Celebrating the contributions business women have made on Orcas Island An advertising supplement of the Islands’ Sounder
Heart of real estate Centerworks: a place for Colleen Smith Armstrong/staff photo
Left: Mariah Buck, manager of Windermere.
by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
After traveling the globe, Mariah Buck found her passion right here at home. While she always planned to work internationally, the allure of real estate called to her and now Buck manages the largest office on Orcas Island. “Real estate is about emotion and creativity,” she said. “The best part of my job is when I feel like I am really helping someone with the next chapter, whether it’s for agents or clients.” Buck attended Vassar College in New York after graduating from Orcas Island High School. At 19, she sailed from Puerto Rico to Grenada and lived in the Caribbean for a year on her sailboat. Buck’s major was in international studies, and she thought a career in the foreign service was ahead of her. By age 22, she had visited 22 countries. “As a kid, I equated everything to plane
tickets,” she said. “At 13 I had a job as a waitress and a good night was half an airplane ticket.” Buck returned to the island in 1997 and she got her start in real estate four years later as an assistant to Fred Munder at Coldwell Banker. She was running her parents’ Radioshack store when Munder asked her to join his team. During her time in that office, both Munder and Pat Pomeroy taught her about the business. “Pat was a fabulous example of how to be a businesswoman in a small community,” Buck said. After a year, she gained enough knowledge to go out on her own as an agent at Coldwell. Then Buck went over to ReMax, owned by Jim and Val Murray and Stu and Patsy Stephens. In 2006, that office joined Windermere, which later merged with Gudgell Properties two years later, bringing the grand total to 22 agents. Windermere is owned by John Dunning, who divides his time between Orcas and San Juan. Buck has been general manager of the business for five years. “We had grown to the point where we were needed a full-time manager,” she said. “It was a tough decision to step back from selling. But it’s been rewarding to help other agents be successful.” Buck says their success is not necessarily measured by dollar signs. “It’s about balancing your personal life and professional life,” she said. “You are oncall 24/7 and sometimes there are crises.” Her philosophy is simple: Do the best job you possibly can and the business will come. “There is enough business out there for
SEE MARIAH, PAGE 14
strength and healing
by CALI BAGBY Staff reporter
Pilates is not just conditioning for your body, it’s also a workout for your mind, according to Anne Marie Schultz, owner of Center Works, Pilates and Wellness Studio. “It’s so different from any other exercise,” Shultz said. “... it’s healing for your entire body.” Schultz is not just the owner, she also trains teachers and is the head instructor of Pilates and Gyrotonics at Center Works. She has been teaching Pilates on the island for the last eight years. “I began exploring Pilates in early 2005 with Kari Gardiner here on Orcas, and I loved it,” she
said. “My body felt great, grew stronger, and more balanced, and my mind was intrigued.”
The exercise Joseph Pilates originally came up with the idea to help train boxers and police officers. He later used the practice to help rehabilitate dancers in New York City. Pilates builds flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance with emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, developing a strong core or center, and improving coordination and balance. Schultz said the various equipment, which some people may describe as instruments of a torture chamber, enhances
Cali Bagby/staff photo
From left to right: Anne Marie Schultz, Vicki Sare and Renee Segault. movements that support the body or challenge it with resistance. The Gyrotonic method was developed by Juliu Horvath, a Hungarian professional dancer from Romania. It helps people create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility. Shultz said Gyrotonics offers a bigger range of movement and focuses on opening up the body and then strengthening. She also owes the success of her business to her
SEE PILATES, PAGE 15
Page 10
Mandy Nigretto Thank you to all of my customers who have made my business such a success! I love my work and look forward to giving you a great salon experience. Please contact me at Mandy’s Hair Haven, Eastsound, 376-7376, Monday through Friday, by appointment, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., evenings available.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
Clarity Connection, LLC Floral & Gift Boutique An opportunity to work at a resort on Orcas Island for the summer brought me here 30 years ago. Nest was created 7 years ago after having spent a LOT of time working in Restaurants, Hotels, B&B's and making pottery. Nest provides flowers for all occasions - Birthdays, Prom, Anniversaries and of course Weddings. Orcas themed gift baskets, unique gifts , houseplants and delivery is offered as well. In addition to the ongoing loyalty of my local customers I also have my partner Dave Page to thank for my success.
