6A • The People-Sentinel • Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Barnwell County’s
Women in Business
The 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 Whaley Staff Writer william.whaley@morris.com
“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?
“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 Since the economy dip in 2008, businesses have struggled as well as her Buyer Broker Accreditation. to stay afloat. “We decided we wanted to work for ourselves,” said Mavis For artist and the owner of the gallery The Little Red Barn, Liz Bodiford of Bonnie’s Personal Tax Service. “Doing income tax Ringus, relying on tourism has kept her business going. returns was something we were familiar with.” “I am part of tourist committees. My location attracts people on the way to Hilton Head,” said Ringus. What is one piece of advice you can The Little Red Barn is located on Highway 278, west of give to future business owners? Barnwell; the highway extends from the S.C. line at Augusta, Ga. to the ocean at the end of Hilton Head Island. Whether in business for decades or a few years, each business owner had words of wisdom to share for all future Mary Rivers, a pharmacist and co-owner of River’s Pharmacy business owners. in Williston, not only has experienced the economic recession, but also the ever-changing medical world since the pharmacy Most agreed the most important thing was to love what you do. opened in 1970. “The whole medical world has changed,” said Rivers giving “You have to have a passion for something,” said Ringus. examples such as automated computer systems and having 90-day subscription amounts. Others also delivered some reality. “We are constantly trying to keep up with regulations,” said Rivers. “Be prepared for a lot of long days,” said Rivers. “Most of the work will be done yourself.” Melissa Edwards, the owner of Williston Charm, says trying to keep up with people’s needs keeps her business going. “I would tell them to wait for a little while,” said Edwards, “This business is definitely a feel good shop,” said Edwards. noting the economy was not suitable for a new business. “It is not a necessity like groceries or clothing stores.” Edwards prides her business on not only serving the women “There are challenges being a professional woman,” said customers of Barnwell County but, the men also. Martha Rivers. “It is harder with family and you cannot do it on “Men will come in here all to get something for their wives,” your own.” said Edwards. “We know what they like plus we do gift wrapping for them.” “There is no off day,” said Cooper. “It’s fun, I enjoy it, but it is “We also pray over this store a lot,” said Edwards. a lot of hard work.” 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.”
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.”
“It makes you a tough and strong business person,” said “You have to have the heart for it,” said T & K Restaurant and Eleanor Burbage with B&B Ford. “You question and exam all of Lounge owner Tammay White, who opened recently during the strategies for business. You are constantly coming up with Labor Day weekend. “It all depends on location, people and the new ways to provide the same quality of service on smaller fee type of business you want to do.” scales.” “Don’t take it lightly,” said Hogg. “When you own your own “I am optimistic that the economic outlook is improving,” said business, you come to work sick.” attorney Angela Abstance. “I am hopeful that people in the area are returning to full-time employment and will be able to “First, pray,” said Tyner. “Second, do your research and third, address legal issues they may have had to delay during the treat patients the way you want to be treated.” economic downturn.” “Hit the ground running every day,” said Burbage. “I believe “The recent recession has been a real problem,” said 10 year that the key to success is to be the hardest working person in flower shop owner Tawni Major. “Our business has declined the room.” significantly.” “I would advise those people who want to start their own “Like all small business owners in Barnwell County, the businesses to find mentors in the community who can offer recession had a negative financial effect on my law practice,” said advice and encouragement,” said Abstance. “And of course attorney Linda Knapp. “My client base has a fairly stable income some see me for legal advice!” and I was positioned to expand into Aiken, and that helped us.” “Have your finances in order so that you can support your new business for a number of years without jeopardizing your Why did you open your business? personal status,” said Major. “The second would be to provide your customers with superior service and respect.” I’m a people person,” said Helen Cooper, who opened Hobnobs and the Stitch Witch consignment store in October 2013 in Williston. “Do your homework,” said Cooke. “Be the best at what you “I like embroidering, painting furniture and monogramming.” do, and love what you do.” “It has always been a childhood dream,” said 15-year veteran “You have to love your job,” said Knapp. “Starting and running hairstylist Betty Hogg. “I can do as I please.” a small business requires hard work, long hours and dealing daily stress.” “I started my business in June of 1989,” said Marilyn Cooke, the broker-in-charge at Southern Realty in Barnwell. “My “Make sureMartha you have money up,” said Ashley KearseM.saved Rivers husband and I bought a rental house together and I had been Culp, the owner of Shear Perfection Hair Salon, saying a working for Carolina Realty which was getting ready to close.” business cannot Attorney happen overnight. At LAw
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.
