LAM

from Pooler Magazine Women in Business 2023

by JDelSUR Marketing Group

Q & A WITH BUSINESS WOMEN WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

GILLIARD, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Gilliard and Company

How long have you been in business?

4 years

How long in your field of expertise?

10 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? The most challenging obstacle in operating a non-profit focusing on the foster care system is curating consistent funding. Everyday it’s an advocacy challenge to encourage support for a demographic that faces tragic statistics.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

I get to meet people with fascinating stories and backgrounds. Every day I get to meet a young adult in foster care, and donors from our community who hold invaluable stories of their overcoming. The lives introduced to me are a constant reminder of why we do what we do.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Give each other a chance. Women are known to be the support for everyone and when it comes to our own leadership, many times we lean on our own support within ourselves,. I have made it much further than what I imagined through leaning on other women who know or are better at things that I don’t know.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My son is the first. His early understanding of the importance of helping others has truly created compassion for me in my hardest days. He has given me so much hope throughout the years, always giving me a hug and a kiss when I am stressed.

Also, my entire family consisting of my foster parents and foster sister have been the backbone of what I do. Gilliard and Company’s Executive Board, Bob Klusmeier, Antwan Lang, Derek Horne, and Paul Stephens have been nothing short of delivering exemplary guidance to move our mission forward. Our community of friends, donors, and volunteers who always show up when we need them.

TRISHA COOK, Realtor; CEO, The Trisha Cook Team at Keller Williams Realty

How long have you been in business?

16 years

How long in your field of expertise?

16 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Learning how to lead & motivate other people on the team has been the most challenging aspect of running a business.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Watching others reach their goals through real estate is my passion.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Oh, there is so much I could say! Probably the most important advice is to remain your authentic self! Don’t let opportunity control your loyalty or your integrity. You can be both successful and authentic at the same time.

At one time or another successful women will run into the hurdles of being in male dominated roles. Know your worth, stand tall and remember that you have earned the right to be where you are.

It can be lonely at the top. Find a good mentor/coach and a great support team that encourages you to be your very best.

Self care is important. It’s OK to make an appointment with yourself and keep it. Keep your emotions between the lines. No matter what is going on, check your emotions at the door when you step into a professional setting.

Be consistent. Time on task beats talent everyday. We must get comfortable doing the mundane tasks that it takes to succeed too. Every step needed isn’t always glamorous.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

I am lucky enough to have an amazing husband, a great group of core friendships & an amazing real estate team who all are very supportive! I don’t know what I’d do without them.

KAREN DENISE ALSTON, Founder/Executive Director, 4 the Jewel N U Global, Inc.

How long have you been in business?

4 years

How long in your field of expertise?

13 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

I have been most challenged in running my business just by the subject itself. 4 the Jewel N U provides resources tailored to individual needs as it relates to culturally responsive services to children, youth, and families who have been exposed to domestic violence.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my non-profit business is the ability to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations within our community to promote a non-violent, non-threaten environment to serve individuals in our community and surrounding areas.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

By far the most important advice is to leave all your emotions off the table. Utilize the services of professional agencies such as United Way, or the Small Business Association. They are equipped to provide you with the proper business structure and resources needed for success. Keep an open mind, do not be afraid to make changes, and believe in your “why.” Why, you believe your business will be successful?

Never be afraid to admit your mistakes.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

The greatest cheerleader on my team is me, cheering for the unsung heroes – praising them, thanking them, and congratulating them on their wins, no matter how small or large.

My board members are remarkably successful, and they make things look so easy. Letting the triumphs of those in my organization inspire and remind me of what I want for me and the individuals we serve creates the will to continue to cheer for others.

My board members and remarkably close business associates reminded me of my purpose and encouraged me to believe in me for me. They reminded me to stay focused, speak evil of no one, get healthy in my mind, body, and spirit. They never stopped cheering for me. I am not what happened to me, I am a servant created to serve the jewel in each of you.

