Q&A with Business Women Who Make a Difference in Our Community

Q&A with Business Women Who Make a Difference in Our Community 

The National Women’s Business Council reports that women-owned businesses “contribute substantially to entrepreneurship in the United States.” 42% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women (13 million) and employ more than 9.4 million workers. Women are three percentage points more likely to start a business than men. Here we celebrate women in our community who are making a name for themselves while lifting up others in the process.

Bonnie Smith
Owner, BRenewed

How long have you been in business?

Almost 5 years

How long in your field of expertise?

I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 23 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

What I find most challenging is preventing myself from injury. Massage Therapy is a physically demanding profession and my clients deserve to have the best version of me, so I really try to practice a healthy work/life balance by staying on top of my daily exercises of walking and running, stretching and sometimes yoga on my lunch breaks, scheduling routine massages for myself, staying properly hydrated, eating healthy and taking time off when I need to.

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

I find it so rewarding to see the smiles on my clients’ faces and hearing the sighs of relief that they are finally there with me!  From the moment they walk into my beautiful and cozy studios, until the moment they leave, my clients know and trust that they are in good hands and that I have nothing but the best intentions in my heart for them.  I have witnessed the work of my hands help people over and over again for 23 years!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

•               Believe in yourself.

•               Put in the hard work; it’s worth it in the long run! You get out of it what you put into it!

•               Have a strong support system that you can trust to help make big decisions

•               Get plugged into a community group that other female entrepreneurs are attending

•               Work in an environment that makes you feel proud and you truly love esthetically.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My biggest cheerleaders are my family and friends! I have to also include my clients in this as well,for without them booking ongoing appointments, referring their friends and families to me and voting and cheering me on with community contests, none of this would be possible. My dreams have come true!

Stefanie McCullough
President, Stop N Stor Self Storage

How long have you been in business?

Stop N Stor as a company has been in business since 2005. We opened our Highway 30 location in 2008 and our Highway 21 location in 2015.

How long in your field of expertise?

Stop N Stor is a family business, so it feels like forever, but I officially started working with my family in 2012.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

In this season of my life, now that I am a mom with young children, the most challenging for me is balancing work and life. When you have your own business, you are essentially always working, but on the flip side you have flexibility as well. Also, a challenge is working with family. You speak more openly and matter-of-factly to family, and have to be mindful of that.

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

The most rewarding part of running our business is really seeing the “fruits of my labor”. After I make a decision and see that it was successful, whether it resulted in more income for our business, or resulted in a better benefit to our employees, is rewarding to me.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Have confidence and speak up. If you do not think something is right, say it. Always advocate for yourself and your business. Something else I would advise is that every mistake, failure, or mess-up, is just an opportunity to learn from. There is so much I have learned from my downfalls. So don’t beat yourself up and see a mistake as an opportunity to not have it happen a second time around.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

I would have to say my husband, Drew McCullough, and my father, Alan Dasher, are my biggest cheerleaders. We are partners so we are in it together. Working with family can be challenging, but a victory is sweeter with those you love right there with you!

Mia Thompson
Market President, Renasant Bank

How long have you been in business?

5 years at Renasant Bank

How long in your field of expertise?

32 years in banking

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

During my career, men were the leaders of the company. Today, women dominate our industry. I am grateful that Renasant Bank recognizes women for our contributions to our organization.

Also, I am a breast cancer survivor—that was another challenge, especially in my current role.

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

Relationships made with my customers over the years. Assisting families in our community.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Be willing to take risk in order to succeed. With risk, there will be doubt and fear. Be bold and courageous knowing that your journey is laying the groundwork for your future!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

Two local women in Effingham. They have been in the industry as well. Both have been vital for the growth in my career.

Ashley Boyette
Owner, Ashley Boyette State Farm

How long have you been in business?

11 years

How long in your field of expertise?

16 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Finding a team that shares my passion to help our community.

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

My customers.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Never give up! Try again and again and again.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband, boys, and my mama.

Jessica Honeycutt
Owner, Rincon Day Spa

How long have you been in business?

4 years

How long in your field of expertise?

23 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Keeping massage therapists.

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

Seeing our clients relaxed after their services.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Market yourself, band your business, and always strive to the best service.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My clients, my staff, and my family

Ellen Jacobs
Owner, Ellen Jacobs Country Financial Insurance

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?