Therapy and Coaching
Denise Wolf, MA, LMHCA, DMHP (360)375-7103
www.clarityconnectionllc-therapy.com denise@clarityconnectionllc.com
Change is guaranteed. Sometimes we choose it and sometimes it is simply a result of living in this world. The impact can be depression, anxiety, numbing behaviors, or unhealthy choices. I work with individuals who are having these experiences. I also coach individuals toward achieving their goals. Sometimes these aren’t mutually exclusive. As both therapist and coach I believe in the connection between mind, body and spirit. I respect that you choose the focus of the work we do together. I find it a joy and honor to walk alongside you as you increase your inner wisdom, connect or reconnect with your body, experience the triumph and challenges of growing through transition and changes and achieving your goals.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Page 11
Dr. Dhaliwal: holistic approach to veterinary service
Meredith M. Griffith photo
Swaran Dhaliwal with her kitten Flash. He and his brother Lightning were adopted from the Orcas Animal Shelter. by MEREDITH M. GRIFFITH Contributor
Ancient Eastern wisdom enhances conventional veterinary medicine at Orcas Veterinary Service with the addition of veterinary acupuncturist Swaran Dhaliwal, born and raised in Singapore. “I never imagined that all these years later I would
end up on an island again,” says Dhaliwal, or “Dr. D” as her clients call her. “Orcas Island is quite a change, but definitely for the better! My colleagues and the support staff [at Orcas Veterinary Service] have made the transition remarkably easy.” Dhaliwal was hired by Orcas veterinarian Dr. Ron Schuler early this spring, and her husband Bruce
The women of…
Dalusio and kids, Skylar (11 years) and Taurin (8 years) joined her soon after. A 10-year veteran, Dhaliwal loves her work. She earned her veterinary degree at the University of Florida, backed by an undergraduate degree in medical microbiology from Scotland. Dhaliwal studied acupuncture at Florida’s Chi Institute and after completing an internship at Ancient Arts Holistic Veterinary Practice, Seattle, earned her national certification as a veterinary acupuncturist in 2012. Her last job was at a mixed animal practice in Tillamook, Ore. that included organic dairy cattle. Dhaliwal recalls being asked to treat a 1,500pound postpartum Holstein dairy cow during her time there. She said the cow had been “down” for a few days despite conventional treatments but was on her feet just an hour after an electroacupuncture treatment. “Many people think it’s inexplicable, but there has been a lot of research and studies behind acupuncture,” Dhaliwal said. “Acupuncture has been use-
ful for managing arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, seizures, asthma, behavioral problems, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, inconti-
nence, etc.” She adds that several scientific studies have shown that analgesic acupuncture points activate specific
Kami L. Rathburn, D.C. of Family Tree Chiropractic, PLLC
A
fter eight years in practice, I am thrilled to announce Family Tree Chiropractic is moving to a new location, starting November 4. My husband and business partner, Dr. Orion Mahony, friendly office manager Jodi Linnes and I will soon be at 454 Pine Street (between the library and the public school.) I originally started out studying biology and chemistry at BGSU in Ohio, where I received my degree in 1998. I knew for certain through college that my true desire was to become a chiropractor. In 2004, I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. This is also where I met my Orion. our
We are in new space Nov 4
pain-associated brainstem regions that release natural endorphins and boosts
SEE HOLISTIC, PAGE 16
My passion for chiropractic is driven by the understanding that the choices we make, the foods we eat, the exercise we do, the way we move, work, think, and live all have an effect on our health. In our practice we focus on optimum health for each patient. My inspiration for health, chiropractic, Graston Technique (muscle and fascia therapy) has blended with my great interest in nutrition, particularly functional medicine and weight loss. Today about 18 percent of chiropractors are female, but throughout my schooling, I felt virtually no discrimination. The profession is highly accepting of women. In fact, I feel there are even advantages of being a female. Nevertheless, the most challenging aspect I find in the work place is striking a balance between a thriving practice, a happy family and time for myself. My professional challenge is nothing new to modern working mothers. Every day I am reminded it is worth it. As I was growing up in Auburn, Indiana, my Dad strongly encouraged me and my two sisters to believe we could do anything in life we wanted. I now find myself living out my dream on beautiful Orcas Island. Thank you for giving me and my family the chance to serve this great community.
