Women Owned Businesses

Women Owned Businesses

By Mary Beth DeCecco

The statistics are staggering:according to the Center for Women’s Business Research, nearly 10.4 million firms in the United States are owned by women. That means that women own about half of the businesses in this country. In New York, the picture is even more encouraging. Between 1997 and 2006, New York State ranked fourth in the growth of privately-held firms owned by women, thirteenth in employment growth and seventeenth in sales growth. Overall, New York ranks fifth when it comes to women-owned businesses.
In light of these impressive numbers, each May we highlight successful women business owners right in our backyard. This month, I introduce you to 36 of them.

Jean Kaback
Accents Unique Fashion Accessories, Guilderland

Jean Kaback has had many jobs throughout her career: conference and event planner, kindergarten teacher, director of volunteers at a nursing home and garden designer.
“I developed my own interests as well as keeping my interests in my family,” said the mother of three, grandmother of four and wife of 40 years.
For the past five years, she has found her niche with her in-home boutique offering one-of-a-kind, unusual gifts, jewelry, accessories and clothing ranging from casual to dressy.
Arriving in the Capital Region in 1984 from the fashion-forward Montreal, Jean didn’t notice much flair in the fashion arena. So, she decided to do something about it.
Why the home as opposed to a storefront? “I have a life. I like to travel and see my family and I want to be married to my family, not a store.”
The difference between her shop and others is the appointment-only personalized shopping experience. She finds it “exhausting” to shop in today’s department stores, only to discover the same things in each store and the sometimes poor service.
“What I have is not the same old stuff,” she said. She buys her clothing from Juliana Collezione in NYC, which provides clothing for working women and those on the go. She also hosts personalized trunk shows seasonally, which consist of hundreds of pieces.
To Jean, there is no such thing as a “typical client”. Her clients make up all age groups and are people who “appreciate things that are different and are of quality.”
Her male clients come to her for gifts for their sweethearts and her service extends as far as gift wrapping and delivering the items to them.
Business, so far, has generally been word of mouth. “It’s a learning curve as with every new business. That’s challenging and I welcome it. It’s easy to let uncertainty and negativity work against you, but you must believe in what you’re doing.”
“I know people and I know their tastes.”

Jennifer Girard
Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Latham

Something inside of her pushes her to want to make a difference in the lives of others. And for many, Jennifer Girard has done just that.
This RPI grad had hoped to one day pursue a career in the medical field. But, a part-time job during school breaks led to a 180-degree turn in her career when she became owner/dance instructor of Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Latham.
Her mother is the one who saw an ad in the paper for ballroom dance instructors at Arthur Murray and talked her into applying. “I didn’t want to go on the interview because I didn’t know that form of dance,” said Jennifer, who has been doing tap, ballet and jazz since she was four-years old. “My understanding of it [ballroom dancing] was older people doing the waltz.”
After graduating with a BS in biology and a concentration in psychology, Jennifer gave teaching a try full-time. “I fell in love with it and moved up the ladder quickly and became manager.”
Two years ago Jennifer bought the business. “I knew a lot about it since I was the manager,” but there was still a learning curve.
The biggest change she has seen in the industry in the last 10 years is the drastic age drop of her clients. What were once 50-year olds are now young professionals in their thirties.
“It’s a sophisticated hobby,” she said. Not to mention a great place to meet someone. “We’ve had plenty of weddings happen because of us. I’m not saving lives physically, but I am saving the emotional and social lives of people.”

Patricia Peabody
Barefoot Floors of Clifton Park

Patricia Peabody started out in the industry helping her husband with their carpet installation business. But, when he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 46, she was left to not only run the business, but also raise a young son.
She decided to continue on with the business, but expanded into the retail side of it. Last September she opened Barefoot Floors of Clifton Park in a 2,600 sq. foot showroom.
“The retail store is a lot more interesting to me. It appeals to my creative side,” said Patricia who has a background in art.
She carries nationally recognized carpeting, area rugs and runners, vinyl flooring, laminates, hardwood, ceramic tile and window fashions for residential and commercial consumers. Coming soon is the Floors To Go Builder Program for contractors.
Some of her big commercial clients have included Home Depot, Pepsi Arena, Crossgates Mall and Quiznos.
“Business has been steady,” said Patricia. An office manager, service manager and eight installation crews keep the business running smoothly.
“Our customer service is superior to big box stores,” said Patricia. “We walk customers through the beginning of a job to the end.”
Even though she is in a predominantly male-oriented industry, Patricia doesn’t feel any adversity.
“I push on. It has nothing to do with being female,” she said. “It’s fun to watch it grow, but it was scary in the beginning.”

Donna Essepian
Rosemary Burgher
Bolt Discount Designer Fabrics, Latham

Sisters-in-law Donna Essepian and Rosemary Burgher started in business together in 1998 with an antiques and interior decorating business. During that time, they made a name for themselves decorating a handful of showcase homes in the area.
“We opened with the antiques, but it was the decorating that really took off,” said Donna.
Due to a change in trends, Donna and Rosemary decided to take their business in another direction. After a year of planning, Bolt Discount Designer Fabrics opened their doors on the same Latham property where they operated their previous business.
They carry 250 bolts of discounted designer fabric by the yard (Brunschwig & Fils, F. Schumacher & Co., and Kravet Inc. are just a few of the big names), hardware, trim and home décor accessories. They also have an extensive wallpaper center and a resource room with up to 1,000 books for customers to look through.
“People have really made use of the resource room,” Donna said.
On top of all this, they also offer complimentary design services.
Many of their customers come armed with items such as paint swatches and arm chair cushions, looking for the perfect fabric.
“They bring their ideas and we can help them put the missing link in a room.”
Because of HGTV and the “do-it-yourself” environment, Donna has found that many customers are enabled and empowered to do their own design and decorating. “People want to take charge and do their own thing.”
Unlike the days when the duo would visit client’s homes for a specific project, every day at Bolt is a new surprise.
“Our typical day is not so typical anymore,” said Donna. “We get a lot of walk-ins. People come in for something they want to sew themselves or for a full design for the living room.”
Popular design colors today are celadon greens, russet reds, browns, blues and organic yellow.
What about design trends? “More people now are taking a more modern approach,” said Donna. Furniture with simple lines are popular, as is modern draperies with grommet topped panels.

