Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
The People-Sentinel is saluting the women in business in our community for American Business Women's Day with this special section. Celebrate Women in Business Day on September 22.
Citation preview
6A • The People-Sentinel • Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Barnwell County’sWomen in BusinessThe American Business Women’s Day is almost upon us.Every year on Sept. 22, the United States celebrates
American Business Women’s Day. The first annual event of this holiday was held in 1982 and was officially recognized by congressional proclamation in 1983 and 1986, according to the Women in Business website.
Women are on the rise in the South Carolina business world especially.
According to a report from American Express Open, the number of female owned businesses has jumped 78.3 percent to 114,500.
In an article published in May at The (Charleston) Post and Courier, writer Warren L. Wise interviewed American Express Open research adviser Julie Weeks who said
Will WhaleyStaff Writer
“South Carolina is sixth in the nation in the number of women-owned firms.”
As Sept. 22 approaches, The People-Sentinel created this special section of the Sept. 17 issue to recognize local women in business. From Debra’s Floral Gifts to Williston Charm, the women business owners in Barnwell County specialize in all types of work.
Some businesses featured in this special ad have been around since the 1980s and, others are greener businesses recently celebrating their third year anniversary. No matter how long these women have worked, each had their own stories and advice to share.
We asked these questions to some of the owners:
How do you keep business going after the economic recession?
Since the economy dip in 2008, businesses have struggled to stay afloat.
For artist and the owner of the gallery The Little Red Barn, Liz Ringus, relying on tourism has kept her business going.
“I am part of tourist committees. My location attracts people on the way to Hilton Head,” said Ringus.
The Little Red Barn is located on Highway 278, west of Barnwell; the highway extends from the S.C. line at Augusta, Ga. to the ocean at the end of Hilton Head Island.
Mary Rivers, a pharmacist and co-owner of River’s Pharmacy in Williston, not only has experienced the economic recession, but also the ever-changing medical world since the pharmacy opened in 1970.
“The whole medical world has changed,” said Rivers giving examples such as automated computer systems and having 90-day subscription amounts.
“We are constantly trying to keep up with regulations,” said Rivers.
Melissa Edwards, the owner of Williston Charm, says trying to keep up with people’s needs keeps her business going.
“This business is definitely a feel good shop,” said Edwards. “It is not a necessity like groceries or clothing stores.”
Edwards prides her business on not only serving the women customers of Barnwell County but, the men also.
“Men will come in here all to get something for their wives,” said Edwards. “We know what they like plus we do gift wrapping for them.”
“We also pray over this store a lot,” said Edwards.
For dentist Robyn Tyner, wanting to stay healthy keeps the patients coming in.
“Most patients are still concerned with their oral health,” said Tyner. “However, big changes in insurance companies and the fear of layoffs have made patients more concerned about moving forward with treatment. We do our very best to help every patient in any way that we can. I do not want my patients’ insurance company to dictate their treatment.”
“It makes you a tough and strong business person,” said Eleanor Burbage with B&B Ford. “You question and exam all of the strategies for business. You are constantly coming up with new ways to provide the same quality of service on smaller fee scales.”
“I am optimistic that the economic outlook is improving,” said attorney Angela Abstance. “I am hopeful that people in the area are returning to full-time employment and will be able to address legal issues they may have had to delay during the economic downturn.”
“The recent recession has been a real problem,” said 10 year flower shop owner Tawni Major. “Our business has declined significantly.”
“Like all small business owners in Barnwell County, the recession had a negative financial effect on my law practice,” said attorney Linda Knapp. “My client base has a fairly stable income and I was positioned to expand into Aiken, and that helped us.”
Why did you open your business?
I’m a people person,” said Helen Cooper, who opened Hobnobs and the Stitch Witch consignment store in October 2013 in Williston. “I like embroidering, painting furniture and monogramming.”
“It has always been a childhood dream,” said 15-year veteran hairstylist Betty Hogg. “I can do as I please.”
“I started my business in June of 1989,” said Marilyn Cooke, the broker-in-charge at Southern Realty in Barnwell. “My husband and I bought a rental house together and I had been working for Carolina Realty which was getting ready to close.”
“I decided I wanted to continue to work in real estate because I loved the feeling of matching people and their families with their dream house,” said Cooke who received her GRI accreditation as well as her Buyer Broker Accreditation.
“We decided we wanted to work for ourselves,” said Mavis Bodiford of Bonnie’s Personal Tax Service. “Doing income tax returns was something we were familiar with.”
