Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt)—the premiere international organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries—has announced a number of not-to-be-missed events scheduled for Spring Market in High Point.

The first, “Making Savvy Business Decisions Without Sacrificing Your Values,” featuring guest speaker Jaclyn Smith (yes, that Jaclyn Smith) is set for Tuesday, April 8th at 7:30 a.m. in the IHFC Green Wing, 11th floor, Club level, Ballroom A. From her best-known role as one of the original “Charlie’s Angels” to playing a leadership role in lifestyle merchandising in the home furnishings industry, Smith’s sense of style comes from her heart. Over time, her name has become synonymous with beauty, grace and refreshing sincerity. By all accounts, her successful brands have been driven by strong values that reflect her life experiences, desire for happiness and belief in goodness.

A pioneer of the celebrity brand in the ‘80s, Women’s Wear Daily cited Smith’s $11 billion clothing line at Kmart as having the highest consumer awareness of all private-label apparel brands. Indeed, her brand relationship with more than 100 million women resonates in her versatile collections of apparel separates and accessories and new beauty product line. Early word is that Education Breakfast attendees can expect to learn how Smith makes smart business decisions while remaining true to her values as she navigates the ever-changing world of home furnishings. Reservations are required and we recommend you act fast or risk SRO since the WithIt Educational Breakfast always fills to capacity. RSVP now by emailing cpayne@ihfc.com.

Then, on Tuesday evening, plan to unplug and play at the WithIt Networking Tent Event, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Century Courtyard in Historic Market Square. Biltmore wines, food and live entertainment are on the agenda, as are good times designed to benefit the WithIt Scholarship Fund. For those seeking to see and be seen, this event is always a “Who’s Who.”  

Thursday evening, from 6 to 8 p.m., Withit gets down to business once again with its biannual Market Competitive Intelligence/Trends Forecast in the Outer Limits/SECO Showroom at 220 Elm, in Suite 311. Count on the panel of industry experts here to tell like it is.

Finally, on Friday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Withit members will provide invaluable Market experiences for visiting college students as part of WithIt Student Mentoring Day. Selva America is hosting the Student Luncheon at 200 Steele, and Philipp Selva, president and chief executive will be on hand as guest speaker. Executives interested in sharing their knowledge of the industry with a student can sign up to volunteer their time by visiting www.withit.org or by contacting WithIt Executive Director Sara Lyke via email: director@withit.org. Volunteers meet at the High Point Theater.