I was told by three mentors that my business model would not fly. They thought I couldn’t charge design fees since no one in this community was trying to making a living charging for the service. And that was in September 1994!

Twenty Two years later I still get to wear my Woman Business Owner hat. This year has been exceptionally full of highs and lows. Design Alternatives was awarded the National “Dealer of the Month” award this past March. I was asked to give my Aging in Place presentation to the state chapter of NKBA and this spun-off into a paid speaking engagement for the Ohio Chapter. Also, I was honored when the local Home Builders Association asked to have their monthly meeting at my new home in May.

My health has taken a nose dive over the last several months. My normal business routine had to drastically change. If I had not owned my own business, how could I have scheduled a slowdown of my work load for a needed surgery? Would my boss truly understand shear exhaustion and lack of ability to keep the normal pace?

Would I trade owning my own business for anything? Absolutely not! We all have our reasons for taking our own daring leap. Times will continually change- just as our AWBO culture itself has changed since 1994 and that’s OK. Moving forward while embracing our heritage, while at the same time growing our membership, strengthening our common bond and creating community awareness for our organization is my goal for Association of Women Business Owners.