Many Sigma Alpha sisters are business owners and entrepreneurs. Some have created their own businesses while others have taken over family operations. Three different sisters—all owners of very different businesses—took some time to share their advice with other sisters wanting to start a business and connected the dots with how Sigma Alpha has helped them in their ventures.
Jess Campbell, an alumna from the Alpha Chapter at The Ohio State University, met Kate Link, an alumna of the Gamma Chapter at Michigan State University, while she was still an undergraduate student. The two hit it off, with Campbell saying Link’s authenticity made her look up to her and want to learn from her. They continued their friendship when Campbell graduated and become a regional consultant and Link moved from regional consultant to the Vice President on the National Sorority Board. As part of Link’s national board role, she oversaw the training for the consultants, and kept in contact over the years.
Campbell is the owner of Carroll Creek Farms LLC, which raises livestock to fill gaps in the local market. Link founded Farmwife Financials LLC after leaving her job with GreenStone Farm Credit when she found her skills were being sought out by former customers and farmers in her area. The two had a chance to meet up when Campbell was passing through Link’s town, and Campbell showed Link the trouble she was having managing her accounting. When Link was able to help her, they recognized that the trust they had already established easily transitioned them into this new facet of their relationship. Campbell and Link own separate businesses that work together, showing the importance of both professional and personal networks. What began as a friendship has grown beyond into a successful business relationship. Campbell says that in growing a business, you will fail, but you can look at those failures as lessons. It takes time to be successful, and a bit of faith to stay the course, even when it gets hard.
Jess Campbell and Kate Link
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