small business photography – Page 2

December 29, 2016December 11, 2016

Petals | Small Business Feature

It’s time to feature Decatur’s number one location for custom-personalized EVERYTHING! Petals is a full-service gift shop and they specialize in personalization (especially birthday t-shirts!). Monograms, team spirit, you name it they can do it!

The Details: Kari Calhoun, Owner of Petals | In Business: 8 years

Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm & Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm | Location: 1351 Hickory Point Dr Suite C Forsyth, IL

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a full service gift shop. We not only sell fun women’s clothing and accessories, gifts for men, school spirit wear and gifts for all ages we personalize these gifts for you. Monogram your items, create fun tshirts for baby to adult, embroider most items or let us design rhinestone shirts for fun or your school. Birthday shirts are our specialty.

What makes your business unique/special? We create custom personalized items. Infant, toddler, youth and adult. From special 1^st birthday outfits to a funny tshirt for grandpa.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? We love our custom birthday items. Tutus, diaper covers, bow ties, hats, banners, t shirts and onesies. Another fun item is our custom t-shirts. Funny sayings to business logos. We love helping you design something unique, fun and just what you want.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I decided 8 years ago to open a gift shop after leaving the medical field. It has evolved into a gift shop with personalization over the years. We grow each year and are very thankful for our repeat customers and organizations. I am married to a wonderful man that shares my passion for Petals and creating new products.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? It was just the time for me. I had always wanted my own business and I was in a position to change jobs or create my own. I chose the latter.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We help them get exactly what they want. Sometimes you have an idea and we can make it become a reality. Taking a gift and making it personal sets it apart from everything else.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Become a friend. After 8 years in business some of my customers have become very close friends.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? I could not do what I do without my embroidery machines, vinyl cutter, rhinestone software and sewing machine. All these tools help me create customer orders

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I would have to say Dels and Giggles. I love knowing I can go to either one of these and find exactly what I am looking for. As a small business owner, I have no time and hate shopping online. It’s great to know I can get great gifts local with wonderful businesses.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and friends. Owning your own business is 24/7 job and when you create and make 80% or more of the items you carry, it really becomes your life. My friends and family understand this and will even come and work with me to spend time with me. It very important to have a support system.

Describe your PERFECT day… I think my perfect day happens very often. Honestly not all days are great, things go wrong, stress happens and it is hard wearing so many hats in a business, but I love what I do. Opening my shop every morning and sometimes looking around and seeing how far I have come makes a perfect day.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Morgan Ground. High School Senior Maroa-Forsyth

Jessica Eastwood. Our newest employee who is skilled on creating embroidered items for our customer.

See the latest news at:

http://www.petalsgiftshop.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

November 24, 2016November 21, 2016

Black Iron Coffee | Small Business Feature

If you know me you know I drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl so of course when any new coffee shop comes to the area it’s on my radar. This one popped up in a much needed location so now my (any many others) caffeine needs are met even when on the south side of town!

And their homemade baked goods are delicious enough to warrant a trip across town even when you don’t find yourself in the Mt. Zion area.

The Details: Jason Feller, Owner of Black Iron Coffee Co. | In Business: 1 year this January

Hours: M-F 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-Noon (Closed Sunday)| Location: 121 and Lost Bridege Rd (Next to Ace Hardware)

Tell us about your business… What do you do?

We offer the finest quality espresso based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, many different frap flavors, smoothies, fresh brewed coffees, baked from scratch in house b

What makes your business unique/special? Our employees and our attention to detail.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Latte’s!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have donated many times to wonderful causes.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Bring the employee’s flowers and chocolates.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Espresso machine. Because then we would not be able to make our wonderful drinks.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? For many years now. It all starts with my love of coffee.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? The Blue Spoon. They have amazing food. I had breakfast there earlier this week and have to agree, we may have to get them in the lineup to feature soon!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family.

Describe your PERFECT day… Easy, spending time with family, doesn’t matter what we do.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Dani Feller- Owner, all around awesome boss, lover of all things Italian.

Amanda Roberts- Manager, baker extraordinaire, barista.

Emily Kunzeman- Product development, baker, barista.

Sarah Starshak- Marketing, social media management, graphic design, barista.

McKenzie Bartlett- Barista

Misty Grossman- Barista

Elayna Feller- Awesome daughter and cashier.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/blackironcoffeecompany/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

October 27, 2016October 27, 2016

Shop On Main | Small Business Feature

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I have a fabulous local business to share with you today!! I’ve had the honor to work with Cindy, the owner of Shop on Main, in a number of ways in my time here in Decatur. She’s designed beautiful wedding decor for a few of my brides and just a couple years ago I had the chance to photograph her and Mark in their beautiful home. But today, I’m even more excited to be able to show off her boutique located right in the heart of our city. Shop on Main is really the perfect store for all things lady; clothing, stunning jewelry, handbags, accessories, décor, gifts…. ladies if you want it, this shop has it (and I guarantee you’ll find things you didn’t even know you needed, but you do, you so do!).

