Claire Raphael Consulting

03/20/2026

Sun a fun networking event last night with some of the Seattle members of

.co were amazing hosts!

It’s important to get out and meet new people even when it’a grey and drizzly outside. This crew was filled with wonderful women and lots of encouragement and inspiration. It was definitely worth putting on some hard pants!

06/03/2025

Come to the market this Wednesday!

See you Wednesday at the Sammamish Farmers Market!
Come listen to some of our talent here in Sammamish with Sammamish Rock Band.

03/18/2025

I see many small business owners experimenting with AI using what I like to call cute “party trick” prompts->things like, “Hey AI, roast my Instagram feed” or “Hey AI, predict my life in 10 years.” 

While these are fun (and sometimes surprisingly insightful!), there’s a whole world of AI tools that can save time, spark creativity, and improve processes for small businesses.

If you’re in the corporate world, AI is everywhere—woven into daily conversations, workflows, and innovations. But for small business owners, adopting new technology can feel like a big leap (and, let’s be honest, a little intimidating!) 😳

That’s why I was so excited to collaborate with the  to help small business owners take that first step—making AI more approachable and showing how it can drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.

I was joined by fellow panelists Priyanka Raha of  and Bret Grinslade of Oracle, who brought incredible insights to the discussion.

I think I speak for my fellow panelists when I say this: AI isn’t just for big corporations—it’s a game-changer for small businesses. It can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and open up new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to be a newbie and start exploring today. AI is evolving daily, and we’re all learning as we go!

A huge thank you to the Sammamish Chamber and for hosting this important conversation and to everyone who joined, asked great questions, and engaged with us. I can’t wait to keep these conversations going and see more small businesses harness the power of AI!

Are you using AI in your business?

12/21/2024

Happy winter solstice!
My favorite day of the year.
Each day will be a little brighter from this day forward.
My wish for you is that you are able to see this little shimmer of light ✨ and let it guide you forward into the spring.

When sent me this photo, I knew exactly which day I would post it. Thank you Heidi for the inspiration and capture!

12/04/2024

An accounting pro and caterer walked into a networking event….
No, this isn’t the start of some dad joke, it’s a ‘meet-cute-collaboration’ story. ❤️

Earlier this year, I hosted a women’s networking event at . At this event, we spilled the tea(both literally and figuratively), shared our stories, and enjoyed delicious treats.

At the end of the event, my heart was full! This gathering of women felt so different from many awkward networking meetings I have attended.

Vulnerability was on full display. The attendees shared their stories and made connections through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship(and life). Did you know that when someone shares a story your brainwaves start to mirror the speakers? We were all definitely on the same wavelength that morning!

Vicky Garcia of and Erin Pohan of .co were two attendees at this event.

At first glance, they might not have felt an immediate business connection. But they maintained contact after the event and months later, when Erin needed a caterer for an event she was hosting for tax professionals, she knew exactly who to call. Vicky’s delicious Mexican food was the perfect addition to the gathering.

This collaboration wasn’t an overnight result. It was the outcome of a genuine connection, trust, and a shared belief in supporting fellow business owners.

Networking is about relationship building. It takes time, but the rewards are worth it—not just for your business but for your sense of community.

So, what collaborations are you dreaming up for 2025? Drop a comment and let’s inspire each other to think bigger, connect deeper, and support one another!

📷:

09/27/2024

The 🎃 pumpkins on the shelves are a sign that the holidays are right around the corner! (I can’t believe it either!)

Whether you are a retailer or an online business owner, the holidays can mean a spike in sales. Woohoo!

Many retailers see 20-30% of annual sales in November and December 🎉 For online business owners it can be up to 40% or more! It’s time for you to get your piece of the pie.

Join me at the Hadley on Mercer island, Wednesday October 9th at 6pm to get the gears in motion for your holiday promos! Whether it’s an e-mail campaign, collaboration, event, or social media promotion, the time to get started is now!

We will spend time mapping out your holiday promotional plan and collaborating with peers to get realtime feedback on your offers.

Click the link in my bio to sign up and get festive ❄️ together!

This event is sponsored by the and is free for members $10 for guests.

04/10/2024

I am looking forward to meeting the young entrepreneurs at our workshops in a few weeks!

Have your kids always wanted to know what it takes to start a business?

Well, this workshop series if for them. The Sammamish Library and the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce has created an amazing four-part workshop series covering all aspects of starting a business. Learn about business plans, financial literacy, branding/marketing and how to pitch your business.

Workshops begin April 27th.
Register at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1345051982852653?mibextid=9l3rBW&rdid=8S33v6vgVYj79JOn

Sponsored by: KeyBank of Sammamish
In Partnership with: Popsmartkids, Claire Raphael Consulting and Nazarro Law

03/26/2024

We had an amazing time at FrogLegs Culinary last week. I can't wait for the next pop-up social. Where would you like for us to visit and support? Click here to be notified of the next event: https://bit.ly/content_connections

Heidi Leonard Photography did an amazing job capturing the attendees!

03/19/2024

The amazing Seattle photographer Heidi Leonard Photography will be joining us at FrogLegs Culinary this Thursday! She will be capturing portraits of each attendee and behind-the-scenes photos. Networking, treats, AND a new profile pic?! What better way to spend a Thursday.

My friend Morgan and I visited Heidi's studio last week and had so much fun taking pictures. I can't wait for you to meet her!

https://bit.ly/EntrepreneurTeaTime

03/13/2024

Networking, macarons, tea, and photos!

What could be better?!

Join me at the gorgeous new Frog Legs Culinary School in Redmond Town Center for a pop-up social on Thursday, March 21st at 10 AM.

We are going to be feeling all the Bridgerton vibes as we enjoy tea and some delicious treats.

The amazing Frog Legs founder, Laura Vida, will share her entrepreneurial story with us. From hosting cooking classes out of her home in Seattle to three thriving beautiful cooking schools in the Seattle area. Network with other local entrepreneurs and maybe make a new friend of two!

is joining us to capture the fun! Wear your prettiest spring top or maybe even a dress(if the sun comes out!). You might end up with your favorite new profile picture.

Don’t miss out! Click the link in my profile to get your ticket

03/07/2024

Visibility Camp is NOT for entrepreneurs who are satisfied with the status quo. It is for entrepreneurs with big goals this year who are ready to take action and make them a reality.

They are tired of being the "best-kept secret" and are ready to be known for the expert that they are.

We kick off our virtual camp on March 11th, I have saved a bunk for you!

https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/65c13dbf862a43003abd59fe