These women run their own businesses. Some are seasoned professionals, others are less experienced. But all are part of the Toledo-area business community…and having fun along the way. Their tenacity and outlook on life is inspiring.
Dr. Deitra Hickey, Ed.D.
Serenity Health & Wellness Center
A med-spa promoting physical, emotional and psychological wellness
Years in business: 4
Where I find inspiration: My family. My father, sister and husband are all strong, resilient and brilliant individuals. My mother was an angel and her legacy continues to inspire me.
I’m most proud of: Raising health and wellness awareness in our community.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I am a certified scuba diver with dives in Fiji and the Great Barrier Reef.
Pet peeve: When people park in handicapped parking spots who shouldn’t
Guilty pleasure: The Mexican Sushi Roll and a Chocolate Martini at Spicy Tuna Sushi Bar & Grill
Theme song: “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: Our services and atmosphere are valued in Ohio more than they might be elsewhere due to our uniqueness.
1685 Lance Pointe Rd., Maumee
419-891-2181 • serenityhealthmaumee.com
Connie Hoffmann
Adams Street Antiques and Art
antique and vintage items, from furniture & art to clothing &jewelry
Years in business: 2
My first job: Celery farm in the 7th grade. I worked every morning before school.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I was friends with Ozzy Osbourne back in the day. He’s a truly different person off stage.
Favorite way unwind/spend the day off/perfect day: Family barbeques are always fun.
Metro Parks are a favorite. Sitting with my friend, Joyce Perrins, on her porch solving
the world’s problems or having the time for a boat ride on the Sandpiper.
Theme song: “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The people I meet from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Canada. As a central location for antiquers, it is fun to help locate what they are looking for even if it doesn’t come from my store.
1500 Adams St. • 419-725-0725
facebook.com/pages/Adams-Street-Antiques-Art
April Gladieux
April Gladieux Your Perfect Day
Wedding planning. Coordinators, decorators, florists and graphic designer
Years in business: 5
My first job: A volleyball referee for Catholic Youth Organization
I’d wish I’d known: That my mother was always right.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I played women’s professional football for the Toledo Spitfire for two years and was MVP both years.
Best advice ever received: Listen to your clients’ wants and needs, but keep them grounded.
Theme song: “It’s my Life” by Bon Jovi
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The wonderful vendors I get to work with every weekend
24430 Hull Prairie Rd., Perrysburg
419-283-8200 • yourperfectdayllc.com
Karen Everage
Toledo Restaurant Training Center
Culinary, food safety and restaurant management career training
Years in business: 9
To work, I need: Mental health days
I’d wish I’d known: The devil is always in the details.
I’m most proud of: The students that serve in the community that have graduated from my school
Words I live by: It’s all about relationships.
Best advice ever received: It’s all relative.
Theme song: “Keep On” by D. Train
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: It prepares you for bigger markets. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
3450 W. Central Ave., Suite 102
419-241-5100 trtc.edu
Andrea J. “AJ” Licata-House
Andrea J. “AJ” Licata-House Kahuna Bay Spray Tan
Retail tanning products and services; tanning products distributor
Years in business: 12
I’d wish I’d known: I wish I would have known that what I thought was an innocent fad would almost take my life.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I am somewhat of a jock. My first varsity letter was in hockey. I was the only female on our team. My
second was in cheerleading, because it got me closer to the football field.
Theme song: “If Today Was Your Last Day” by Nickelback
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The business networking here is pretty fantastic!
Social media tool of preference for your business: Google Analytics. We get our best reports from the SEO companies we work with from this.
6419 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-386-2402 KahunaBaySprayTan.com
Dorothy Bryan
Cake Arts Supplies
Originally a retail supply store, now also a bakery specializing in custom-made cakes, especially wedding cakes
Years in business: 20
To work, I need: To be at the cake shop early!
Where I find inspiration: Doing cakes with my mother. They were simply amazing.
Words I live by: Smilers never lose and frowners never win. It’s hard to have a bad day if you just keep smiling.
The best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: There is always something new every day in cake decorating. Having classes and new students keeps me on my toes.
Where I find inspiration: I belong to WIN (Wealth in Numbers) network group. They have been a real inspiration for me.
Favorite way unwind/spend the day off: I am looking forward to getting a day off.
2858 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-472-4959 • cakeartssupply.com
Darlene Fisher
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Darlene Fisher Repeat After Me Home Decor
Resale home decor
Years in business: First!
To work, I need: Great customers and always more time!
My first job: Waitress
Gadget I couldn’t live without: Cell phone
I’d wish I’d known: How many facets there are to small-business planning.
Words I live by: Find happiness in every day
Biggest self indulgence: Chocolate
Best advice ever received: Dream big and work hard
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: Great opportunity to meet great people
5929 Sylvania Ave.
419-262-3696
Laurie Gross
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Gross Electric
lighting and electrical products to commercial, institutional and residential markets
Years in business: 39
My first job: First girl paper “boy” for The Toledo Blade while in high school
I’d wish I’d known: My grandfather who started the company. He died when I was seven.