I prefer to assist my clients, rather than sending them to our customer service number. All of my clients have my cell phone number and can call me at any time. This has many challenges, but it’s the way I prefer to run my business. Our clients know they can call or stop by at any time and we will be happy to take care of their needs.

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

Building relationships with my clients and getting to know them on a more personal level. I take pride in being more than just their insurance agent and making sure they don’t feel like just another number.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

In order to succeed, you have to take risks. Don’t look at the shortfalls as failures, but rather as learning experiences to improve upon.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and our 2 boys, my family, close friends, and clients.

Atty. Alisha Esselstein
Owner , Esselstein Law P.C.

How long have you been in business?

10 months

How long in your field of expertise?

2 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Finding a healthy balance between a successful business and avoiding burnout.

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

Independence. Flexibility for my family. Financial freedom. More heavily involved in the community.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

My husband. My colleague, Casey Tuggle. Stacy Smith, my assistant who keeps my life together.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband. My colleague, Casey Tuggle. Stacy Smith, my assistant who keeps my life together.

Matori (Tori) Rhett-Johnson
Effingham Market Branch Manager, Renasant Bank

How long have you been in business?

17 years

How long in your field of expertise?

17 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

The changing market

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

Meeting new people and building relationships.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up no matter your nationality. Make sure you’re courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My husband and my 2 daughters along with my family

Ivy Eilerman
VP, Senior Loan Officer, BankSouth Mortgage

How long have you been in business?

22 years

How long in your field of expertise?

22 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

A bad day is a day when I have to turn someone down for a home loan and deliver the bad news. That is never fun. It’s basically like breaking a heart. That never feels good!

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

Seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces & the faces of their families at closing! New beginnings are often very exciting, and I am honored to be a part of the adventure!

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Do not underestimate the power of prayer! Don’t lose hope! Keep going, even when it feels like you are defeated. Just keep showing up every day!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My referral partners and my family!

Billi Jo R. Cape
Realtor, Next Move Real Estate

How long have you been in business?

17 years

How long in your field of expertise?

17 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Balancing work- life

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

Being able to be present for my kids! They only grow up once.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Keep going and keep pushing! Surround yourself with other like minded successful people to help you grow! Never stop learning and helping others!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family and my clients!

Tammy Leggett
Owner, Hortons General Store

How long have you been in business?

3.5 years

How long in your field of expertise?

Customer Service—30 years.

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Trying to keep our products affordable for our community- while fighting inflation, shipping costs and minimum case orders increasing.

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

Being able to give other small businesses an outlet to sell their products. Seeing their growth and being a part of that journey.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Believe in yourself!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family (husband and two daughters) and my friends.

Eva Underwood
Store Owner, Quick Cash Pawn

How long have you been in business?

13 years

How long in your field of expertise?

28 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Time management

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

With no fine, retail jewelers in Effingham, we fill that gap. Offering residents the next BEST thing has been the most exciting part of the job. We sell new & pre-owned fine jewelry and offer jewelry repair.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Remaining flexible in business helps with changing times. Evolve with your industry & never give up!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My family, hands down. My spouse, adult children, my mom & a few cousins have been my biggest cheerleaders! They have reminded me over the years, why I do what I do!

Mary Crouse
Owner/Instructor, Effin’ Yoga and The Beautique

How long have you been in business?

6 years

How long in your field of expertise?

13 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Finding a team that shares my passion to help our community.

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

Seeing people change and understand themselves physically and energetically.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Give your business time.

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

My teachers and students and I appreciate them so much

Kristen Woods
New Home Advisor for Lonadine, Mungo Homes

How long have you been in business?

2.5 years

How long in your field of expertise?

2.5 years

What has been the most challenging in running your business?

Navigating the complexities of the real estate and new construction industries. Being young has also come with its own hurdles of establishing trust with our customers and other industry professionals.

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

It is very fulfilling to be a part of a buyer’s journey towards achieving homeownership. It’s the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Stay true to who you are because authenticity can allow you to stand out amongst others in this profession!

Who are your greatest cheerleaders?

I am truly blessed to have the family that I do. They have cheered me on every step of the way and continue to encourage me to pursue my dreams. Similarly, the support from my teammates and leadership at Mungo Homes. I would not be who I am today without them.