WOMEN in B U S I N E S S 2019
Published by The Journal of the San Juans
2 — Wednesday, October 16, 2019
The Journal of the San Juan Islands | SanJuanJournal.com
A Q&A with Kings Market's Island communities welcome midwives Theresa Chevalier Contributed photos
Theresa Chevalier.
ing a great outdoor clothing department.
What do you love about your profession? The changing of seasons helps keep the job feeling new as the product turns over the year. It’s always fun to put out new product and to see the customers come in and enjoy their shopping experience.
Editor
Theresa Chevalier is the buyer and manager for Kings Market's sportswear department and Joe Friday’s Shirt Co. She has worked in nearly all of Valmark's stores and departments since she began working for the company in 1983. The sportswear department is open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., every day, above Kings Market and Joe Friday's Shirt Co. is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., every day,
and is located at the corner of South First Street and Spring Street. The Journal asked Theresa about her experience as a woman in business.
Tell us a bit about your job I truly have grown up with this company and I consider them family. When the owners wanted to expand into the marine and clothing business, I thought I would really enjoy taking on the challenge of develop-
I was inspired by my lovely mother Maggie Brown who had a great sense of style and elegance and was an avid shopper. I even hired her to work with me for many years as I valued her insight and knowledge.
What do you do for fun? Spending time on Waldron with my husband and family is what I truly enjoy along with watching my sons grow into fine young men. And making fresh tracks down the mountain with them.
What would you tell a woman who is aspiring to have a job like yours? What I would share with anyone wanting to jump into the world of retail, is that you should be ready to multi task, love people and be creative.
Left to right: Cynthia Jaffe and Diana Miller.
By Heather Spaulding Reporter
The small red building on Nichols Street that has housed a vast array of businesses is now home to a midwifery: the Greenbank Birth Center. “We have been seeing San Juan County women for a long time,” said co-owner Diane Miller, a licensed and certified professional midwife. The center, originally opened by licensed midwife Cynthia Jaffe in 1991 on Whidbey Island, had an office briefly on Orcas and has maintained a space in Anacortes for the past 25
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Who inspires you and why?
years. Now, the midwives come to Friday Harbor every other Wednesday. Jaffe explained on the Greenbank website how she got into midwifery: “My love affair with midwifery and birth began when I was pregnant with my first child. I had a good friend who was also pregnant and someone sent her this crazy book she was eager to share with me. It was ‘Spiritual Midwifery’ ... [and it] said, not only can birth be spiritually moving and fulfilling, it can be fun! I cried when I read it. … While I cannot say it was fun, phrases from the book came back to me when I needed them and helped me so much. The birth of my son in 1984 changed my life. I felt empowered by his birth.” Since opening nearly 30 years ago, Jaffe said in the bio, she has helped deliver over 1,800 babies. The response has been overwhelming since its opening at the beginning of September, according to Miller. Women have come from all the islands to visit the new location. Should that trend continue, Miller and Jaffe may consider expanding the hours to once a week. “Island women are strong, resilient and highly independent. They often opt for a natural birth, therefore midwifery is a good fit,” Miller said. Having not only previ-
Contributed photos
ously lived on Shaw Island but also given birth to four of her children during that time, Miller knows firsthand the unique situation of island mothers. She noted that the Whidbey location often resonates with San Juan County mothers due to its rural nature. Greenbank’s headquarters is located on a secluded 5-acre property. Jaffe recommends traveling to Whidbey as the birth date approaches and staying as long as necessary. The midwives realize that isn’t always an option, however, due to finances and the uncertainty of when a mother will go into labor. “Things don’t always go according to plan,” Jaffe said, “but ideally, that is what we would like to have happen.” Some of the benefits of a midwife are that they provide more control over the birthing situation and allow mothers to make more of their own choices. “Some things are not totally up to them,” Miller said, adding that what Greenbank provides information and education so parents can understand the array of options and make informed decisions. Hospitals, she noted, often treat every pregnancy as a high risk. She said they don’t usually give families the flexibility they require, and hospital doctors often aren’t as personal as the small private midwifery. See MIDWIVES, Page 8
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 — 3
Women in Business 2019
Planning for a successful business
Left to right: Ashley Sherlock, Alyssa Ostenrude, Laura Flaum, Jessica Chaffee and Stina Rhude By Courtney Oldwyn Reporter
Many women spend time as young girls planning out their dream weddings and the team at Roche Harbor Events is no exception. The difference is these women have turned that creativity into successful careers as the events department team, planning not only weddings but family gatherings, vacations, business meetings and marina events for Roche Harbor Resort and Marina. The events team — led by Lodging and Event Operations Manager Alyssa Ostenrude; Event Production and Planning Manager Laura Flaum; Event Sales Coordinator Jessica Chafee; Group Sales and Lodging Coordinator Ashley Sherlock; and Event Planner Stina Rhude — handle all aspects of their guests’ special events, from the initial meetings and resort tours with potential clients to helping guests navigate which services best fit their plans to actually coordinating the big day’s activities.
