Seithia Martin traded a career in property management for a more personal form of management — event planning. This September she opened Event Décor Galore in Petersburg.
“I’m a people person,” Martin says. “I love to decorate and design with colors and flowers.”
Martin’s first stop in planning her business was the Crater Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Longwood University where she met with Crater SBDC Director Ellen Templeton.…
Uptech, as the name implies, knows what’s up with technology.
“We started as a business-to-business model doing IT work, website development and security work,” Jane Whaling said. “Recently we’ve added cell phone and computer repair.”
This is the second Uptech location for the Whalings who live in Richmond.…
Mattie B’s in downtown Stuart specializes in “a little something for everyone.”
“I bring the city to town,” Matilda Hunsicker said of her Main Street business in the town of 1,300.
Hunsicker started her business with a booth in the town emporium.…
Amanda Wells turned a love for animals into a business — but first she turned to Longwood SBDC.
Wells, who graduated from Longwood University with a degree in biology, initially hoped to become a veterinarian.…
Deidrich Hayes started Red Owl Cleaning Service, LLC with a dream and the determination to succeed.
“I always wanted my own company,” Hayes said of his decision to leave his job as training specialist for Crossroads Community Services.…
The Reflections by Marinda salon has been at a new location in the Sunchase shops for two years now. Owner Marinda Ayres already likes what she sees.
“Since I’ve been here I haven’t had to do any advertising,” she says.…
Katie Dunkum took an idea from her husband and made it into a business. Donkey D Cool Wear offers outdoor-themed t-shirts, sweatshirts, cups and cozies.
Dunkum, who still holds a full time job, is excited about her business.…
Ellett’s Embroidery is an at-home business that grew.
“I worked out of my home for 12 years,” Wendy Ellett said. “I always wanted to be my own boss. I guess it runs in the family — I have a sister and aunt who own their own embroidery business.”
Five years ago Ellett’s moved to the Shoppes at College Park Center.…
Tabitha Blanton likes being her own boss — she’s been self-employed for the past 18 years.
“This is my God-given gift — it’s what I want to do,” she said. “You’re a one-man army; you take care of everything.”
When Blanton decided to open her own salon, she went to SBDC.…
If you’re looking for a country store with a health food vibe, Wilma and Kenny Albert’s Healthy Living Emporium on Main Street is the place to go.
“Healthy eating is our way of life,” Wilma said.…