Our Women In Business
Please Join us for our Sixth Annual Cider Press Party We invite youDeye to comeLane in to see what a 49 community bank has to offer.
Friday, AOct. 19 • 3-5:30 pm competitive suite of PTA Karey Keel-Stidham Patient Coordinator Anne Pekuri PT Alyson Stephens, MSPT PTA Nancy Frey Accounting Assitant Blythe Simpson Mon-Fri 8-4, by Appointment • 376-6604 www.OrcasIslandpt.com
Consumer376-6604 and Business products: Secure Online Access with Bill Pay Wireless Credit Card Services Loans and Lines of Credit including Home Energy Improvements Affordable Housing Specialist ”Shop Local, Buy Local, Bank Local” 475 Fern Street Eastsound, WA 98245 360-376-BANK (2265) ®
Islanders Bank
www.IslandersBank.com
Teri Williams and Sandi Friel
Two Women Meld Talents And Become Good Friends Teri Williams says some of her best friends started out as clients, and Sandi Friel is a perfect example. In 2003, while working at a local Real Estate office and running Permit Resources at the same time, Teri met Sandi, who was vacationing here from Florida and looking for her dream property. By 2006, when Sandi relocated to Orcas, Teri had opened her own real estate brokerage. Sandi eagerly put together a marketing plan and got her real estate license. Now, nearly seven years later, the pair continues to hone their synergistic skills, thrive in a tough economy and look forward to a long and fulfilling future together as business partners and friends.
Thank you, Orcas, for your support! 360-376-8374 365 North Beach Road Eastsound
www.twilliamsrealty.com
Page 12
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
Chez Chloe is back in town by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
Colleen Smith Armstrong/staff photo
Wendy Thomas in her shop Chez Chloe on Main Street. Chez Chloe’s hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orcas Island canvas and saIls Tara ownTaraHubbard, Hubbardthe , the er of Orcas Island Canvas owner of Orcas Island and Sails, has been an Canvas and Sails, has been avid sailor and boater for an avid sailor and boater for nearly entire nearly herher entire life.life. After After working in aloft sailinloft working in a sail Seattle for 8 years, Tara in Seattle forOrcas 8 years, TaraCanvas established her own established Island in 2008. Orcas Island based canvas company, Specializing marine canvas sail respecializing ininmarine canvas and and sail repairs. pair, Tara has designed, created and repaired Tara has designed, created and repaired customized canvas for boats, awnings and customized canvas for boats, awnings, outdoor outdoor furniture. loves to design conbathtubs, outdoorShe furniture, and evenand a saw struct typical as well as unusual projects, and mill! She loves to design and construct typical welcomes even the most andeven creative and unusual projects, and unique welcomes the opportunities. most unique and creative opportunities. Tara offers up and delivery service. Tara offers pickpick up and delivery service. SheShe cancan be be reached at 376.7245 (SAIL) and reached at 376.7245 (SAIL) orcasislandcanvas@gmail.com. and orcasislandcanvas@gmail.com
JILLERY Jill started making jewelry quite
by accident and peddled it at the Farmers’ Market in the summertime and at various island fairs during the holidays. Over five
years ago, she opened “Jillery” on
Wendy Thomas is a world traveler whose multifaceted shop reflects just that. After spending another three years out of the country in Hamburg Germany, Thomas has returned to Orcas Island. From European olive oil to letter-pressed stationary, Chez Chloe is back and better than ever. “Opening up the store seemed like a natural way to reintegrate into the community and it’s work I love,”
Thomas said. The original inspiration for Chez Chloe, named after her daughter, came from moving to Paris in 2003. During her three years there, Thomas attended the left bank culinary school, Ferrandi, catered and began the research for her retail shop. We first saw Chez Chloe emerge in Eastsound Square in 2006 and said goodbye at the end of 2009 when she moved with Chloe to Hamburg where her new husband, Oliver Groenewald, an old family friend and music profes-
PERSIAN RUGS ACCENT ACCESSORIES, ANTIQUES GIFTS, JEWELRY, ORIENTALIA, FURNITURE LOCATED IN OUR HOUSE MALL (360) 376-4538 KAY MORGAN MILLER OWNER I have enjoyed watching the community thrive and being an active volunteer in many organizations. My shop focus is to have just the right thing for my customers – from antiques, collectibles, furniture, accent accessories, jewelry, Persian rugs (which are a particular interest of mine), and other treasures of the heart – to help give our lives more sparkle. I’ve been in business on Orcas since 1974, which probably makes it the oldest business on the island.