www.mriverslaw.com
Shear Perfection Salon 10984 Ellenton St. Barnwell, SC 29812
(803) 671-0125
Williston Charm Melissa Edwards Business Owner
Pottery & Art Gallery
The Best in Local Arts & Crafts Since 1998
Wed - Fri: 10am to 5pm Sat: 9:30am to 3pm Find us on Facebook under: Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery
Unique Items| Monogramming | Gifts 803.266.0003 Main St. Williston, South Carolina
The Little Red Barn
Owner Ashley Kearse-Culp
Phone: 803.541.7900 12080 US Hwy. 278 Barnwell, SC 29812
Elizabeth (Liz) Ringus
Law Firm, PC Wills—Trusts Elder Law—Probate—Deeds Medicaid/VA Asset Preservation Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney
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Anthony’s Restaurant & Lounge From our family to yours for more than 50 years 476 Reynolds Rd. Barnwell, South Carolina
803-259-9139
Ginny Lackey Owner
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The People-Sentinel • Wednesday, September 17, 2014 • 7A
Opportunities, responsibilities growing for women in business I admit I started my career latest data - from 2007 - showed that 27.6 percent of South careers, according to the study. It also stated that women Laura Mckenzie Publisher are much more likely than men to experience family-related in a day and age when most Carolina’s firms were owned by women. laura.mckenzie@morris.com women were either teachers, In Barnwell County, 32.9 percent of the 1,450 local firms career interruptions.
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 advanced 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
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 better educated than their male counterparts.” Their statistics showed that back in 1970, only 12 percent of 25-32 had a fouryear 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 overwhelmingly (56%) state that it is harder for working mothers to advance in their
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 decision, 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.
Lancaster Insurance Agency Ruby Lancaster Owner
Tanya Z. Brown Cosmetologist Annafaye Sanders Stylist
120 Main St. Barnwell, SC 29812 Phone (803) 541-4210
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10481 Dunbarton Blvd Barnwell, SC 29812 Ph. 803.259.3501 Fa. 803.259.2703
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Kimberly Cave
Ruby Lancaster Owner M-F - 8am-3pm Sat - 7am-12pm
Where Pizza Making is an Art
120 Main St • Barnwell, SC 29812
kimberly.cave@morris.com
1458 Jackson St Barnwell, SC 29812
General Managers: Donna Croft, Sue Reeves, & Ashley Thigpen
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Abstance Law Firm, L.L.C.
We specialize in signs including vinyl • steel • magnetic
A graduate of Furman University Graduate of Furman University and the and the USCofSchool of Law,Abstance Angela USC School Law, Angela Abstance is originally from and Barnwell is originally from Barnwell plans and plaintiff’scivil civillitigation, litigation, to handles handle plaintiff’s personal injury, injury, and and family law cases. personal cases.
If You Want It Printed On Paper, Come See Or Call Us Owned and Operated By: Polly Sanders & Family
P.O. 621 319 Box Washington Street
Barnwell, SC 29812 P. 803.259.9006 F. 803.259.0208
Angela Abstance Attorney at Law
New China Restaurant Lisa Fu, Owner
Pharmacy, Inc.
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9024 Marlboro Ave., Barnwell, SC 29812 5 Points • (803) 259-2357
Hair Design Studio and Spa
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10201 Dunbarton Blvd Barnwell, SC 29812
Mary & Tommy Rivers, RPh. 12927 Main St. Williston, SC 29853 (803) 266-7010 (803) 266-3370
Mary Rivers
Hobnobs and the Stitch Witch Helen Smith Cooper, Owner
Embroidery & Consignment 12984 Main Street Williston, SC 29853 hobnobsandstitchwitch@gmail.com
(803) 507-4712 Martha M. Rivers Attorney At LAw
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1184 Jackson St. Barnwell, SC 29812
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T&K Restaurant
Dental, Vision, and Dentures
“Call Me...I Can Help!!” Owner - Tammy Bolen
706.814.9821
803-571-9222
Located at the Winton Inn 8273 Marlboro Avenue • Barnwell, SC 29812
kathyedry@yahoo.com
Kathy Edry
Allendale
Community Funeral Home “Where Comfort is Found in Memories”
www.mriverslaw.com 12923 Main St. Williston, SC 29853 Phone: (803) 266-2290 Fax: (803) 266-2588
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Licensed Mortician
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