Though all of the women work independently in separate facets of the events department, they’re able to use their combined creativity, experience and talents to ensure their guests get exactly what they’re hoping for, whether it be their dream wedding, a family reunion or a business event. Sherlock, who has been with the team for over a year, works directly with clients to plan small group events. She’s a client’s advocate for everything from helping them choose the services that best fit their event to managing the group’s actual reservations. Her favorite part of working with the team is the team’s creative brainstorming. “Everyone thinks of things differently,” she said. “All of us working together and bouncing ideas off each other helps create a customer service experience that everyone can feel good about.” Chafee, who specializes in event sales, was a seasonal employee for Roche Harbor since the early 2000s but has been a full-
time events team member since 2013. Her focus is on wedding sales. “A typical day for me is centered around corresponding with couples who are interested in getting married at Roche Harbor,” she said. “I love meeting and touring with potential clients in person and discussing the possibility of their wedding with us.” Chafee said she feels that part of what makes the team so successful is how their individual strengths are specific to their positions but all of the women have the same goal when it comes to their guests: providing the best experience possible. Starting at Roche Harbor five years ago, Flaum oversees events such as rehearsal dinners, brunches and boat rendezvous while also managing front of house event staff and keeping up on administration duties. A usual workday for her has many moving parts but thanks to her manager Alyssa, the women have all been encouraged to learn about each other’s roles in order to help one another.
Attention Island Ladies!
Contributed photo
“I find myself brainstorming with Jessica, Ashley and Stina often,” she said. “We are all open to each other’s opinions and suggestions. “ The group holds weekly team meetings in order to stay up to date on upcoming events and what is going on in each other’s specific departments. “Our weekly team meetings help everyone share what they are working on and brainstorm solutions to problems that may arise,” Sherlock said. Flaum added that although each team member has different areas of responsibility, everything they do affects the team as a whole and they rely on each other heavily to ensure that each event is a success. “We all bring something unique to the table,” she said. “Our different backgrounds lend to a cohesive and balanced team. We are successful because we have a great level of respect for one another.” Chafee added that, though the women have all worked for the company for various amounts of time,
We have purses, scarves, gloves and blankets which make great gifts for the holidays. Come in and see what we have, and lets us help you find the right outfit or gifts for this season.
We have a great selection of shoes and boots for the family. Featured here is the women’s Sperry Duck boot with a wool upper. The Ontario boot by Merrell is great looking hiker for everyday or the trails. Then put on the yummy Howser wool slide by Keen.
See ROCHE, page 5
Julie Curley is happy to announce Seacure Fire Extinguisher sold to Kristine Springer
Empowering Our Islands to Live Free of Abuse
Sales and Annual Service of Fire Extinguishers. NFPA member. Certified, Licensed, Insured. Protecting the San Juan Islands since 1989. Thank you for keeping your business local.
Founded and grounded by strong women whose legacy inspires us to reach for communities where all are SAFE and valued.