The Women of ORCAS ISLAND R E A LT Y l l c
sor, was based. The new storefront opened the first of May in the Porter Station on Main Street. With the shop’s rebirth, she has brought together an eclectic combination of European and domestic specialty foods, housewares, linens, cookbooks and unique gifts with a smattering of soaps, hand creams and stationary. “I’m now carrying specialty foods from as close as Seattle and items from companies like Beekman 1802 and Sugarboo Designs on the East Coast.” To read Thomas’ blog postings, go to www.wendyellenthomas.com.
LYNN WHITE CONTEMPORARY ART
Contemporary art gallery with a focus on abstract and conceptual art. www.lynnwhitecontemporaryart.com 107 North Beach Road, Eastsound (at the back of Eastsound Square) Phone: 360-200-0866 Email: lynnwhite360@gmail.com
ORCAS VETERINARY SERVICE
Dr. Swaran Dhaliwal Our associate veterinarian!
Deborah Hansen Victoria Shaner Kristen Slabaugh L i s a B o t i l l e r Wo l f o r d Mar y Clure Elaine Goodrich
Main Street. Beginning as a small
the shop is now the quintessential
An integrative veterinary practice providing conventional and holistic (acupuncture, herbal medicine) care to both large and small animals.
will find something for everyone...
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
showcase for her own jewelry and the works of other local artisans,
island stop for the perfect gift. You unique accessories for people,
homes and gardens at prices that regular folks can afford.
360.376.2145 PO Box 171 Eastsound, WA 98245 www.orcasislandrealty.com Located next to the historicaL MuseuM on north Beach road
Ron Schuler, DVM • Swaran Dhaliwal, DVM, CVA PO Box 237 429 Madrona Street Eastsound, WA 98245
Phone 360-376-6373 Fax 360-376-7838 ovs@rockisland.com
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Page 13
Volunteer firefighters and EMTs at Orcas Fire and Rescue The women of Orcas Fire and Rescue, from left to right: Lindsay Schirmer, Pat Ayers, Heather Thomas, Jessica Haug with her daughters Ginger and Wylie, Rachel Harvey, Shawn Petro, Rita Harvey, Maria Nutt, Jill Sherman, Jaylin Peacock and Jenole Peacock. “The women of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue are bright, dedicated, professional and simply amazing,” said Orcas Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien. “We can’t do what we do without them. I am very thankful they are on our team.” For more information about the department, visit http://www.orcasfire.org/.
DH Jones Design Interior Consulting • Venetian Plaster • Interior Paint
Rachel Newcombe, L.I.C.S.W
A Touch of Rejuvenation Walk-Ins Welcome!
