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Impact Honorees 2026
WPG saluting leadership in our community
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Courtney Tatum
Owner and CEO
RonnieMarie Online Boutique
Women of Prince George’s recently caught up with the founder of Ronnie Marie Online Boutique, a fashion brand established in December 2022, and inspired by three generations of women in her family. The boutique honors the legacy of her late mother, Veronica, affectionately known as “Ronnie,” while also celebrating her daughter and granddaughter, Elena Marie. What began as a personal love for fashion has grown into a boutique designed to help women feel polished, feminine, confident, and comfortable in every season of life.
Ronnie Marie Online Boutique serves women on the move, from single mothers to professional women balancing careers, families, businesses, and personal goals. What makes the boutique stand out is its focus on elevated, versatile pieces that can transition from the office to brunch, date night, travel, conferences, and special occasions. The founder also models many of the pieces herself, allowing customers to see fashion represented in a real, relatable, and authentic way.
Her approach to fashion is also shaped by lived experience. As a wife, mother, grandmother, federal professional, and entrepreneur, she understands how important it is for women to have clothing that supports their full lives, not just one role they play.
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Ronnie Marie Online Boutique reflects that understanding by offering affordable, carefully selected pieces that help women feel beautiful, prepared, and confident as they manage careers, family responsibilities, business goals, and personal dreams.
Over the past three years, her connection with Women of Prince George’s has helped expand her network, increase Ronnie Marie's visibility, and connect her with other inspiring women who are leading, serving, building, and persevering. As a continued vendor at WPG’s signature events, she has also had the opportunity to showcase her boutique, build meaningful relationships, and engage directly with women who value confidence, style, and community.
When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring or new business owners, her message was simple and powerful: do not quit before the breakthrough. She understands that building a business while balancing work, family, and life is not easy, but she believes every event, customer interaction, and small win matters. Her encouragement to others is to stay consistent, trust the process, and remember why they started.
Courtney Tatum
Owner and CEO
RonnieMarie Online Boutique
www.ronniemarieboutique.com
info@ronniemarieboutique.com
| | Entrepreneur Tip of the Month | |
Focus Area
Analytics & KPIs
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Key Tips: Analytics & KPIs
Tracking performance is not just about collecting numbers. It is about understanding what those numbers are telling you. When you regularly review key performance indicators such as sales, customer engagement, website traffic, email open rates, or client retention, you gain a clearer picture of what is working and where adjustments are needed. Strong businesses do not rely on guesswork alone. They use data to make informed decisions, refine their strategies, and focus their time and resources on the actions that create real growth.
| | | Small Business of the Month | | |
Nanette Thelemaque
InEssence Business Solutions
Small Business Spotlight
When did you establish your business, and what is its core mission or vision?
I started InEssence Business Solutions in 2013 as a side business while working full-time at the Tuck School of Business. I began offering services more formally in 2015 and transitioned fully into entrepreneurship in 2017.
My mission is to help small business owners and mission-driven organizations bring more clarity, structure, and consistency to their operations and marketing. My vision has always been to serve as more than a service provider. I aim to be a strategic support partner who helps businesses streamline, strengthen their systems, and grow with greater confidence and less overwhelm.
What distinct qualities, products, or services set your business apart from others in your industry?
What sets InEssence Business Solutions apart is my relationship-centered and strategic approach. I do not simply step in to complete tasks. I look at the bigger picture, listen closely, and help create practical marketing, operational, and systems-based support that makes the work easier and more sustainable.
My services include marketing support, business operations support, process improvement, and systems development. Over time, my work has evolved into helping organizations build the behind-the-scenes structure they need to operate more smoothly and serve their communities more effectively.
Who or what has been your most significant experience when engaging with WPG events or throughout your entrepreneurial path?
One of the most meaningful parts of supporting Women of Prince George’s has been the opportunity to attend virtual events and hear from powerful speakers and leaders. Because I often support the planning, marketing, and operations behind the scenes, I also get to experience the wisdom shared in the room.
The speakers and conversations have broadened my thinking about leadership, finance, wellness, business strategy, personal growth, and community impact. They remind me that entrepreneurship is not only about providing a service. It is also about continuing to grow, learning from others, and staying connected to purpose.
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How long have you been involved with Women of Prince George’s, and what initially encouraged you to join the community?
My connection with Women of Prince George’s began through a referral from Jacqueline Lopez, President of Premiere Enterprise Solutions and a WPG Advisory Board member. Jacqueline, who is also my cousin, knew I had started my business and saw an opportunity to make a meaningful connection.
Although I did not originally join WPG in the traditional sense, that introduction led to a long-standing relationship built on service, trust, and shared purpose. What began as an opportunity to help has grown into a meaningful professional relationship that has allowed me to support WPG’s mission while also growing my own business.
In what ways has your connection with Women of Prince George’s positively impacted your business, professional development, or personal growth?
My connection with Women of Prince George’s has strengthened both my business and my professional growth. Through my work with WPG, I have continued to sharpen my skills in marketing, operations, event support, and creating systems and processes that help organizations function more effectively.
WPG has also given me a front-row seat to inspiring conversations among women leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community advocates. That exposure has challenged me to think bigger, refine how I serve, and build a business grounded in excellence, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
Based on your experiences, what single piece of advice would you offer to aspiring or new small business owners?
My advice is to build relationships, not just a business. Skills and services matter, but relationships create opportunities, referrals, trust, and long-term growth.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from showing up with integrity, doing good work, being open to learning, and allowing people to see the value you bring over time. Growth does not happen all at once. It is built through consistency, connection, and a willingness to keep refining both your business and yourself.
Nanette Thelemaque
InEssence Business Solutions
(978) 364-0196
info@inessencebusinesssolutions.com
www.inessencebusinesssolutions.com
| | Business Dilemma Scenario | | |
A Business Dilemma: Scenario for Group Exercise
Every month, we present a realistic workplace challenge. After reading it aloud, have participants discuss:
- What’s the core issue?
- What are the possible actions?
- What are the risks and consequences?
- What would they do and why?
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The Mystery Meeting
A recurring meeting has no agenda, no clear owner, and no known purpose. People keep attending out of habit.
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💬 Discussion Prompt: When should you cancel a meeting? How do you audit meeting effectiveness?
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🧠 Suggested Answer to Business Dilemma Scenario
Answer: Ask attendees if the meeting still serves a purpose. If not, cancel or repurpose it. Encourage a quarterly review of recurring meetings.
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WPG Mission Statement
The Women of Prince George’s leverages a strategic roster of business relationships across the Washington, D.C. area to build mutually beneficial connections between key businesses and local women. The organization connects professional women and entrepreneurs with neighboring markets while providing exposure for businesses serving the Prince George’s County community. Through mentorship, education, workshops, and professional guidance, The Women of Prince George’s strives to educate women, strengthen families and communities, and elevate economic opportunity and leadership on a global scale.
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