STAY SAFE! (360) 378-3135
Friday Harbor: 360-378-8680 Eastsound: 360-376-5979 Lopez Village: 360-468-3788
Check out this warm and cozy fall outfit of a women’s Patagonia Down Sweater Vest with the Prana Callisto sweater. And to finish it off, we have a Kavu over the shoulder clutch.
(360) 378-4593
110 Spring St., Friday Harbor
4 — Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Islanders Insurance s i n c e
Women in Business 2019
Girlfriends Consignment: ‘For fun’ store turns into a great gig By Heather Spaulding Reporter
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Debbie Dardanelli and her dog.
Heather Spaulding/staff photo
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545 545 Spring Spring St. St. •• PO PO Box Box 1160 1160 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 www.islandersinsurance.com www.islandersinsurance.com
Keeping Watch While You’re Away
From wardrobe basics like jeans and sneakers to more glamorous dresses, blouses and blazers, Girlfriends Consignment stocks a wide variety of clothing. “We get new items in every day, which is really fun,” Girlfriends owner Debbie Dardanelli said. Dardanelli opened the Nichols Street consignment shop seven years ago. The active businesswoman has also been a real estate agent at Windermere for 10 years. She opened Girlfriends while she worked toward her real estate license as a “fun way” to supplement her income. Not only has Girlfriends proven itself as being environmentally friendly — the store sells new and gently used clothing — it has also raised money for several local nonprofit organizations. “Many people bring in clothes and donate the proceeds to places like The Whale Museum, Hospice San Juan, Soroptimists or the animal protection society,” Dardanelli said, adding that clients also have donated to SAFE San Juans. Girlfriends also participated in the SAFE San Juans fashion show, a fundraiser for the local nonprofit. As a long-time islander, Dardanelli wanted to support her fellow community members, especially her fellow “girlfriends.” The consignment store carries items for both men and women, that fit bodies of all shapes and sizes, Dardanelli said. Purses, jewelry, gloves and other accessories are also in supply. The store allows people to buy brand names without the brand name price tag. “We accept anything that adorns the body,” Dardanelli said. For anyone wishing to bring clothing and accessories into Girlfriends for consignment, the first step is to make See GIRLFRIENDS, Page 6
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Wednesday, October 16, 2019 — 5
Women in Business 2019
Stacie Nordrum brings hope to hearing loss
By Jess Stahl
Reporter
Feelings of great joy, relief, anticipation and even trepidation may accompany the return of something once lost to us. For Doctor of Audiology Stacie Nordrum, the special part of her work-day is inspiring a shift in her patients’ perspective on their hearing loss, and building positive feelings for their futures. “When I feel that I have been successful in inspiring excitement about treating hearing loss: that’s special,” said Nordrum. “I have definitely seen people begin to return to previously enjoyed activities (such as church, meetings, social events) that were avoided because of hearing difficulty. I love the shift from focusing on a hearing loss over to the viewpoint of ‘I want to be more connected and engaged in my life.’” Nordrum is the owner of the independent hearing clinic Island Hearing Healthcare in Friday Harbor. She established her clinic in 2006, after earning a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Washington University in 2002, and a Doctor of Audiology degree from Northwestern University in 2006. Nordrum’s mother, who has hearing loss, was the first to suggest audiology as a field for Nordrum to explore. “In graduate school, I became very interested in
Roche
Continued from page 5 they have been a cohesive team for about a year. “We bounce ideas off each other constantly,” said Chafee. “But most importantly, we build each other up, we respect and admire each other and we celebrate our successes!” The team’s hard work and cohesive creativity is shown in their success: this year Roche Harbor Resort was named 2019’s “Best Northwest Destination Wedding” venue by Seattle Bride Magazine for the eighth consecutive year. “Our goal is to always build on our success and to develop new and exciting ways to enhance the guest experience,” Flaum said.