Hot Stone • Balinese Foot Bath Reflexology • Organic Facials Couples Romance • Men’s Deep Sport Medical/Injury • Acupuncture Senior Discounts • Gift Certificates Accepting Insurances, PIP and L&I On the water in the Eastsound Sea Star Lofts 344 Main St. Suite 103 360-376-8006 or 206-486-HEAL www.islandtherapyinc.com & on facebook
With over 15 years of experience, Deborah Jones offers: Architectural Color Consulting Surface Application and Fixture Consulting Tile and Floor Design Venetian Plaster, American Clay Plaster and Faux Finishes Contractor Liaison Custom Art Please contact me to discuss your next project. lic. # DHJONJD882KA
www.dhjonesdesign.com
(360) 298-4558
Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis 374 North Beach Road Eastsound, WA • (360) 376-5883
OPALCO Honors Women in Business Meet Amy Saxe, Member Services Supervisor Amy came to OPALCO in 2010 with more than 20 years experience in the finance world, applying financial and project management skills to develop and implement creative solutions in process efficiency, quality management and customer service. She earned her B.S. in Business at Indiana University and is an enthusiastic lifelong learner. “I’m happiest when I’m in a position to learn something new. At OPALCO, it is all about energy.” After serving in top management positions for Washington Mutual and JP Morgan Chase in Seattle and South Carolina, Amy adjusted quickly to island life and loves the switch to the cooperative model of business. Her business philosophy – co-op or corporation – is the same: she believes in the power of people working together to achieve a common goal. At OPALCO, that translates to education and energy conservation. And, to that end, Amy will be transitioning into a new position by year end: adding Energy Services Manager to her role. She looks forward to the opportunity to continue to improve member outreach and program awareness, enhance self-service tools, and educate members about the importance of conservation. Volunteerism is another strong asset that Amy brings to OPALCO. In addition to her own community service with Friends of Moran and Salmonberry School, Amy created and coordinates OPALCO employee work parties in the community. Give her a call if you have a need our co-op volunteer team can help you meet! Amy considers herself a homebody – but applies the same work ethic to her play time. She always has multiple projects going on at once: restoring furniture, knitting gifts, taking care of her chickens, and spending lots of time with her daughter, whom she partially homeschools. Together, they are learning to play the ukulele, enjoy arts and crafts projects and are currently studying the history of solar power.
The Women of Dr. Bailey's Dental Office Back row: Becky Vinson, Megan Surbaugh, RDH Adrienne Vierthaler, RDH and Rita Bailey Front row: Janna Carter, Michelle Wohlford, RDH Debbie Shaw and Luann Pamatian
Monday-Friday 8 to 5 p.m. 376-2656 83 Mt. Baker Road
www.orcasdentist.com cavityslayer@gmail.com
Page 14
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
MARIAH FROM 9
all of us and we need to work together,” she said. “I have a lot of respect for the
The clinical staff at
Orcas Family Health Center
1286 Mt. Baker Rd. Suite B102 • 376-7778 OrcasFamilyHealthCenter.org
moms.” Buck is a single mom to three-year-old Serafina but
The women of Enzo's Caffe
says she has a “great coparenting relationship” with her daughter’s father, Mike. She also has the support of her parents Helene and Peppe Picone and her sister Laurel, who recently gave birth to a son named Wyatt. “My parents are the reason for who I am and the life I have with my daughter and my community,” Buck said. “I recognize the value of extended family and the strength of this community.” She credits her par-
ents with teaching her the importance of honesty, integrity, follow through and having a work ethic. Every month, Buck and Serafina travel to the Seattle Aquarium. In a year or so, she should be old enough to go on her first big trip. “Serafina loves to swim and she loves fish, so I think we’ll go to Hawaii,” Buck said. “But time off now isn’t about travel. It’s about quality time with my family.”
Lo c
al A u th or
Heather Thomas has been working with Orcas Family Health Center since June 2011. Her responsibilities at the office include medical assisting, phlebotomy, and radiography. This year she received her national certification as a medical assistant. Heather considers herself very fortunate to work in such a caring, productive office, with great co-workers and friendly, appreciative patients. She has also been a volunteer EMT for Orcas Fire and Rescue since 2003.Heather attended PIMA Medical Institute in Seattle, Washington. Phoebe Hershenow, ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) has been at Orcas Family Health Center for almost five years. She's happy to find herself at this tiny independent outpost of our massive, morphine, confusing, patchwork health care system and very grateful for the opportunity to get to know each patient and their families personally, and help them to make a plan to get or to stay healthy and keep their care close to home. And, if they do need to venture off, to help them navigate and e in a sensible and organized way. Certified Physician Assistant Karen Caley Orr joined the Orcas Family Health Center team in 2013. She is a native of Seattle, Washington and has spent most every summer of her life on Orcas. She relocated to the island in June of 2012 and brings with her 15 years of urgent care experience. Karen is proficient with medical issues ranging from pediatric to geriatric and everything in between. Karen also has knowledge and interests in promoting fitness and wellness. She holds a degree from Seattle Pacific University in Exercise Physiology and has worked in Sports Medicine as well as a Personal Trainer. Karen herself can be spotted jogging around the San Juans. Masha is the newest addition to the OFHC team. She joined the Center less than a year ago and thoroughly embraced her relationship with the patients and the staff. Masha graduated from Washington State University in May 2012 and started exploring the medical field under the excellent supervision of Dr. Shinstrom. While honing her medical assistant skills, she is also working toward her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She enjoys working with patients and seeing smiles on their faces.