Michelle Liptak,
Nicole Canuteson, Amy Liptak
The Carolina House, Kinderhook

Back in 2005, Michelle Liptak and her two sisters came very close to selling their father’s restaurant, The Carolina House, which they all worked on and off in since their teenage years. In business for almost 20 years, he told them before he passed away that he wanted them to sell it. He didn’t want to see his daughters working the long hours, weekends and holidays a restaurant requires. “He wanted us to enjoy our lives,” said Michelle.
But, as the old adage goes, “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” After they closed the place and put it on the market, all three women realized how much they missed it.
“We missed the social aspect,” said Michelle. “We missed seeing the members of the community on a regular basis.”
After serious discussions, the three sisters kept the place and re-opened last June. “It held the family together,” said Michelle.
Since all three have seven children between them, not to mention other jobs—Michelle is the Director of the Writing Center at Siena College, Amy is a neonatal nurse at Albany Medical Center and Nicole is a stay-at-home mom they quickly had to figure out a schedule.
“We rotate shifts and it seems to work.”
Before re-opening, they made subtle décor changes, brought in a new chef and changed the menu. Offerings include ribs, Cajun style food and fried chicken. “It’s more new American, new eclectic,” said Michelle, adding that they also use fresh, local ingredients.
“The southern theme is embedded in the décor and the menu.”
Do they ever wonder what their father would think of their decision to keep the restaurant going? “He would be proud of what we’ve done here. We’ve maintained the original theme of Carolina House,” Michelle said. “We’re here because we want to be here.”

Suzanne VanBrunt
The Chocolate Moose, Chatham

If you’re afflicted with a sweet tooth, specifically chocolate, the Chocolate Moose in Chatham is the place to visit. There, you can find homemade marshmallow sandwiched between graham crackers, chocolate covered papaya, mango and figs and old-fashioned truffles with a firm center. (There’s even an adult-section of naughty edibles!)
Business exploded for Suzanne VanBrunt after The Chocolate Moose was featured on the Food Network in November of 2005. At the same time, she was currently in the middle of moving from a side street location to a bigger, more visible spot on Main Street in Chatham.
She started her business in January of 2003 working out of a tiny shop at her parent’s house in Spencertown. This former aerobic-instructor turned chocolatier use to make candy for family and friends during the holiday season. Since she had a knack for it she thought the logical next step was to open her own business.
“People are much happier eating chocolate,” she laughed.
Her new space, located in an old furniture building, is three times the size of her former space. The majority of things she sells are made on premises using top quality ingredients and no preservatives.
With the extra space, she recently turned the back half of the building into a café, where the concept is “grab and go gourmet”.
“It’s where people can de-stress,” she said. “We’re doing very simple foods like soups, sandwiches and salad.”
Many of her customers are local, but on weekends many Manhattanites frequent her shop.

Sharon Fenno
Circles, Albany

Fashionistas who want Manhattan style without the travel head to Circles in Stuyvesant Plaza.
“If there is something new we are going to have it,” said owner Sharon Fenno, who describes her merchandise as “classy, with a twist.”
Fenno opened Circles 13 years ago with no experience in the retail business. For 20 years, she worked for the government specializing in start-up programs. Eventually she felt it was time to put that knowledge to personal use and start her own business. The fashion industry made sense for Fenno who always had a love of clothes.
She first opened in a 1,200 sq. foot space in Delaware Plaza in Delmar, specializing in sportswear. Two years later she moved to a 1,600 sq. foot space in Stuyvesant Plaza, hoping to capture the traffic coming off of the Northway and the Thruway.
“I moved to Stuyvesant Plaza to expand my business in geographic reach,” she said.
It worked, because today she has regular customers who travel from Montreal, Lake Placid, New Hartford and Kingston.
Circles has grown to a 6,000 sq. foot store specializing in sportswear, special occasion dresses, footwear and accessories by designers such as Diane VonFurstenburg, Nicole Miller, Stuart Weitzman and Badgley Mischka, to name a few.
Due to a demand among babyboomers and an emphasis on skincare among the younger generations, Fenno has expanded her cosmetics and skin care line, which is now a major part of the business.
Currently, she sells cosmetic lines by some of the biggest names—Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, Molton Brown and Nars. They are lines that, said Fenno, “you just can’t get around here.”
Fenno thinks part of the success of her store is the personalized shopping experience from head to toe. At a department store, you might see a different person in each department, but at Circles you work with the same sales consultant for clothing, makeup, footwear, accessories and alterations.
She also attributes her location to her success, calling the Plaza a “niche.” “For me, it made more sense to be surrounded by specialty stores.”

