Thursday, April 8, 2010

Need suggestions.

Went to the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 40 Businesswoman's luncheon today at the Trade-Mart. The program was nice and Jeff Goode provided a very nice menu for all. However, the majority of the women nominated were attorneys in big firms, government employees, HR directors, and executives in trade associations. Very few were actually business owners.

Well, JJ intends to do something about this little oversight. Sometime in the next few weeks I'm going to conduct a poll on the top businesswomen in the area and by that I mean business owners. If a lawyer, better be a majority partner in the firm or managing partner. If a Realtor, better own the agency or franchise (and yes, franchise owners are definitely welcome for nominations.). I am requesting you send me suggestions either through email or the comments section on this post. Must be from tri-county area. I don't care if the nominee is running a nail salon or tutoring service out of her kitchen, as long as she can show a license or something official showing her to be a business owner, that is all she needs.

I've already got some ideas. Feel free to add to them and thank you.

81 comments:

Kingfish said...

A couple I thought of:

Linda Graham (coldwell banker)
April Davidson (Mortgage 1st)
Margaret Byrd, (Mortgage Connection)

Jackson Frugal Gal said...

Dirty Hippy Soaps, owned by sisters Jessi Long (attorney) and Amanda Long Quarles (instructor), and their mom. Show at organic products shows across the south, their products are sold at the Smithsonian in DC. Business has been featured on Mississippi Roads.

Anonymous said...

Consignment/vintage stores in the area do HUGE business and seem to be owned by women:

- Repeat Street in Ridgeland - Michelle Austin
- Private Collection in Madison - Nicole Davis (I think)
- Terrific Seconds in Clinton, The Orange Peel in Fondren, Bloomingdeals in Ridgeland, Leap Frog in Madison, Kids' Kloset in Ridgeland, etc.

Anonymous said...

Might want to look at some of the young women who own some great clothing boutiques in the metro area, e.g., Migi's, or Suzanne Moak who owns a great salon at the Dueling School in Fondren. I am sure there are many more, but they immediately come to mind.

Kingfish said...

Thanks. Include names when possible. Also what I am probably going to do is have a long poll, then have ten finalists and include short bios if possible.

Anonymous said...

Kingfish, I nominate an amazing woman with an amazing story. Hao (I don't know her last name) came to America as a young refugee from Vietnam after the war. She arrived with only the shirt on her back and penniless but had an indomitable spirit and a strong work ethic. Hao immediately embraced American capitalism and opportunity (she did not go on welfare or accept government assistance as so many native born Americans choose to do). She learned our language and embraced and learned to love our culture. Over the years, Hao has developed a prosperous alterations and seamstress business called Golden Touch which is located off of I-55 N, in Jackson. Her phone is 601-362-6790.

Anonymous said...

Thank You King Fish for what you do. This is great.

Anonymous said...

Mitzi and Ginger - MiGi's

Anonymous said...

Myung Cockrell - Professional Alterations, off Grant's Ferry.

Anonymous said...

Lisa Kirk. She owns Cups in Crossgates. Does a lot of events, showcases local visual artists and a few musicians.

Anonymous said...

Traci Maloney has been selling real estate in the Jackson area since 1996. She has worked very hard to hone her skills to be the best. She recently went into business for herself as Traci Maloney Real Estate Inc. She lives in Northeast Jackson and sells property in the tri-county area.

Anonymous said...

The Head of School @ Jackson Prep, Susan Lindsay, is as hard working as they come. While she doesn't 'own' the school the responsibility to consistently turn out a top notch product, satisfy a wide range of discerning customers in a competitive private environment and be a successful fundraiser is as challenging a job as one can ask for.

Anonymous said...

Charlotte Smith of Charlotte Smith Real Estate! Been in the business for about 35 - 40 years. Excellent businesswoman.

Kingfish said...

Sorry 3:19, not a businesswoman, I understand what you mean, but doesn't own the business. Someone from Prep was in the top 50.

Anonymous said...

Even though some of her recent decisions have been unpopular, there's no denying that Jill C-B has built up quite a business through SPQ products and activities.

Anonymous said...

Forget Jill - she forgot us!

Anonymous said...

Patty Christie owner of Patty Peck Honda is a winner. Also a strong supporter of local charities.

Anonymous said...

some of those "young" women with clothing shops were given those a gifts from "Daddy!"- don't think that really qualifies- do you?

Anonymous said...

If you are going to put up Lisa Kirk, you have to put up Heather Miller too.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, Lisa and Heather are co-owners.

Anonymous said...

September Moore, owner of Wireless Style, distributes wireless phone accessories all over MS and LA and is based in 39211.

KaptKangaroo said...

I personally consider "Daddy" an investor. Where they got the money to start is not relevant, if they are successful is the measurement.

Trey said...

What about Connie McCae - Lasik andher daughter Gayle Watters - Dentist.

Both have successful practices.