Contributed photo
Stacie Nordrum, owner of Island Hearing Healthcare.
emerging hearing aid technology,” said Nordrum. “The Doctor of Audiology program at Northwestern University encouraged a focus on research concurrently with clinical practice and theoretical fundamentals. I was able to work with the engineering departments at several major hearing aid manufacturers to learn how technology is
developed and released to the public.” Owning her clinic allows Nordrum to continue pursuing her interests in hearing aid technology. She has the freedom to choose from any of the latest technologies and developed her own acclimatization program that she can customize for individual patients. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Island Hearing’s main office is in Friday Harbor. Weekly visits are made to Orcas Island and monthly visits to Lopez Island. Home visits are available upon request on all three islands. “What sparks my interest now is anticipating each new major release of technology,” said Nordrum. “I am passionate about helping people stay connected, and to help those living with hearing loss overcome obstacles to communication and connection.”
Colleen Smith, Sounder editor and group publisher
Laura Kussman, reporter
Mandi Johnson, Journal editor and Weekly co-editor
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Diane Craig, Sounder office manager and reporter
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sland earing Healthcare We are thrilled to be celebrating our
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• Diagnostic hearing testing
• Customized hearing aid acclimatization program • Free trial period
Contracted with most major insurers, including: • Medicare • Labor & Industries • VA Choice Provider
• Highly competitive pricing on all major hearing aid brands Dr. Stacie Nordrum, Au.D., CCC-A
360-378-2330 Friday Harbor Eastsound Wednesdays 545 Spring St. by appointment
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Lopez
Thursdays by appointment
6 — Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Girlfriends
Continued from Page 4
Women in Business 2019
an appointment. While the shop is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., seven days a week, appointments to drop off items are only on Monday-Friday. Dardanelli added that the criteria are 10 items or less, with hangers and please bring in a mix of things. “Don’t just bring in all jeans or all blouses. Bring in a little bit of everything,” she requested. Preference is also given to the season — sweaters and scarves for the winter, shorts and swimsuits during the summer. Dardanelli noted that 20 percent of her clients donate
Greenbank Birth Center
from out of state which also spices up the clothing assortment, providing brands that might not otherwise be found regionally. Visitors who have bought from Girlfriends often will continue to stay in touch and ship clothing to the shop, she explained. “I have one woman who actually lives in Hawaii, but has a second home here,” Dardanelli said. “She brings in brands like Maggie B, Just Jill and Anna Ocean.” One brand often in supply is Kavu, which is appropriate since Kavu was founded by islander Barry Barr after continuously losing his hat during his outdoor adventures. Other brands include Banana Republic; Columbia; Eddie Bauer; Free People; Johnny Was; St. John; and Tommy Bahama. “Some of these brands are very expensive, however, we are able to sell them for less,” Dardanelli said. For more information, check out Girlfriends Consignment on Facebook.
CELEBRATING
THE WOMEN OF ACE HARDWARE day 1st SaturM in arch!
March 2nd The Greenbank Birth Center is one of the longest established midwifery practices in Washington State. Serving San Juan County families for over 28 years we are now seeing families in Friday Harbor with delivery on Whidbey Island.
Cynthia Jaffe, LM & Diana Miller, LM, CPM 360.678.3594 for more information or visit our website: www.greenbankbirthcenter.com
Can you add names of Cynthia Jaffe, LM and Diana Miller, LM,CPM
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 — 7
The Journal of the San Juan Islands | SanJuanJournal.com
Merchants in fun since 1993!
The Toy Box was created in 1993 with the mission to have as much fun as possible while stocking the shop with creative, imaginative, educational and FUN toys, games and novelties. Over the 26 years in business, I have listened to our loyal local customers as well as the summer folks who come back every year. The product mix has continued to grow with the recommendations of these fabulous repeat customers. In addition, I gather great ideas at Toy and Gift shows. With the recent emphasis on sustainability, I continue to search toy companies who use recycled and/or reusable materials. The goal of The Toy Box is to create a friendly atmosphere, good customer service and FREE gift wrapping. I am very proud to have wonderful staff members who uphold these ideals. Everyone is welcome to come by and share the fun. The Toy Box, 20 First Street Friday Harbor (360) 378-8889 • toybox@rockisland
IT’S ALWAYS Left to Right: Max, Erin, Kimberly, Amy, Deborah, and Barbara
We are San Juan County and Friday Harbor’s contracted “destination marketing & management organization.” We support and promote responsible tourism, in partnership with the 3 Chambers of Commerce and our 300 business and non-profit members. Check out our fun stewardship and Island Voices videos and info here: www.VisitSanJuans.com/videos.
