A-1 REO Services LLC
Colwell Computers
Green Conscience Home & Garden
Fleurtacious Designs a floral design boutique
Great Finds at the Millhouse
Creative Expressions Photography – Pictures With Personality!
Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery
Pure Elements An Organic Salon
Satchel
Elaine Van De Carr State Farm Insurance
The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop
The Whistling Kettle Tea Lounge & Caf
East Greenbush Window Coverings
A-1 REO Services LLC
956 Pine Hill Drive North, Schenectady
355.1133; fax:355.1143
www.A-1REO.com
Owner: Dawn Marie Vann
Describe your business: My firm specializes in bank-owned real estate asset liquidation in the Capital Region area of New York state. The A-1 REO team handles all aspects of evaluation, marketing, management and maintenance of foreclosed homes in a timely manner.
How long have you been in business? My real estate career started in 1984. I went into corporate owned real estate in 1986 with commercial sales, and went exclusively into bank foreclosures in 1998. In 2000, I made the decision to start this business from home, and worked it myself for the first two years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? I love the real estate business and all that it has to offer . During the 80’s while studying at the post graduate level for commercial real estate, something that was taught stuck with me, and that was to find a ‘nich,’ and learn to specialize.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My family and personal assistant have been my biggest supporters, especially my husband Bob. He takes care of the bookkeeping, website and runs my IT department, with five computers, faxes, scanners, printers and cameras. It helps having someone who understands electronics. My son, Dan Card, runs my sales department. This allows me to service over 40 bank clients directly with my professional assistant Jennifer Mullen-Carillo.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? I would encourage any woman to take the risk and start any kind of business. My best advice is starting slowly and small, working out the kinks. Have a plan and set yourself realistic goals. Picture yourself as successful, and keep the vision alive in your heart!
Hours: A-1 REO Services, LLC is a home based business, so we work every day, but our hours fluctuate. I try to keep 8am to 8pm hours to service east and west coast clients.
Colwell Computers
18 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs
587.3902; www.colwellcomputers.com
Owner: Susan Dugan
Describe your business: We are a computer service and repair company, servicing MACs and PC of all types, makes, and models. Our custom built computers are reasonably priced, carry a two-year warranty and have performance benchmarks in the top two percent of the computers sold worldwide in their class. Colwell Computers has more than 30 years of technical computer experience behind us. Our innovative methods keep us on the cutting edge of computer technology. We were just voted Best Computer Store for Sales and Service in The Saratogian for 2010.
How long have you been in business? We have been in Saratoga for two and one half years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? Like most of us, we all have had computer problems in one form or another. Upon having an issue with my business machine, I was unable to find anyone to fix it properly.
A friend recommended her computer tech, Gene Colwell. He fixed my computer and was able to get the business up and running the same day. I was impressed with the level of knowledge and technical skills, so when the opportunity arose to team up with him and open a company, I thought it would be a great business venture. We have been in Saratoga for two and one half years.
Who has been your biggest supporter? Our biggest supporters are, of course, friends and family, but also our customers. There is nothing like getting a phone call or a note in the mail telling us what a great job we have done or how much they appreciate the services we have provided. After all, customer service is such a big part of what we do and we take it very seriously.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? Women who plan on starting their own business need to do a lot of research first. Go with your gut feeling and plan on working hard!
Hours: Our extended business hours assist those who work by staying open late and having Saturday hours. Store hours: 9am-7pm Monday-Friday; Saturdays 9am-5pm.
Green Conscience Home & Garden
33 Church Street, Saratoga Springs
306.5196
www.green-conscience.com
Owner: Karen Totino
Describe your business: A retail showroom featuring non-toxic and sustainable interior finishes, lawn and garden products, and lifestyle goods.
How long have you been in business? I established an organic lawn care business, Green Conscience Organic Lawn Care, in 2006. Green Conscience Home & Garden opened June 2009.
