For the women turning 'what ifs' into what lasts.

Synovus Knows Women Mean Business

At Synovus, we know that women entrepreneurs play an integral role in moving our communities forward. It’s why we’re proud to have hosted our second Women Mean Business event.

This year’s event welcomed more than 100 visitors to the ballroom of the storied Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia. Guests were welcomed with a Synovusbranded tote, ready to hold goodies and giveaways while they networked and snacked on sweet and savory treats.

Reinforcing our commitment to businesses within our footprint, the event showcased 15 women-owned ventures from Columbus, providing them with an open forum to share their goods and expertise, display their passion for business and make connections in the community.

In addition to featuring local businesses, we encouraged each of our entrepreneurs to share a word of wisdom for the next generation of business owners. With nothing but a prompt and a pen, attendees offered an outpouring of advice, guidance and inspiration.

The highlight of the evening was an intimate conversation with artist, entrepreneur and Synovus ambassador Teil Henley. The clubhouse was awash with all things Teil— tablescapes were built to include fabric samples from her textile collection and floral arrangements filled the room in her trademark palette. The stage was cozily set with a couch and dressed in pillows and lamps featuring her distinct patterns, along with her coffee table book, The Color Teil. Lastly, several pieces of Teil’s artworks were on display as an inspiration to the evening’s conversation.

Joined onstage by Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking and Brand Experience Liz Wolverton, Teil happily discussed her organic path to entrepreneurship and the milestone moments she’s encountered so far in her career. We learned that life as a mom of three, wife to PGA tour champion Russell Henley and an artist and small business owner takes more than talent. It requires creative planning, trusted help, strategic work and the ability to turn off that work when it’s time to connect with her family.

As the event came to a close, Liz shared an inspirational video highlighting The Brick and Mortar Café, a business venture owned by Heather Maloney. Maloney’s vision for the restaurant prioritizes kindness to your fellow man, ensuring everyone who visits the café feels seen, valued and accepted. She hires based on good deeds, has furnished the café with donated items from neighbors and bakes fresh everyday the food that fuels her Columbus community.

In a surprise twist at the close of the evening, Heather was invited to the stage and joined by Division CEO and Market President Heath Schondelmayer. Heath presented Heather with a $10,000 grant to grow and strengthen her business. Fighting back tears, Heather was embraced onstage by our local leaders as they expressed confidence in her vision and appreciation for all she does to support the community.

After the event, Britnee Wheeler of Rose Maternity Co. another featured business of the evening, sought Heather out for a private moment of celebration and congratulations. provides expectant mothers with maternity and postpartum products to feel safe and supported through pregnancy and motherhood. After receiving her grant from Synovus in 2024, Britnee was able to hire additional staff, diversify her product offerings and even expand her already inclusive sizing.

We’re honored to provide a space where women in business feel supported and to continue nurturing future generations of female entrepreneurship.