Oxford Business Panel (4/16/25)
At our meeting on April 16, we hosted an Oxford Business Panel with six local women who created their own businesses. Each member of the panel introduced themselves and shared their own unique experience following their passion to create a successful business. WiB members were then able to participate in a Q & A with the members of the panel, where panel members shared lots of valuable information from insightful motivation to entertaining anecdotes from their time as a business owner. This was a wonderful experience for all members of WiB, especially those looking to create their own business one day, and we are so grateful for each woman on panel for taking the time to speak to our organization!
Oxford Business Panel Members:
Mckenna Goddard: Makeup by Mckenna
McKenna Goddard, also known as Makeup by McKenna, is a rising leader in the beauty industry. At just 23 years old, she has already made a name for herself being featured as Mississippi’s Best Bridal Makeup Artist 2025. As a recent graduate from the School of Business at the University of Mississippi (and a former WiB alumni), McKenna has built a following of over 150,000 followers across social media platforms, where she shares her expert tips, tutorials, and a behind-the-scenes look into her life as a bridal makeup artist.
Elizabeth Heiskell: Elizabeth Heiskell Catering
Elizabeth Heiskell was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, an agricultural area bordered by the Mississippi River where food and fun go hand in hand. With her passion for food, fun, and adventure, Elizabeth started her culinary journey in her mother’s and grandmother’s kitchen. Chef Heiskell has prepared food for such notables as the Duchess of York, Former Vice President Al Gore, Chef Thomas Keller, Priscilla Presley and the governors of Mississippi, Texas, and Arizona. In 2011 Elizabeth moved from the Delta flatland to the hills of Oxford, Mississippi. There, she and her husband, Luke, built and ran Woodson Ridge Farm with a little help from their three girls. Elizabeth’s catering company, Elizabeth Heiskell Catering, is deep rooted amongst its community. Since leaving the vegetables and their farm Elizabeth and Luke remain busy with Whiskey Ranch, Luke’s grass-fed cattle and Elizabeth’s catering, book tours, Today Show appearances, and speaking engagements. She has done appearances on Food Network’s The Kitchen and was a guest judge on the popular Food Network show, Chopped. In October of 2017 Elizabeth published her best-selling cookbook, “What Can I bring?” The following October she was asked to redo the Southern Living’s best-selling cookbook of all times, “Southern Living Parties”. It was released in October of 2018 and is set to be as treasured a cookbook as its predecessor. Elizabeth is set to release her fourth book, Come On Over, in the May of 2021. This amazing read provides recipes for ‘any days that life may through your way’ ‘either summer days, or diet days, or lake days or School Days, Come On Over promises to have recipes for all days and join its predecessors as a best seller.
Abbe Barfield: The Scout Guide | Oxford, MS
Abbe Barfield’s professional journey began in the dynamic world of textiles & apparel marketing, where she had the opportunity to work at the renowned fashion house, Ralph Lauren. Eager to broaden her horizons, she transitioned into the corporate realm, dedicating the subsequent decade of her career to sales management within the insurance industry. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she embarked on a new adventure ten years ago, launching her own life and health insurance agency. In addition to her insurance agency, she also manages Barfield Investment Properties, a portfolio encompassing commercial, residential, and vacation properties. Her love affair with Oxford began almost ten years ago, and she haven't looked back since. This charming town captured her heart, and she knew she had found my forever home. When she’s not working, she finds joy in simple pleasures like gardening, traveling, and cooking. She’s so excited to be launching The Scout Guide Oxford next spring.
Ann Marie Shivers: Details Rentals
I graduated from The University of Ms in 1988 with a degree in bachelors of arts in biology and a minor in business. I worked in various businesses but ended up getting a job at the Croft Institute as the Program Coordinator. We decided to open a business here in Oxford in November of 2009 for rentals. There was only one other rental company so we felt like Oxford would be a good place to start. We have now been operating for 16 years.
Katherine Webb: Farmstead Florals
Katherine Webb is the owner of Farmstead Florals, a cut flower farm here in Oxford, MS. Farmstead Florals is best known for their Self Serve Flower Stands on the Oxford Square and Ole Miss' campus as well as their booths at the local farmers markets. She supplies florists and groceries with flowers in North Mississippi, Memphis, and Birmingham and dabbles in floral design, weddings and event work. With a true passion for flowers, being outside, and the gratification that comes from working with her hands, she started Farmstead Florals in 2016 on 3/4 of an acre and over the past nine seasons has grown the farm to 7 acres in production. She prides herself on quality and community and hopes to continue to raise flowers for many years to come.
Kristy Wilson: Kristy Wilson Watercolors
Kristy Wilson is a watercolor artist and mom who captures the beauty of nature and everyday moments through vibrant expressive paintings.