What made you decide to start this type of business? It made sense to expand my lawn and garden business by offering non-toxic and sustainable choices for both inside and outside the home or office. Having a storefront also provides a platform for the education, a necessary first step in many cases. We have extensive workshops and seminars monthly. Throughout my career, either as an occupational therapist, lawn care operator or store owner, my passion has always been educating and inspiring people to make better choices for themselves and the environment.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My biggest supporter has been my family, including my husband, parents and sister. They have given me support needed to be a working mother.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? A lot of free help is offered for new businesses including SCORE, Small Business Development Center, and the area chamber of commerce. Take advantage of the experience and expertise available free of charge!
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Fleurtacious Designs a floral design boutique
470 North Greenbush Road- Route 4, Rensselaer (North Greenbush)
283.7262
www.fleurtaciousdesigns.com
Owner: Kris Ann Blanchette Elario
Describe your business: Fleurtacious Designs is a boutique that provides floral designs for all occasions. We strive to offer custom, unique and long-lasting arrangements. We also have gifts including candles, faux arrangements and more.
Many ask if we deliver? Yes, we do. We take deliveries throughout the Capital Region and beyond. Just call and ask if we will deliver to a desired location. If not, we can wire out the order or suggest a shop if we know of one. One of our favorite things are weddings. At Fleurtacious Designs, we have a PASSION for weddings. As I am writing this, a newlywed of 11 days, I feel I can relate to most of my brides.
How long have you been in business? It all started June 15, 2003 (boy, does time fly!)
What made you decide to start this type of business? It is what I know. I started working in a flower shop when I was a teenager. Opening Fleurtacious Designs started on a whim. I heard of a shop that was going to close, and was looking to sell its equipment and a landlord looking for a space to rent. I gave it one week of thought, and then about a month later, I was opening.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My parents are invaluable. They are always in my cheering section, and from day one, have always been there to help. As of the past few years, my now husband from the first couple of months of dating until now, is a major help. Whether it’s by taking a delivery or spending a Saturday/Sunday when he isn’t working, helping out at the shop or just telling me to pack in it for the night and get home. I also have many friends and employees that are terrific.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? I would tell everyone to follow their dreams. But defiantly give it a good amount of thought, and put your time into your business plan. But if you have your heart set, then go for it! If I didn’t, I would not be where I am today.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; Sunday – closed (unless it happens to be a holiday).
Great Finds at the Millhouse
3043 Main Street, Valatie
758.8999
www.greatfindsforhome.com
Owner: Maggie Calhoun
Describe your business: Great Finds, located across from scenic Beaver Cotton Mill Waterfalls, is a home goods, gift and clothing boutique. Utilizing both floors in the restored 1880’s Millhouse, the kitchen area is chocked full of gadgets, aprons, natural cleaning products, glassware and more. The dining area houses placemats, napkins, candles and wonderful table settings including Casafina, Pillivuyt, Waechtersbach and tag, as well as local and American made pottery and wood ware. Upstairs, you’ll find rugs, small furnishings, bamboo towels and a wonderful baby section with many organic gifts. In two adjacent “bedrooms,” Hannah’s Closet is resplendent with fun jewelry, and terrific, comfortable, unique clothing. A bridal registry is now available with some terrific incentives. Brides are invited to schedule an appointment.
How long have you been in business? Four years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? I love home dcor, color, texture and helping people.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My biggest supporters, besides my husband Birge (who did the renovation of the Millhouse), are my wonderful loyal customers.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? Be fearless and optimistic, but remain logical.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm; Sunday Noon till 4pm; closed Monday.
Creative Expressions Photography – Pictures With Personality!
2335 Cayuga Road, Niskayuna
346.4485
www.joanheffler.com
joan@joanheffler.com
Owner: Joan Heffler
Describe your business: A full service photography studio specializing in weddings, corporate functions, portraits and events. Joan will go anywhere in the world to be a part of your world!
How long have you been in business? I am just starting my 11th year.
