Jackson Jambalaya

A couple I thought of:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Mitzi and Ginger - MiGi's

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Forget Jill - she forgot us!

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

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

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

Sorry, Lisa and Heather are co-owners.

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

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

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

Both have successful practices.

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

Susanne Moore - Moore Smiles

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

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."

Leave it to Kappy to muck up the works.

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.

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.

AMANDA OVERBY!

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

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

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

SPW

Robbie Bell-LMAO!!!!!!

Lauren McGraw - McGraw Gotta Go

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Lunardini was a supporter of SB 2991. No thanks.

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.

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!

Ann Prewitt...Prudential Ann Prewitt Realty.

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

Ann Prewitt has a good rack?

susan barnette?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Second vote for Susanne Moore of Moore Smiles.

sarah lofton, lofton advertising

Rebecca Glenn- owner of Basils Belhaven

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

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.

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.

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

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

http://www.easelyamused.com/

She also is an amazing interior designer.

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

Looking forward to your unbiased poll.

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.

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

The owner of Persnickety in Madison?

That would be Sherri Hilton

Karen Gilder -- I second that emotion.

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

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.

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.

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

Ginger Greene - Owner of Kolb's Cleaners

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.

He left - JFP is going broke...

JFP IS broke, and running on fumes for years.

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.