Diane Lehmuller-Hardy
designsense, East Greenbush

Diane Lehmuller-Hardy demonstrated an interest in interior design as a young child. When her parents were away on vacation, she would rearrange the house and she also liked to paint her own room.
In her thirties she became a professional interior decorator focusing on window treatments, but it wasn’t until her fifties that Diane found her true calling. Just two years ago, she started designsense, an interior refining business.
The concept was developed in the 1980s by Lauri Ward, a Manhattan designer who believed in the philosophy of using a client’s own furnishing, artwork and accessories to refine a room.
In her 15 years as a decorator specializing in custom window treatments, Diane often noticed that her clients had nice furnishings, but needed help in arranging or making a room feel comfortable.
After taking Ward’s intensive weeklong seminar, Diane became a certified interior refiner. “I really strive to inform, involve and inspire clients,” she said.
About eighty-percent of her refinements involve the main gathering room, typically the living room or family room, but she has also worked in bedrooms, bathrooms and dining rooms.
A typical room refinement takes three hours and the client is there every step of the way.
“I work hand in hand with my clients,” said Diane. Many times, a job requires her to regroup artwork and accessories and get rid of clutter in order to make a room more inviting and comfortable. “If you give a room a good design basis it will be inviting.”
Often, she “shops” for items in other areas of the house. “I never tell anyone to get rid of their stuff. It’s their stuff and their home should reflect their tastes.”
Once finished, she sits down with her client and gives them a written design plan and goes over everything she did, offering suggestions on floor coverings and paint if needed.
“Very often it’s a teaching process. Sometimes it’s hard for people to think outside of the box.”
A big part of her business also involves working with real estate agents to stage homes to get them ready for sale. Called Re’sale Ready®, the mini-makeover focuses on the foyer, living room, dining area and master bedroom. Similar to room refinement, Diane uses what the homeowner already has, making suggestions on new products only when absolutely necessary.
“I make sure the rooms have a strong design foundation. I arrange furniture to make a room show bigger, as opposed to having better TV viewing.”
She also helps seniors who are downsizing. “I take them shopping in their home and help them choose what things will go with them.”
Many times, Diane’s work will inspire her clients to do more. “They see the here and now. It’s very gratifying.”

Karen Ackerman
Fresh Face Forward, East Greenbush

With numerous day spas in the Capital Region, the one thing Karen Ackerman, owner of Fresh Face Forward wants you to know is that she is definitely not a day spa and has no plans to become one.
“I specialize in a few services and do those best,” she said. Services at Fresh Face Forward include nail and skin care, facial and body waxing, massages and she sells a line of mineral makeup.
Karen has been sole owner of Fresh Face Forward for five years, but has eight years of experience in the beauty industry. In fact, it was Karen herself who created and coined the term “Cleopatra Pedicure”, which is a pedicure done while the client lies down, as opposed to sitting in a pedicure chair. With a warm neck wrap, it’s more relaxing for the client and easier for the nail technician. There have been a few copycats in the area, but she finds it flattering.
This isn’t the first business venture for Karen. For a number of years, she and a partner owned and operated a successful floral shop in Lansingburgh. When it came time to start a family she decided it was also time for a career change.
“The floral business was a lot of nights, weekends and holidays,” said the mother of two children – a five-year old and a five-month old.
She became a licensed esthetician and nail technician and for three years gained experience working in other salons and spas before opening up her business.
Though it’s a far cry from the floral business, it “still enables me to work with my hands and is very heavy on customer service.”
Does she miss it? “I do miss the flowers, but I don’t miss the craziness of the business.”

Sheila Mitchell & Judith Rappold
Highland Limited Cookie Creations, Schodack

Twenty years ago Sheila Mitchell, an avid baker, started her own cookie business from home.
“I had done computer work, but was looking for something else so I could be at home with my kids,” she said.
She made cookie bouquets, which were comprised of three-dimensional flower shaped cookies and sold them from home, at craft fairs and wholesaled them to a few local stores.
In 2000, her business took a little twist.
Enter Judith Rappold.
“We knew each other because she worked with my husband,” Sheila said of Judith, who had her own Scottish imports business.
It was while researching her own Scottish heritage that Judith started her business. What started out as one display table at her first festival quickly grew.
Both women were approached about becoming “holiday vendors” between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From there, Highland Limited with Cookie Creations was launched into a full-time business.
They opened their first storefront in East Greenbush, but have since moved to a building in Schodack that dates back to the 1700s.
“It’s been great. The building itself is really nice,” said Sheila, joking that they even named their non-existent ghost.
Today, the business focuses more on the imports, which, said Sheila, includes a “little bit of everything” such as: jewelry, bath products, fragrances, woolens, pottery, crystal, food, wedding gifts, children’s toys, prints, pewter, brass and much more.
She still bakes cookies, but mainly by order only. Her big accounts are corporate and she also deals with many brides for wedding receptions.
The duo still hit the festival circuit, which starts up again next month. “They’re the best way to meet and greet,” said Sheila.
In addition to the Scottish imports, Sheila sells Irish soda bread, scones and Scotch blarney cookies.
“They’re a favorite of everyone at festivals.”

Holly Applegate
Jean’s Greens, Schodack

“It’s been quite a ride,” said Holly Applegate of her four-year old herbal and tea business, Jean’s Greens.
By trade she is a clinical social worker, and for 10 years had a secure job working for the AIDS Council in Albany. For 30 years she enjoyed the hobby of growing her own herbs and is now a trained herbalist.
For years, Holly frequented Jean’s Greens in Rensselaerville and became friendly with the owner, Jean Argus, who started the business in 1990. “I knew her and used her products.”
When she found out Jean was retiring, Holly decided to purchase the business in 2003 with two partners. She credits her husband with encouraging her to follow her dream.
“I have a wonderful husband who was willing to say ‘this was your dream and we can make it happen’. He was even willing to pick up and move to Rensselaerville if it meant keeping the business there.”
A year into it, however, Holly’s partners left to pursue other ventures, leaving her the challenge of running the business. But, both remained a “source of support” to help her with the transition.
She carries over 250 organic and wild crafted herbs and approximately 30 different tea blends, which were formulated by Jean.
“There is a real art in blending tea to make it palatable,” said Holly. She also carries bath and beauty products, homeopathies from other herbalists, essential oils, candles, gifts, cards and books.
Many of her customers used to shop at the Rensselaerville location, but she also has her fair share of walk-in traffic and a booming Internet business with orders as far away as Scotland, Japan and Israel.
Holly keeps up on her education by attending a women’s herbal conference every year in New Hampshire, which draws more than 500 women from all over the world, as well as an international conference every other year.
“Jean built a solid, good business with a very good reputation,” said Holly. “When I bought the business from her I wanted to carry on her baby and make her proud.”