What made you decide to start this type of business? I was in a major career rut, and was very unhappy. While I was on leave of absence as a fundraiser, I rediscovered the delight of life and nature through my lens and began appreciating photography again. My hobby as a photographer became my life. I went for it, and using my marketing and PR experience, hit the ground running. I started selling photo note cards in boutiques. After expanding into three states, I realized that avenue was not a money maker so I focused on people. I joined professional photographers’ associations and studied under world renowned photographers. I’ve taken courses with personal business coaches as well. And I am still focusing on people and loving it.
Who has been your biggest supporter? “I can’t narrow to just one individual, but rather those personalities who come to my studio or who have been photographed by me and see how easy it is to look terrific! They are my best supporters and best referral systems.”
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? Go for it and surround yourself with positive and helpful supporters. Learn as much as you can, and every year take another course to hone your skills. Decide who your target audience is and then: Exposure Exposure Exposure. Never stop being out there in public doing what you do best.
Hours: Anytime of the day or week that you need photography, I am on call.
Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery
713 Troy-Schenectady Road, Suite 308, Latham
786.1700; info@capekplasticsurgery.com
www.capekplasticsurgery.com, and wwwluciecapekmd.com
Owner: Lucie Capek, MD
Describe your business: We are a plastic surgery practice specializing in all aspects of cosmetic surgery and medicine, including minimally invasive face and body treatments, a LASER Center and professional medical skincare. We offer numerous advanced procedures including VASER LipoSelection and Autologous Fat Transfer for body contouring ( i.e.’Brazilian Butt Lift’), Short-scar Facelifts, Endoscopic Browlifts and all types of breast enhancements. Sculptra ‘liquid facelifts’ and a full array of light-based treatments including Laser-assisted Lipolysis.
Any physician can legally perform plastic surgery procedures and many gynecologists, GP’s, ENT’s and even dentists are doing just that. Dr. Capek is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery which requires its Diplomates to have years of training in the specialty of plastic surgery, ongoing training while in practice, and adherence to the highest levels of professional conduct.
How long have you been in business? 10 years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? Plastic Surgery is a very unique specialty because it combines both art and science and lets me use my creative instincts on a daily basis. As a solo practitioner, I was also able to develop it according to my own exacting standards of personalized care, attention to detail and wellness philosophy.
Who has been your biggest supporter? Our loyal patients have been a constant source of support and inspiration, guiding us to provide the personalized service we are known for, as well as in helping us choose the services we offer. Listening to our patients had been the key to our success.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? Find something you are passionate about because that enthusiasm will build your success. Listen to your clients and care about what they have to say. Be honest and follow the highest standards possible in your business practices. Hire like-minded people who share your vision.
Hours: Call for appointment times Monday-Friday; some Saturdays.
Pure Elements An Organic Salon
1726 Western Avenue, Albany
608.5405
www.pure-elements-salon.com
Owner: Kristen Gaffney
Describe your business: We are an organic hair salon that provides natural and organic hair and nail care, facial waxing and cosmetic services. We use and sell only natural and organic products. Studies have shown that ingredients such as ammonia, sodium lauryl sulfate, fillers, parabens, synthetic dyes and formaldehyde may create substantial health risks, including cancer. In an effort to avoid all harmful and dangerous chemicals, our clients can rest assured that their health is in our best interest. Our mission is promoting and facilitating a healthier planet and sustainable living, while making you look and feel beautiful.
How long have you been in business? April 7th will be our first year anniversary.
What made you decide to start this type of business? My dedication to organic hairstyling began with a desire to provide clients with exceptional services and products that are non-toxic, healthier and eco-friendly. After being in the business for 10 years, and constantly being around harmful chemicals, I began to suffer from sinus and lung problems. It was then that I decided to research products that would be safer to use on my clients.
Who has been your biggest supporter? I am very fortunate to have a lot of supporters. All of my clients, my entire family, my fianc Rick and my friends have all helped my dream become a reality.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? It definitely takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you have something you are passionate about, go for it.
