Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Englehart
Hi Janice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I moved to Dripping Springs in July of 2013, I didn’t know anyone in Texas. I was driving down 290 in November when I saw a sign advertising “The Dripping Springs Women’s Club Holiday Market.” and I pulled into The Terrace Club to check it out. I encountered a fun group of ladies who meet monthly for lunch and decided to join.
The club was started in 2007 by a group of determined women who were leaders in the local nonprofit community and recognized the need to come together, share resources, and get other women active in the community. A small social club offering lunch and a program in a one-stoplight town has grown into a sell-out club of 300 annual members in one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.
I joined the Board of Directors as the Meeting Coordinator in 2016 and became the President in 2019. During my tenure, the club has evolved from a simple pay-at-the door luncheon with tablecloths and china to have a fully digital presence with an interactive website, online reservations, and special interest groups.
The club initially met in local cafes and churches and now meets monthly at Dripping Springs Distilling on Bell Springs Road.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my first challenges as Meeting Coordinator was to find a more open and accessible space to allow for our growing numbers to mix and mingle and to create a more welcoming environment. I also implemented more interactive programs to get new members involved. One such event has become an annual tradition: our Holiday High Tea, where members lavishly decorate the tables and dress up in fascinators.
My second challenge was transitioning the club to the digital age. Working with our PR/ Marketing Board Member we helped to develop a website and online ticketing platform, which allowed us to grow. When Covid shut us down at the end of March 2019, I was taking over as President and knew I had to find a way to keep our members connected even if we could not meet in person. Our new digital platform allowed me to create a monthly newsletter and move our meetings to Zoom. I encouraged our club to meet in person as soon as possible in spaces that allowed us plenty of room to be comfortable. Our members were hungry for interaction, and the club’s growth exploded as people continued moving to Dripping Springs. I started a Book Club and sparked the idea of more ancillary special interest groups that now include Gardening, Business Networking, Walking, Wine Tasting, and Games.
One of our biggest challenges has been finding locations that can accommodate our growing numbers and offer an affordable lunch. In September 2020, a beautiful new facility opened in town, Distillers Hall at Dripping Springs Distilling, It has been a fabulous partnership and allowed our club to grow to 300 members with a waiting list. Our luncheons average 160 in attendance, and we are once again at our maximun capacity. We do offer a limited number of guest tickets for each luncheon that can be purchased online for those who want to try us out or missed the opportunity to join.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Dripping Springs Women’s Club is reflective of our very special community. It is a very eclectic group of intelligent, vibrant, caring, women who love to have fun! Our members range in age from 30 to 90 and come from all walks of life and now all parts of the country.
As President, I feel it’s important to make every woman who attends feel welcome and find ways to connect. Dripping Springs is a unique, service-minded community, and the DSWC website features a directory of the many non-profits in town. Although strictly a social club, in addition to a featured program speaker, each meeting spotlights a local Non-Profit and has a member Business Sponsor. Last year, I experimented with a member’s market program as an opportunity for our creative members to showcase their talents to each other, and it was a huge success.
The Club also awards annual scholarships to Dripping Springs Senior girls attending college or trade school. This year we are proudly offering (3) two thousand dollar scholarships. The application is online, and the deadline is April 6, 2025.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice to anyone looking to make friends or connections is to look for groups that share your interests, such as reading, gardening, etc. Find your passion and join others who share it. And perhaps even more importantly, look for opportunities to serve others. Shortly after moving to Drip, I became involved in my church, volunteered at my son’s schools, and helped to start the Dripping Springs chapter of The Young Men’s Service League. I also serve on the Board of Hometown Missions, helping neighbors in need with safe and healthy housing. There are always opportunities to serve, and it’s a great way to meet people.
As a former news anchor and talk show host, I am naturally gregarious and comfortable talking in front of people. But regardless of your age, work experience or background, there are many opportunities to connect and support each other; you just need to open your eyes to the possibilities and SMILE!!!
Pricing:
- annual membership $35
- Luncheon priciing $27-32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dswomensclub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drippingspringswomensclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drippingspringswomensclub