ASHLEIGH “PANDORA” MONTFORD, USOA Ms. Savannah 2023, CEO of The Opia Designs Company (Marketing & Consulting firm), Founder of Black Woman Made (Mixed-Holding Company), & Co-Owner of High Black Life (Boutique), The Opia Designs Company, Black Woman Made, & High Black Life

How long have you been in business?

Opia: 2018, BWMC: 2022, HBL: 2023

How long in your field of expertise?

10+ Years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The most complex factor in establishing, building and maintaining businesses would be having a balance. It is so easy to fall into a routine of working that one could forget to actually indulge in a break ever so often.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Contrary to my last question, being able to visually see the clients happy definitely makes the impact worthwhile. Nothing compares to the satisfaction in the person’s eyes when their ideation is brought to fruition.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

You can do it. No matter what, you can do it. Historically, we have been impacted at a totally disadvantaged rate and we’re still here, thriving and surviving. Do not give in based on the fact of obstacles and trials, those will occur. However, you must keep going, not only for yourself but for those that are watching you that you don’t even realize. When times get rough, don’t forget to breathe and lean on your team, and if you don’t have a team - now is the time to construct one. You can do it. I believe in you.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My cheerleaders would have to be my tribe of my closest friends, who have inevitably turned into family members, as well as those in my church. Without my First Tab Pastor and family, I just cannot imagine where I would be.

Chief Operating Officer, Extended Family Support Home Services Inc

How long have you been in business?

10 years

How long in your field of expertise?

22 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Balancing doing business with my heart and my head.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Seeing services brought to our senior adults they didn’t know were available.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Have faith in yourself and surround yourself with like minded people and people that will tell you the truth, both good and bad. Keep your goals and your moves to yourself, because not everyone truly wants to see you succeed. Most importantly Pray constantly!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and children.

KAREN L. WILLIAMS, Pooler Councilwoman, City of Pooler

How long have you been in business?

3 years

How long in your field of expertise?

3 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business? Supporting smart growth while at the same time improving infrastructure.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business? Serving others in a variety of ways.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. You won’t have any chance of success if you don’t even try.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Pooler business owners and the residents I serve.

KIMBERLY PATEL, Studio Owner, Halo Salt Studio & Spa

How long have you been in business? A year in April.

How long in your field of expertise?

I have studied wellness all around the world and have 12 years in education of body, mind and energy.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The most challenging part of running my business is sharing wellness organically and by educating people about alternative forms of healing. As the business owner, I have to put in the effort to explain and demonstrate why this approach can be beneficial and worthwhile for people’s well-being.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

The most rewarding part of running my business is the privilege of being able to help people improve their wellbeing and bring them closer to feeling their best. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do so.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Never stop learning—expand your knowledge and challenge yourself. Take risks—embrace the unknown to create meaningful experiences and opportunities. And, always prioritize self care.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My supportive husband and wellness team, I tell them to pinch me all the time because this was a dream of mine to open a wellness studio.

How long in your field of expertise?

I have 30 plus years of experience in operations management, tax and accounting as well as being a passionate home chef! These skills have served me well in helping drive the success of The Salt Table, which I helped start in 2011.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Investing in people. In today’s strange economic times finding, hiring, and retaining employees has been our biggest challenge. But, that said, we love finding the “gems” and building a real core team that focuses on giving great customer service – which is key to sustaining any business.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?

Seeing a concept and idea come together and be successful! It takes a lot of sweat equity and conscientious decision making to build a business. The biggest reward is when you have customers tell you how much they love what you do and love your products!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Be willing to take risks but don’t be reckless. Also, invest in your community and give back. This is so important! Currently I have the pleasure of serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau and helping the Chamber support other businesses in our community.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and partner David. He is always very supportive and quick to tell everyone that I am the genius and he “carries the heavy boxes”! We are fortunate that we both have different skills sets that work well together.