Some Changes in Women-Owned Businesses I Love

In general, I only work with non-profits. But I did work with several small, women-owned businesses — mainly providing payroll services but occasionally some other advice — and they have all sold those businesses to new owners recently (maybe it's me that caused this all?). 

These three were:

-  The New Victorian B and B, owned and operated by Whitney Blessing. Whitney's and our connections goes way back; her family lived at Summit two separate times, we've twice spent the night at the B&B and spent many other evenings there over the course of our friendship (including many memorable New Year Eves!). Beatrix was the first non-Blessing child at Common Roots Montessori School, which Whitney founded and which was originally attached to the B & B (the school has also changed over and is located in Bandana Square, they are still clients and are thriving). Whitney and her family poured their heart into the B&B and it was amazing. I am sure the new owners will carry on that hospitality.


-  Muddy Paws Cheesecake, founded and owned by Tami Cabrera. I met Tami through Twitter early on, and she has also lived at Summit! Our family has been fierce supporters of the business and enjoyed so many of Tami's amazing baking over the years; even more so we have loved her generous spirit. Who can forget the night she showed up with Camp Cheesecake at a pool party and everyone got amazing cheesecake? Tami also grooms Coya, and has the biggest heart for animal rescue I have ever known. Tami's children are also fantastic and creative, and I am so excited to see what everyone does next. I am also sure the new ownership for Muddy Paws will be very tasty.

-  Our long-time friend Nan Bailly recently sold the vineyard her father founded, Alexis Bailly Vineyards. I've sent so much time with Nan, here in town or out at the vineyard; she's another one of those incredibly generous people who puts her heart and love into everything she does. There have bene opening nights and other festivals featuring her wine, and amazing picnic operettas, and every Christmas she has shown up with a big box of lovely treats. I'm not quite ready to go out to the vineyard and not see Nan there, but luckily she's just down the street here, and I am sure the new owners will be great.



In addition, Poppy, a clothing store that I loved, closed down completely; Jill, the owner who I got to know from years of supporting the store, was not shy in noting that a major factor for that was problems with the State of Ohio Teachers Retirement Union, who own Victoria Crossing, where her shop was located.


On one hand, I personally miss the connection I had with this places. On the other hand, I am incredibly proud of these powerhouse women and the amazing places they built, and then passed on.


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