What is one piece of advice you can give to future business owners?
Whether in business for decades or a few years, each business owner had words of wisdom to share for all future business owners.
Most agreed the most important thing was to love what you do.
“You have to have a passion for something,” said Ringus.
Others also delivered some reality.
“Be prepared for a lot of long days,” said Rivers. “Most of the work will be done yourself.”
“I would tell them to wait for a little while,” said Edwards, noting the economy was not suitable for a new business.
“There are challenges being a professional woman,” said Martha Rivers. “It is harder with family and you cannot do it on your own.”
“There is no off day,” said Cooper. “It’s fun, I enjoy it, but it is a lot of hard work.”
“You have to have the heart for it,” said T & K Restaurant and Lounge owner Tammay White, who opened recently during Labor Day weekend. “It all depends on location, people and the type of business you want to do.”
“Don’t take it lightly,” said Hogg. “When you own your own business, you come to work sick.”
“First, pray,” said Tyner. “Second, do your research and third, treat patients the way you want to be treated.”
“Hit the ground running every day,” said Burbage. “I believe that the key to success is to be the hardest working person in the room.”
“I would advise those people who want to start their own businesses to find mentors in the community who can offer advice and encouragement,” said Abstance. “And of course some see me for legal advice!”
“Have your finances in order so that you can support your new business for a number of years without jeopardizing your personal status,” said Major. “The second would be to provide your customers with superior service and respect.”
“Do your homework,” said Cooke. “Be the best at what you do, and love what you do.”
“You have to love your job,” said Knapp. “Starting and running a small business requires hard work, long hours and dealing daily stress.”
“Make sure you have money saved up,” said Ashley Kearse-Culp, the owner of Shear Perfection Hair Salon, saying a business cannot happen overnight.
How has the role of women changed in the business world?
Rivers graduated pharmacy school in 1962 and began working at Elliot White Spring as the hospital pharmacist.
“Some people did not want me to fill their prescriptions because I was a woman,” said Rivers.
Now, according to Rivers, the majority of pharmacists are women.
“I think it is nearly 75 percent,” said Rivers.
Martha Rivers graduated law school at University of South Carolina back when law was still a man’s world.
“Our class was one of the first with over half being women,” said Rivers.
There are others who have not been as affected by the role change.
“I haven’t noticed it at all really,” said Cooper. “All that has changed a lot over the years.”
“Honestly, I have only had one patient concerned about the fact that I am a female,” said Tyner. We laugh about it now. I do not even think about the fact that I am a woman.”
“I must say I have not faced any obstacles as a female business owner in Barnwell County,” said Abstance. “Our community is so welcoming, and our local people are very willing to help new businesses succeed. I am very grateful to all those who have offered assistance and advice to me along the way.”
“When you deal with the public, you meet people from all walks of life,” said Burbage. “I think it is hard for someone who
tends to be an aggressive person to hold that nature when they are facing a friendly genuine smile.”
“At first I didn’t feel like I was taken very seriously by businessmen,” said Cooke. “So I decided to get as much education in real estate as I could.”
Others have found being a woman in business as an advantage and strengthen relationships with clients during hard times.
“This year, I am battling breast cancer and I’ve been amazed how many of my clients have sent cards, flowers, remembered me in their prayers,” said Knapp. “I am here to help provide with some of the most difficult issues one can face—disability and death.”
What are some ways you stay current?
“I am constantly taking continuing education courses,” said Tyner. “Keeping up with literature and listening to my patients’ needs to make sure I am efficient and effective.”
“Educate yourself,” said Burbage. “I constantly scan the internet for new ideas to improve my business.”
“Attorneys are required to attend continuing legal education seminars to stay current on developing issues,” said Abstance. “I look forward to attending the Solo and Small Firm Conference in Greenville this month.”
“I try to attend every floral design show that I can,” said Major. “I also subscribe to trade magazines and videos that are very informative.”
“I have been a teacher at several conferences in the last few years,” said Knapp. “I also write a column for The Aiken Standard that is published monthly so I am always researching readers’ questions.”
