Local business owners are thankful for community support received in 2016 and have some resolutions for 2017.
Tammy Austin adds a shimmery necklace to a black dress ensemble displayed in her store.
The Haley Caroline and Company shop owner discussed the challenges and successes she has experienced since opening in March. The boutique is located at 450020 S.R. 200 in Callahan.
“Starting the business in general was a challenge, balancing home life, marketing and adjusting my inventory to meet the needs of the community,” Austin said.
The bright store is filled with costume jewelry, women’s clothes, jackets, purses, scarves, gifts, vinyl, embroidered items and infant wear.
Austin’s business goals include plans to expand the children’s clothing area “and bring more fun gift items into the store.”
At The Embroidery Hut in Hilliard, owner Josetta Lawson has operated her “one-stop shop” for 15 years. She offers various types of embroidery pieces, business cards and banners suitable for the addition of company logos.
Lawson also carries an inventory of pillows, shirts and blankets that can be customized. The store is located at 551772 U.S. 1.
With President-elect Donald J. Trump waiting to be sworn into the Oval Office Jan. 20, she is a bit cautious about making any business projections.
“I don’t know, because I call it the changing of the guard,” Lawson said. “A lot of people don’t know this, but small businesses make up what I would say is at least 50 percent of businesses. We have to realize – don’t give up on small businesses. It’s something important to the United States and Nassau County.”
In keeping with her 2017 expansion plans, Austin would like to add a part-time employee while maintaining her focus on catering to customers.
The shop also offers monograms, basic clothing and bridal wear alterations.
She shared her desire to help others with plans to “continue to bring more awareness of the small business owners within our community and having a heart for women (and) work with women’s organizations throughout Nassau County.”
Lawson also emphasized the importance of community outreach.
“I’m a Sunday School teacher,” she said. “I have raised a lot of children in Nassau County through my Sunday School. I always tell my kids, don’t let anything come between them and God.”
At Callahan’s Exhale Day Spa, customers may choose to receive microdermabrasion treatments, waxes and facials.
Sisters Mahryah White and Summer Norris opened the business at 450036 S.R. 200 in December 2015. They also sell skin care products, retail bath balms, soaps and essential oils.
The women wanted to be their own bosses and set schedules to accommodate their children’s lives, according to White.
“Our biggest challenge was getting the community to know we were here,” she added. The business owners rely on social media, local networking with other business owners and print advertisements. Those contacts helped to grow their clientele.
“We probably would both agree that the amount of support from clients has exceeded our expectations,” White said.
In addition to hosting mixers to mingle with other business owners with proceeds benefiting “Pinky Promise,” the women also perform other community outreach projects. In 2016, they selected two female students, one each from West Nassau and Hilliard Middle-Senior high schools for prom assistance. The girls received prom dresses, shoes, makeovers and hair styles. Norris views it as a way to give back.
“I grew up here,” she said. “We just want to try to stay involved. It’s really a small town. We just hope a good reputation goes a long way.”