Almost 40 years ago, the term “glass ceiling” was coined. Since then, women have been situating themselves in the workforce to break down the barrier and there’s plenty of success to celebrate. These local women are on top. Take a tip from them and learn what keeps them moving forward.
Tamara D Willingham​
L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSAOM
Owner, Tamara TCM Wellness Clinic
27068 Oakmead Dr., Perrysburg
419-345-4996 | tamaratcm.com
What do you think the is biggest barrier that you’ve faced in your career as a woman?
When I was younger and practicing massage I felt I wasn’t taken seriously. Now, I am the only barrier I face.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
Balance between career, family and self.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
When blocks or obstacles occur, take care of them efficiently and move on— truly we can achieve our goals!
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Merinda Marcinkowski​
Owner, Creative Excellence Salon
Hairdresser | Certified Redken Colorist | Surface Daymaker
2600 W. Sylvania Ave. #105 (Deveaux Village Shopping Center)
419-472-1454 | creativeexcellencesalon.com
How do you stay passionate and inspired?
With continued education, having an open mind and always being willing to learn.
What would you write a book on?
It would be titled, “As the Salon Door Opens”. I could write a book on the information that our guests share with us.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
From the beginning of your business adventure, use resources available, such as the Small Business Association, SCORE & Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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Laurie Gross
President, Gross Electric
2807 N. Reynolds Rd.
419-537-1818 | grosselectric.com
What do you think the is biggest barrier that you’ve faced in your career as a woman?
I’m in the construction business, which is more male oriented, so I still have customers who don’t believe a woman can possibly know what they’re talking about.
What stereotype about feminine weakness do you think is actually a point of power?
Our empathy— it helps us understand our customers and employees.
How do you know when you’re done for the day?
I never feel done for the day, until I’m asleep.
Ginger Stapleton and Lesley Maidlow
Co-owners, Beehive Salon & Spa
West: 7510 New West Rd. (off of King Rd.) | 419-517-4447
East: 4024 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd.
419-517-0006 | Thebeehivesalonsylvania.com
What three words keep your business practices effective?
Growth, change and compromise.
What woman do you most admire?
The women we work with. They are all incredible individuals and amazing hairdressers.
What lesson do you wish you had learned sooner?
To believe in ourselves and trust our instincts.
Melissa Fitzgibbon
VP, Daily Operations Manager of Flick’s
3320 W. Sterns Rd., Lambertville, MI.
734-854-2000 | flicks4fun.com
How has being a woman impacted your career?
Being a woman in a male dominated industry, as well as running a fine wine and spirits shop in a rural community, has been a constant uphill battle for both notoriety and the acquisition of the fine products we are expected to have for our clientele.
What have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well?
The true meaning of being modest and putting others first.
How do you know when you’re done for the day?
I’m never done. When owning your own business, even when the doors are locked and the lights are off, your mind is always on business.
Dr. Christy Lorton
Co-owner, Ada Aesthetics
12780 Roachton Rd.. Perrysburg
419-873-6961 | daohio.com/Ada-Aesthetics
What do you think the is biggest barrier that you’ve faced in your career as a woman?
25 years ago, when I started the practice, most banks refused to give a business loan to a woman without having her husband co-sign on the loan. I found one bank that agreed to a small start-up business loan without a man as a co-signer and from that day forward, having promptly paid the loan, we were able to establish reliable credit as successful business women.
What three words keep your business practices effective?
Integrity, fairness, hard work.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
The same challenge as it has always been— balancing work, family and personal time.
Mary M. Cianci
Owner, Sew-N-Such
Seamstress/tailor/designer/bridal and sewing wizard
1242 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-478-5455 | sew-n-such.com
How do you stay passionate and inspired?
I love fashion. I’m always looking at fashion magazines and pattern books.
What would you write a book on?
The many stories that walk into my shop. Every item that walks in has a story. We think it would make a great TV show.
How do you know when you’re done for the day?
All of a sudden I run out of energy and it’s time to go home and let the dog play.
Carmen Wigmans
Owner, Reve
5633 N, Main St., Sylvania
419-885-1140 | revesalonandspa.com
How do you stay passionate and inspired?
If you look around, you’ll find inspiration everywhere. Passion comes from following your dreams.
What stereotype about feminine weakness do you think is actually a point of power?