Anonymous said...

Lisa Usry - Partner at Taggart, Rimes & Usry, PLLC

KaptKangaroo said...

Susanne Moore - Moore Smiles

She was going to leave the profession and started a wonderful dentistry out at the Rez.

KaptKangaroo said...

OK, OK, OK...I have to say it... Donner Kay? She started a wonderful tabloid that features all kinds of stuff like bars, music, articles citing trusted sources like "someone, somebody, a person, my dog."

Anonymous said...

Leave it to Kappy to muck up the works.

stilettoGOP said...

Katie, Mary Moment Photography. AAAAAMAZING work. Started the business as a dedication to her friend's memory, Mary Heather Spencer. Contributes donations from the company towards the fight against domestic violence.

That gets my vote over someone running a handbag shop, sorry.

Anonymous said...

Liz Henry jewelry in Fondren. All jewelry is made inhouse and is sod nationally. Has been featured in numerous fashion magazines. Also, do lots of jewelry fundraisers to benefit CARA.

Anonymous said...

AMANDA OVERBY!

Anonymous said...

Lisa Looser....MISSISSIPPI---BELIEVE IT...Cirlot Agency

Anonymous said...

jude muse owner of treehouse boutique is a fabulous businesswomen and did it all on her own. very smart lady

Anonymous said...

Alexandra Wilkes-Alex and Lele
their jewelry rocks and has been worn by celebrities

SPW

Anonymous said...

Robbie Bell-LMAO!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Lauren McGraw - McGraw Gotta Go

Anonymous said...

Michelle Austin at Repeat Street is VERY community minded. Every month, the store adopts a local charity to accept donations for, and usually holds some sort of event for them,

Earlier this year she had a $1 sale of everything that hadn't sold. Everyone who bought stuff got a ticket for every dollar they spent. They then could put their tickets in the box for a given charity, and that determined how much money each charity got. This year, it was the Billy Brumfield House and Madison ARK.

Repeat Street also is massively involved in breast cancer awareness -- they collect bras and donations every year for the "Save the Ta-Ta's" campaign.

Finally, she started the business from the ground up. Every weekend her store is PACKED with people from out-of-town who have heard of the place. Nobody's daddy had anything to do with her success.

Anonymous said...

Noreen Bozeman, insurance agent. Quietly built up her client list for 20 +/- years now. By herself. Active in the community as well and a wonderful mentor to fledgling entrepreneurs.

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth Bryant, owner of Sincerely Yours, Madison (stationery, printing, etc.) runs a fine business and prides herself on offering excellent service to her customers. Also the mother of a 21 year old with Down Syndrome. Elizabeth is a Proverbs 31 woman.

KaptKangaroo said...

I want to nominate Barbie, because she is the bestest. :-)

Anonymous said...

Susan Lunardini Pres. Southern Consultants, Inc. and very active in community.

Anonymous said...

Lunardini was a supporter of SB 2991. No thanks.

Anonymous said...

This is Great Kingfish despite what others think of you. I think you are a keeper even when no-one's looking. You are being generous full of compassion for others....


Thanks,
from Johnson,Murphy,Warnock Inc.

Jackassery Emeritus said...

Kingfish IS a keeper but he has been evading his longtime readers the promise he made for a 'Best Local Rack' poll for going on 2 years now.

Boo, hiss, getoutahere!

Anonymous said...

Ann Prewitt...Prudential Ann Prewitt Realty.

Anonymous said...

Definitely agree with 3:19---CHARLOTTE SMITH--dynamic business woman and leader in the community.

Anonymous said...

Ann Prewitt has a good rack?

Anonymous said...

susan barnette?

Anonymous said...

Tootsie, the crack ho downtown. She's been in business for 25 years on the same corner. At $2.00 a pop she's cheap, but she makes it up on volume.

Anonymous said...

Bebe Wolfe, Wolfe Studios. She came home from art school and revved up her parents' (Karl & Mildred) production studio, marketing and hiring craftspeople to turn it into a thriving cottage industry. All while taking care of her ailing mother.

Angela Brown, Pilates Studio. A smart, driven African American business woman and devoted mom and wife.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure Donner Kay abhors all of these quality recommendations because nobody is using their real name to make them. There is something about freedom that she rubs her wrong.

Anonymous said...

Fish do you know if we'll be able to read your blog when our obamaPads arrive?

Anonymous said...

Tootie isn't a Crack Ho. She is a Downtown Pleasure Ambassador!

John said...

Pamela "Pammi" Hancock. Hancock Law Office in Madison. She also owns or has owned other businesses.

Anonymous said...

Ronnie Davis- The Inside Story in Madison. That lady owns and has run that gift shop since the 80's. She had one of the first successful shops in the city. She has handled Mary with grace and stays on everyone's good side. She is a dedicated business woman who has a clean record because of hard work and keeping her eye on the ball.

Anonymous said...

