Monday, November 8, 2010

Julie Ellis: Proving What Women can Do

The talk around town in 1993 was, “Oh, I don’t know about a woman buying this business. Afterall, this is mostly for men.” That’s when primary owner Julie Ellis and husband Gary bought Grandview Barber Shop, then located at Grandview Plaza. Julie has proved it was a very good move not only for her but also for her customers.

Born at Ft. Bragg, Julie was a “military brat” as a young child. Eventually she stopped moving around and at about age 13 moved to Belton with her mom and stepdad. Julie has had a life filled with ups and downs that she has learned to ride very well.

By age 19 Julie had two young children and was on welfare. Her stepdad supported her being on welfare with one caveat: “The objective of being on welfare is to get off welfare.” She didn’t blame anyone but herself for needing to support three on an income of $280/month. She found a way to change that. Though she never had an interest in doing hair, when a friend started at the old Grandview Beauty College on Main Street and invited her to attend, she thought, “Why not?” Julie was surprised that she enjoyed doing men’s cuts, which she had a knack for.

Grandview Plaza Barber shop was one of the first businesses to open at Grandview Plaza in 1971. It was owned by Tommy Compton, who has since passed. Tommy hired on Julie, the first woman to work there. It’s the only place she’s ever done hair.
Though she has proved herself now, in the early years, it was not easy being a woman in a man’s working world. She recalls when John Brownfield, now a retired barber, had a customer come in with his son. John said, “Well, Julie can cut your son’s hair.” “Oh, no,” the customer replied and twice repeated, “A man’s gotta do it.” Julie burst into tears and ran out of the shop.

Husband Gary was a barber at the shop. They bought the business in October 1993 and were married the following year. Gary now does all the shop’s accounting. Julie cannot stop talking about what a great husband Gary is and how she owes much of her success in life and business to him. Gary is older than Julie. As she says, “I’m young enough to keep him from being too ‘codgy’ and he’s old enough to keep my feet on the ground.”

As the old shopping center slowed down, she moved the business to Main Street. For two main reasons Julie is fortunate that barbers Roy and Frank, with the shop since 1973 and 1978 respectively, are still with her today. One, she can leave the shop for a day and fully trust them and, two, all the customers know them. Today many of Grandview Barber Shop’s adult customers are the children of original customers.

When Julie is not cutting hair, she is spending time with their three adult children who live nearby and her five year old grandson, the cherry on the top of her life and whom she lovingly calls, buggerhead. And when she’s not involved with them, she’s active with the Midwest Chapt of the Young Marines Unit or sewing blankets for friends, family or charity. Her biggest sewing project was 35 blankets for the VA Hospital. She loves to make them as much as give them away, because, as she says, “I’m a giver.”

Reflecting on her life and her journey as a business owner, Julie comments, “It’s been long, hard and great. I’m the eternal optimist. I don’t carry things around. And I’m fortunate to buy a well established business with a good reputation.” Her advice to people, “Don’t give up. Try hard. Life can always be worse. I’ve had some rough times but I can’t complain.”

When you need your next haircut, head over to see Julie, Roy and Frank at 713 Main Street, 8 to 6 Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 to 3 Saturdays. You’ll likely know why generation after generation continues to do business with them.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Karyn Brooke: Much more than a sideline

Nestled in Martin City, at 511 E. 135th Street, nearly hidden by its steakhouse neighbor, is the shop Karyn Brooke is proud to call her own because, as she says, “it’s not typical.” Sidelines Custom Floral Designs overflows with wildly imaginative arrangements and gifts that are in a class of their own. In spring it’s light and airy. In winter, it’s a sparkly fairy land draped with berries and wreathes. Always, colorful aromas draw casual shoppers in, making them linger.

Sidelines just celebrated 25 successful years. There was a time when Karyn thought she would be in law enforcement like her KCMO mounted police officer father. But he envisioned her as a business owner. Sometimes, Father knows best.

Before criminology took her fancy, Karyn dreamed of being an interior designer. A high school part time retail job led to her management of the window dressing of all 21 stores in that chain. Then, “I needed new window ideas so I bought a book on floral design from the Brookside Dime Store. Next thing I knew I was taking floral design classes, which I eventually taught myself.” In college she studied business advertising/marketing, not criminology. And worked part time in floral shops. So often, it’s the dreams of youth that are the path life takes.