Words I live by: You make your own attitude, so make it positive.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I used to work on my own cars: change oil, spark plugs, tuneups.
Best advice ever received: There are two sides to every story; make sure you listen to both sides.
Theme song: “Singing in the Rain” and “We are Family”
2807 N. Reynolds Rd.
419-537-1818
grosselectric.com
Julie Munson
Julie Munson Tropical Smoothie Café
Master blenders of tasty and healthy smoothies
Years in business: 7
Number of employees: 40
Where I find inspiration: My 17-year-old niece Katie Lohre, who is going through chemotherapy; her bravery makes me understand what is truly important in life.
I’d wish I’d known: The joys of owning my own business earlier in life
Words to live by: Build relationships first, the business second
One thing you didn’t know about me: Our family has camped around the country; we love the National Parks.
Best advice ever received: Trust in God
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: Our customers and crew members are phenomenal!
1385 Conant St. Maumee • 419-893-2100
10090 Freemont Pike, Rossford • 419-874-1800
tropicalsmoothie.com
Connie Topor
TrueVintage Fashions, Antiques & Collectibles, LLC
Provider of vintage-designer clothing and accessories, antiques and collectible
Years in business: 16
Where I find inspiration: I’m a people watcher.
My business depends on selling my items to people in every walk of life, so I have to buy accordingly.
Word I live by: Bloom where you’re planted.
Biggest self-indulgence: Most expensive bed pillows I can buy
One thing you didn’t know about me: I was a competition ballroom dancer.
Best advice ever received: Trust your instincts.
Best thing about running a business in Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan: Multi-cultural customer base in a mid-size city makes buying for my clientele both challenging and rewarding.
Clothing sold at multiple locations,
including Adams Street Antiques and Art,
D’Vine Designs and Maumee Antique Mall.
419-206-7106
Angie Scott
Angie Scott FACES Skin Health Experts
Provider of corrective skin care
Years in business: 3
Where I find inspiration: My patients. When I am faced with difficult skin conditions, it really inspires me to find new innovative ways to treat their issues.
My first job: Gymnastics coach
Gadget I couldn’t live without: My dermaplane blades. Dermaplaning is hands down the most requested service that we offer.
I’m most proud of: The fact that I started my business with absolutely no money or loans. I did it all a little bit at a time, purchasing things that I needed when I could afford them. I started out with very little—just the basics. And I have grown an amazing company.
Words I live by: The foundations of success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.
Guilty pleasure: I love to watch the Food Network.
6595 Secor Rd. Ste. 3, Lambertville, MI.
734-568-6100 • skinbyfaces.com
Laura Rufenacht
Majestic Oak Winery
Winery with tasting room, wine-pairing events and live music
Years in business: 4
To work, I need: To set my own pace. I don’t do well behind a desk; I have to be able to move around.
I’m most proud of: The response from our customers. I hear so often how comfortable it feels in the tasting room
Best advice ever received: Take time to plan. Do your research. It may sound boring but so worth the time and in my business it often means I have to drink more wine.
Theme song: “Two More Bottles of Wine” (recorded by Emmylou Harris). It is an old song but has become the “feel good” theme around the winery.
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The people. This community is so supportive. I do not do this alone. So many add their expertise, time and often manual labor to continue to make this happen every day. Even a small comment on Facebook about how much fun a customer had just makes my day.
13554 Mohler Rd., Grand Rapids, OH.
419-875-6474 • majesticoakwinery.com
Merinda Marcinkowski-Tippett
Merinda Marcinkowski-Tippett Creative Excellence Salon
Hair color, cuts and styles to nail care, waxing and men’s services
Years in business: 10
First job: I worked at Miracle Lanes with my grandma in the snack bar.
Gadget I couldn’t live without: Sam Villa scissors, a blow dryer and Redken color
I wish I had known: How gratifying it is to give back to my community earlier in my career
One thing you didn’t know about me: I ride a Harley.
Pet peeve: Negative people. There’s always someone that has it worse.
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The networking of locally owned businesses
2600 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-472-1454
creativeexcellencesalon.com
Mary Nyitray
Optical Arts
Creator of individualized eyewear using high-quality lenses for difficult prescriptions
Years in business: 52
Where I find inspiration: I get inspired when a customer tells me they hate picking out glasses and I show them how much fun it can be! They always walk out loving the process or sometimes the journey.
Gadget I couldn’t live without: The Visioffice. It allows me to create lenses that are totally customized and personalized for each patient and allows the wearer to see the world better.
I’m most proud of: We have been voted “Best of Toledo” for cool eyewear for the past seven years in a row.
One thing you didn’t know about me: My husband is Charlie, who owns Charlie’s Homemade Ice Cream & Edibles.
Social media tool of preference for your business: Facebook. We had a lady in Wyoming find our Facebook and order glasses from us. She loved the edge colors, tattoos and Swarovski crystal designs we create.
