Community is supportive of women-owned business

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·5 min read

COSHOCTON − Many small businesses have opened in Coshocton County over the past few years, an indication of an economic upswing according to local officials.

Linnet Lowe and her daughter, Amanda Stickdorn, work on orders together at Linnet's Flowers on the Square in Newark. The original store is in Coshocton and opened 27 years ago.
Linnet Lowe and her daughter, Amanda Stickdorn, work on orders together at Linnet's Flowers on the Square in Newark. The original store is in Coshocton and opened 27 years ago.

Several are owned or co-owned by women, who are considered minorities in the business world. However, many are involved with ventures that are typically considered women centric, like home décor shops, beauty salons and clothing boutiques.

Amy Crown, executive director of the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce, she has certainly noticed the number of women opening stores and joining the chamber recently. It's the most she's seen in her 12 years as chamber director. She said the chamber is working on some ideas to highlight women in business and more will be announced on that in coming weeks.

"I think women are more empowered to try new opportunities. Some younger women open businesses or work a direct selling business to make their home life work. Some do it for extra money, but the flexibility of being your own boss is very empowering," Crown said.

Linnet Lowe, owner of Linnet's Flowers on the Square with a second location in Newark ran by her daughter, said women just seem to wear all the hats now, from taking care of the home to working a job to owning their own establishments.

"It used to be women stayed home, or just had one thing they did, or just worked in a work place for somebody else. That has changed to 'I'm going to be on my own now and do this myself,'" Linnet said.

Lowe, who opened her shop 27 years ago, said the climate for female business owners has changed. When starting out, Linnet's husband, Gary Lowe, acted as her accountant and would attend meetings at banks looking for business loans and car dealerships to buy delivery vehicles. She found most of the bankers and car salesman talked directly to Gary, not her.

"I don't think they really cared it was me who owned the business. They talked to my husband more than they did me. That was a little frustrating, because it was my business," Lowe said.

Jill Sheridan paints an armoire, a custom job from a customer. She owns Rust Décor with her husband, but serves as the primary face of the business. Being a female business and how she can inspire others to follow their dreams isn't lost on her.
Jill Sheridan paints an armoire, a custom job from a customer. She owns Rust Décor with her husband, but serves as the primary face of the business. Being a female business and how she can inspire others to follow their dreams isn't lost on her.

Attitude toward women business owners

As far as customers and suppliers go, Lowe never felt any real discrimination and other local women business owners report the same. The general consensus is Coshocton residents are supportive of all local businesses, no matter who might own it or what they might sell. The importance of buying local to keep the mom and pop shops open is a strong connotation.

Jill Sheridan has co-owned Rust Décor with her husband for three years. Recently they moved their business to a larger location on Main Street with plans to open a coffee shop. It offers a variety of vendors selling  furniture, jewelry, candles, clothing and much more. Sheridan repurposes furniture with the help of her mother that is sold in the store as well.

"We have such a supportive town for small business owners, I don't think they care," Sheridan said in reference to the being a female business owner.

Lindsay Olinger, who took over Canal Cargo in summer 2021, said occasionally someone might say something derogatory to her, or her daughters who help out, but it's rare and Olinger understands it unfortunately happens.

"By and large, we are fortunate to be working with great vendors, as well as an amazing clientele," she said. "I would say simply by choosing to shop local the community has been supportive. There is also a great group of women-owned businesses in the community and, in my experience, we are able to collaborate and encourage one another, which, especially as a relatively new business owner, has been a blessing."

Olinger believes sisterhood is important in not only supporting current business owners, but encouraging new ones down the road.

"I think it suggests this is a place where women-owned businesses can thrive. Coshocton is a place where we can connect, collaborate and support one another in our goals and dreams," Olinger said. "Each of us brings our own unique perspective and vision for our businesses and even in places where our products or interests overlap, the community seems to embrace each of us and what we bring to the table."

Nikki Springer and Anthony Williamson of Canton buy a wooden OSU flag sign at Canal Cargo in Roscoe Village from owner Lindsey Olinger and her daughter, Grace, in this Tribune file photo. Lindsey and her husband, Chad, took over the store on Aug. 1, 2021, from Jeff and Lynette Wright, who owned it for 16 years.
Nikki Springer and Anthony Williamson of Canton buy a wooden OSU flag sign at Canal Cargo in Roscoe Village from owner Lindsey Olinger and her daughter, Grace, in this Tribune file photo. Lindsey and her husband, Chad, took over the store on Aug. 1, 2021, from Jeff and Lynette Wright, who owned it for 16 years.

Tips for new business owners

Lowe said for any company owner, you have to have a business plan in place that examines everything you need to operate, what startup costs are and potential income.

"Don't just jump in and think soon as you open the doors you're going to have money. That very rarely happens," she said.

Sheridan chalks up her success to persistence. Oddly, it's something she finds is an obstacle for men trying to get something going. There is help out there from a lot of local organizations, but you have to ask and pursue it. Sheridan has received loans from the Coshocton Port Authority's revolving loan program, that has helped with building purchases and moves.

"I'm the one going out and talking to the port authority, communicating with the chamber and Our Town Coshocton and all these people out there to help us. Sometimes, I feel men can be a little bit more like 'don't ask for directions' kind of thing," Sheridan said. "They want to do it themselves and I think women are a little bit more 'if you're out there to help me, what can you do to help me.'"

Olinger said owning your own business is a lot of hard work, but rewarding. There will be days one questions what they are doing, but you have to stay strong to your vision and trust your support system.

"Knowing why you chose to do all the things in the first place is essential. By knowing what matters most to you and allowing that to guide your decisions will give you peace of mind at the end of the day," she said. "I have been so incredibly fortunate to have a team of amazing women show up for me in my work life and home life. It’s these friendships and relationships that make being a woman-owned small business possible."

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Community is supportive of women-owned business