After college, a hopeful floral design business partnership ended abruptly and Karyn landed with zero income. The contacts she had made in business wanted to continue contracting her design services. “I began a business out of my parents’ basement. I did all the marketing. I took the orders, made them, delivered and billed. Dad bought me a used postal service jeep for deliveries.” Cash flow was tight, so this determined young woman managed a cleaning service at night for 18 months until she landed a big wedding design contract for a local businessperson. She was able to end the second job and hired her first employee, who is still with her. Soon after, Sidelines found a permanent location.

“I know my business would be nothing without my team of talented, devoted employees,” she comments, also noting that “an important role of any business owner is to create jobs.” Tight economic times “are good for business because they motivate.” She’s convinced that businesses that start during economic seasons like the present can be highly successful because everyone works harder. If you’re starting a business now, Karyn adds, “Be tenacious. Be willing to sacrifice and give up some personal life today for greater success tomorrow.”

“My husband Robert is my calm and strength in any storm,” Karyn says of her greatest supporter. He has taught her that regardless of any business accomplishments, none of it matters if she doesn’t take time to stop and smell the roses. Karyn does take time to enjoy life so that she can design the beauty she delivers into people’s lives. Visit Sidelines Monday to Friday 8:30 – 5, Saturday 9 – 5, and let the creativity of Karyn and her team meet you at every glance.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

An Angell in your Computer

Was it all that playing of Oregon Trail in elementary school?” That’s the question Drew Angell often asks himself, wondering why he was so intrigued by computers. It could have been Oregon Trail but when his mom brought home their first PC, before the introduction of Windows 95, he was absolutely fascinated by the machine. When they got internet at home he set out to learn all he could.

Drew’s fascination has paid off. In his mid-twenties, he is known in the industry as a genius. AngellEye is in demand by every size company. The staff at AngellEye designs systems that dramatically simplify business and ultimately save a lot of money. The unique, individualized web designs, and sleek easy-to-use online payment services for companies are brilliant.

Up until high school at Lee’s Summit North, Drew was seriously into sports. In fact,
he and his friends used to bring beach balls to the Royals games. Soon the beach balls were outlawed, but the teen boys continued with their antics and called themselves the Beach Ball Bandits. A friend saw them and made a Beach Ball Bandit website. It blew his mind that anyone anywhere could see them and their beach balls. That was the beginning of the end of sports for Drew, and the beginning of web development. Being a die hard Chiefs fan, the first site he developed was one for his favorite team.

Drew continually says that good things seem to constantly fall into his lap. For instance, his mother bringing home a PC that day. Or, being interested in web development when Pay Pal web services first opened up. He dove in to learn all he could about how Pay Pal worked. His knowledge and expertise grew right along with the pay-online giant, to the point where he is now a Certified PayPal Developer. The reality is, good things fall into the laps of many people everyday, but very few people jump to seize those opportunities. Drew doesn’t let anything pass him by if he has even the least interest. Not just on the work side of life either. When he watched his friend play a guitar one night a few years ago, he decided he could learn how to play guitar using the internet, and so he did.

His business is officially less than a year old. But the reality is, he almost had to start it because so many were searching for what he does best: helps them make money and save money through web development. It was his high school buddy, Eddie, who encouraged him to set up an office. He’s learned a lot of lessons since becoming a business owner. The biggest lesson might be that, “24 hours is just not that much time.” He laughs as he tells stories of all nighters on behalf of clients. One thing this young entrepreneur is thankful for is that he already had a handle on finances because business finances and employee costs are an entity in themselves. It’s good to have been prepared. His advice to new business owners? “Don’t grow too fast. Even when the numbers are there, it can be hard to keep up with.”

When he’s not working 24/7, Drew likes being home in Grandview. He’s not a loner but he does enjoy his house. Then again, he also really enjoys being at the lake with friends, riding wave runners or anything that gets him into the water.

Are you looking for ways to increase your business or save money? Drew Angell’s team at 801 Main Street will design a custom package for your website that will take you exactly where you want to go. Give him a call at 816-256-3419 or visit at www.AngellEye.com

Saturday, July 10, 2010

LaShawn Dorsey: Passion & Purpose Change a Community

It takes tremendous belief in a vision to establish a non profit organization. The vision: Every child can shine; we can help them shine from the outside in. Who has the passion to persevere? LaShawn Dorsey, owner of Star Child’s Thrift Store 10901 Hickman Mills Drive.