Jeanelle Caraway- Photographer in Ridgeland. She is a self starter. She created a photography company from the ground up. It grew really fast. In order to give back she started a charity called _-Caraway Kids- for free photography opportunities for families with children who are terminally ill. So not only is Jeanelle a great businesswoman, she is someone who knows the value of helping others in times of need. She has even started recruiting photographers from all over the country to take part.

Anonymous said...

Joanne Hartley. She owns Molecules hair salon in Madison. She employs six or so hair dressers in her salon. She runs a great business.

chris myers said...

karen gilder - portico magazine
christina cannon - one blu wall gallery

Anonymous said...

I nominate Kay Lee who owns The Finishing Touch on McWillie. This is not alterations only. She and her employees are first class tailors. She also has several other goods and services related to clothing care.

She has also been active in the community, both with her church and the IBC. And, she helps other Asian immigrants adjust and learn to become patriotic Americans.

Anonymous said...

I second the nomination of Bebe Wolfe. Wolfe Studios is an amazing business that employs and encourages young artists while making a good profit. And nearly every charitable silent or live auction in the area includes Wolfe Studios donations.

The fact that the Wolfe name is still so active after Mildred's death is a testament to Bebe's work and acumen.

Anonymous said...

Second vote for Susanne Moore of Moore Smiles.

Sarah said...

sarah lofton, lofton advertising

Anonymous said...

Rebecca Glenn- owner of Basils Belhaven

Kingfish said...

After taking the pizza off the menu, the best one in town, and changing the strawberry cake recipe, um no.

Anonymous said...

I second the nomination of Pamela "Pammi" Hancock. She is extraordinary, and very active in the community. Owns and manages her own law firm and has owned other businesses.

Kingfish said...

I had NO idea this would generate this kind of interest. Damn. I have to do it now. Going to have a poll next week and from that ten finalists will make another poll.

Unknown said...

Dorothy Thompson ... Dorothy Thompson Realty
Jackie Bland ... State Farm Insurance
Tina King Clay ...CLU, ChFC, CASL
Toni Cooley ...Systems Electrocoating, Inc.
Myrna Alexander, MD, Jackson Cardiology

Anonymous said...

Bridget McCart Tisdale- Easely Amused (2 locations-Ridgeland and Flowood)

http://www.easelyamused.com/

She also is an amazing interior designer.

Anonymous said...

Uumm, Fish - it was the "Leading 50 Business Women".

Looking forward to your unbiased poll.

Anonymous said...

1) Gail Pittman?

2) The woman who owns the South/Central American restaurant (Guadulupe?) on Old Canton Road near County Line & the Spillway?
3) The owner of Persnickety in Madison?

Sorry for the memory trouble with names today.

Unknown said...

Debra Gibbs ... Law Office
Charlene Priester ... Law Office
D. J. Horecky ... Law Office

Anonymous said...

The owner of Persnickety in Madison?

That would be Sherri Hilton

Anonymous said...

Karen Gilder -- I second that emotion.

Anonymous said...

Second the vote for Traci Maloney and third the vote for Bebe Wolfe

Schizo said...

McGraw of McGraw Gotta Go was actually on the MBJ list several years ago. Good work they do.

Donner Kay was also on the MBJ list just a few years ago. Devalued the meaning of the award as far as I was concerned.

Anonymous said...

The name of the program is Mississippi's 50 Leading Women.
It is held in August at Eagle Ridge with a 2 day conferance: networking, seminars and honoree luncheon. It is only open to the class of winners for that year.
They are honored again at a luncheon during Expo and invite friends and family.
At Expo the women of the year is announced from the top 10 out of the 50.
It is heavily weighted on community service.
Nominatios for 2010 50 leading women are now being accepted. Nominate your candidate today.

Several of the women mentioned are already past 50 leading women.

Anonymous said...

Any truth to the rumor that Adam Lynch QUIT Donner Kay?

Anonymous said...

Ginger Greene - Owner of Kolb's Cleaners

Anonymous said...

Anon 4:22
Not unless he did it yesterday--there's an article from him dated 4/8 on the site. And it doesn't look like the kind you would be able to run if he weren't still there.

Anonymous said...

He left - JFP is going broke...

Anonymous said...

JFP IS broke, and running on fumes for years.

Kingfish said...

Lynch is still writing for them. Had a byline on April 7 unless someone stuck his name on one, which I seriously doubt. I've been hearing the "JFP is going broke" for years and I'll believe it when I see it. People think I want them out of business. I don't. I will probably include Ladd in the poll. Regardless of her politics or trashed people in the community, she still had an idea, has worked hard to make it work, the idea being operating a publication that focuses on what she thinks are progressive ideas about social justice, and in her mind make a difference. I'm sure there have been nights where she worried about how to pay a bill, something many small business owners have experienced, or wondered if they would actually surivive and I can respect that even if I hated her as a person, which I don't.


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