May /June 2016 | 61

Our annual look at a few seasoned business owners,

professionals, and entrepreneurs who represent the leading role

women have taken in the greater Wilmington business community.

Photos by KELLY STARBUCK PHOTOGRAPHYIntro photo for illustration by CECE BOYKIn

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I'm Thankful For: Every single customer, every single day. The opportunity to be an entrepreneur is an overwhelmingly wonderful adventure… I’m grateful for every minute.

You'd Never Guess That: My childhood dream was to open a bakery–and that my hopes were dashed when I realized that I can’t cook or bake (not to mention that I’m not a morning person).

Three Things I We Can't Live Without: Buttered popcorn, stale circus peanuts and boxed wine (I’m totally kidding about one of these…).

Words of Wisdom: BEE-lieve in Yourself! If you have a great idea, go for it!

My Heroine Is: My mom. As a single mom and postal carrier, she showed us that working hard and being honest are at the heart of being truly successful, no matter what line of work you’re in.

I'm Proud Of: My team! Without them my stores wouldn’t BEE as great! We’re an ensemble.

Julie BellHoneybee Fashion910-319-7693 • shopthebee.com

Kay Braxton and Katie RipleyRMB Building & Design910-256-6326rmbbuildinganddesign.com

We’re Thankful For: Our clients. We have been blessed to work with amazing people over the years, who we now call friends. It is a joy to see their dream homes become a reality. We’re also thankful for the continued support of the community for our business. We love Wilmington!

Words of Wisdom: Don’t overlook working for a smaller company. You may be able to take on multiple roles and expand your skillset beyond what is available with a large company. Always be willing to embrace new ideas and innovations. And if you don’t know how to do something, learn it.

Our Business: We consider our company to be a boutique builder. We have purposely remained a small company to better focus on each client’s needs. We offer a unique “one-stop shop” from conception to completion, which streamlines and facilitates the process for the client.

We’re Proud Of: Our stellar reputation within the community. We get tremendous satisfaction when each home is completed and the happy owners move in. Our clients continue to recommend us to their friends and acquaintances and we consider that high praise.

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Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors910-256-6378 • nestfinegifts.comL-R: Marie Polak, store manager, Louanne Liverman, interior designer, Monika Williams, owner, Kathy McKenzie, interior designer, (not pictured, Renee Smith, interior designer)

We're Thankful For: 5 years in business and the most wonderful customers we could have ever imagined! We just celebrated our 5th birthday on April 4th.

Words of Wisdom: We’ve learned that you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you try. You have to make the best decisions you can for your business and usually your gut instincts are correct.

We Admire Women Who: Have a strong

character and have enough meaningful things in their lives that they don't have time to get caught up in petty things.

Our Business: Is also our hobby…we enjoy design work even when we’re not in the store. It gets in your blood and can be consuming at times, but inspiration is everywhere so you never know when something will hit you.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Great

camaraderie with your team is a must, and customer service always has to be a priority. We love our customers so it’s not hard to enjoy interacting with them.

We're Proud Of: The store’s eclectic mix which fortunately enables us to appeal to many different tastes. We have access to so much more than what we can fit on our floor, so there should never be a reason to not find what you're looking for at Nest!

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Julie Rogers and Casey ExpositoGlo Medspa910-256-2690 • glomedspa.com

I'm Thankful For: My success as a business owner; but the thing I am always most thankful for is my family.

You’d Never Guess That: I started my working career right out of college in Banking, as a Repo lady for the bank.

My Business: Crabby Chic is a boutique focused on selling the best in coastal home décor and gifts, including home fragrances, fine soaps, jewelry, resort clothing and loungewear, and local art.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Always treat the customer as you want to be treated, and surround yourself with a great team!

My Heroine Is: My mom. Yes, she knows everything and I always learn the hard way by not doing it her way the first time.

I'm Proud Of: Our customer service and how we treat each customer like family. I am also proud of how far our business has come in the last 13 years. I look at where we started and where we are today and every day I am amazed.

Pam ThibaultCrabby Chic910-799-4216 • crabbychic.com

We're Thankful For: Our new and long term clients who have become like family to us, and for the trust they put in our professional medical opinions and abilities to change their lives by improving their skin.

We Hope More Women Will: Take more time to slow down, enjoy life and reduce their stress levels. Remember to wear sunscreen with Zinc and Titanium on a daily basis and reapply frequently while enjoying the sun safely.

