SD SBA Award... Humbled and Honored

I just attended the Celebrating Women in Business Luncheon. It brought back memories from 4 years ago when I was awarded SD SBA Home-based Business of the Year 2015. I’m sharing this today because I hope to bring someone hope or inspiration, that  you can do it! Anything is possible with passion, desire and work. I was so honored to be recognized for my efforts, shocked really, because I was only doing something I really enjoyed and believed in! My support group is incredible and it is all about empowering one another. My message to you is that you can create a life you desire,  if I can do it—so can you! Find mentors and go for it! 

The rest of this blog are excerpts from the SBA magazine!  

 Today and everyday, I celebrate women! 

My business began as a result of my open heart surgery. During the surgery, I felt that the guardian angel watching over me was my grandmother, Lenore, to whom I was very close. With a new lease on life, I decided to start a home-based business. In November of 2010—in my mid 50s—I founded    Lenores, named after my influential grandmother. 

I’ve always loved glamour and fashion, opening Lenores; a fashion accessory boutique-type business, was my dream. I began working with the South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity (SD CEO) WBC to develop an overall strategic business plan. I now have product in 6 locations throughout South Dakota and 1 in Nebraska. I have also hosted trunk shows in Colorado and Utah. My business has grown every year with approximately 10-15% revenue increases. 

Participating in SD CEO WBC’s educational and training events, luncheon events, and exhibitions has increased my business exposure and sales. In fact, I estimate my business has increased 50% because of these events. 

“SD CEO is a strong support system and has given me the opportunities I need to strengthen my business.” 

My advice: Your age doesn’t matter if you have the desire and passion to pursue a new business.