On March 1, 2010, LaShawn’s dream to make good, gently used and some new clothes and school uniforms affordable to families became reality. As a mother of six, she knows how hard it can be to keep everyone outfitted well. Couple that with today’s economic woes, and help is almost essential.

LaShawn and husband Eric, a boiler-maker, moved their family to Missouri in 2007 from Southern California. Everyday is a new experience for them and their children because of the climate difference. They love it all, especially the snow and all the springtime flowering trees.

Though born in Kansas City, she was quite young when she and her mother moved to Los Angeles. LaShawn has memories of a childhood spent waiting while her busy entrepreneurial mother went on appointments. She is fortunate to be bright and love to read because she learned a lot from the piles of books around her in the backseat of a car during the waits. At about age 7, she was convinced that someday she’d be sitting right next to Christie Brinkley reporting the news, as co-anchor. That led to her attending community college for journalism. But just reporting the news did not suit her after all. She would rather be making things happen.

A turning point in her life came when she attended a party in an upscale, exclusive community. Her eyes were opened as to what people could accomplish regardless of age, gender or race. She gave herself permission to be empowered and say, yes I can. She moved to Marino Valley and made a fresh start. That’s about the time she met her husband in church. They were married in 2001.

Currently LaShawn is attending UMKC for a degree in Early Childhood Education because. She believes that degree will enable her to help more children than she can reach through her store. Helping children and youth to a better life is her passion. Organizing a local Youth Build Project that meets at Star Child is another way she helps her community.

“I’m all about see a need fill a need,” La Shawn will tell anyone. “If you don’t know what’s happening with your neighbors how can you be there for them?” she asks pointedly. “Help your neighbor. Take action. Don’t blend in with the normal crowd. Be constantly working behind the scene. What you do today you may not see for a long time. The seeds planted today will grow tomorrow.” These are wise insights from a young mom who says she “sometimes feels old” because she’s “been there/done that so much already.” The good news for South Kansas City is that she uses that thinking to make positive changes in the community.

“This place is emotionally exhausting, yes,” she shared. “I stay with my belief system which is God-centered. When I’m empty at night, I am full in the morning. There’s only One who can do that.”

On June 26, Star Child hosted the 1st Annual School Uniform Drive. People came in droves to donate new socks and t-shirts and were thanked with the best barbeque around. It was a huge success and LaShawn is very grateful.

Meet this dedicated woman, shop at her pretty little shop that does not resemble a typical thrift store, or donate goods or funds Monday through Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11:30 to 2:30. Everyone can participate in this project established for the greater good.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Abby Snyder, DVM: It's who she's always been


No one in Abby Snyder’s immediate family was remotely interested in animals. She grew up in Sedalia, Missouri. Grandparents living in rural communities allowed her intimate exposure to farm type settings. Her paternal grandmother, with her horses and many small animals, had the greatest influence on Abby.

“Maybe the intention to be a vet was always there. It’s really the only career path I ever considered,” muses Abby Snyder, owner of forty year old Grandview Animal Hospital since 2001.

At Mizzou, Abby met her future husband. In fact, he was the first date she had in college. They were married in 1997. He began working in Kansas City soon after their wedding. Abby had two more years at the Veterinarian College.  She graduated in May 1999 and immediately began working for Dr. Cott, the owner of Grandview Animal Hospital at that time.

She had expectations that Dr. Cott, a man with much experience, would mentor her for many years. But in January 2001, Dr. Cott moved on to a different aspect of his field. It was certainly a surprise to Abby. She was unprepared to be a business owner.  Yet her CPA husband envisioned how it could work. Without his tremendous support then and still, she is convinced she could not run a business.

Regarding being a mom of two and a professional, the two cannot be separated. She’s never felt a big balancing act between mom and profession. Maybe it’s because her husband is so good with the kids and helps so much at home. Also, her parents are very involved in her children’s lives. At the hospital she’s focused on the needs at hand. “When I’m not at the clinic, though, I’m checked out and don’t worry about anything that goes on here.”  She can totally be wife and mom when away from the place.

“We hope that our core office relationships are a testament to the way we operate overall. We are loyal to each other and to our clients. That loyalty and the experience of the staff brings clients back,” Dr. Abby confides. “It’s a given that we know what we’re doing and we’re extremely confident in our ability, even while we’re always learning, and we’re proud of our work.  But we’re always wanting people to realize we’re happy to see them. We work diligently to put people at ease by making sure they understand every step of what we do and why. Even when they come in only once a year or more rarely, we hope we can relate that we are experts  so that they trust us.