Our Business: We are so excited to announce that we will be moving to a new location in the “Offices at Airlie” (corner of Wrightsville Ave. and Military Cutoff Rd.). We are expanding our space and adding new services such as massage and wellness, to continue to treat our clients in a quiet, soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

We're Proud Of: Our dedicated staff, “THE GLO GIRLS”, who are intelligent, warm, and motivated to provide excellent treatments for our clients. These women are incredibly supportive of each other, and can usually keep us laughing with their funny stories.

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Pam ThibaultCrabby Chic910-799-4216 • crabbychic.com

Arti Bhandari MehtaArtéé Fabrics & Home 910-686-2950 • arteefabricsandhome.comI'm Thankful For: Having my business. I have an opportunity to pursue my dreams of design in fabrics, working alongside talented people who have similar interests.

I Admire Women Who: Don't complain and move forward with their dream in all circumstances. These people are doers. They keep doing things and keep moving forward no matter what is holding them back.

My Business: Is an end to end destination in home furnishings and fabrics. We provide

our customers with ideas, the fabrics and accessories, and customize them into wonderful furniture/window panels/bedding to make their dream into reality. With low prices, wide selection, knowledgeable staff and design choices we make it possible for our customers to have choices that work for them.

The Secret to Good Business Is: To tackle and approach every problem/issue and move forward to a pre-established vision. Each

issue needs to be solved individually and in its entirety. Incomplete solutions will always rear their ugly head.

My Heroine Is: Mother Teresa. In spite of all the red tape in Kolkata, she did what was necessary to achieve her goals, by just doing what she wanted to do. Starting small and with her own energy she attracted people. She never gave up doing any task at any age.

I'm Proud Of: Who I am and what I have accomplished.PH

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Buffy FrankCrescent Moon910-762-4207 • crescentmoonnc.com

I'm Thankful For: The opportunity to give back to the community and artists.

I Hope More Women Will: Become empowered and reach for the stars.

You'd Never Guess That: I was in the U.S. Army.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: My family, friends and art.

Words of Wisdom: If you fall down – just get back up. You only fail when you give up.

I Admire Women Who: Strive to be their best, and stay-at-home Moms who still find the time to volunteer.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Never quit learning.

I'm Proud Of: Our recent reorganization of Crescent Moon, with new product offerings to reach a broader audience.

Nina BrownStone Garden910-452-1619 • stonegarden-nc.com

I'm Thankful For: A successful move to our new location (on Market Street near Eastwood Road). It seemed impossible to move a stoneyard and garden center, but somehow we did it. The new property offers a fresh start, and the showroom and outdoor room displays are beautiful.

I Hope More Women Will: Mentor younger women. Just make a point of keeping your eyes open to those around you. It can be in some small way, but every day is an opportunity to give someone a leg up.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: My amazing staff; my border collies, Digit and Cammie; and my incredibly supportive partner, Bill Crews.

Words of Wisdom: Everyday life is about trouble shooting and problem solving. If you take those as givens, all the good stuff is icing on the cake.

I Admire Women Who: Take risks. I love the sentiment by naturalist, John Burrows: “Leap and the net will appear.” When it doesn’t, you just brush yourself off and leap again.

Buffy FrankCrescent Moon910-762-4207 • crescentmoonnc.com

Rosalyn George, MD, FAADWilmington Dermatology Center910-256-4350 • wilmingtondermatologycenter.com

I'm Thankful For: My family, our health, the great people I get to meet and help on a daily basis and the fact that I love what I do.

I Hope More Women Will: Recognize they have the ability to achieve thriving businesses and careers with the support of other women mentors, while maintaining a long term plan for success.

You'd Never Guess That: I am a huge college football fan.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: My family, a piece of chocolate after dinner and a great pair of black pumps.

Words of Wisdom: Make sure to always keep learning and growing. I worked in a bank during high school, and there was a quote on the wall that had a huge impression on my life–it said “complacency is devastating”. I always make sure that I continue to research the latest trends in

medicine and advanced treatments, and look for ways to continuously improve.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Surround yourself with great people, treat them well, and treat your clients well and it would be hard to fail.

My Heroine Is: Eleanor Roosevelt. She was unafraid to voice her opinion and fight for what she thought was just.

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Andrea CummingUptown Market910-686-0930 • uptown-market.com

I'm Thankful For: My good health, my business and my extraordinary friends.

I Hope More Women Will: Dream big and execute their vision.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: Coffee, my animals and sadly my IPad.

I Admire Women Who: Are honest, loyal and not afraid of taking a risk.

