Heels & Handshakes

Heels And Handshakes® was founded in 2013 with a vision to empower and support women in business and entrepreneurship. What started as a small community has grown to over 3,000 women and has expanded to multiple cities, creating a vibrant network of women dedicated to advancing each other in all aspects of business.

As an all-inclusive membership, we provide the resources, support, and opportunities needed for women to confidently put their best "heel" forward. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established woman in business, we are here to champion your success.


Join us today and become a part of a thriving community that advocates for women’s growth in business.

Our featured members

  • City Winery
  • Heels & Handshakes members

    Current Members

    Current members include but are not limited to:

    Women in Banking, IT, Construction, Corporate, Payroll, Gym Owners, Restaurants, Venues, Hotels, Entertainment, Event Planners, DMCs, Marketing Agencies, CPAs, and Entrepreneurs. 

    Connect Now

  • Allies & Bowties

    Since our Launch in 2013, our community has grown to over 3,000. We are the first female-driven organization in the South to be fully all-inclusive.

    (Allies & Bow Ties is a membership option under the umbrella of Heels & Handshakes and includes all genders.) we believe we are stronger together!

    Join Now
  • Heels & Handshakes Collaboration

    Collaboration

    As Heels continues to grow and evolve, we remain true to our collaborative spirit, focusing on genuine connection, positivity, and collaboration over competition.

    View Opportunities

OUR MANTRA

"Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.”

This has been our mantra since day one and continues to resonate in the hearts and intentions of all that are involved.

  • “All I can say is WOWWWWW!! What an incredible event I experienced last night as a first-time guest I was so impressed with the whole event. You and your team did such an incredible job with every detail. I have been networking for the last 10 years and I have never been to an event that I honestly didn’t want to leave. Well done!!  How do I sign up and join in this incredible group of fabulous women and inspirational energy? Please sign me up!”
 - Kyla

  • “I have been part of the Heels and Handshakes community for the past two years as a part time Event Manager for a local venue in town. Throughout my time in the group, I have seen a group of women who have come together to provide helpful information and insight into the industry. I, personally, got my job through Heels and Handshakes when a job listing was posted in the group. Though I did not know the person that shared the job posting, I was able to feel confident to reach out to the organization because of other succors in the group. I am forever grateful for the Heels and Handshakes community.”

    －Morgan Rudisill, Brooklyn Bowl

  • “Heels & Handshakes is an invaluable networking organization for women in business. When our agency was in the market for a new office operations manager, we posted through various platforms before Heels & Handshakes without much success. Once we notified the H&H Facebook group of our #JobAlert we almost immediately had 10-12 resumes from women in the event industry in our inbox! We made a fantastic hire from that group of resumes, and probably would not have known about her or her us, without this amazing platform. Grateful to be part of such a wonderful group of women!!”

    － Rachel Kerr, KEG

  • “It was wonderful to meet you and all the women of Heels and Handshakes. I was blown away by the level of professionalism, energy, and power of these beautiful and talented women in business and entrepreneurs. It was a pleasure to be able to witness the conversations and interactions. I can’t say enough how impressed I am with the strength and leadership of your organization. Take this thing global!” - Stephanie Hand

  • “This group is such an amazing resource. All of the women are so supportive of one another. If you have a question whether it be job-related or “where should I go to get a manicure”, this group is where I turn to.

    To say the Heels and Handshakes have helped to advance my career would be an understatement. I have booked several groups just from replying to the member portal inquiries that are posted. I know that if I have a need for something these women will know where to find it! We are so lucky to have such a great group of women to network with!”

    － Susan Zoesch, Tin Roof

  • I am loving being a part of Heels. It's so fantastically run, everyone I've met is great and the exact type of person that I want (and need!) to meet. It's very clear that Shannen put a lot of heart and thought into it this group. Moving here and knowing only one person, this is one of the best investments I've made in myself and the payoff has been huge. I'm constantly telling other new friends and connections of mine that they need to join as well! - Amanda Dease, Studio Dease

  • Heels & Handshakes is a MUST-join organization for anyone in the events industry, but it's also a great networking group for anyone in Nashville, period. With a membership base that spans suppliers, planners, and event business owners, it's such a valuable tool to meet and connect authentically with other like-minded and driven individuals in our community.

    Heels & Handshakes embodies both southern hospitality warmth and serious business development, which is a unique and FIRE combination. We've found it immensely helpful to meet other amazing people in our industry with whom we WANT to do business. Plus, the events are fun and not awkward like so many other traditional business/networking events. Since everyone is there to do business and connect, you can walk right up to people and jump into a conversation. Everyone expects it!

    In sum, H&H is a great investment of your time and resources. We're here to lift other women (doing amazing things in business) up. Definitely join!

    Sondra Noble, HipHues

  • Being new to the Nashville market with a brand new franchise presented obvious challenges! Heels and Handshakes provided a much needed community as being an entrepreneur can be super lonely - as well as providing the introductions/connections that have helped us grow exponentially in just a few short months! Becoming a member

    has been the best spent marketing to date!!

    Heidi Bellerjeau, Owner FACE FOUNDRIÉ GULCH

  • “I previously had a H&H membership through previous companies I worked for. My experience with H&H was so impactful that when it was time for me to venture out and start my own business, I knew H&H would be an important membership for me! The amount of support and connecting that happens with this group of women is something very special.” - Rosa Ellett