For decades, women have fought tooth and nail for respect and equal rights.

Commending that effort, Jodi Minker, a Sensaria Natural Bodycare representative, and Becky Smith, a personal consultant, are presenting the first-ever Business and Lifestyle Expo in the Pioneer Memorial Park clubhouse 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 31. The event will feature multiple peninsula-based businesses owned and operated by women.

"The biggest reason this started is because we wanted an event where independent representative businesses are highlighted as 'real' businesses not just a hobby or something stay-at-home moms do to fill their time," Minker said. "Many of these businesses are operations with highly skilled women working in the field they choose as their career."

Minker will offer free one-on-one skin care consultations during the five-hour event. Peninsula authors Glynda Schaad and Cath Mich will share and sign copies of their books "High Divide: Minnie Peterson's Olympic Mountain Adventures," "Women to Reckon With: Untamed Women of the Olympic Wilderness," and "Be the Artist of Your Own Life's Work." An area financial planning advisor will offer financial advice.

Additional vendors include representatives from Aglow Mind & Body Rejuvenation, Kika's Photography, PartyLite, Tastefully Simple, Stampin' Up, Home Interiors and other businesses.

"I'm very girly girl and thought it'd be fun to have a 'girls day out' in Sequim," Minker said. "Leave the kids with the babysitter and have a getaway."

The expo is a chance for business-oriented women to network.

"I really believe in connecting with female peers and taking time to take care of yourself," Minker said. "Do things that uplift you and that will enable you to be a better person, mother, wife and business owner," she encouraged.

The Business and Lifestyle Expo will be an annual event, according to Minker.

"I hope people get inspired to follow their dreams and start their own business, whether that be opening a day care, writing a book or becoming a Sensaria representative," she said. "Hopefully one day we will be so big we are at the high school gymnasium or something."

The event is free and open to public. Women, men and children of all ages are invited to participate in raffle drawings and enjoy complimentary coffee and tea from Adagio Bean & Leaf.

For more information, call Minker at 360-301-3221.