Hours: Sunday and Monday – closed; Tuesday and Wednesday – 10am-8pm; Thursday – 11am-7pm; Friday – 10am-6pm; Saturday – 9am-5pm
Satchel
147 Remsen Street, Cohoes
854.0711; www.satchelcohoes.com
bags@satchelcohoes.com
Owner: Mel Quinlan
Describe your business: Satchel is a boutique that sells handbags and fashion accessories. The bags are locally-made, women-made, fair-trade and consignment. We have many recycled bags constructed from rice bags, plastic grocery bags, tire inner-tubes and jewelry made from recycled bottles, soda pop-tops and butterfly wings. We also carry scarves, wallets and small accessories. Satchel offers an alternative to the mass-produced designer bags that you see in every mall-store and outlet. Our bags promote local trade as well as promote fair-trade and green options. If you see a designer label bag in our shop, it’s for sale on consignment, another great way promoting recycling over buying new, a concept we are all beginning to grasp and embrace.
How long have you been in business? Satchel opened June 2009.
What made you decide to start this type of business? We all have obsessions, and mine involves handbags. I can’t seem to have enough. The more I speak to other women, the more I realize I’m not alone. I think it revolves around the compartmentalization of my stuff over the fashion aspect of the bag. There’s something satisfying about zipping my stuff in a bag with pockets and fooling myself into thinking I’m organized.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My husband and son have been greatly supportive helping me get established. I work fulltime with my other company, Oberlander Group, so I need a family that understands cereal really can be dinner.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday Noon-6pm; Saturday, 10 am-3pm
Elaine Van De Carr State Farm Insurance
848 Kenwood Avenue, Slingerlands
439.1292
elaine.vandecarr.cklr@statefarm.com
Owner: Elaine Van De Carr
Describe your business: Selling insurance products, life insurance, mutual funds, and IRA’s.
How long have you been in business? 20 years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? For the independence of the job, ability to help people and challenge.
Who has been your biggest supporter? My family and other State Farm agents.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? It is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding types of careers.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday 9am-8pm; Saturday by appointment.
The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop
3143 Us Highway 9, Suite 8, Valatie
758.6755; fax: 758.6744
www.crosseyedowl.com
Owner: Patti Varga
Describe your business: We are a unique card and gift shop carrying gift items from over 400 vendors. We feature everything from Jim Shore and Willow Tree angels to Park table linens and curtains, and Heritage Lace.
We also carry gourmet foods and candy, jewelry, toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals from Ty, Gund, Russ and Douglas, frames, stationery, greeting cards, Beanpod 100 percent soy candles, and much, much more. We really do try to have something for everyone!
How long have you been in business? This is our 17th year. We’ve moved once, from a tiny little shop up the road a few miles to this 3,400-square-foot location. In January 2009, we changed our name form Field Flowers, to our current name, The Cross Eyed Owl Gift shop. The Internet and phone books had listed us as a florist, so we picked a new fun and unique name, just like the shop!
What made you decide to start this type of business? I didn’t choose this business; it chose me. I grew up in the family business, a farm and garden equipment shop. I went to college for horticulture. Always knowing I wanted to create things, I didn’t want a desk job. The shop actually grew from a bunch of crafters coming together selling our handmade wares. The business has grown into the vast selection we have today!
Who has been your biggest supporter? Other than my family, I would have to say my community of loyal customers has always been my biggest supporters. In a small town such as ours, word of mouth is the best form of advertising. My customers take the time to tell their friends and family about the shop. We wouldn’t be here after all these years without support of our community.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? If someone really has a passion they want to pursue, I would advise that they first work in that field. That way, they can gain an overview of what is involved in running that type of business. Working for yourself can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do, but it can also be on of the hardest. Be prepared to work long hours and put in a lot of hard work. I think most people have no idea of what running their own business really involves.
