JACKSON HOLE WOMAN, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 25
Full speed
ahead S
Business owners don’t let recession stop them.
By Cara Rank
ince the end of 2007, Teton County has lost about 2,000 jobs as well-known businesses have shut their doors. The recession hasn’t been a particularly good time for the valley. But some women have turned the downturn in their favor. They’ve bought businesses, started new ones or relocated to bigger spaces. Here are three who took advantage of the recession.
• Joanna Lewis, 32, purchased Ella’s Room three years ago. You moved to a larger space earlier this year. How did you know it was time? I do everything from my gut, and I wanted a more central location. I was getting close to renewing my lease for another two years, and this location came along at the same price for twice the size. And they gave me a nine-year lease. Were you worried about the economy? The economy is the economy, and I have to work within it. But it really wasn’t taking a big leap of faith, because it was the same rent. I knew I could pay it. What has been the most rewarding part? Having a place that actually feels more of a home to me. Where I was felt temporary. • Shayne Bergien, 39, opened Shayne in September 2009. She previously worked for Pure, where she was the manager for about two years before the owner moved the shop to Portland, Ore. You started Shayne as Pure was moving to Oregon. How did you know it was time? I always wanted to have my own business. It was the timing of it. It was easier for me to take over than to find a job in this economy. Were you worried about the economy?
courtesy photos
Ella’s Room owner Joanna Lewis says she felt confident about moving the lingerie business to a larger space this year. Shayne Bergien owns a skin care store called Shayne. She opened it in September 2009 despite worries about the economy.
Yes, but a lot of people can thrive during this time. If you weather this, then hopefully you can weather the future. What was the scariest part? Going through the off-season. You definitely go, “Holy, moly,” because you don’t know what’s going to happen next. What has been the most rewarding part? Being my own boss. • Susan Fleming has been a jewelry artist for years, crafting unique pieces from metal, paper and gemstones. She launched Workshop this summer. You opened a studio and retail shop this summer. How did you know it was time? I was looking for a studio
space, and rent is so much anyway, paying a little more and having a retail component makes sense. Plus, in this sort of climate, I think there’s a great appreciation for handmade products. Were you worried about the economy? For sure. Jewelry is not one of the things that’s a necessity, but actually it has been great. What was the scariest part? The commitment to a year lease. It’s a fairly expensive rent. And then, just putting yourself out there and wondering how you’re going to be received. When you create a store, you’re putting your aesthetic out there. What has been the most rewarding part? Being well-received.
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Jewelry designer Susan Fleming combines a studio and retail store in Workshop. She opened it during the summer.
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