Trust your intuition. Help others get what they want and you will get what you want.
What do you do to relax?
Bikram Yoga.
Nikki Meyers
Co-owner, Meyers Auto Wash
Toledo location: 4340 Heatherdowns Blvd. | 419-725-9191
Sylvania location: 3119 Central Park West
Meyersautowash.com
How, if at all, has being a woman impacted your career?
It offers an element of surprise. Since this industry is bombarded by males, few people expect a female to be the owner.
What is the best, and the worst, business decision you’ve ever made?
Best: not listening to those who told me I was crazy. Worst: not doing it sooner.
What woman do you most admire?
Those who see a challenge and are willing to put it all on the line to meet that goal.
Mary Nyitray
Owner, Optical Arts
2934 W. Central Ave.
419-535-7837 | OpticalArtsInc.com
What do you think the is biggest barrier that you’ve faced in your career as a woman?
My barrier was when I started in the industry with all men in the office being the daughter of the owner/boss. I felt that I had 3 strikes against me. Young, female and the boss’ daughter. What I discovered is that all 3 strikes were actually positive aspects that customers loved.
How do you stay passionate and inspired?
Everyday when customers say how they get compliments on our eyewear, how they have never seen as well with other glasses, and how well we can adjust a pair of glasses. When people are amazed and excited about our eyewear it makes me feel great.
What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of women?
I feel women today have had to prove that they are better than men, not just equal to men. The next generation won’t have that.
Angie Scott
Co-Owner, AM Skin Health & Plastic Surgery
Medical Aesthetician | Permanent Cosmetics Professional
Marlene Welch,MD, PhD
Co-Owner, AM Skin Health & Plastic Surgery
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
AM Skin Health & Plastic Surgery (formerly FACES Skin Health Experts)
6525 Secor Rd., Lambertville, MI.
734-568-6100 | amskinhealth.com
How, if at all, has being a woman impacted your career?
I am the area’s only female plastic surgeon. About 40% of my practice is breast surgery and I believe that is because patients are seeking the unique benefits that come with a female surgeon. – Dr. Welch
How do you stay passionate and inspired?
I have a dream job with an amazing group of women at AM Skin Health and Plastic Surgery. I don’t feel like I have to work at staying passionate or inspired because I am living a purpose-driven life, working in a job I love where I am surrounded by women who inspire me every day. – Dr. Welch
What have you learned as a small business owner that has serves you well?
I have learned to really appreciate people who truly want to support small, local businesses and it has pushed me to return the favor. – Angie Scott
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Lead by example. Also, you can never go wrong by doing the right thing. – Angie Scott
Rev. Claudia Rene Tambur
Senior Minister, Spiritual Leader, Unity of Toledo Spiritual Center
3535 Executive Parkway
419-537-1001 | Unityoftoledo.com
What stereotype about feminine weakness do you think is actually a point of power?
The intellect is a wonderful tool, but is meant to be a servant to the heart. I think that women tend to think, react, and make decisions wholeheartedly. The stereotypical response to this might suggest that this is making decisions based upon emotion. I disagree with that notion.
What have you learned as a small business owner that has serves you well?
That I cannot manage time, I can only manage my energy and consciousness around time. When I am clear on values and vision, the tasks and “to-do’s” become clear. Anchoring these in time then helps me to stay on purpose.
What lesson do you wish you had learned sooner?
To follow my heart, whether it makes any sense to others or not. The heart, when followed consistently, leads to the cultivation of an inner guide that directs us perfectly and to a sense of purposeful expression and experiences that satisfy the soul and serve the world.
Kim Van Tuinen
Owner of Van Optical
5307 Monroe St. #D,
419-841-8550 | Vanoptical.com
What three words keep your business practices effective?
Integrity, honesty, and open-mindedness allow me to have individual connections with customers and give personal service.
What woman do you most admire?
I admire my mother, Ida, she was an immigrant to this country, she was intent on educating herself, she learned to drive at age 34, and she raised three successful children. My mom is an accomplished seamstress, a grandmother, and is now battling leukemia with a positive attitude and outlook.
What stereotype about feminine weakness do you think is actually a point of power?
Women are thought to be more emotional than men but I don’t feel it is a weakness, it allows me to connect on many levels with my clients and my staff.
