Alexandra Freytag explains how her new company Black Sheep Brewing Co. will help create connections outside your business or event, and how Christine Spiak and the female entrepreneurs of Success Circle helped her make her vision a reality.

The Workshop will cover strategies for identifying priorities, overcoming limiting thoughts, making decisions with greater confidence and protecting time and energy while pursuing personal and career goals. The workshop supports the Women’s Employment & Resource Center’s mission of providing job readiness, career coaching and workforce development services.

Jessica Rowley explains how her business Love & Cupcakes Studio evolved from her passion for baking, along with the support and encouragement from Christine Spiak, Tricia Sticca and the group of likeminded entrepreneurial women through Success Circle.

Success Circle Spotlight: Chelan Vanno explains how The Portal at Bagg’s Square helps organizations and entrepreneurs navigate complexity, with support from Christine Spiak, Tricia Sticca and all the female entrepreneurs of Success Circle.

Each month we shine a light on one of our talented ICF Upstate NY members. This month, we’re delighted to introduce: Tricia Sticca

This conversation is about redefining success, not just in business, but in life.

Christine and Tricia aren't just business partners- they call themselves “biz besties.”

In this conversation, we talk about partnership, networking, money, time, and what it really takes to build something meaningful — without losing yourself in the partnership.

Christine Spiak believes in the power of small, intentional actions. She teaches that when people live consciously and use their God-given talents with purpose, even subtle shifts can create meaningful change. Wisdom, gained by a turning point that taught her to slow down, to clarify what matters most, and to choose a path forward grounded in faith. 

Success Circle Spotlight: The Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter CEO Karen Korotzer reflects upon the key to female leadership, with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca as they thank Chef’s Express for hosting the Success Circle’s regular meetings over the past year before moving to a new location at The Portal in July.

Success Circle, a rapidly growing community for women entrepreneurs and leaders in the Mohawk Valley, will officially relocate its operations to The Portal in downtown Utica beginning July 1, 2026. The move marks a significant next step for both organizations and reflects a shared commitment to intentional growth, collaboration, leadership development, and community-building within the region.

Success Circle Spotlight: Jody Hatch explains how the company she founded, JH Mountain Management, helps bring clarity, structure and momentum to founder-led business operations, and highlights support from Christine Spiak, Tricia Sticca and other female entrepreneurs through Success Circle.

Success Circle Spotlight: Lauren Mattia explains how her company Digital Infrastructure Advisors helps businesses and organizations manage their internet and communications providers, through the guidance of Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca’s group of female entrepreneurs.

Tricia Sticca has earned her Professional Certified Coach credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The credential is awarded to coaches who meet requirements for training, experience and ethical practice.

Success Circle Spotlight: Kathleen Connell explains the goals of her ‘Furthermore’ life-planning experience for a mindful retirement, which she evolved with her husband Jim Connell through the support and encouragement of Christine Spiak, Tricia Sticca and the female entrepreneurs of Success Circle.

Success Circle Spotlight: Swasi-Ann Bradley explains origin of her ‘GJI Elite Assist’ visibility services and social media management company with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca of Success Circle.

Success Circle Spotlight: Jessica Rotkiewicz highlights her ‘JMR Visuals’ business for commercial and branded photography/videography, with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca from Success Circle.

Success Circle is one of the most quietly influential communities rising in the Mohawk Valley right now, and at the heart of it are its co-founders, Tricia Sticca and Christine Spiak. Together, they have built a space where women business owners feel supported, encouraged, and seen. After attending several of their events myself, I can say with confidence that the environment they have created is thoughtful, welcoming, and unlike anything else happening locally.

Success Circle, a membership community for female entrepreneurs, has announced that co-founder Christine Spiak, also the founder of Compass Financial Wellness, has earned the Certified Profit First Professional designation through the global organization founded by author Mike Michalowicz.

Success Circle Spotlight: Cristi Kaido explains how her own local business ‘The Mindful Mixer’ takes Mocktail Workshops on the road to various establishments, and discusses her new book ‘The 12 Sips of Christmas: Festive Mocktails & Mindful Reflections for the Holiday Season,’ which is available on Amazon. Cristi shares her story after collaborating with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca through Success Circle, which aims to bring entrepreneurial women together to help them achieve their business dreams.