Mary Vail
Joyelles Unique Jewelery and Gifts, Delmar

Like many others in the design field, Mary Vail’s talent stems from childhood when she spent a lot of time drawing, painting and making things. To nurture her talent, the Bethlehem native majored in Fine Arts at Skidmore College. But, her education didn’t end there. She also took a summer’s worth of metalsmith classes at the University of Oregon, did some graduate work in metalsmithing at Indiana University and took classes at the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) where she concentrated in diamond setting, stone setting, pearl grading and gemstone identification.
When she first started out in the business, it was very much considered a man’s world.
“Any where I worked I didn’t make much money,” said Mary, a bench jeweler and owner of Joyelles in Delmar for the past 17 years.
It took opening a store in the suburbs to overcome the perception that the jewelry business is a man’s world.
“I had a lot of female customers who were supportive,” she said, though there were still a few people who came in looking for the “little old man” jeweler behind the counter.
It was while she was working for another jeweler in downtown Albany that she heard about the availability of Joyelles. She jumped at the opportunity, keeping the name of the business because it was already established and in the phone book.
As a single mother with a young daughter, owning her business gave her the flexibility she needed and the ability to bring her to work when necessary.
Mary sells, repairs, designs, consigns and custom makes jewelry. She also sells lotion, perfume, glassware, lamps and more.
“We keep prices pretty competitive because we’re a small business.”
She employs a team of five women, which she calls a family. “We’re very good friends and choose to spend time together even if we’re not at work.”
Lucky for Mary she loves what she does. “Work doesn’t feel like work if you love what you do.”

Jana Yanover
just pilates, Delmar

Like many others in the corporate world who have children, after a dozen or so years of working at GE, Jana Yanover decided to make a change.
“I had young children and the corporate world didn’t give me the flexibility to be with my family.”
After enjoying the pilates classes she was taking, Jana decided she wanted to teach classes and began training at Pilates, Inc. in Manhattan, earning the required 1,000 hours of apprentice training. In 2002 she began teaching, first under someone else, then out of her home basement.
“It kept getting bigger and bigger,” she said of her new business.
In 2002, her family moved from Guilderland to Delmar. With the move came an unexpected surprise – her pilates machines didn’t fit in her basement, so she was forced to rent space at a local doctor’s office. But she was lacking the visibility needed to grow her business.
As luck would have it, a spot on the highly trafficked “Four Corners” section in the heart of Delmar, where Delaware and Kenwood Avenues intersect, became available. It’s been one month shy of a year and business is booming.
“I think what I love most is being on a corner. It’s such a busy street, you get to see all the people that walk around.”
Jana also appreciates the sense of community Delmar brings. “It’s more of a community here than in other places.”
When asked why pilates is such a popular way to stay in shape these days, the answer is simple. “Pilates is gentler on the body. Many people run, bike, hike and lift weights, but as they get older their bodies can’t take the pounding. Also, more people are looking for the mind/body connection in these busy days.”
Client can buy lessons in bulk for a savings or take one-on-one classes with Jana. “It’s about doing the exercises correctly. Your form must be right. There’s a concentration aspect that comes into play.”

Christina Feldman & Chantal Vogt
KBC Design Studio, Colonie

Experience and superb customer service is how the owners of KBC Design Studio, a retail kitchen and bath showroom, set themselves apart from the many big box and discount stores in the area. Not to mention their competitive prices.
Christina Feldman and Chantal Vogt faced a few challenges when they first started their business. Being women in a male-dominated industry, it wasn’t a surprise to be asked, “Hi honey, can I talk to the designer?” or when on new construction sites be asked by the builder if they knew how to read a tape measure.
“We had to work a little harder to earn our stripes,” said Chantal, originally from Montreal.
Working in a man’s world wasn’t completely new to Christina, who as a little girl, would travel around the Capital Region with her father, a kitchen designer. The experience impacted her because she went on to receive a degree in art.
The two women first met as business acquaintances when Chantal was a wholesaler of computerized kitchen design programs for Christina’s former employer. Not long after, they decided to capitalize on their strengths and go into business together.
That was six years ago. The early days were spent working out of their Jeep, taking cabinet samples to customers. Six months later they opened a 500 sq. foot store, followed by their current 2,400 sq. foot showroom.
“We do mid to high end design in kitchen and baths and also specialize in the commercial side of it,” said Chantal.
They offer two free consultations. The first takes about two hours and involves talking to the client about their needs, what they envision and, of course, the budget. The second involves visiting the house, seeing the current design, taking measurements and seeing how the person lives, if they like to cook and entertain, if there are children or grandchildren around and more.
Houses built today tend to feature a kitchen and family room that flow into each other. Called “gathering rooms”, it’s the place people migrate to in the house. Islands and prep areas are also popular, especially when there are multiple cooks in the family.
Bathrooms are becoming much more elaborate as well. Their work has even brought them as far as Florida where they are designing bathrooms with large walk-in showers using multiple showerheads.
Today, these two former business acquaintances are best friends. “People think we’re sisters,” said Chantal. “Sisters from different countries.”
These women are truly a success in every sense of the word.

