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business spotlight East Tennessee's Business Women | East Tennessee's Business Women |
| Written by Courtney Craig, Rebekah McCarroll, Shannon Cournoyer | |||||
| Thursday, 01 May 2008 | |||||
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Her success only intensified a desire she expressed at the unlikely age of six. "Momma, I want to open a coffee shop in Maine." She had never drank coffee or been to Maine but she knew what she wanted! Jessica craved independence and the fulfillment of being sole proprietor of her own establishment. She could continue on the secure path of a lucrative long term career or plunge into the uncertainty of starting her own business. A chance conversation with a close friend gave way to the opportunity to purchase Ironic, a unique shop featuring decorative handmade iron home décor and gifts. That "leap of faith" has kept Jessica hopping since October of 2007! The shop is a delight for college students, interior designers, old and new home decorators; anyone and everyone craving something new and intriguing. Jessica greets and interacts with each and every customer. Need advice on decorating? Jessica may well have the solution. Rental pieces are available for extraordinary parties, weddings or family reunions. Can't find just the right piece? Jessica has a "wish list" she takes on her buying trips. If it can be found, she will do her best to get it for you. She is there to help you make your home, yard or social event unforgettable. The shop is a delight and Jessica a ray of sunshine. Walk through the door and experience the atmosphere for yourself. I guarantee it won't be your last visit!
Amie is as individual and unique as her establishment. Her "do it my own way" approach to business is reaping immeasurable rewards. Stop in and meet Amie, Brad (co-owner) and Norma, who has over three decades experience in the antique community. Jazz up your home décor with a great retro piece. Add a piece of Vintage "bling" to your jewelry collection or maybe a neat "old"clothing piece to your spring attire. Love shabby chic or mid-century? At Nostalgia you'll find it all and more! It is thirty cool shops under one roof. Stop in and visit. Amie will be waiting with a smile and the coffee is always hot!
Pam had an unusual background for retail; a degree in nursing with experience in emergency rooms and surgery. She has found, however, that skills from her past help her today. She explains, "In nursing, you know what your priorities have to be at the time." Knowing her priorities helps in her role as a businesswoman and as the parent of two boys, one in college and one in high school. Retail suits her well. Pam says, "I'm not a sit behind a desk person. I like getting out, meeting people, talking to people." Her customers benefit from these qualities and also the fact that she likes change. This means that the closet store has grown to include hardware such as drawer pulls for the bath and kitchen, door hardware and, last year, she added a garage showroom with storage for that part of the house. She also brings another love of hers to Closet Solutions, construction. She enjoys working with customers in planning details for their house. Pam loves to travel and attends major shows such as the Kitchen and Bath International Show and the International Home Builders Show. She's always looking for the next new item to bring to her customers.
Located at 259 N. Peters Rd. in Knoxville, SimplySkin Medical Spa offers full treatments for anyone looking to improve the overall condition of their skin. Webb, a Knoxville native, was a pharmaceutical rep for 10 years before deciding to go into business for herself. SimplySkin has been open for 15 months. "(The business community) has been welcoming," Webb said. "There are different welcoming groups such as the Chamber of Commerce that help new business owners transition into the business world. People in general are also open to new businesses and seem to want to help out locally." Webb had a friend who was also a pharmaceutical rep before successfully opening her own spa, and Webb was inspired when visiting this friend to enjoy spa treatments herself. Her friend offered to help Webb start up her own spa, and today they share a website for both spas. "I had her to turn to, to help work out the kinks," Webb said. Webb has an eight-year-old son, Daniel, who attends the Episcopal School of Knoxville. Her parents and sister also live in town. SimplySkin Medical Spa is locally owned and operated, and is not a franchise. Webb is proud that she was able to open a business in her home town, and says her customer service is what keeps SimplySkin Medical Spa successful. "If people are scared of Botox, I'll go in and hold their hand," Webb said. SimplySkin Medical Spa is open from 9 am to 7 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 9 am to noon on Saturday. For more information, call (865) 690-8283.           
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Jessica Hatler, sole proprietor of Ironic, has succeeded in fulfilling a lifelong ambition. A notable accomplishment for this petite twenty-six year old business woman. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Jessica attended UT and graduated with a degree in marketing. With her diploma in hand she quickly climbed onboard the fast corporate track, exceeding all expectations.
Amie Swanson, co-proprietor of Nostalgia, The Vintique Market, did not open her own business wearing tinted lenses over star filled eyes. Education, research, tenacity, long hours and hard work preceded her venture. Amie grew up in the "we've always got tomorrow" vacation atmosphere of the Florida Keys; an attitude that held her there until her second year of college. She left Florida to settle in Tennessee and continue her education. Immediately, Amie began preparing to bring her dream to fruition. Experimenting with bookkeeping methods to floor plans and everything in-between gave this ambitious woman a plan of action. Starting small, she steadily gained momentum. Nineteen months ago she opened a twelve hundred square foot store with seven dealers featuring an eclectic mix of antiques and vintage merchandise. Within six months she moved into a six thousand two hundred square foot establishment with thirty dealers!
Closet Solutions owner Pam Cash came to her business after years as a stay-at-home mom. She says, "My dad helped me quite a bit with business advice in the beginning but he wasn't sure the business could succeed in this market." That stuck in her mind and motivated her. She adds, "Success was the only option." Over the 12 years Closet Solutions has been open, she has taken it from her alone to 16 employees.
When one of her friends decided to open her own spa, Sara Webb was inspired. Today, Webb is the owner of SimplySkin Medical Spa in Knoxville, and she couldn't be happier.
