The Powerhouse Panel Returns
Meet the women shaping the conversation for 2026.
Photo by Bailey Riley Photo
Vested’s Powerhouse Panel is back for its third year, continuing a tradition of honest dialogue and meaningful connection for women in business. Designed for female entrepreneurs, leaders, and small business owners who are thinking deeply about growth, sustainability, and what comes next, this annual gathering kicks off 2026 with real conversation and lived experience.
This year’s panel brings together three women whose businesses look very different on the surface, yet share a common thread: thoughtful leadership, intentional growth, and a commitment to building something special that lasts. Whether you are navigating your first hires, redefining boundaries, refining your brand, or planning your next pivot, this is an opportunity to learn directly from women who have been there.
Get to know the powerhouse females behind this year’s panel.
DANIELLE NISHIYAMA, CRAFT STUDIO + THE HAIR SYMPOSIUMDanielle Nishiyama is a salon owner, educator, and community builder with nearly two decades of experience in the beauty and service industries. She is the founder of Craft Studio, a luxury salon known for its elevated guest experience, mentorship focused culture, and sustainable business practices.
Danielle is also the founder of The Hair Symposium, an education event for hairstylists and salon owners that brings national educators and local talent together in Spokane. With experience in hospitality, client relations, and leadership, she brings a practical, data informed perspective on entrepreneurship.
You may recognize Danielle from one of our 2025 Ladies Lunch gatherings, where her passion for mentorship and supporting women in building profitable, fulfilling businesses was immediately clear.
CASSIE CLEARY, HONEST IN IVORY BRIDAL + DEARLY CONSIGNMENT BRIDALCassie Cleary is the founder and owner of Honest in Ivory Bridal and Dearly Consignment Bridal. She opened her first bridal shop in 2018 at 26 and later expanded with the launch of Dearly Consignment Bridal in 2020. Across both businesses, Cassie has led branding, operations, hiring, and growth, building shops known for exclusive designer relationships and a strong customer experience.
With a background in speech and language pathology, Cassie brings a communication focused approach to leadership and team development, with profitability playing an important role in her decision making. Now a mom of three, she has transitioned out of daily in store operations into a part time, work from home role focused on strategy, systems, and long term growth.
Cassie has been a part of the Vested community since the beginning, hosting a Night Out at her original University District location in 2019 and leading our December 2023 “Creating an Irresistible Client Experience” workshop. Her focus on intentional experience design continues to shape her approach to growth, teams, and systems.
CLARIN MCDERRAH, CLARIN J + THE NOW NOWClarin McDerrah, known professionally as Clarin J, is a film photographer and creative director specializing in 35mm, 120mm, and hi 8 video. Her Artistic Documentarian approach focuses on honest moments, subtle detail, and authentic connection across brand work, portraits, and weddings. If you attended our intimate Night Out on the Farm with Your Friends Farm or skimmed through the photos from the event you’ve had a glimpse into the talent and creativity that define Clarin.
Clarin offers full scale photo and video production and works with clients worldwide. She is also the owner and operator of THE NOW NOW, a natural light creative studio designed as a space where creativity and community meet. Her work centers on inclusive storytelling and building a creative business rooted in presence, intention, and humanity. Clarin brings a creative perspective to the panel, especially around collaboration, boundaries, and staying aligned as a business grows.
If this is your first time, the Powerhouse Panel is intended to be approachable, honest, and useful. It is a chance to learn from women who are actively building, connect with peers who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship, and leave with a clearer sense of direction as the year begins.
If you are looking for a grounded, conversation driven way to kick off 2026, we would love to have you join us on January 29, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
Tickets go live to the public on January 7, 2025 at 8:00am PST.