Kimberley Comiskey
Kimberley’s… A Day Spa, Latham

Imagine getting married and opening a business the same year? That’s exactly what Kimberley Comiskey of Kimberley’s…A Day Spa did 20 years ago. While on her honeymoon, she was planning her business venture. And her husband didn’t seem to mind.
“I have the most wonderful support system in the world,” she said of her husband.
A hairdresser since the late 1970s, Kimberley held a regional position with Clairol Haircolor for four years which took her to salons all over the country. But visits didn’t always leave a lasting impression.
“The thing that upset me the most was looking at what consumers would expect to be a good salon. So many places didn’t meet my expectations, even in cleanliness.”
The only thing expected as far as education was graduating beauty school, said Kimberley, who today is a strong advocate of education in the workplace.
So, in 1987 with hopes of raising the bar in the industry, she opened her first hair and nail salon in Bayberry Square, Loudonville, always with the idea that she would expand into a full-blown day spa.
“That was a dream from day one,” said Kimberley, who started with baby steps. “I started with what I thought I knew best.”
The first to capture the name “spa”, she was truly the first to introduce day spas to the Capital Region. Though many hair salons seemed to have morphed into day spas, the International Spa Association, of which Kimberley is a member, has certain criteria to follow in order for a business to coin themselves a “day spa”.
Back in 2003, Kimberley moved the business to a brand new 18,000 sq. foot, highly visible location on Rt. 9 in Latham. With the additional space, she offers many different water therapies and body treatments, in addition to hair, nail and skin care.
Though you might assume the beauty industry as a woman’s world, it wasn’t always. When she first started out, things weren’t always so easy. “Banks were not willing to give money to people living on a pipedream.” Also, people would ask to speak to her husband, assuming he was the owner.
While it used to bother her, she has since let it go. “If you feel confident with yourself it doesn’t bother you.”

Kim Edberg
Krafts By Kim, East Greenbush

Two years ago, Kim Edberg successfully turned her long-established home-based craft business into a thriving gift shop in East Greenbush.
Like so many other women with children, she was looking for something to do from home while raising her children. For her, the answer was in the form of crafts – mainly wreath design and accents for walls and tables.
“I just had a love for it,” said Kim, whose goal was always to open her own store.
After 18 years (and when the kids were older), she opened up her cozy country store, specializing in country, primitive home décor. Many of the products she sells were designed and created by her.
“I’m known for my custom work,” she said. On her days off she tries to make time to concentrate on new designs. She also sells local pottery and other items that accent or complement her own products.
The most challenging part of the job is the balancing act between her business and her family. Though she describes it as “a lot of work,” Kim finds running her own shop very worthwhile.
“My biggest surprise so far is how wonderful it is. I wish I did it sooner.”

Connie Ware
MezzaNotte Ristorante, Albany

When she was a teenager, Connie Ware left the Albany area and began her career in the restaurant business which took her to places like Vegas, Atlanta and Miami. She worked in many capacities such as server, bartender, hostess, and for about 10 years, manager. Much of the experience she gained was at four and five star restaurants.
Upon returning to Albany a few years ago and frequenting restaurants, she was always disappointed. Not only was the food not up to the standards she was accustomed to, but something that really shocked her were the restaurants that charged patrons for valet parking. The four and five star restaurants she worked at always offered free valet parking.
“I vowed that when I owned my own place, no matter where it was, I would offer complimentary parking,” said Connie.
Sure enough, after two years of planning, Connie opened MezzaNotte on Western Avenue in Albany, where patrons can enjoy the luxury of having their cars parked for them. Formerly the location of a flower shop, the new building was built in just six months.
Another thing she learned throughout her career in the service industry is that “whatever a customer wants, the customer gets.” Her philosophy is to say “yes” to a customer before she even hears the question, and she has taught her staff to do the same.
Connie, who has traveled all over Italy, named her restaurant MezzaNotte, which means “midnight” in Italian. Its’ namesake is reflected in the various midnight scenes from Italian cities painted above each booth. It seats about 60 and features a smaller dining room on the second floor. The “upper scale” restaurant is the talk of the town and features a modern interpretation of classic Italian foods. “It’s traditional with a modern flair,” she said.
Connie, who has five brothers that all tend their own gardens, has also enlisted them to donate their fresh produce during harvest time.
At first, her new business venture was a bit scary, causing her to think “what am I doing?” But, everything has fallen into place for the entrepreneur who credits the Town of Guilderland for being wonderful.
Now that she’s the boss, rather than an employee, Connie remembers how it once was. “If you have happy employees, you have productive employees.”

Mary Predel
Predel’s Ranch Incorporated, Rexford

Mary Predel is up every morning at 4:30am, spends the first hour of the day with the Lord and then dives into work.
Born on a farm in Rotterdam Junction, Mary hasn’t strayed too far from the day-to-day life of farm living. Since 1964, she has been living on the 48-acre Predel family farm in Rexford, which has been in the family since 1916.
She runs a store on the property, selling organic beef and pork raised right on the farm, farm fresh eggs and vegetables. Other items include chicken organically raised in Vermont, jellies, honey, milk, Palatine cheese and fresh pies. The store is open year round, Monday-Saturday 10:30am-6pm.
“Everything is organic,” Mary said.
Not only is this mother of six children, 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren busy on the farm, but she also juggles her other business – T.A. Predel Co. a scrap yard in Schenectady.
“I do a lot of balancing,” Mary said. “Without God’s help you can’t do anything.”

Vera Dordick
Queen of Tarts, Guilderland

With her cakes the star attraction at many wedding receptions, fundraisers and other parties, you would think that Vera Dordick has been baking and decorating for years.
Truth be told, she has only been in business for two-and-a-half years. Seventeen years prior to that she worked in PR and Marketing and was a freelance speechwriter.
When searching for a new career, many people often consider their hobbies. Since Vera has always enjoyed baking, she began taking classes at Schenectady County Community College when her children where in school and received a degree in Culinary Arts with a concentration in baking.
“I really had a knack for it, especially decorating. It was a late discovered talent.”
She now teaches others what she has learned, serving as an adjunct professor at the very school that changed the direction of her life. One day a week she teaches “Elements of Baking” which focuses on cakes, breads and pies.
Since opening her shop in Guilderland, she has watched her revenue double each year. Just recently, the Queen of Tarts Café opened a few doors down.
“We had so many people coming into this location for biscotti and bridal tastings that we moved the retail out of here.”
Patrons can also enjoy tea, coffee, cold drinks, baked goods and even gourmet doggie biscuits. Her biscotti is also sold in shops further downstate, including F.A.O. Schwarz in Manhattan.
But, it’s the wedding cakes that are truly the reason behind her successful business. Her cakes have been featured in local publications and other shoots with national bridal magazines are pending.
The favorite part of her job is making and designing cakes. Her favorite dessert? Fruit desserts like tarts or pies.