2934 W. Central Ave. • 419-535-7837
opticalartsinc.com
Nikki Meyers
Nikki Meyers Meyers Auto Wash
Toledo’s new express auto wash, priding itself on fast, economical and environmentally friendly service
Years in business: First!
To work, I need: My 5-pound Pomeranian “Bella Wella”
Gadget I couldn’t live without: GPS. I get lost everywhere! This is not an exaggeration.
Biggest self-indulgence: Quality chocolate & resale shops. I have no problem eating a $20 chocolate bar in a $5 dress.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I love pearls, flowers and skirts, but I also like to ride motorcycles and hunt.
Best advice ever received: “Sh*$” or get off the pot” – Connie Tomczik (my no-one-can-ever-be-like-her mom!)
Theme song: “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: Knowing that our struggles and successes are among a
community of people that truly care.
4340 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-725-9191 • meyersautowash.com
Sara Spallino
Beauty Bar
hair styling and health and beauty products. Full-service salon
Years in business: 12
My first job: A&W car hop
I’d wish I’d known: How to appreciate my body before kids!
Biggest self-indulgence: Dark chocolate
One thing you didn’t know about me: I do a mean Elmo impersonation!
Favorite way unwind/spend the day off/perfect day: Watching a good movie, practicing yoga, a hot bath and a glass of wine!
Best advice ever received: From my stepfather: Once you make a decision, never look back and move forward.
Theme song: “Happy” by Pharrell
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: How supportive the public has been of our business and our talented staff
2919 W. Central Ave.
419-537-5400 • beauty-bar.com
Sheri Plocek
Sheri Plocek Rover Come Over Doggy Daycare
Provider of supervised care for groups of friendly dogs in a facility made just for them
Years in business: 10
To work, I need: To approach each day with a smile and lot of flexibility. I’m fortunate to have a staff that adapts well and makes things come together.
My first job: An ice cream stand
I’d wish I’d known: That owning the business meant getting up at 5am every morning.
Words I live by: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.”
Pet peeve: Obviously, I am very protective of animals and I don’t have much tolerance of anyone who mistreats them.
Theme song: “Who Let the Dogs Out,” by The Baha Men
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: Easy answer…our customers! Their love of their dogs and support of the many pet charities we work with is astounding.
3945 Albon Rd., Monclova
419-861-9100 • rovercomeoverdoggydaycare.com
Renate Shea
Monroe Furniture Plaza
Provider of high-quality furniture; four specialty stores under one roof
Years in business: 23
My first job: Started working at a hotel at age 15
Gadget I couldn’t live without: My coffee maker
Words I live by: Where is the remote?
Biggest self-indulgence: Moscato wine, good book or movie
One thing you didn’t know about me: I speak German fluently (p.s. I was born there)
Pet peeve: Rude and impatient people, young or old
Guilty pleasure: Sleeping in (hard to do with three dogs and several cats)
Best thing about running a business in Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan: Our amazing, loyal customers
1241 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI.
734-241-8100 • monroefurnitureplaza.com
Sarah Savidge
Sarah Savidge It Works Global!
It Works! Global offers one-of-a-kind, safe, effective and affordable products that will change your life
Years in business: 4
Where I find inspiration: The majority of my inspiration comes from other successful entrepreneurs.
I’d wish I’d known: That I was worthy of success long before I found it. Self-belief is your holy grail.
Words I live by: Don’t you dare play small because somebody else is intimidated by your success!
One thing you didn’t know about me: I produced the Miller Lite Music Festival in Levis Commons in 2010 with Coolio, Tone Loc, Young MC and Naughty By Nature.
Guilty pleasure: Online shopping! Please stop sending me catalogs; I can barely contain myself!
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: We have so many networking opportunities here; it’s easy to constantly make new friends!
567-277-1051
AtHomeEmpire.com
Tamara D. Willingham, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, LMT
Tamara TCM Acupuncture & Herbs LLC
acupuncture, massage therapy and herbal treatments to provide a balanced approach to health and wellness
Years in business: 2
To work, I need: Glitter and unicorns. I enjoy a calm and peaceful environment to practice.
Where I find inspiration: Nature. I love getting up early to see the moon and watch the sun rise.
Words I live by: Stability is everything.
One thing you didn’t know about me: I enjoying blowing glass.
Best advice ever received: We are only human and life is really short. Live the life you desire.
Pet peeve: A closed mind and heart
Theme song: “Over the rainbow” by Judy Garland
Best thing about running a business in NW Ohio: The weather! Honestly, the people are the best in Northwest Ohio and I’m so grateful to be serving this community.
27068 Oakmead Dr., Perrysburg
419-345-4996 • TamaraTCM.com
Thank you Tina from all of us at Toledo City Paper. You did an amazing job shooting all of these women for us. We love your work.
Tina G. Photography
(A woman owned business)
tinagionis.com
[email protected]
