Women in Business
We recently profiled several of our Women business owners in Wyoming County for a series of Facebook posts. The information and stories were so good that we decided to share their information for everyone to read all in one location.
Tell us about your business: Tackbary's Trophies (Warsaw) offers the traditional and non- traditional trophies and awards, but has recently widened its offerings to include a lot of engraved gift items, personalized products and wedding items (bridesmaid and groomsman gifts)!
What does being a business owner mean to you and why did you became an entrepreneur in the first place? Being a small business owner is so rewarding! I love helping local people shop local and find perfect awards and gifts for their friends, family and co-workers.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My predecessor, Kathy Craigmile initially gave me inspiration! She made sure that she offered great affordable options to her customers and gave special attention to our youth through 4-H and other charitable programs. I continue to do my best to support youth programs, veteran's groups, and our local community with affordable and top notch products, while trying to improve with more innovation and technology. My friends with small business are my next greatest influence! I collaborate and work with many local business owners and their insights and ideas as well as encouragement are very helpful.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I have tried to involve myself in everything Wyoming County has to offer! I was a member of the Wyoming County Chamber's Leadership Wyoming in 2019 and truly enjoyed learning all that Wyoming County has to offer. I now get involved more, attend regular town and village meetings, collaborate with other small businesses, and work hard to keep my dollars in Wyoming County. I manage by day to day business, finances, serve on several boards and strive to do my best to beat the drum for our great county.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to other business owners? "Owning your own business will be the most rewarding and most difficult thing you'll ever do" This is true, but more rewarding than difficult. I love it.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business? Social media marketing for sure has been very effective, also, great recommendations from customers and fellow business owners, as well as both Warsaw Chamber and the Wyoming County Chamber have helped my business tremendously
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? That service is the most important thing! A wise friend once told me " Life is like a game of tennis. The person who serves best rarely loses." I try to live and run my business like this! So far so good!
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available). The support and help from family is so important and collaboration with fellow business owners is essential, learn everything you can with seminars, podcasts, books and sharing with others.
Do you have any new projects coming up or exciting milestones? I will be celebrating 5 years of ownership of Tackbary's in November. Plans for an open house and several new product launches are in the works!
What do you do for fun/relaxation? Spending time with family, gardening, painting and spending time outdoors
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? Honestly, it's to have my business survive Covid 19 and all that has come with it. It has forced me to move in different directions to keep the shop open and I am working hard to keep it thriving in a great community and county. You want to write a book on How I have survived over 30 years without my Mom, and how I navigated life striving to make her proud.
Tell us about your business: Tackbary's Trophies (Warsaw) offers the traditional and non- traditional trophies and awards, but has recently widened its offerings to include a lot of engraved gift items, personalized products and wedding items (bridesmaid and groomsman gifts)!
What does being a business owner mean to you and why did you became an entrepreneur in the first place? Being a small business owner is so rewarding! I love helping local people shop local and find perfect awards and gifts for their friends, family and co-workers.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? My predecessor, Kathy Craigmile initially gave me inspiration! She made sure that she offered great affordable options to her customers and gave special attention to our youth through 4-H and other charitable programs. I continue to do my best to support youth programs, veteran's groups, and our local community with affordable and top notch products, while trying to improve with more innovation and technology. My friends with small business are my next greatest influence! I collaborate and work with many local business owners and their insights and ideas as well as encouragement are very helpful.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date? I have tried to involve myself in everything Wyoming County has to offer! I was a member of the Wyoming County Chamber's Leadership Wyoming in 2019 and truly enjoyed learning all that Wyoming County has to offer. I now get involved more, attend regular town and village meetings, collaborate with other small businesses, and work hard to keep my dollars in Wyoming County. I manage by day to day business, finances, serve on several boards and strive to do my best to beat the drum for our great county.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to other business owners? "Owning your own business will be the most rewarding and most difficult thing you'll ever do" This is true, but more rewarding than difficult. I love it.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business? Social media marketing for sure has been very effective, also, great recommendations from customers and fellow business owners, as well as both Warsaw Chamber and the Wyoming County Chamber have helped my business tremendously
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? That service is the most important thing! A wise friend once told me " Life is like a game of tennis. The person who serves best rarely loses." I try to live and run my business like this! So far so good!
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available). The support and help from family is so important and collaboration with fellow business owners is essential, learn everything you can with seminars, podcasts, books and sharing with others.
Do you have any new projects coming up or exciting milestones? I will be celebrating 5 years of ownership of Tackbary's in November. Plans for an open house and several new product launches are in the works!
What do you do for fun/relaxation? Spending time with family, gardening, painting and spending time outdoors
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? Honestly, it's to have my business survive Covid 19 and all that has come with it. It has forced me to move in different directions to keep the shop open and I am working hard to keep it thriving in a great community and county. You want to write a book on How I have survived over 30 years without my Mom, and how I navigated life striving to make her proud.