Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/577723
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 SANTA CRUZ WOMAN 5 S anta Cruz is considered one of the top U.S. cities for women entrepreneurs, according to a recent study. Goodcall, a college data compilation organization, ranks Santa Cruz at number 17 among the best locations in the country for women starting and/or operating businesses. "The cities that rank highest in this report are places where women entrepreneurs have a better chance of finding a healthy economy and stable job market, as well as support from the local community and other like- minded businesswomen," the study states. Kasia Maslanka Smith, co-owner of Ate3One food truck, couldn't agree more. "People have been so supportive," said Maslanka Smith, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who was tired of creating menus for other people's restaurants. "I was told [a food truck] wouldn't work here, but I'm stubborn. I was going to make it work." Initial struggles included finding the right locations to park. "We got kicked out of a lot of places at first," she said. "It was depressing and we lost money." But thanks to strong word of mouth and positive buzz on social media, Ate30ne has a huge fan-base. "We're very thankful to everyone out there that spreads the word," she said. Traversing the community, serving up such local favorites as Philly Cheese Steak and "Naughty Fries," created by husband and business partner Jonathan, Maslanka Smith now likes to give back to the city that has made her successful. "We do a lot of charity work for several organizations," she said. Operating a different type of business, Deirdre Hamilton, a partner at Hamilton Swift & Associates, has over 35 years of experience in the planning field. She became a principal in the company back in 1989 and has since excelled in successfully maneuvering both public and private projects through the complicated process of acquiring permits. Hamilton says it makes sense that women would succeed in Santa Cruz. "Looking around in my profession, the majority are men," she said. "However, there are many women involved in local government. I also deal predominantly with women in real estate." Hamilton says it's gratifying to help the community move forward with their projects. "I enjoy what I do," she said. "I receive so many calls and notes from clients telling me how much we've helped them. It's a nice feeling." by Susan Pascal SANTA CRUZ: GREAT FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS "I was told [a food truck] wouldn't work here, but I'm stubborn. I was going to make it work." - Kasia Maslanka Smith