other owners and agents on the island – most of whom happen to be women and
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
Jan Koltun From left to right: Tanissa, Jessica and Tessa
Coffee, baked goods, pizza, sandwiches and more
"The Master: Love, Latitude, Longitude and Laughter" Available now at Darvill’s Bookstore in Eastsound
The women of
Center Works Studio Mierau Studio Margi, Kristin & Susan
OFFERING
• PILATES • GYROTONIC® • MELT® NEUROFACIAL RELEASE • BOOTY BARRE
TO HELP YOU
• STRENGTHEN • STRETCH • RELEASE • REVIVE • RESHAPE
188 A Street (in the front of the Athletic Building) 360.376.3659 www.orcaspilates.com
Offering hair services, nail services, tanning & great entertainment. 188 A Street, Eastsound 376-7667
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
PILATES FROM 9 instructors and her husband Jay Resch for all the time he has put into building and maintaining the space.
The instructors Center Works has several instructors including Renee Seagult, Lauren Castle Weaver, Torah O’Neal and Vicki Sare. In the three years that Center Works has been
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
open, Shultz said there has been room for not only growing muscle, but friendships. “I appreciate all the teachers so much,” Schultz said. “Their support has been here when I needed it. It has been great to have these long-term relationships and watch them grow. Instructors like Seagult, have also watched Schultz evolve through the years. She describes Schultz as always learning, growing
and completing extra training.
The energy The teachers also say they are energized by their students and feel vitalized by the experience. “I never understood how to fully use my body until Pilates,” said Seagult. She added that it’s less likely that she would have an injury in the future because her mind is connected more
to her body and she knows when to push and when to hold back. “We want people to have better lives ...” Schultz said. “My husband would say I want to change the world, and I do want to change the world, bone by bone by bone.” The studio offers drop in group classes as well as private sessions. For questions or to sign up for a class or package call 376-3659.
SeaStar Lodging on Orcas Island Susan Gaiser Gudgell, Innkeeper What could be more satisfying than sharing our beautiful isle with others? People visit Orcas with dreams of a magic time, and we love helping make those dreams come true. SeaStar Lodgings offers six very special vacation rentals:
Monday-Saturday 11-5
Salt, honey, olive oil, vinegar, sweet and savory condiments line the shelves along with French ceramics, botanical dishes, candles, soaps and body creams. Colorful French linens, cookbooks, house accessories and letterpress stationery round out the collection at Chez Chloé.
SeaStar Lofts in Eastsound Village Four well-appointed guest apartments, sleep 2-4 The Homestead on the Shore Charming vintage house, sleeps 8-10 The Cottage-in-the-Barn on Dragonfly Farm Private cabin in a tranquil setting, sleeps 2-4
Check out our web site at www.SeaStarOrcasIsland.com 360-507-5444 -- info@SeaStarOrcasIsland.com
Insurance Services
Thank you to all of the incredible women who are a part of our ‘‘Women in Business” special section.
I love what I do. Everyone needs insurance, so I try to make it fun. It is such a good feeling to know my clients leave my office protected. I opened my Orcas branch of Chele Enterprises this past year and I am so thankful for the community support. I also have an office in the Arlington/Smokey Point area. It’s always been my dream to have my own business and this allows me to live in a beautiful place and still maintain connections off-island. Insurance is ever-changing and evolving. I do everything from one-car policies to home, auto, vacation rental, second home and aviation. I pride myself on getting competitive quotes and the best price for the best coverage. I also do risk-analysis and will evaluate your current policies with other companies.