INSPIRING TO SEE GREAT
WOMEN ACCOMPLISH THEIR DREAMS
True champions of hardworking women, our agents are one in a million, carving out their own space in the real estate business -helping people realize their dream of finding their place on the Islands. We continue to honor the spirit of our agents and celebrate inspiring female entrepreneurs.
REAL ESTATE San Juan Island
8 — Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Notable women in history By Mandi Johnson
T
Editor
hroughout history, there have been women who made great advancements to society, but they’re often forgotten or go unacknowledged for years. Everyone remembers the men in history. The Napoleons, George Washington, Henry VIII, Einstein and Tesla — but women, too, have done amazing things worthy of immortalization. Here are just a few: • Known for her poetry and being called the 10th muse by the Greek phi-
losopher Plato, Sappho is an often overlooked artist from the Isle of Lesbos. Poets.org claim that Sappho is one of the greatest lyric poets to have ever written, though little of her work remains today. “The greatest problem for Sappho studies is that there’s so little Sappho to study,” wrote Daniel Mendelsohn in a 2015 article for The New Yorker. “It would be hard to think of another poet whose status is so disproportionate to the size of her surviving body of work.” • Cleopatra, the last pha-
raoh of ancient Egypt, is a well-known historical figure, but she was not the only female pharaoh to preside over the desert. Coming before Cleopatra were Sobeknefru and Hatshepsut. Following her reign, Cleopatra’s stepson tried to erase her from the annals of history but failed. • Women have also led the way in literary and scientific endeavors over the years. Take, for example, the creator of the science fiction genre — the daughter of the aforementioned Wollstonecraft. Mary Shelley originally pub-
Women in Business 2019
lished her groundbreaking novel “Frankenstein” 200 years ago without her name attached for fear she would lose her children. • Rosalind Franklin discovered the double helix of DNA – though Francis Crick and James Watson were ultimately awarded credit and a Nobel Prize for the discovery. Franklin was not included in the award for her contribution because the Nobel Committee does not grant prizes posthumously. This is just a handful of the many women who have done great things. Throughout history and into the future, women have been and will continue to be, leaders and achievers.
Midwives
Continued from Page 2 “We are there with the mothers throughout the whole pregnancy,” Miller said. “We really get to know the women and their families personally.” One popular option at Greenbank is a water birth, wherein the baby is born while the mother is resting in warm water. “Warm water is relaxing and often acts as a pain reliever,” Jaffe explained. “We often jokingly call it the midwife epidural.” Once a mother has tried a water birth, she usually opts for it during her next pregnancy, she said. Regardless of the decisions made by the expecting mom, Miller said she carries a soft spot in her heart for islanders and hopes they choose to come to Greenbank. “I really understand the moms living out there and their unique needs,” Miller said. “I love taking care of them. They are so special to me.” Greenbank offers a no-cost meet-and-greet for mothers and families wishing to explore their alternatives. For more information about Greenbank Birthing Center, visit https:// greenbankbirthcenter.com.
We’ve Got the Experience You Need to Ensure a Beautiful & Successful Garden Our Garden Center experts have more than 35 combined years of experience in greenhouse growing, landscaping, native plants, floral design, and home gardening on San Juan Island; and two of our team members are active Master Gardeners.* Together, we help build better communities. * The Master Gardener program is run by Washington State University, which provides training to volunteers who then serve their communities through horticultural education and outreach. MEET OUR TEAM: (left to right) Kerry Burns, Krystn Nelsen, Karen Skoog, and Alexis Reifenstuhl.
Visit our Garden Center Monday through Friday 8AM-6PM Saturday & Sunday 8AM-5PM
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