inspire ::sw
JEANNE ST. CLAIRE & ELIZA DECKER (cont)
CATHY POKINES
CAROL FLETCHER
your existing furniture and change it, make it unique, and new, which lowers the cost.
and getting them thinking about it so it becomes something that’s real to them...they realize, ‘Yes, this’ll work for me.’ It’s just so rewarding because it empowers women in so many different ways.”
businesswomen? “Stay the course, never give up, and always remember where you came from. Never, never forget your roots. And keep your sense of humor, you’ll need it.”
It’s hard to make it as an entrepreneur, especially as a woman. Among the top qualities Cathy says a woman must have is persistence. “When a bank says no, we’re not going to fund this loan... that doesn’t mean another bank will say no,” she says. Learning from roadblocks or finding the ability to go around them is a great skill to have. Being able to wear many hats and the willingness to fully commit oneself to one’s goal is something that Cathy sees a lot of.
“I am surrounded at work by a tremendous team of people that inspire me every day,” said Carol, when talking about her business. Although the company has grown since its start in 1989, Carol’s future goals for the company are to continue on our growth plan, expanding outside the Central New York region and into other niche markets.
Jeanne and Eliza are also focused on charities. They see their business and success as “a blessing,” not something they were entitled to. “So, we both want to be able to give back,” Jeanne says. They’re looking to give to an organization that benefits children in some way since kids are a big part of both their lives. Staying local is also important to them because Modern Vintage is local and they’d like to encourage growth and development in the community. “We thought about maybe even starting one, but we would just rather do what we’re good at and either donate furniture or help market an event,” she says. When it comes to business success, both ladies say, “you just have to go for it.” Jeanne says she and Eliza both felt “so far” from the prospect of actually starting a business. “...Like, ‘I can’t do it because I don’t have a website and I don’t have all this money to put toward a business,’ but you really don’t need that,” she says. “You just have to go with it.” Citing that all their other business ideas failed because they didn’t fully commit, they say you have to just take that leap of faith and not be afraid of the outcome. But win or lose, it goes to show that you cannot stop a woman with an idea...or two women, that is.
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“One day they’re going to be the strategic planner, the next day, if it’s a restaurant, the cook, they’re the HR person, the accounting person, the one that needs to figure out legal aspects... instead of working in the business they have to work on the business,” she says. While it is a lot of work for women, it’s also a lot of work for anyone. Cathy wants you to know that, “of course, we also serve men.” Their resources are there for everyone. If you feel up to the challenge of starting your own business, you can visit SBA.gov or the WISE Women’s Business Center at wisecenter.org.
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Her favorite part of the job is meeting new people and every day, understanding their needs and desires, and fulfilling those desires. “When a person seeks our expertise and advice and uses that to achieve their aspirations is the greatest feeling.” When Carol has a moment to get away from her business and community involvement, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 29 years and two children. She finds time for yoga, biking, and taking long walks with her dog Tillman, named after Ranger Pat Tillman, the Green Beret who gave his life for our country. Carol is also blessed with three sisters and a large family of in-laws.
MARY T. SORRENDINO
LMHC CASAC
Mary is a licensed mental health counselor, a motivational speaker and a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. Her specialty is treating those who suffer from mental health and dependency issues. Mary provides therapy for individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, anger management issues, relationship issues and for those who have been sexually abused. Mary utilizes different modalities of treatment specifically targeting the needs of each individual. Mary also offers group counseling for individuals who have PTSD and substance abuse issues. Mary has worked in ministry at her church as a counselor; she is well versed in scripture, and is able to provide therapy for clients who seek a Christian based approach. Recently, Mary published her memoir, Misery to Ministry, sharing her journey from a life of abuse and self-loathing to a victorious life in Jesus Christ.
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If you wish to make an appointment, contact Mary at: (315) 436-6877 or marysorrendino.com