I'm Proud Of: My hardworking team and dedicated merchants which makes Uptown Market one special place.

My Business: Features repurposed and custom furniture, gifts, art, jewelry and home decor. It is always evolving, and I am looking forward to the next challenge it brings.

Tina Williamson and Virginia Wyatt T. Williamson Interiors910-256-3256 • twilliamsoninteriors.com

We're Thankful For: A diverse clientele that inspires and challenges us on a regular basis.

We Admire Women Who: Can balance their professional life with their family life... if they are married and have children. I believe a woman should and can be successful in both of these areas.

Our Business: T. Williamson Interiors has been hired by clients for more than 35 years. We have been the creative element on new construction projects, renovation projects ( large and small ), and “face lifts”.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Good communication with clients, architects, vendors, contractors and others. A successful designer must understand design concepts, be creative and trained to know construction and architecture, know safety and code requirements, and listen carefully to the client's needs.

I'm Proud Of: As president of T. Williamson Interiors, I am pleased that my design business has been hired to assist in so many projects since 1990. I am proud to have great designers work for the company and to have many clients who I now call friends.

Michelle Clark Intracoastal Realty910-367-9767 • MichelleClarkTeam.com

I'm Thankful For: Living in such an amazing, fun and beautiful area. I am blessed to have a wonderful family, as well as friends that I hold near and dear to my heart.

You'd Never Guess That: I love professional football and am a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: God – I need church weekly, daily devotionals and bible study; good girlfriends to share good times and bad; and, my wonderful family (including my cats).

Words of Wisdom: “There are things in life

we don’t want to happen, but have to accept; things we don’t want to know, but have to learn, and people we can’t live without, but have to let go.”

I Admire Women Who: Take care of others selflessly; are comfortable simply being themselves even if it means not everyone will like what they have to say; are humble, grateful, compassionate and respectful of others.

My Business: Is built on referrals, which means my team’s reputation is built on results. We/I strive to exceed our clients’

expectations, and give them the best possible real estate experience. No matter what the task is, if we can do it just a little bit better than what is expected, it will be noticed.

The Secret to Good Business Is: To always be honest and do the right thing no matter what. Work hard, say what you mean (and mean what you say), and do something you’re passionate about.

I'm Proud Of: The relationships I’ve built with clients, counterparts, professional resources and incredible friends I’ve made since moving to Wilmington.

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Eleanor HallCoolSweats at the Beach910-509-0273 • coolsweats.net

I'm Thankful For: A wonderful family, good health and great friends.

I Hope More Women Will: Discover that CoolSweats is not sweat clothes, but stylish clothing for all occasions.

You'd Never Guess That: I used to own a dance studio and taught ballet, tap and modern jazz.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: AG ankle jeans, a scarf and cute boots or shoes.

I Admire Women Who: Always show grace under pressure.

My Business: Has offered women stylish, comfortable clothing in Wilmington for 14 years–brands not found in other stores like: Mododoc, Wilt, Kinross, Equestrian, Lilla P, Wooden Ships and many more.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Perseverance and hard work.

My Heroine Is: Barbara Bishop, my business partner.

Pamela FasseFasse Construction & Development910-679-4277 • fassebldgs.com

I'm Thankful For: An incredible circle of friends from as far back as junior high school, and as far away as Thailand. We get together every year, since the 80s.

I Hope More Women Will: Be whatever they want to be.

You'd Never Guess That: I'm an introvert.

Three Things I Can't Live Without: My dogs, my kids and a good book to read.

Words of Wisdom: Never stop learning.

My Business: Creating safer, smarter, healthier and absolutely cooler places to live.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Good ideas and hard work, and hiring people who are smarter than you.

I'm Proud Of: My hardworking crew!

Eleanor HallCoolSweats at the Beach910-509-0273 • coolsweats.net

Jennifer Young and Liz Bianchini Nest Realty 910-547-2106, 910-352-4328 • nestrealty.com

We're Thankful For: Being able to work where we love, doing what we love, all while being able to enjoy time with our families and have fun doing it.

We Hope More Women Will: Embrace their passion, and take the chance to make a living doing what they love.

You'd Never Guess That: Jennifer (on right): I was born in Texas and lived in New York City for almost 10 years before picking Wilmington out on a map thanks to its

proximity to the beach and an international airport! I visited one weekend, bought a house, and the rest is history. Liz (on left): I ride a Harley Softail Deluxe and love it!

We Admire Women Who: Stand up for what they believe in, feel empowered and confident, and who recognize other women’s accomplishments and strengths.

