PHOTOS BY NSP PHOTOGRAPHY & SUSAN ELIZABETH PORTRAITS
In the ever-evolving landscape of online magazines, one platform has emerged as a beacon of empowerment for women in Rochester and beyond, Rochester Woman Online. The latest cover stars, Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush, the dynamic duo behind BOSSY ROC, have carved out a space that celebrates not just the achievements of women but also their personal growth and relationships. BOSSY ROC is not just a cute name; it’s a vibrant community, a support system, and a hub for female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and flourish.
BOSSY ROC, is more than a catchy name; it’s a mission statement. The brainchild of Metras and Bush, this platform is a haven for women who are juggling the responsibilities of business and life, often like a modern-day Batman and Robin. Through a range of offerings, including podcasts, social media engagement, marketing insights, and a roster of exciting monthly events, BOSSY ROC provides a nurturing environment where women can engage in candid and robust conversations about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. In this unique space, women find not only the tools they need to succeed in their business ventures but also the connections and support required to grow personally and feel genuinely valued in their communities and relationships. Kelly Metras and Kelly Bush are on a mission to foster an environment where women can truly spread their wings and soar to new heights.
What is BOSSY ROC, and how would you describe its mission?
BOSSY is a support group for women business owners. We value real, honest, and raw conversations and relationships to allow each other to grow and feel valued.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind creating this networking group for women business owners?
BOSSY was born through necessity. We found ourselves purchasing businesses with our husbands within the same year and would often get together to vent or ask questions. Upon leaving these meetings, we found that we felt more powerful and centered than going in. One day we decided that other women should feel this way as well, this feeling of support and being understood. We hosted a happy hour, inviting some women business owners that we knew and their friends. About 30 people showed up, and at the end, there was a group feeling of “Omg, when can we do this again!” so we started meeting monthly and opened a private Facebook group. It grew to 600 women until we decided to streamline the group and added a $100 fee to join. We are growing monthly, starting with 120 after we implemented to charge, and gaining women every week. In 6 months, we have grown 30%!
How did you and your co-founder, Kelly Bush, come up with the idea for BOSSY ROC?
The name came from a few drinks and decided that we have all been called BOSSY throughout our lives, so why not own it?! We like to say that we are only BOSSY when someone isn’t getting their job done. And this is when men would be considered leaders.
When was BOSSY ROC officially founded, and what motivated you to start it at that time?
September of 2014 was our first meeting. We were motivated by the reaction from women. Every month we have new faces at the monthly meetups- sometimes it’s women who haven’t been able to schedule it before, sometimes it’s women who have been on the sidelines for a while before they come, and sometimes it’s brand-new people jumping in.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on businesses. How did BOSSY ROC adapt and stay relevant during this challenging period?
During the Pandemic, we opened up our regulations on membership, allowing women leaders in, which we pulled back on in 2021. Support was needed everywhere. BOSSY was a go-to for funding opportunities, lifting each other up, out-of-the-box ideas, staying up to date on mandates and regulations, and supporting staff. BOSSY adapted to meet the needs of as many people as possible.
Your private Facebook group is a central part of BOSSY ROC. How has it contributed to the success of your networking community?
Our private group is the primary mode of communication. We tried to fight the algorithm to keep the membership engaged and supported, but it didn’t work, which led to the fee-based service idea. With only vested members, we can reach and see the needs of all of them. That is so important, because the page contains 9 years of the most important information. 9 years of questions asked, stories shared, support requested or given. The search bar turns the page into a small business owners database and that is invaluable.
We also communicate at least monthly with all members by email to make sure they aren’t missing anything. We all need social media breaks! And I am always a little jealous of members without social media.
Could you share some examples of the types of social events you host within the BOSSY ROC community?
We host a yearly conference for 3 days of deep diving into your business. We try to keep them outside of Rochester, but within an hour’s drive to accommodate people who cannot afford to stay overnight, and as small business owners we know how hard it can be to get away. Plus, if there is an emergency at work, you can get there fairly quickly. For many years, we hosted the BOSSY Holiday Sale, highlighting our membership. We do pop-ups trainings by members and a monthly co-work.