“I am always doing continuing education courses,” said Culp.
lindafarronknapp.com | 803.541.7676
PC
Law
Firm,
Wills—Trusts
Elder Law—Probate—Deeds
Medicaid/VA Asset Preservation
Health Care and Financial
Powers of Attorney
#1001810942 (2col, 3.42in x 2in) 09/15/2014 08:21 EST
Phone: 803.541.790012080 US Hwy. 278Barnwell, SC 29812
The Little Red BarnPottery & Art Gallery
The Best in Local Arts & Crafts Since 1998
Elizabeth (Liz) Ringus
Wed - Fri: 10am to 5pmSat: 9:30am to 3pmFind us on Facebook under:
Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery
Anthony’s Restaurant & LoungeFrom our family to yours for more than 50 years
476 Reynolds Rd.
Barnwell, South Carolina
803-259-9139 Ginny LackeyOwner
#1001813675 (2col, 3.42in x 2in) 09/16/2014 14:40 EST
Shear PerfectionSalon
10984 Ellenton St.Barnwell, SC 29812(803) 671-0125
Martha M. RiversAttorney At LAw
www.mriverslaw.com
OwnerAshley Kearse-Culp
803.266.0003Main St.Williston, South Carolina
Williston CharmMelissa Edwards
Business Owner
Unique Items| Monogramming | Gifts
The People-Sentinel • Wednesday, September 17, 2014 • 7A
Opportunities, responsibilities growing for women in businessI admit I started my career
in a day and age when most women were either teachers, nurses, sales clerks, secretaries
or unemployed homemakers.(I would never say a woman staying at home with children
is “not working” - Trust me, she is! She just doesn’t get a paycheck at the end of the week.)
My grandmother was a teacher. My mom held an ad-vanced degree in secretarial sciences, something that would qualify her for a corporate executive administrative assistant these days.
Both my parents pushed me to get a good eduction, follow my dreams and not be disheartened when trying to break into traditionally male-oriented career path.
But I also started my career at a time that things were changing and women were earning opportunities in many areas of business and industry.
Now women hold positions in every sector at every level.In 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor published a report
on “Women’s Employment During the Recovery”. In that report is stated, “In 2010, women represented 46.7 percent of the United States workforce, a lightly larger share than at the start of the recession in 2007. Overall 71.9 million women were employed or looking for work, representing 58.6 percent of all women aged 16 and older.”
According to the U.S. Census, in 2013, 51.3 percent of South Carolina’s workforce was comprised of females. The
latest data - from 2007 - showed that 27.6 percent of South Carolina’s firms were owned by women.
In Barnwell County, 32.9 percent of the 1,450 local firms were owned by women according to the 2007 data.
And women are getting smarter, too.A Pew Research Center report “10 Findings about Women
in the Workplace” was published in December 2013. It found that “today’s young women are starting their careers bet-ter educated than their male counterparts.” Their statistics showed that back in 1970, only 12 percent of 25-32 had a four-year college degree. That compares to 38 percent in 2013.
Pew reported that “Young women today are also making more money relative to men their age than their mothers and grandmothers did.”
The Department of Labor report stated, “Half of all women working as full-time wage and salary workers earned $669 or more per week in 2010. This median weekly wage was 81.2 percent of that earned by men ($824).”
Attitudes are changing as more women have impacted the workforce.
While the Pew report found that 45 percent of Americans still think society favors men over women, that attitude has dropped dramatically since 1993 when 62 percent thought m e n were favored.
Still, there are hurdles to overcome.Women with children under age 18 over-
whelmingly (56%) state that it is harder for working mothers to advance in their
careers, according to the study. It also stated that women are much more likely than men to experience family-related career interruptions.
I know many young women who have worked hard to earn a degree and land a good job for several years, only to make the decision to stay at home with their small children, at least until those children are in school. It is a tough deci-sion, both financially and mentally.
Looking to the future, women’s representation in some industries is expected to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics projects the number of women in professional, scientific and technical services are expected to grow by 3 percent annually between 2008 and 2018.
All these facts and figures show that a lot has changed for women in the workforce in the last several decades. They have made huge strides in opportunity when compared to those of their mothers and their grandmothers. They have also made huge contributions. Those contributions are changing the way products are being made and marketed, how women are treated on work sites, and the money that they are earning.
It’s exciting to think that my daughter-in-laws have and my granddaughter will have many more opportunities than I did.
And with opportunity comes responsibility to do a job well, and respect for a job well done..
This week, let’s honor all women in the workforce for all their accomplishments.
