By Nina Gibbs, Bulletin contributor
The Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation Board President Jarmele Fairclaugh has been honored as a “Women of Steel” Small Business Spotlight winner by the Pittsburgh Steelers and PNC Bank. This recognition highlights her work as the founder and owner of Mele’s Gifts & Party Planning, a business built on love, family, and community.
Fairclaugh was recognized at an event Feb. 4 at Acrisure Stadium’s PNC Champions Club alongside other distinguished honorees: Helen Campbell of Stories Like Me, Karin Christoff of Fierce Knockouts Fitness Apparel, and Karen Perdomo of The Colombian Spot. These entrepreneurs are part of a growing network of women transforming their industries and pushing society forward.
The Women of Steel Small Business Spotlight, a partnership between the Steelers and PNC Bank, annually selects four or five women-owned small businesses in Pittsburgh for mentorship and promotion. The program provides honorees with support from executives at PNC and the Steelers while leveraging the team’s platform to increase visibility for these businesses. Both organizations are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs, helping them grow their companies, and fostering a future where women continue to lead and innovate.
Founded in 2019, Mele’s Gifts & Party Planning began as a heartfelt tradition. Fairclaugh’s inspiration came from creating personalized gifts for her grandmother, a beloved family matriarch living in a nursing facility. After her grandmother’s passing, Fairclaugh’s family encouraged her to turn her passion into a business. With the support of her son Michael and husband Mark, Mele’s Gifts & Party Planning was born.
Today, the business specializes in custom-created gifts and event planning, dedicated to making every celebration special.
Fairclaugh’s recognition as a “Woman of Steel” honoree is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and the meaningful impact of her work.
To learn more about the 2024 Women of Steel Small Business Spotlight and the honorees, visit www.steelers.com/women.