Besides social events, BOSSY ROC offers educational workshops. Can you elaborate on the topics covered in these workshops?
Our workshops and seminars, including the ones we choose to host at the conference, are all organically decided based on the needs of members. We are actively involved in every BOSSY hour, every post, every question. We use these to decide what will benefit members most. They range from HR, Social Media, Finance and Funding to Managing Employees and Diversity & Inclusion in your space.
How have these educational workshops benefited the members of BOSSY ROC?
Our favorite workshops have been the Diversity & Inclusion panel, the Relentless Panel, and our HR Seminars.
The D&I panel was a group of women covering various needs in the community who spoke in candor to business owners and their management teams about what D&I actually looks and feels like. This covered “safe spaces,” racism, sizeism, transgender acceptance, and access for all abilities.
The Relentless Panel was a group of women who refused to stand down and fought for the needs of their businesses, allowing them success and growth.
The HR seminars usually make people sweat and cry a little, but we need to know what the laws are so that we can follow them and not have to worry!
What are some success stories or notable achievements that have resulted from being part of BOSSY ROC?
We have often been told directly that some businesses wouldn’t be where they are today without BOSSY. But we know that ultimately, any group you belong to or the membership that you pay for is only worth what you put into it. BOSSY becomes a networking group in a completely organic and supportive manner. We are all doing amazing things, so once we are in a group together, we only want to see each other grow!
Can you share any future plans or initiatives that BOSSY ROC has in the pipeline?
We dream of women across the country having access to BOSSY chapters. Affordable, supportive, and real opportunities to feel seen and heard.
How does BOSSY ROC promote diversity and inclusion within its community?
BOSSY is inclusive in a natural manner. We want to make sure ALL women are included. We have members who go the extra mile and offer scholarships to anyone looking to join and cannot afford it- and some of those are specifically targeted to minority women. We make sure that our membership, our panelists, and our workshop leads cover women from all ethnicities and backgrounds. We know that when you look at a presentation panel, you want to see someone who looks like you on it. It is a natural desire, so it is a focus for us.
What advice would you give to women entrepreneurs who are looking to join or create similar networking groups?
BOSSY is not a networking group. We are a support group that networks because we love what each other is doing. Whatever group or business that someone wants to start should hold the person’s values and mission at heart. Make sure to check in on those often to make sure you are staying aligned. Your group or business will not be for everyone so keep your focus on the mission to help those that align.
Are there any specific industries or sectors that BOSSY ROC focuses on, or is it open to women business owners from all fields?
We have women doing everything in BOSSY! There are no restrictions aside from owning the business.
In your opinion, what sets BOSSY ROC apart from other networking groups for women entrepreneurs?
Real, Honest, Raw conversations. Again, we are not a networking group but a support group, and that in itself sets us apart.
How can interested individuals get involved with BOSSY ROC or become members?
All information about BOSSY and joining BOSSY, including our podcast episodes, can be found at bossyroc.com. If you are interested but not sure, reach out to bossyroc@gmail.com and we will invite you to our next BOSSY Hour to feel it out.
Has BOSSY ROC expanded beyond its original location, or are there plans for future expansion?
We are looking at Buffalo right now- but we are willing to expand anywhere that there is a need and a desire from someone local to guide the group.
What is your vision for the future of BOSSY ROC, both in terms of its growth and impact on the business community?
The vision for BOSSY is to support women business owners across the country, with chapters in every city. We want every woman business owner to feel supported and welcome.
BOSSY also has a co-ed group called BOSSing that began this year from an organic interest from men after listening to our podcast and seeing what BOSSY is and does. We host bi-monthly meetings right now, with a plan to expand to monthly meetings in 2024. Those interested can email us at bossyroc@gmail.com to find out more!
