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Success Stories: Tips for women in business

Many women have toyed with the idea of starting their own businesses, but how do you know when the time is right? And once established, how do you ensure triumph? These local businesswomen have paved the way and share their secrets to success.

Established Lakewood dentist Dr. Kelli Slate says she knew it was time to open her own practice when she realized she wanted more stability in the workplace. Slate, who was a hygienist at the time, found herself thinking she could do her boss’s job as well or better than he did. “That light bulb went off in my head,” Slate says. “So at age 32, I went back to four more years of college and furthered my education in my field and became a dentist. I would encourage women to do that, if you reach that point in your career.” After dental school, she bought an existing practice and made her dreams come true.

For local business owner Lorraine Wire of Hance Paint and Body, the circumstances were quite different. In 2001, five years

Willie & Coote Aveda Salon LAKEWOOD’S OWN AVEDA SALON

Karen Dittmar and Theresa Linson, owners of Lakewood’s Willie & Coote Salon, love what they do. With more than 20 years experience in the salon industry, including training under some of Dallas’ and London’s most brilliant hair dressers, Dittmar enjoys practicing and sharing her knowledge of AVEDA hair color. Linson, whose background lies in computers and marketing, oversees the business side of the salon and is able to contribute a unique perspective to the industry. The collective skill set of these two women has proven to be a successful combination, resulting in a full service AVEDA hair salon with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. They have recently opened their second location in North Carrollton. Dittmar and Linson make sure each guest who enters either Willie & Coote Salon has a wonderful experience that is unlike that of any ordinary salon.

Willie & Coote Aveda Salon

2303 Abrams Rd. Dallas, TX 75214

214.887.8647 willieandcoote.com after she and her husband relocated to Dallas, Wire unexpectedly found herself a widow and sole owner of the auto shop. “I didn’t have a choice about being in this career,” Wire says. “This business was doing well at the time, and I knew I could continue doing it.” With the help of her employees and a strong faith, Wire persevered.

“I grew up very underprivileged,” says Wire, who is from North Carolina. “If you really knew my background, and what all I have accomplished and done, it’s an amazing story. But I didn’t do it on my own. Everything I’ve had and done has been by the grace of God.” Wire also credits her employees. “They business.”

Another factor in Wire’s success is her strong service ethic. and that they want to come back to this shop. You know, everybody needs a doctor and a hairdresser, and so forth. Eventually, most people are going to need a good body shop,” she says, with an optimistic smile.

For several East Dallas businesswomen, community involvement has played an important role in their success. Community service is an excellent way to be visible to prospective clients and also make a positive impact. Mary Pat Coco of Ebby Halliday says this philosophy is handed down from the founder of the two free community events: a free paper-shredding event at an which ran through about five tons of paper,” Coco says. Clearly there’s a demand for this service in the community.

Duke Jimerson, General Manager of Allie Beth Allman, credits the success of their women Realtors to strong service, both in the community and in the workplace. “We are a boutique company that does major business, so we can treat our customers and clients individually,” says Jimerson. “Our Realtors are businesswomen, but they’re also the women you see in the grocery line, the car pool line and volunteering in the community. They make that same difference in the real estate market.”

Nancy Johnson of Dave Perry Miller is another firm believer in the power of close ties to the neighborhood. “I’m part of the life journey people take,” she says, because changes of residence tend to happen during life turning points.” Johnson notes that Realtors spend a lot of time in the car with someone or sitting at their kitchen table. “You get to know people, and you know them pretty intimately. For me, that’s rewarding.” She also attributes her success to straight talk with clients, which can be a challenge when emotions run high. “I try not to tell people only what they want to hear, but what I believe to be true.” Honesty and concern for her clients have been paramount in Johnson’s successful real estate career.

For Dr. Nirmala Marneni of Oak Heights Dental, education is the key to success. She advocates that women take continuing education to stay current in their field. “I always envisioned being a dentist,” says Marneni, who credits her success to diligent planning, discipline and dedication to her dream. “As a result, today I own a business,” she says, and her pride of ownership is evident.

What if you happened to start your business on September 10, 2001, one day before 9/11? Kelly Harris, who owns her Farmers Insurance office, had that experience. “I got my insurance license the first week of that September,” Harris says. “It was definitely interesting timing.” In addition, at that time the insurance industry was trying to find solutions to the black mold debacle. How did Harris’s office survive the turmoil? “We found other areas to focus on,” she says. “A lot of agents didn’t make it through that time. But we looked beyond that.”

Here’s what a few of her clients had to say:

“Working with Vicki was amazing. She gave me great suggestions on renovations, including flooring, paint color and style. She knew the market very well and her knowledge of the neighborhood was essential for us to make the right updates and pricing correctly.”

— Highland Park resident

“From developing and executing your brilliant marketing strategies based on solid research, to the expert photography and professional staging…. I have never worked with a realtor as dedicated and detail-oriented as you and your team.”

— Forest Hills resident

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