply!
*Spots are intentionally limited to keep this experience personal and impactful.
Our friends at Valley Women Collab have built a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Shenandoah Valley. Through monthly meetups, hands-on workshops, and inspiring events, you’ll gain the tools to strengthen your skills, make meaningful connections, and spark fresh ideas to move your business forward.
The Membership also unlocks practical tools to keep your business growing — a searchable member directory to help you find clients and collaborators, a private community, Discord for quick advice and referrals, and a resource library that’s always being updated with guides, templates, and opportunities.
Not ready to commit to a year-long program...?
but still want to grow your business with support behind you?
The membership is designed to be flexible. Join in when you can, lean on the community when you need it, and grow alongside women who get what it means to build something of your own.
Discover Valley Women Collab
QUESTIONS?
Don't hesitate to reach out - we are happy to help answer any questions you may have! Email us at theskirtprojectcommunity@gmail.com
Not ready to commit to a year-long program...?
but still want to grow your business with support behind you?
Discover Valley Women Collab
QUESTIONS?