Sharon Hutcherson Ballance

What are your secrets to success?

Having a great team to make all of our clients feel welcome. Being open regular work hours. I go out of my way to find products clients are looking to purchase. Be kind to all (great customer service).

What do you consider your tough times?

My tough times were during COVID. I decided to take a positive approach and stay open. I worked by myself and learned how to do social media. I shopped for our clients and delivered products to their cars. It was a great experience and I truly was able to get to know each client.

What are your criteria to hiring an employee?

When hiring, I look for someone who smiles and has an outgoing personality. I look for creativity as we make bows, tabletop arrangements, and wreaths, just to name a few. I also look for multi-taskers. Can they do simple math? Very important when giving correct change to a client.

What is your day like?

My daily routine begins at 7am. I wake up, pray and drink 20 oz. of water, 1 cup of coffee and enjoy breakfast. I read God’s word and dress for the day. By 9:20am I’m in my car headed to Topiaries. I’ll talk to my roommate from college each morning on route to the shoppe. The shoppe is open by 10 am and each day is different, whether its checking in merchandise, placing special orders for clients or making arrangements, we are muti-tasking all-day. At 6 pm I meet with friends for dinner and at 8 pm do a post on social media before calling mom. Between 9 -11 pm, my day starts to wind down. If I’m expiring any fear and doubt, I will say a prayer then send a message to my Bible study group for extra prayers.

How do you define success?

I feel successful when my business grosses more than the previous year. I give 100% each day and that makes me feel successful. I will never compromise on the quality of products I carry in the shoppe. My parents taught me great work ethics and how to save money. I have been working since I was 9 years old. With my savings, I was able to invest in the shoppe and watch it grow.

What is the smartest thing you did upon purchasing your business?

Always hire a lawyer before purchasing a business. My attorney and I decided to legally name my business, Sharon’s Topiaries LLC, trading as Topiaries. I purchased Topiaries from the former owner’s husband. My attorney told me how much I needed to put into the business and I followed his advice.

Marjorie Spring & Megan Edwards, owners of High Tide

Contracting have great work ethics, and with some ‘TLC’ as their magic ingredient, these two powerful women in business know how to do it right! They started the company with the vision to continue their families’ legacies in the industry locally (and eventually nationwide). Marj’s family held and operated contracting companies in Hampton Roads for 4 generations and Megan is a 3rd generation HVAC contractor with her family being involved for more than 50 years in the trade.

These ladies are no fools when it comes to business. They wanted the creative freedom to take their company in the direction they wanted. They love looking at an obstacle, (whether it’s on a job or within our company), and making a fun challenge in formulating a resolution is what they do best. Marjorie and Megan also love the fact that everyday is completely different in what they do and it is truly a breath of fresh air.