Our Business: Is to stay ahead in today’s real estate market with forward, creative and innovative thinking. Communication

and transparency are keys to building lifelong relationships. We are passionate not only about real estate, but in delighting the people we interact with along the way.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Communication, customer service, and follow through. People take comfort in doing business with people they like and trust. Making new friends at the end of every transaction is an added bonus to our industry!

Debby Gomulka,Allied ASIDDebby Gomulka Designs910-352-7339debbygomulkadesigns.com

I'm Thankful For: Loyal clients and amazing opportunities for our work being published in both local and national media, publications and national design events, as well as the opportunity to educate up-and-coming interior designers and being an Adjunct Professor at CFCC.

I Hope More Women Will: Make their voice heard! Whether it's supporting local government, or at the national level. Every voice matters–stand your ground and believe in yourself.

I Admire Women Who: Are willing to be a team player and encourage other women to follow their dreams. Success and humbleness are wonderful traits and what I love the most about Aerin Lauder.

My Business: Specializes in historic preservation design work both locally and nationally. Collaborating with like-minded experts in my field provides the most satisfaction to both my clients and myself.

I'm Proud Of: Winning numerous design awards, receiving the Presidential Award from ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers), and receiving an invitation to participate in the Architectural Digest Magazine Hamptons Design Show.

A special advertising section of Wilmington Magazine.

Bell, Julie - Honeybee Fashion ...............................................62Bianchini, Liz - Nest Realty ...................................................71Braxton, Kay - RMB Building & Design ...............................62Brown, Nina - Stone Garden ...................................................66Clark, Michelle - Intracoastal Realty ....................................69Cumming, Andrea - Uptown Market .....................................68Elliott, Jessica - DocsInk .........................................................73Exposito, Casey - Glo Medspa .................................................64Fasse, Pamela - Fasse Construction & Development ...........70Frank, Buffy - Crescent Moon ................................................66George, Dr. Rosalyn - Wilmington Dermatology Center .....67Gomulka, Debby - Debby Gomulka Design ...........................72Hale, Beth - Sea Scape Properties .........................................73Hall, Eleanor - CoolSweats at the Beach ...............................70Liverman, Louanne - Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors ................63Mehta, Arti Bhandari - Artee Fabrics & Home ....................65McKenzie, Kathy - Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors ....................63Polak, Marie - Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors ...........................63Ripley, Katie - RMB Building & Design ................................62Rogers, Julie - Glo Medspa ......................................................64Thibault, Pam - Crabby Chic ..................................................64Williams, Monika - Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors ...................63Williamson, Tina - T. Williamson Interiors ..........................68Wyatt, Virginia - T. Williamson Interiors .............................68Young, Jennifer - Nest Realty .................................................71

Get to know these seasoned entrepreneurs, business owners,

and leading women in the greater Wilmington community.

May /June 2016 | 73

Beth HalesSea Scape Properties 910-332-7284seascapeproperties.com

I'm Thankful For: The many opportunities throughout my career that have allowed me to develop my skills across a broad platform – from shipping docks and warehouses to high-rise corporate offices and everything in between.

Our Business: Is exciting and challenging during this period of growth! We are always seeking ways to make the process of planning a beach vacation stress-free, and the time spent in one of our homes is beyond our guest’s expectations.

The Secret to Good Business Is: Asking relevant questions and listening to what your customers are saying so that you can offer them your best service, product and support so they keep coming back and will spread the word about their experience.

My Heroine Is: My mother, Marcella Schedler. She set the example of a professional woman, who efficiently managed a household of 7 and served faithfully as a pastor’s wife. She also didn’t try to control my independent nature, and has always been there to help me pick up the pieces when things don’t go so well.

Jessica ElliottDocsInk888-577-7409 • docsink.com

I'm Thankful For: My family and their unwavering support. I am also thankful for all the opportunities I have been blessed with in my life. It has allowed me to create strong community and social bonds that have helped me become who I am today.

I Admire Women Who: Lead when needed, teach when asked and learn when necessary.

My Business: Simultaneously addresses the fiscal, communication and connectivity needs of medical professionals. Beyond our technology, our team is dedicated to providing customer support and user experience that is second to none.

My Heroine Is: Any woman that manages to successfully balance family, career and self. I have found one of the truest tests of character is being able to wear the multiple hats required to keep all aspects of life in harmony.

I'm Proud Of: Our team. Their hard work and perseverance has not only grown DocsInk to what it is today, but they continually push me to achieve my personal goals.PH

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