“This is a relationship business.” Tears stream down Snyder’s face as she recalls an event. A dear friend’s pet died at home. She knew they were coming over and went outside to meet them, taking the pet out of the car. Later the owner said ‘that did it’ for her, regarding Abby as a veterinarian.

“We are family to so many who have no family. It’s a heavy responsibility to want to do and give more. We allow that compassion to feed our hearts,” Abby continues. “And you’re there for people when they need you, sometimes in their darkest hour.
Sometimes things work out by chance, others it’s just perfect order.
Recently we had a boxer puppy come through our rescue program, Hardluck Hounds. We don’t usually take big breeds but this was such a cute little puppy and we did.  My office manager wanted to call a past client.  We don’t usually call people for adoptions. But she felt certain she should and I agreed. That day of the call was exactly one year since the passing of their pet. They were here to pick him up in fifteen minutes. For us it was, we had a dog that needed a home. For them, it was so much more.”

Dr. Abby describes her staff as an ‘awesome team.’ Remember Grandview Animal Hospital at 1006Main Street, Grandiew and call 816.711.5071 for their help Monday through Saturday, when your pet has a need. When it’s time for you to adopt a cat or dog contact Hardluck Hounds at the same number. It is truly a place where compassion and expertise combine to benefit every person and their pet who enters.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Staci Garrett: Creative Illlusions

Whether you’re young or old, finding your way, or setting off on a new business venture, Staci Garrett, owner of Creative Illusions Nail Salon in Grandview has advice: “Follow your dreams. Take huge leaps of faith. Don’t let anything stop you. Always stay prayerful first.” She knows the power of her words; she has walked her talk and Creative Illusions is a growing success because of it. Staci’s shop is across the street from our own Hard Bean Café. We love having such a creative neighbor!

Staci didn’t always dream of a nail salon but she did know a few things about herself. “I wanted to own my own business and because I’ve always been a people person, I knew I wanted to work with the public,” she said. So she got her BS in Business Marketing/Management from Park College (now Park University). To help pay for her books, and eventually her tuition, she began doing the nails of friends. She said, “The more creative I got, the more talent I realized I had. I just took the ball and ran with it.” During her last semester at Park, her mother helped with nail school tuition. Staci graduated from both schools months apart.

After college Garrett had two job offers in Atlanta. She was heading there in spite of having a huge client base by this time. Her future husband, Carl, helped her think through the situation. She remembered growing up how her friends always recognized her eye for color even in their little girl playtimes. Staci told me, “My clientele grew overnight and I realized that I do nails and I have my degree in business. I have found my business niche.” She stayed in Kansas City and let her business grow out of the basement of the home she shared with her mother for the next seven years.

Staci and Carl were married in September of ’07 and it was he who encouraged her to rent commercial space. She said, “It was a huge leap of faith” when Creative Illusions Nail Salon opened in a small space adjacent to their current spot in December 2007. But by now Garrett had a dream, and she wouldn’t let anything stop her. And it was here that her full inner creativity began to blossom. And here when her mother realized that Staci possessed much of the same talent and interests as her late grandfather who passed before she was born. He was a painter, he was known for his creativity, he was fascinated with butterflies.

Once the shop was established downtown, with Staci and one other nail technician, the business quickly outgrew that tiny spot. They moved next door where Creative Illusions now offers the services of five nail techs. Creative Illusions, is a full service nail salon offering acrylic nails, spa pedicures, manicures, nail art, toenail enhancement, lash extensions, and eyebrow waxing. Business is still expanding. They are taking back the small space next door to offer the services of total body waxing and massage therapy.

Staci’s gift is her creative design. Nail art is a step past French nails which, as Garrett said, ‘anybody can do.” She said, “When I got tired of doing the French nails, I decided it was time to do nail art.” Nail art adds mystique to nails. It draws attention and jazzes up beautiful hands. Staci is sought after for her art and application.

Do what I’ve done: treat yourself by making an appointment with Staci or one of her specialized nail technicians. Creative Illusions is at 818 Main Street in Grandview, MO and the hours are Tuesday thru Friday 7 am to 7 pm or Saturdays 7 am to 4 pm. They’ll even set special appointments on Sundays and Mondays because they know that hands tell a story and they want yours to be one of beauty.