Laura MckenziePublisher
We specialize in signs
including
vinyl • steel • magnetic
If You Want It Printed On Paper,
Come See Or Call Us
Owned and Operated By:
Polly Sanders & Family
9024 Marlboro Ave., Barnwell, SC 29812
5 Points • (803) 259-2357
#1001810997 (2col, 3.42in x 2in) 09/15/2014 08:24 EST
Ruby’s
BOUTIQUE
Ruby LancasterOwner
120 Main St • Barnwell, SC 29812
803.541.4743
Monday - Friday
9am-6pm
#1001811034 (2col, 3.42in x 2in) 09/16/2014 14:41 EST
Lancaster Insurance AgencyRuby LancasterOwner
120 Main St.Barnwell, SC 29812Phone (803) 541-4210
Ruby LancasterOwner1458 Jackson St
Barnwell, SC 29812
Tanya Z. BrownCosmetologistAnnafaye SandersStylist
M-F - 8am-3pmSat - 7am-12pm
Hobnobs and the Stitch WitchHelen Smith Cooper, Owner
Embroidery & Consignment
12984 Main StreetWilliston, SC 29853
(803) 507-4712
12923 Main St.Williston, SC 29853
Phone: (803) 266-2290Fax: (803) 266-2588
Martha M. RiversAttorney At LAw
www.mriverslaw.com
Southern Realty of Barnwell, Inc.Marilyn S. Cooke - BIC, GRI, CBR Realtor
www.southernrealtyofbarnwellsc.com
102 Main St.Barnwell, SC 29812Office: 803-259-1208Fax: 803-259-5688
Residential - Commercial - Land - Management
“Where honesty & integrity go hand in hand”
®Our Team:
Lois Grushkowsky, RealtorCatherine P. Scott, Realtor
Donna Walling, Sales Associate
Where Pizza Making is an Art
571 Main Street Blackville, SC (803)284-3001, 210 Main Street Williston, SC (803)266-7722, 136 Lee Street Wagener, SC (803)564-5012
Operating Hours are: Monday - Wednesday 11:00AM - 9:00PM, Thursday - Saturday 11:00AM - 10:00PM, Sunday 5:00PM - 9:00PM (Blackville Only)
General Managers:Donna Croft, Sue Reeves, & Ashley Thigpen
Medicare Advantage, Supplements, and Drug Plans
Dental, Vision, and Dentures
“Call Me...I Can Help!!”
706.814.9821
[email protected] Kathy Edry
Kimberly Cave
The People.SentinelYour Hometown Newspaper
10481 Dunbarton BlvdBarnwell, SC 29812Ph. 803.259.3501Fa. 803.259.2703
Betty D. StrudwickLicensed Mortician
156 Pleasant Street WestAllendale, S.C. 29810
Telephone: 803-584-4488Fax: 803-584-4466
Allendale Community Funeral Home
“Where Comfort is Found in Memories”
New China Restaurant Lisa Fu, Owner
(803) 259-0219Drive-thruNow opeN
Call in your ordertoDay!
All You Can Eat Buffet
10201 Dunbarton Blvd Barnwell, SC 29812
1184 Jackson St.Barnwell, SC 29812803-541-0054 Betty Hogg, Stylist
Hair Design Studio and Spa
Mary & Tommy Rivers, RPh.12927 Main St.Williston, SC 29853
(803) 266-7010(803) 266-3370
Pharmacy, Inc.rIver’s
Mary Rivers
Cigarettes • Pipes • CigarsStacey Mertins & Nicole Erskine, Owners
Aiken (803) 226-0544Barnwell (803) 621-2058
N. Augusta (803) 599-7741
Graduate of Furman University and the USC School of Law, Angela Abstance is originally from Barnwell and plans to handle plaintiff’s civil litigation,
personal injury, and family law cases.
P.O. Box 621Barnwell, SC 29812P. 803.259.9006F. 803.259.0208
Abstance Law Firm, L.L.C.
Angela AbstanceAttorney at Law
A graduate of Furman University and the USC School of Law, Angela
Abstance is originally from Barnwell and handles plaintiff’s civil litigation, personal injury, and family law cases.
319 Washington Street
T&KRestaurant
Owner - Tammy Bolen
803-571-9222Located at the Winton Inn
8273 Marlboro Avenue • Barnwell, SC 29812
BarnwellFAMILY DENTISTRY
The Team at Barnwell Family DentistryRebecca, Kalin, Stephanie, Caitlyn,
Jane, and Samantha
803-259-3497www.BarnwellFamilyDentistry.com
733 REYNoLDS RD BARNwELL, SC 29812
