Name of Company: PJ’s Elite Thrift Store
Name: Phyllis Jean Hobert
1. Tell us a little about yourself: I became a widow six years ago and did not know what to do. I always loved thrift stores. When this one became open I thought I would give it a try.
2. Did you have prior experience or knowledge of the industry? I had always been an avid thrift store shopper.
Name of Company: The SurfZone Company
Name(s): James and Amy Sannes
1. Tell us a little about yourself:
The SurfZone Company is a family-owned business that’s been operating as an on-line business for the past three years. We relocated to the Outer Banks area of NC last year and have been working to expand our product line as well build a new (larger) facility that will include a small retail space. Our new place will open in the Spring and offer our patented SurfZone Balance Trainer and OBX Longboards, both of which are manufactured onsite, as well a select choice of quality SUPs.
2. What made you want to open this business?
We love the water and the coastal environment. We surf and longboard/skateboard and recently took up paddle-boarding. Our goal is to be a resource for anyone with an interest in getting a board out on the water (or the street), regardless of their prior experience. Also, environmental responsibility is an important issue and we hope to use our website and Facebook page as a resource for information on local environmental events and happenings.
Name of Company: BELL’S FLORIST
Name & Title of Entrepreneur: Margaret P. (Jean) Bell/ Owner; Operator
1. Tell us a little about yourself:
I am 70 years old and celebrated my 50th wedding anniversary on November 4th, 2011. I had three children. One took her life. I used to be very shy in school but now I am the opposite and make up for lost time. (Laughing); I seem to be a very outgoing person now. I am an organist at church.
2. What made you want to open this business?
My husband was diagnosed with cancer. He wanted me to be self-supporting if something happened to him. (Business operated for 12 years and her husband is much alive today.)