Cindy Crounse
Refined Designs Original Fine Jewelry, Voorheesville

Cindy Crounse’s interest in art and jewelry extends back to childhood. After graduating high school, she enrolled in SUNY Albany where she received a bachelor’s degree in art, with a concentration in metal works. She got into the metal works program just in time – it was the last year it was offered.
“For once in my life I decided not to be practical and do what I love,” said Cindy, a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler.
Following graduation, she worked as a receptionist for six months than landed a job as a bench jeweler for a year-and-a-half. From there she worked for a custom jeweler for 15 years before opening Refined Designs in 1992.
She housed her business in what was a decrepit old plumber’s shop. It was torn down below ground level and re-built in a Victorian-inspired style. “It’s small, but just big enough,” she said. Locals have referred to it as “the jewel of South Main Street.”
“I made the business small enough so if I ever thought of having employees I couldn’t,” she laughed. She serves as the owner, salesperson, designer and jeweler and that is what sets her apart from her competition.
“I’m so fortunate in what I do. I design jewelry with beautiful diamonds and gems with gorgeous colors and I get to do this directly with each customer,” said Cindy. For her the jewelry business is truly a rewarding and emotional one. “The icing on the cake is the reaction on the face of the person who sees it completed. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Her advice for aspiring jewelers? “Get great training. If you have the time and money go through the GIA.”

Gynger Connolly
Blinds, Shades & More, Schenectady

Gynger Connolly used to live in England and negotiate multi-million contracts for GE. But, nine years ago she left her job, moved back to the United States and went into business with her father who has owned Rand Manufacturing for 30 years.
“It’s fun. I’m having a good time,” Gynger said.
A division of Rand Manufacturing (which sells radiator enclosures), Blinds, Shades & More opened 10 months ago and serves residential and commercial clients in all aspects of window treatments including: roman shades, wooden shutters, blinds, including vertical, roller shades and cellulars. They also sell top treatments such as swags and balloon valances and are entering into the line of draperies and sheers.
“It’s a big switch from working at GE,” Gynger said. “I get to work more one-on-one with people, rather than corporation to corporation.”
In this business, it’s important to do your homework and find out who your competitors are and what the market is. “You have to figure out where you can make the most impact without duplicating anyone else’s efforts.” Success, she said, comes in finding your own niche.
The fact that Blinds, Shades & More is a family owned business is the very fact that sets them apart from competitors, said Gynger. “We cater to low prices and customer service.”

Marri Aviza & Lisa Norgrove
Rumors, Loudonville

While attending Colonie High School, Lisa Norgrove and Marri Avista took the BOCES cosmetology hair course during their sophomore and junior years. They didn’t know it at the time, but that first step in the beauty industry would change their lives forever.
In 1986, at the age of 22, the ambitious childhood friends realized they wanted to raise the standards of professionalism for salons in the area and opened Rumors in Newton Plaza. Today, they’re one of the top three salons in the area that have survived and thrived over the years.
“Our customer service policy is to have a passion for excellence,” said Marri.
What started out with two employees has grown to a total of 57 dedicated professionals. In 2002, they opened Rumors IV Men across the street, because, as Marri said, “We felt it was better for us to open then a competitor.”
Not to mention the deer-in-headlights look the men had when they entered Rumors.
“It was intimidating for men to come here,” said Marri. “We thought we needed to create an environment and atmosphere sensitive to their needs.”
Women want to enjoy tea and other drinks while waiting to be pampered, while men just want to get in and out in a timely manner. This “barber spa” offers virtually no waiting, televisions for entertainment and the luxury of walk-in appointments.
“It was a new concept to the area when we did it, but now we see them opening more regularly.”
Back at the women’s spa, education is a very strong component – for themselves and their employees. In fact, over a 10 or so year period, both Lisa and Marri studied at the Vidal Sasson Academy in London.
“It’s still one of the best educations you can get in our industry,” said Marri.
Both women have traveled around the world educating themselves and they teach weekly classes onsite for their employees.
What does the future hold for these ambitious childhood friends? “We would like to open another five, six or seven salons in this area,” said Marri. They also envision opening their own training academy and have even volunteered to help change the cosmetology licensing exam, which hasn’t changed in decades.
“For so long we worked in our business, now we work at our business.”

Allison Meyers
seemless. clothing consulting, Saratoga

It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or 22, women the world over have something about their bodies that they’re self-conscious about.
It was her own personal weight fluctuations that inspired Allison Meyers to want to help others. With a knack for fashion and an entrepreneurial mind, she did extensive research from professional stylists, created the program and launched seemless. clothing consulting exactly one year ago.
“I created the program around the theory that any woman who is unnaturally balanced [carries weight on top vs. bottom or vice versa] can create the illusion of an elongated hourglass shape with the right clothing choice.”
And in just a short time, she has gone from offering her services free of charge to being hired for speaking engagements and workshops. She has built up a personal client base and has even been featured in local television news segments. She has talked to local groups such as eWomen network, the Capital District’s Bar Association, Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, PTA’s and church groups.
“Women are interested in what not to wear,” said Allison. A definite no-no and one all too common mistake she sees in the Capital Region are “mom jeans” – high waisted, tapered jeans that have a lot of room in the mid-section.
According to Allison, three key staples in every woman’s wardrobe should be: the perfect fitting black pant that will last many dry cleaning cycles and many years of trends; a well-fitting funky blazer (non-boxy is key!); and a great pair of trouser jeans.
Allison’s program is based in two parts. First is the personalized body shape analysis based on an interview and body measurements. Second, she visits clients’ homes to go through their closet to “identify gems and donations.” Or, clients can hire Allison to go shopping with them. She will travel as far as New York and Boston where there are more department stores and designer options.
“I don’t work exclusively with any store – it depends on your size, style and budget.”
Her goal for the next five to 10 years is be the name people think of when going to an event or when it’s time to re-vamp their wardrobes. As her tagline says: Recharge YOUR Flattery Battery.