Insurance Services
Michele Wiley, licensed independent agent
Home ~ Auto ~ Commercial Aviation Insurance
365 North Beach Road, #102, Eastsound 360-376-5707 office 360-722-2802 direct
www.cheleent.com
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 • The Islands’ Sounder
HOLISTIC FROM 11
J
ill Blankenship has always enjoyed a lot of diversity in her profession. When she first moved to Orcas Island, WA in 1998 she earned her living as a real estate agent and also in retail management, dependent on the season. With Orcas Island being such a tourist destination she noticed the employment trends in the islands reflect this dependency. It was during a dinner that a friend suggested the idea of a call center and the idea took root. Many hours of learning combined with help from the SBA and her family, the call center was born. Opening Frontline Call Center and the second center on San Juan last year proved Frontline to be a viable business opportunity that could meet the need for steady employment in our Jill Blankenship rural area with severe location challenges. It also provided the perk of being an environmentally low impact business. Continuing to build on the success of Frontline Call Center Jill opened two new business divisions this year. She partnered with inContact, the cloud based contact center platform used in her call center as a reseller to businesses with smaller seating needs creating Frontline Services. The flexibility to not only provide call center services but to also enable other businesses to efficiently run their own call centers or help desks while providing solid advisement and set up for them has been both challenging and rewarding. Following quickly on the heels of the Frontline Services launch was the My Easy Billing platform. It offers clients an easy way to pay and consultants an easy way to charge clients on a per call or per minute basis for consultation provided via phone or chat in real time. Not only has this year brought growth it has also brought recognition for services provided. Jill’s biggest success came this year when she was notified that she won WA State’s Small Business Person of the Year award. To be recognized out of all the small businesses in our state, as both a women and a person was a great honor. Telecommunications is an aggressive industry the recognition not only for the applications and services she provides but also for the leadership and innovation side was a great success both personal and business wise. In addition this past week she was also nominated as a finalist at the MOJO awards in Las Vegas at the ICUC Industry Convention. She is also a finalist in the upcoming international Stevie Awards as Female Entrepreneur of the Year. When asked what she thought of the success this year has brought Jill responded with, “I don’t think success can be defined in a single measurable moment. Looking back over the year there were so many smaller moments that came together this year in a big way creating a gradually experienced sense of fulfillment overall. I also feel that when work is rewarded with recognition it is important to give back in equal or greater measure. I will continue to grow and support our local non-profit, Orcas Angels to bring that success full circle and encourage my friends, peers and neighbors to do the same as they grow and succeed in their fields.”
the body’s natural ability to heal. Dhaliwal is of the mind that diseases like rabies, leptospirosis and distemper are still a threat to unvaccinated pets here on Orcas. She dispenses information on the thermal energetics of pet nutrition, and offers herbal treatments.
Unfortunately, she says there’s really no holistic approach for fleas. “Dr. D” is a proud graduate of the University of Florida. “I’m a gator girl,” she said with a laugh. But you might check before bringing in your Anaconda for acupuncture, as she admits sheepishly, “I might pass on a snake.”
360 376-6566 18 Haven Road, Suite 120
Lots of items for the special woman or man on your list. Stop in and see what’s new!
Thank you for supporting 35 years of business on Orcas Island ! ~Denise Wilk
SALLIE BELL DESIGNS One of a Kind. Wearable Art. Instant Style. Sallie Bell found the beginnings of her wonderful journey into jewelry and fashion design in 1979 during a trek in Nepal. She was enchanted by the beads, amulets, and precious stones that caught her eye. One by one, her first pieces were created. By 1981 her jewelry line was established, referencing Tibetan and Nepalese elements, and Saks Fifth Avenue was one of the first major retailers to pick it up. Sallie Bell Designs had arrived. Her bold designs are stunning statement pieces, smoothly incorporating big semiprecious gemstones, beads, pearls, and unique antiquities with sterling silver, brass, and gold. They’re meant to make an impression, and instill a sense of originality in the wearer. Hand carved beads, antique coins, prayer boxes, and many other intriguing antiquities can be found on many of her pieces. With designs running the gamut from chokers, simple strands, multiple strands framing stunning pendants, wraparound lariats, cuffs and more, a stylish choice is available for all tastes. Today Sallie Bell’s designs are in the spotlight at her Eastsound location, Monkey Puzzle. Both Monkey Puzzle Store and Monkey Puzzle Workshop are located across from Mia’s Café in the old Leapin’ Lizard space. Monkey Puzzle Eastsound, WA 360-376-2275
ELZZUP Y E K N O M