“Don’t wait… It’s so easy to think someone is going to do it better, that you don’t have what it takes, but don’t worry about being perfect, you just have to try and the perfect will come later.” – Anne Cork Anne Cork is a serial entrepreneur, wife, and mother of 2. She started her … Read more
Making #HERstory and Becoming #SHEroes, How this Entrepreneur Found Her Calling Through Art. Janice’s story is one of perseverance and persistence; two very important traits for entrepreneurs to have. She attended GROW for the first time in 1994, when Lee Ann Moss, our founder, was still very much involved in the organization. While we’ve evolved … Read more
“We have a lot of ideas and are fully capable… But having a solid foundation for our business, and knowing where we want to take it, was different.” – Jill Wolfe A couple of years ago, Jill Wolfe and Carol Distel both had their own businesses offering niche tours of Grand Rapids. They were struggling … Read more
“Be direct and professional, and not intimidated by anyone just because of the industry you work in. Perseverance is key.” –Elissa Roberts Elissa and her husband Charles started Chuck’s Auto Repair in July of 2012. A woman with a business degree, Elissa saw Charles’s talents as a mechanic as a way to open and run … Read more
“Managing several clients at one time became overwhelming and I knew I needed some outside guidance…” – Kerry Rowe Kerry Rowe of Kerry Rowe Design has had an exceptionally interesting experience with her business. She’s spent 9 years as a design consultant, engaging in both project-based work and ongoing consulting with her clients. In the … Read more
“I felt ignored during our relocations, and wanted to make sure that other families did not have to experience that feeling,” – Candy Wilkes-Scheper After her experiences, which started 21 years ago, Candy Wilkes-Scheper started afterthemove, a business that helps acclimate people to the Western Michigan area after relocating. When her husband moved to France … Read more
“Don’t even skip one step of the business plan writing process.” – Stephanie Johnson In October 2009, Stephanie Johnson took the leap and opened her consignment boutique, Urban Exchange. Urban Exchange, a high-end boutique, sells softly worn clothing and accessories from brands like J. Crew, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, and Free People. Typically, Urban Exchange collects … Read more
“Do your research, know what you want and go for it. Just do it!” – Shannon Garrett Last year our country saw its first ever female nominated by a majority party as a presidential candidate of the United States. To many it was great progress for women and the roles we play in business throughout … Read more
Clear Paths to Business Ownership Aren’t Always Marked Every business owner has a unique path to entrepreneurship. For some it’s a passion, for some it’s intentional, and for some it is fate. Frances Gentile started her business eleven years ago when she was fired from her “miserable job”. She told us, “I remember it very … Read more
“There are always things to learn, and you don’t need to know everything to get started,” – Mallory Root Roots Brew Shop is a relative newcomer to Grand Rapids’ West Side, but this coffee shop is working hard to grow and foster the local community. Serving premium coffee and tea, as well as freshly made … Read more