Serenity Day Spa and Salon
Pam Wojeski & Kelly Hart, Schodack

Pam Wojeski and Kelly Hart knew each other socially for about 10 years. “We knew each other to say hi,” said Kelly. But it was their husbands who connected them on a business level.
Kelly had been a hairdresser since 1983 and Pam was a middle school math and English teacher. After meeting up one day, the two were in business six weeks later.
In November of 2004, the women opened Serenity Day Spa and Salon, with the motto, “comfortable elegance.” This isn’t the kind of spa where you have to get dressed up. “It’s not intimidating,” said Kelly.
It was a dream come true for Kelly who had always wanted to open a hair salon, but put the idea on hold to have kids. For Pam, it was a refreshing change from academia life.
Located on Columbia Turnpike in Schodack, Serenity Day Spa and Salon is a bustling, full service spa, offering all services, hair, massages, body treatments such as wraps, cellulite treatments and exfoliations, facials, silks wraps, natural nails and pedicures and full body waxing, with an expertise in Brazilian waxing.
They are also the only retailers in Rensselaer County of i.d. Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. Both women use the all-natural product and promote its skin healing properties.
Since they both have families, the women split their shifts, but work together one day a week to “put our heads together”. Kelly handles more of the beauty side of the business, while Pam’s expertise lies in the administrative and organizational part.
For Kelly, a veteran in the industry who has been on both sides of the chair, owning her own spa has been nothing short of wonderful.
“It’s been great,” she said. “The people in this area have been very welcoming. It’s like a bunch of friends. Everyone leaves happy.”
Future plans include some expansion within their building, but not too much that it will sacrifice the personalized service they offer.

Shelley Hutchinson
Shelley Salon & Day Spa, East Greenbush

Shelly Salon & Day Spa is a mother and daughter operation. Owned by Shelley Hutchinson for just under a year, her mother Lynn Collins serves as manager. It was her mom who talked her into going to cosmetology school, while she was already in college pursuing a math and science degree. “I was always into physics,” said Shelley, but also always loved playing with hair.
After taking a few college classes she decided to pursue her newfound passion. She worked in the industry for 10 years before deciding to go out on her own and opened Shelley Salon & Day Spa just under a year ago in East Greenbush.
Rather than worry about the competition, Shelley concentrates on the customer. “I offer what I offer and I do it to best of my ability. If you do a good job, people will talk about you.”
Aside from hair services, she also offers facials, massages, medicures/pedicures and waxing. “Clients come here to escape reality.”
When asked what the pros and cons to owning her own business, she said, “The pros are that you have control over what you do. The cons are that you’re responsible for what you do.”
Working between 70-80 hours a week, Shelley credits her mother for running the business. “I feel that if I want to operate the business correctly, I need to trust other professionals.”
Something she took with her from working for others is to treat her 14 employees the way she would want to be treated. “I very much believe in positive reinforcement,” she said, describing the workplace as a “team effort.”

Ronni Schnapp
Shutts Insurance Agency, Schenectady

In the insurance business, Ronni Schnapp has found that she always has to prove herself.
“It’s a tough business,” said the owner of the Shutts Insurance Agency. “People think insurance companies are out to get them and they’re not.”
The problem, she continued, is that not all people are truthful these days. “There is so much more involved in insuring,” she said. “In personal lines, auto is the toughest.”
Ronni got her start in the industry as a receptionist in an insurance agency in Albany. “It was kind of by accident,” said Ronni, whose friend helped her get the job. After a few other stints in the business, she landed at the Shutts Agency in Schenectady about 15 years ago.
It was five years ago that Ronni bought the agency, specializing in all lines of insurance, mainly automobile, homeowner’s and commercial.
The biggest change she has seen since first starting out is the increase in fraud in every line, but mainly worker’s compensation and auto insurance. “It has increased premiums tremendously.”
What Ronni likes best about owning her own business is the freedom. “I like the freedom to make decisions that I feel need to be made.”
Currently, she doesn’t have any big plans for a change in the business, enjoying the neighborhood atmosphere of the agency. “We’re doing well. I’m not looking to get too big. I like the personal service, that’s what we’re about.”

Stefanie Masher
Signatures Spa & Salon

Stefanie Masher just opened her business four months ago and already she’s thinking of her future plans.
“I have a lot of ideas,” she said. One of which involves offering classes to clients demonstrating how to properly blow dry hair and the proper way to use styling products.
“If you leave here knowing how to do your hair, it’s good for me,” said Stefanie.
Currently, Stefanie, a master stylist, keeps up on her own education by traveling to classes within the state and New England and brings in representatives from Redken to teach in-house.
Her father has been a barber in South Troy for 31 years, so the industry was something she has grown up around. After going to Hudson Valley Community College for two years she enrolled in the Orlo School of Hair Design and Cosmetology in Albany and began working in the industry 10 years ago, renting space and working for others.
But, she had so many ideas for a business that starting her own seemed inevitable. “I wanted to have a place where clients could get anything done.”
Aside from hair services, she also offers facials, body waxing, manicures/pedicures, massage therapy and bridal specialty services, such as hair extensions. There is also a private bridal room. She employs one person for each service and also has two receptionists.
Her spa is located in what was formerly a house on Rt. 4, in highly commercialized area.
When planning the interior, Stefanie considered her client’s needs. “I tried to make my place very comfortable and not intimidating.”
With so many other day spas to compete with, she did admit that it’s hard at first to set yourself apart. “You just have to get out there and try,” she said.
Other future plans include adding body wrap treatments and water treatments.
The one thing she likes best about her job is the clients. “I have great clients and I really enjoy them. It’s nice to be able to offer them more services.”
Like so many owners who eventually focus more on running the business then performing the task they were originally trained in, Masher, who would like to start a family in a couple of years, has no plans to give up cutting hair. “I definitely cannot give up hair,” she said.