Hours: We are open seven days a week except for holidays. We consider Mother’s Day and Father’s Day holidays. Hours: Monday – Friday 10am-6pm Wednesdays 10am-8pm; Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays noon to 5pm.
The Whistling Kettle Tea Lounge & Caf
24 Front Street, Downtown Ballston Spa
884.2664
www.thewhistlingkettle.com
Owners: Meahgan and Kevin Borowsky
Describe your business: Our business model is unique because we serve food, offering over 100 types of tea for in-house or home consumption, plus all related tea ware including kettles, pots and other brewing equipment. We specialize in delicious and healthy sandwiches, crepes, quiche, soups, salads and desserts. Our customer favorite is the afternoon tea, served all day. The customer chooses their own combination from the menu, served on its own personal three-tier tray. The first tier might have a Panini, quiche, crepe or tea sandwich. The second tier may have a soup or salad. The third tier might be a slice of cake, scone with cream and preserves, tea bread, scone pudding, cobbler or dessert crepe. It also includes a pot of tea, French press coffee, soft drink or lemonade. Our food is made fresh to order. We make only what we would want to eat! Since I call myself a foodie, I recommend EVERYTHING on the menu. Our price point is kept affordable. Our slogan is Tea, the world’s most affordable luxury.
How long have you been in business? We opened July 2004 – almost six years.
What made you decide to start this type of business? We made the switch from bagged to loose tea, and became very passionate about the product. At the time, loose tea was a very niche product and there weren’t many places to buy it. We had this business model in mind, yet nothing else around was like it. We kept the theme gender-neutral, and offer coffee, beer and wine so that anyone can come down and feel comfortable. We designed the business to be something we would have loved to eat/shop in ourselves.
Who has been your biggest supporter? Our biggest supporters have been our first customers who stuck with us through our growing pains. Many of them saw how rapidly we improved all aspects of our business. All our customers have been great. We appreciate word of mouth.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? When you open a business, go the entire way. Many are nervous about risk and therefore invest only 50 percent of what it would take to do things right. Go all the way and customers will see that you are serious about what you have to offer. Never become complacent. Always strive to make your business better.
Hours: Open seven days a week, 11am – 6pm; Fridays open until 8pm. Live music until 9pm every first Friday of the month.
East Greenbush Window Coverings
568 Columbia Turnpike, Suite 8B, East Greenbush
477.9025 www.eastgreenbushwindowcoverings.com
Owner: Lorraine Greaney
Describe your business: East Greenbush Window Coverings & Home Interiors is an independent, woman-owned business. For the past 22 years, I have been lucky enough to help families and businesses with their decorating needs. During those years, the economy has fluctuated, yet I still pride myself on assisting those who want a change in their home and office. I can provide my services with an individual budget taking center consideration. My name is East Greenbush Window Coverings, but we also have furniture, artwork, accessories and provide color consultations and floor plans. Window treatments, upholstery, throw pillows and other accessories cannot only reflect individual tastes, but simple changes can have an outstanding effect on your home environment and your mood. I can help you put your ideas to work in a time efficient, money conscious manner that will help your home’s appreciation. East Greenbush Window Coverings & Home Interiors is a New York Certified Woman Owned Business. I work with many state agencies, colleges and businesses in the Capital Region. Whether the project is commercial or residential, our client’s deadline is my priority. My goal is to foster a long-term relationship with clients. Using local workrooms enables me to have the luxury of insuring that each job is completed to the client’s expectations.
What made you decide to start this type of business? The short answer is that I love working with color and fabric. The longer response is that I also wanted to work for myself. I like the autonomy and the challenge of running my own company.
Who is your biggest supporter? I count my husband and family as my biggest supporters through the years. And, of course, the people who work for me making everything move smoothly and keep me on track.
What advice would you give other women who want to pursue their own business? Be passionate about what you do and work does not seem like “work.” Stay focused and be resilient because there are always challenges to overcome.
Hours: Showroom hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm; Saturday 10am-2pm; other hours by appointment.