So enough gushing from me… read on to hear more about this shop straight from Cindy herself (and get out those Christmas lists ladies, you’re going to want to take notes).

The Details: Cindy Deadrick Wolfer, Owner at Shop On Main | In Business: 39 years

Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4 By Appointment | Location: 407 N. Main, Decatur, IL | Phone: 217-422-2674

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a unique boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and décor.

What makes your business unique/special? Our boutique is special in many ways:

We do not “over order” meaning that we order just a few of each item.

We work with our clients to make sure the items they select are used in a fashion that reflects their personality.

We carry special lines of accessories that are only available at our location and in one local store

We have great customer service, including private shopping, client “wish lists for special occasions, gift wrapping, delivery and shipping.

We have plan “special events” including Sip and Shop Saturdays and informal modeling at the Wildflour on the last Thursday of each month.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? I love the south so I love the Hilton Head inspired Spartina Collection of purses, jewelry and accessories. These linen and leather handbags are awesome.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have private shopping for those that just can’t get in during regular hours. Our dedicated staff also makes sure that our clients are thanked and called when a particular line of item arrives at Shop On Main.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Let us decorate their home for the Holiday using our wonderful Holiday décor.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I love each of the boutiques downtown because they each have their own personality. As store owners, we try hard to carry a variety of lines so that the same item is not seen over and over.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I have always wanted to be in business for myself and I have loved retail forever. Displaying the merchandise is my favorite part of working at the Shop On Main

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Early early early in my childhood. Wanted to have the ability to be creative on a day to day basis.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and my community.

Describe your PERFECT day… Every day is perfect in some special way.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Paulette– wears about 6 different pairs of shoes in a day and is a dynamo when it comes to serving our clients.

Madalyn– only works one day a week, but is great with putting together a “special individual look” for our clients.

Cathy– creates awesome displays and unique combinations of attire to make a “statement”.

Donna– knows everyone and often has people stop in to see her newest “look”.

Renee-plans our events and style shows using her knowledge from her modeling days.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/ShopOnMainIL/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – We’re looking for new businesses to feature in 2017-2018 and we’d love to talk with YOU. These features are FREE and you can contact us at mail@sjanephotography.com now to get yours scheduled.

September 29, 2016September 26, 2016

| Jenner Ag | Small Business Feature | Harristown IL |

For today’s feature we’re getting a little bit outside of town to Harristown to take a look inside, outside and around at Jenner Ag Sales Corporation. Not only does the Decatur area have a rich boutique retail market but being in the heart of American agriculture of course we’re home to our fair share of Ag-focused businesses so this month we want to invite you to learn more about Jenner Ag!

The Details: Steve Jones, President at Jenner Ag Inc.| In Business: 55 years

Hours: M-F 7-5 | Locations: Harristown, Taylorville and Fairbury, Illinois. Mobile field service techs on the road throughout Illinois and Indiana. | Phone: 217-963-2241

Tell us about your business…What do you do? Jenner Ag serves the agriculture industries in Illinois and Indiana as a leading provider of application equipment, including Case IH, New Leader, Raven and more. The company supports Central Illinois farmers and garden enthusiasts from our Taylorville store with Case IH, Kubota, Cub Cadet, eXmark and Echo products. We help farmers revolutionize their operations with the latest technology through Jenner Precision, partnering with Precision Planting, 360 Yield Center, Ag Leader and more.

What makes your business unique/special? Revolutionary is our mission. We live this every day by increasing customer profitability, reducing risk, making it easier to do business, and improving environmental stewardship. We were recently nominated for our third consecutive Great Game of Business All-Star Award, and it’s something we’re very proud of. The Great Game of Business, Inc. was established to help companies implement the open-book management practices outlined in the book The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack. The organizers describe the award this way: “The All-Star Awards are a public acknowledgement that your company is unique—an organization that runs their business in a way that includes trust, business education and involvement, shared risks and shared rewards, and open communication.”

