Women with a Vision

We asked some LI lady-entrepreneurs what prompted them to open their businesses... for each of them it started with a vision, a dream and a leap of faith.

Meg Dowe, Oyster Farmer, Yennicott Oysters

As Long Islanders, we all have a connection to the water. It is a big part of what defines me. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the beach fishing and clamming. My parents put great effort into getting me outside and interacting with nature. Having these experiences created a desire to do something positive in my community. My dream was to have a career where I could be my own boss, work in nature, and do something supportive for the environment. As a result, I became an oyster farmer. My family history begins with some of the first settlers in Hempstead and Southampton. They were sea captains and tobacco importers. In the 1800s, my ancestors started farming oysters. By the time I was born, the only connection I had to oyster farming was the stories my grandfather told. Having the opportunity to revive a part of my family’s past was a big motivation for me. I started my farm from the ground up, pouring my heart, blood, sweat and tears into making it a success. Working on the water is a rare gift. I take pride in what I do and hopefully inspire people to become stewards of our home and protect the fragile waters of Long Island for future generations.

Kelly Peckholdt, owner of Positions Dance Studio

“I grew up dancing at Positions! I started as a student when I was 3 years old, and eventually transitioned to the faculty. I had always dreamed of owning a dance studio, but when I was younger I saw it as a retirement job. I went to school to earn a history degree and become a high school social studies teacher, and I did teach in public high schools for 4 years after I graduated. However, in 2012, at the age of 24, the dream of owning my own dance studio (the one I had danced at my entire life!) fell into my lap. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Now, every day, I get to pass on my love of dance and movement to children and adults alike.”

Maryellen & Sam, Mother & Daughter Duo, Owners of Bay Shore Krafty Hands

“My mom and I love being creative and have always shared a passion for hosting parties. We’ve worked well together in the past and dreamed of going into business as a team. We recently decided to make our dream a reality and opened Krafty Hands in Bay Shore. It lets us combine our creative talents with our love of entertaining by hosting unique parties for the community. We've designed our studio to be a play space where both children and adults can have fun exploring arts and crafts." Karen Marvin, Owner of South Shore Paddleboards

“From the moment I paddled on the Great South Bay, I knew I had to tell everyone about this awesome experience. Being able to get a workout while relaxing was too good to be true. I wanted everyone to have the opportunity to experience paddleboarding just as I had. With that dream in mind, South Shore Paddleboards was born! In May of 2014, South Shore Paddleboards opened as the largest SUP shop on Long Island. The shop is not just a place, it has become a warm, beachy, inviting, and fun experience for all who visit.”

Toni Panariello & Samantha Buser, Yoginis & Co-partners of The Welcome Mat Yoga Studio

“Samantha and I both taught at a local yoga studio in Islip. One morning, as I arrived to teach my class, I realized the yoga studio had abruptly closed! We were completely caught off guard. It was heartbreaking. Not only were we faced with the dilemma of losing our yoga home, but an entire community. Sam and I were not seeking a business, but we shared a passion for yoga, and embarking on a new adventure as business owners was a journey we both were excited to take. The road was not easy, and at times we felt unsure whether we could keep things afloat. But, becoming new business owners has taught us so much. Here’s the takeaway: you’re probably right where you are supposed to be, so look for the signs and the open path. A business may not be something you have planned to embrace, but if it is something you’re passionate about, go for it! We are now celebrating The Welcome Mat’s fifth anniversary! We are so happy we took the leap of faith. We love teaching the practice of yoga and the healing space we have created…our community has grown even bigger and better than before.”

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