Sheila McNeil
Slingerlands Wine & Spirits, Slingerlands

It seems in the last dozen or so years, the wine industry has completely exploded. Mainly, it’s due to aggressive marketing by the California wine makers, the health benefits of red wine and the fact that more people are interested in cooking and pairing wines.
“It’s a trend that is here to stay,” said Sheila McNeil. “It’s such a hobby, people just love it.”
To keep up with the trend, the owner of Slingerlands Wine & Spirits offers wine tastings every Friday (4pm-7pm) and Saturday (1pm-8pm) and helps numerous customers with wine and food pairings.
Sheila, who has 27 years in the industry, started out as a clerk in a wine shop in Clifton Park after her son entered school. Over the years, she has seen the world of wines unfold before her very eyes.
“It’s very exciting,” she said. “I grew with it and developed a passion for it along the way.”
She was able to secure the perfect location in 1997: a new Price Chopper Plaza was being built in Slingerlands and with it came the opportunity for her to open her own store.
She stocks thousands of varieties of wine and spirits and prides herself on her customer service and knowledge.
“The whole staff is wine knowledgeable,” she said. In fact, just as a hair stylist has a following of loyal clients, so does her staff. She even insists they take the Wine Spectator Course and encourages them to keep up on their education through courses and local tastings.
It is the wine tastings that is one thing Sheila really loves about her job. Everyday purveyors call on her, showcasing the latest wines. Right now, its the New World wines (those from Australia and California) and New Zealand that are quite popular, as well as South American wines.
If you’re looking to enjoy a bottle of wine after work, she suggests a $10 bottle that you might sip over the course of a couple of days. But, on a weekend when you have more time to cook and enjoy a meal, you might step it up with a more expensive bottle. Really though, it all depends on the particular wine you favor and your budget.
What’s Sheila’s favorite drink? “Champagne. Because it makes every occasion special.”

Jean Spinelli
Spinelli’s Downtown Café, Albany

When Jean Spinelli was laid off last fall from the mortgage industry after 10 years, it was the best thing that could have happened to her. Without the uncertainty that came with unemployment, she never would have opened up Spinelli’s Downtown Café.
Located on the first floor of a 12-floor office building on the corner of State and Pearl Streets in Albany, the café offers breakfast and lunch to the building’s tenants, but also welcomes the outside crowd as well.
“The whole idea was to create a comfortable atmosphere for people to come in and have a cup of coffee,” said Jean. Her son Michael, who has experience in the restaurant industry, works alongside his mother.
The menu consists of espresso-based drinks, smoothies, coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, muffins, pastries, soups, panini’s, fresh yogurt parfaits and fresh fruit.
“The focus is on healthy eating,” said Jean. There is also wireless availability and televisions. “We tried to think of everything we could to make it a comfortable, inviting environment.”
When planning to open a café, Jean always envisioned the business being located in an office building. As luck had it, a friend of hers knew the owner of the building who favored the idea of a café in space that was formerly an employee lounge. Renovations began in February and the café just opened last month.
Though it’s a huge career change from the mortgage business, Jean said that organization is key to running any business.
“I almost want to thank my former employer for laying me off,” she laughed. “I had a job I loved and I never would have made the step [to open a business]. This is a tremendous opportunity.”
What she looks forward to most is meeting new people and forming relationships, just as she did as a mortgage originator.
“We have the convenience of being right in the building,” said Jean. “We look forward to not only providing quality service and products, but to getting to know our customers.”

Julie Rose
The Movement Lab, Troy

Julie Rose was working as a dancer in Manhattan when her husband was offered a job in the Capital Region that was “too good to pass up.” So, they moved upstate, settling in Troy.
That was a year and a half ago. Today, she is the owner and instructor of a pilates studio, The Movement Lab, and is so busy that she has to turn people away.
A former dancer for various modern dance companies, Julie’s training led her to pilates. The results she saw in her own body inspired her to want to learn the methods and teach others. She became certified at Power Pilates in Manhattan earning 600 apprenticeship hours and taking various workshops.
“It was a difficult decision to leave dancing, but I was more passionate about pilates.”
Pilates has been around since 1920 and is a core-based low impact workout performed on mats or apparatus. “It’s a misconception that it’s a fad,” said Julie. “It’s been around for a while and will continue to be around for a while. People are really catching on.”
Her studio in Troy, the second in a year because her classes kept growing, is located at 4th & State Street.
“Classes are pretty full,” she said. “I’m surprised and impressed with the enthusiasm of the clients. We have a good time, but we work hard.”
Julie teaches class six days a week. Her clients run the gamut – those who are fit and want to continue to train in a new way to those who haven’t worked out in years and are ready to get back on the horse.
“Pilates is for all ages and fitness levels. My oldest client is 78, my youngest is 10.”
For those thinking about pursuing a similar career, Julie’s advice is to go for it. “Be prepared to have a lot of energy to sustain long hours and dedication to see it through.”
Would she do it again? “In a heartbeat,” she said.

Nancy Palmer
The Traveling Vineyard, Clifton Park

Home-based retail parties seem to be popping up all over these days. Visit your girlfriend’s house for a party on any given night and you can purchase handbags, jewelry, even lingerie. But, did you know that you can also buy wine?
The Traveling Vineyard is a relatively knew concept to the area. Based out of Massachusetts, it’s a multi-level marketing business that brings the wine t