In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer? I think customers tell the story best. Here are three of my recent favorites about each division of our company:

“Your people light the world on fire. Your man David is all over it. He knows more than you can imagine about an ammonia bar in 10 minutes on the phone. You earned our business today. I’ll go around the country and tell everyone in the world if they don’t run your stuff they’re nuts.”—On Jenner Harristown

“The last combine I bought new and had problems with the depth system on it and fought it for three years. Finally your man came out, and within a week, he had it figured out, and I haven’t had a problem since. I can’t see you doing any better than Jenner.”—On Jenner Taylorville

“I was looking at singulation and spacing. Both were at 98.9 at only 9 mph. I kicked it up to 10.3 mph, and both went to 100%. I can plant at [those speeds] easily and accurately. With everything I planted, I don’t think I saw a missing stalk.”—On Jenner Precision

What are you passionate about outside of business? Personal development and education. It’s why I feel so strongly about The Great Game of Business. We have been part of the Game for five years, and employees tell me it impacts and improves every aspect of their lives. I couldn’t agree more.

WHY did you choose to do what you do? I grew up on a farm, and I wanted to farm, but in the ’80s there was little room for additional expense because of low commodity prices and high interest rates. I sought out a career in agribusiness and worked to reinvest the passion I had for this field. That passion lead me to business ownership and the opportunity to introduce others into the field of agribusiness and the great opportunities found within the industry.

Introduce us to your STAFF… We have 80 team members at three locations. Our employees are like second family. We all work together to improve the business and enrich each other’s lives. Training is ongoing for both personal and professional development, so that each of our team members has the opportunity to grow their lives outside of work and develop into a strong member of our team and society.

See the latest news at:

http://www.jennerag.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

August 25, 2016November 10, 2017

Millie & Bo’s Pet Barkery | Small Business Feature

It’s time again for us to focus on another favorite local business in Decatur! This month we’re looking at someplace special for your fur babies, Millie & Bo’s Barkery. They have everything you need to spoil, treat and pamper your pooches (especially after a vet visit at Northgate Pet Clinic across the lot).

The Details: Charlene Fitzpatrick, Manager at Millie & Bo’s Pet Barkery | In Business: 14 years

Hours: T-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-3| Locations: 2890 N MLK Jr Drive, Decatur IL (located in Northgate Pet Plaza) | Phone: 217-872-1111

Tell us about your business…What do you do? Millie & Bo’s Barkery is an upscale dog bakery and boutique in Decatur, IL. We bake dog treats, sell unique dog toys, as well as greeting cards, and dog themed jewelry. We also have a large variety of dog-clothes in our store and we also offer unique gifts for that dog-lover in your life. We also sell dog food, including Fromm and Hill’s Science Diet.

What makes your business unique/special? Millie & Bo’s offers all-natural dog treats, most of which are made in-store. We also offer treats with frosting if you are looking for something a little extra-special for your pooch. We also offer unique products for your pooch, majority of which are made in the USA… and there’s a set of big hedgehog cages in case customers need some cuteness and a cheerful charge for a day.

In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer? We go above and beyond for customers by bringing in special order items that we don’t normally carry. We try to make sure we offer one-on-one service with all customers because we want everyone to love our store just as much as we do. We want to always make sure that our customers are happy when they leave our store.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Someone brought us homemade cookies at Christmas last year.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? I would say Beachy’s in Arthur because they supply us with all of our cooking necessities.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? Millie & Bo’s employees are frequent visitors at Coffee Connection for all of our lunch needs! And they also hand out our cookies to all of their visitors with dogs.

WHY did you choose to do what you do? My dream job came true at Millie & Bo’s. I started working as a baker here and then I was able to move into a managerial position. I love working with dogs and always being able to please my customers. And best of all, I get to bring some of my dogs to work!

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Our goal at Millie & Bo’s is to provide fun in your pet’s life. Angee Baker is our owner and she started this business and named it after her two dogs at the time, Millie & Bo. Ten percent of our profits will always be given to animal care agencies!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? We are passionate about sponsoring and supporting dog-related events throughout Decatur, IL.

Describe your PERFECT day… A gratifying day is when we are able to have a lot of customers bring their dogs in!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Charlene Fitzpatrick, Manager– Charlene has 9 dogs: 7 miniature dachshunds and 2 standard poodles. Charlene was also born and raised in Burbank, California.

Alexa Jones, Sales Associate/Baker– Alexa has two miniature Australian Shepherds named Redd and Blue. She attends Eastern Illinois University when she is not baking dog treats.

Nikki Macke, Sales Associate/Baker– Nikki has a lab mix named Murphy who she loves to take on long walks and she also enjoys spending time with her sons Adam and Max!

Gillian Jones, Sales Associate/Baker– Gillian is Alexa’s little sister and she will be playing volleyball at Parkland this fall.

*** They even have special pieces to help you remember your beloved pets once they’ve passed…

See the latest news at:

http://www.millieandbosbarkery.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog